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Hope you're enjoying your summer holidays!

While you're away - Reed has you protected 24/7.

Our monitoring team is always ready to respond to alerts they receive from your alarm system, fire system and camera system.

If you can't be reached, we will immediately dispatch the proper authorities.

See you when you get back.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Team @ Reed Security


PS: If you don't already have a security system we provide free quotes

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T HAVE A PHONE LINE?

Are WIRELESS Alarm Systems Better Than Wired Ones? – Part 2

In my last blog, we took a look at why all-in-one, fully-wireless alarm systems are so popular, but also why they don’t hold up very well in extreme circumstances. There are other aspects of the system, however, where “wireless” can be a very good thing, including communication. Today we will take a look at how an alarm system communicates with the monitoring station, and the potential benefits to communicating wirelessly. 

There are essentially three different communication methods available to today’s alarm client, and we’ll look at the pro’s and con’s of each of them.


1. Phone Line

Since the inception of electronic alarm systems in the 1920’s, phone line has been the “traditional” method of communication. Every house and business always had a landline; therefore, it was cheap to implement for the Alarm companies. The technology currently in use hasn’t changed much in decades, and is essentially the same as that used by a fax machine.

The problems with this communication method are two fold: the signals are sent slowly (takes around 30-60 seconds for a single signal to be transmitted), and it relies entirely on your phone line. Should the line go down, or should a smart criminal cut the lines coming into the building (I’ve seen it happen), the alarm cannot communicate. Many phone systems also require power, so a power outage renders your system inoperable.

Not only that many people are cancelling their landlines. I cannot tell you the number of times a client has called me up saying “my alarm system isn’t working”, only to find out 30 seconds later that they cancelled the home phone line a month ago! There are cheaper, internet-based alternatives to phone lines (known as Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP), but most alarm systems aren’t compatible with them.

Pros: cheapest option available

Cons: can be cut easily; relies on power; slow to send signals



2. Internet/Wi-Fi

In the case of internet communication, the alarm system is wired directly into your router provided for you by your Internet Service Provider, or ISP. Wi-Fi operation is a little simpler, as no physical connection to your router is required. Again, this is a cheap option, because the chances are you’re already paying for internet. However, like the land line before it, this method relies entirely on your internet. If the internet goes down, if there’s a power outage, or if your Wi-Fi drops, the Alarm System cannot talk to the monitoring station.

Pros: utilizes the internet you already have in the house; much faster than phone line

Cons: relies entirely on your internet connection; must be directly wired into your network



3. Cellular

These communicators are essentially a small cell phone, and use their own SIM card to communicate over the cell network. The signals are transmitted very fast, and the communicator itself can make use of the Alarm System’s backup battery, meaning that you never lose connectivity, even during a lengthy power outage. Of course, these are still dependent on cell towers, and in rural settings or in deep basements there can be issues getting a signal; but for reliability, these are the best option currently available, and will only improve as the cell coverage and signal type improve. Right now, most use the 3G network, but as things most into 4G, LTE, and beyond, expect these communicators to keep getting smarter and smarter.

Pros: completely stand-alone (does not rely on your phone or internet); much faster than phone line; no wiring required

Cons: more expensive monthly

 

Note: I should point out that most internet/Wi-Fi/cellular communicators now offer (at an added cost) the ability to use “Crash and Smash” technology. This means that if someone breaks into the property intent on finding and disabling the communicator before the alarm goes off, the system now sends an “Alarm Pending” signal to the servers, which is then forwarded on to the monitoring station 4 minutes later if no other signals are received. This is a great backup, but 4 minutes is still a lot of free time for someone to have roaming around your property unchecked!


Bottom Line

The bottom line when it comes to communicators is that again, you want something that will ALWAYS send a signal, no matter what the situation or who is trying to compromise your system. There is no one option that is completely flawless, but it’s pretty obvious to me that the Cellular option has the lowest risk-to-benefit ratio. Unfortunately, it is usually the most expensive option, so you have to decide for yourself whether the reliability and speed is worth the extra money. I should also note that any of the non-landline options also open up the door to use smartphone and tablet apps to monitor your system, and send you notifications via text or e-mail if something goes wrong. In todays connected world, having that functionality is almost a no-brainer.

My recommendation: pay the extra few bucks every month and get a cellular communicator that you can not only trust, but offers you the benefit of being able to check in on your system when you’re away.

Dave Schlegel
Owner
Oxford Security Systems
Reed Security Authorized Dealer

  

REED SECURITY OPENS CALGARY OFFICE

Dave Schlegel is a friendly and helpful security technician with over 10 years experience. He recently opened Oxford Security Systems and became a Reed Security Authorized Dealer in Calgary, Alberta.

Now Open: Calgary

MEET DAVE

Dave Schlegel joined Reed Security when he and his wife moved to Saskatoon to complete her post-secondary education. Calgary was always home though, and in 2016 they moved back to be close to friends and family. 

Dave's experience in Saskatoon convinced him that Reed Security is a really great company that goes out of their way to look after it's People and Clients - so why not bring it to Alberta? After all, Reed already protects a number of clients in Calgary and the surrounding area. 

Dave's expertise is helping People and solving problems. In addition to having a diploma in Electronics Engineering from SAIT, he has 10 years installation experience with just about every brand you can imagine. He ran the Support Department in Saskatoon, and as such, knows first-hand many of the problems that people experience, and has become an expert at system design. 

"We guarantee the solutions we propose are Affordable, Innovative and of the highest Quality."


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OXFORD SECURITY SYSTEMS
1105, 6027-79th Avenue SE
Calgary, AB T2C 5P1
Call 587.393.2800

SASKATOON
Call 306.653.3200
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Call 306.922.7200
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THE SECRET OF OUR SUCCESS: AFFORDABILITY & FANTASTIC SERVICE

Two years ago, Oyvind Sparboe and Myron Jacobsen brought Reed Security to Prince Albert.
 
“We were long term employees at another security company and we saw first hand there was a lot of room for improvement.,” said Sparboe. “We looked at several partnership options and after careful screening, Reed Security and their $5 a month promo was clearly the best choice.”
 
You can feel at ease knowing your home, cabin or business is secure when you choose Reed Security as your security provider.  Solutions include Alarm Systems with 24-7 Monitoring, ReedHD™ Hi-Def Cameras you can view from your smartphone and Access Control swipe-card systems which control who goes where and when.
 
The one thing separating Reed Security from the rest is the commitment to providing Excellent Customer Service. Reed Security cares about building long-term relationships with their clients, going above and beyond before and after the sale. Some companies may take weeks to provide service, while Reed Security’s goal is by the next business day.
 
Jacobsen and Sparboe know one of the biggest benefits to having a monitored home security system, is it provides constant monitoring when you are unable to do so yourself. If you need to leave town for business or a vacation, they recommend putting your trust in Reed Security. Reed Security offers full monitoring and is a ULC listed company, which indicates a high standard of monitoring and installation. You can feel assured there will be a response to an emergency situation. Additionally, when you are away from your home or business you can use remote monitoring services. For example, ALARM.COM interactive services use 3G cell towers to connect your security system directly to your smartphone, tablet, or PC. No phone line is required.


 
“Today, your security system can provide you with a variety of notifications,” said Jacobsen.  “There are a lot of latch-key kids out there so now when the kids come home from school at four o’clock, or whenever, you can get a notification on your phone that lets you know the kids are home.”
 
Jacobsen and Sparboe want to inform potential customers that an alarm system can also provide additional protection to a variety of other factors including fire and carbon dioxide detection while preventing intruders and protecting valuables.
 
“A security system is not just used for security anymore,” said Jacobsen. “A lot of people think, ‘Oh, I will never get broken into.’ Well, you could still have a flood in your home, you could have a fire in your home or your furnace could quit.
 
“Today you can add to your security system a variety of sensors such as environmental sensors, low temp sensors, water sensors, smoke sensors and carbon dioxide sensors.”
 
An Anniversary Gift to You!
 
In celebration of Reed Security’s 15th Anniversary in Saskatoon and Second Anniversary in Prince Albert we would like to offer all new clients the following alarm promo: 

  • $99 activation (reg. $299) for all Switch Overs
  • $299 activation (reg. $599) for all New Installations
  • $5 a Month 24/7 Monitoring for the first year (after that it’s only $19.95)
  • Free low temperature sensor
  • Free ALARM.COM Interactive Services – for the first month
  • Professional Installation with Full System Test
  • Up to 25% Off Home Insurance – consult your broker
  • Expires November 30th, 2015

 
 
Our Clients:

 

 

Problems with THEFT? We can help.

FREE ESTIMATES in Prince Albert & Lake Country
Call 306.922.7200


FREE ESTIMATES in Saskatoon & Area
Call 306.653.3200


or Click Here

DEALER INQUIRIES   virgil@reedsecurity.ca






CAN YOU OUTSMART A THIEF?


All About Theft

  • 66% of break-in's are forced entry and forced entry attempts
  • 34% of break-in's are unlawful entry (without force)
  • In 2014, Saskatchewan had 8506 break-in's (164/week)
  • Break-in's occur in all areas of the City - not just the "bad areas"
  • Most Home break-in's occur when you are at work or travelling (daytime)
  • Most Business break-in's occur when you are at home (evening and weekends)
  • Cabin's and Lake properties are especially attractive
  • 98% of break-in's occur though main floor doors and windows (often unlocked)
  • Thieves target the Master Bedroom
  • Thieves steal:
    • Cash and Credit Cards
    • Jewelry
    • Designer clothes and sunglasses
    • Electronics such as TV's, Stereos, Computers, Video Game systems, Smartphones and Tablets
    • Tools
    • Sporting Goods
    • Cars and Trucks or the contents in them
    • Building Materials
    • Alcohol and Prescription drugs
    • Your Identity


How to Prevent Theft

  • Use Common Sense
    • If you lose a key, get the locks changed.
    • Ask all strangers for identification.
    • Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor.
    • DO NOT advertise on Facebook or other social media that you are on vacation. If you want to post photos, then do it when you get home.
    • For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home.
    • Keep all receipts in a safe and easy to find location.
    • Write down the model and serial number of all electronics.
  • Make it Difficult
    • Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts.
    • Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows.
    • Install window bars on all basement windows.
    • Make sure all doors and windows are properly locked.
    • Keep your premises well lit at night.
    • Install timers that turn lights on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home.
  • Install a monitored Home Security system
    • 400% less likely to have a break-in.
    • up to 25% insurance discount.
    • optional ALARM.COM with automatic lights.
  • In case you do have a break-in:
    • If it looks like a door or window was forced open, DO NOT go inside. The Burglar may still be on site.
    • Call the Police from your cellular phone or from a neighbor's house and wait.


Source: Department of Justice, Statistics Canada, Saskatoon Police Service, FBI, Insurance Institute of Canada, 18 Years Experience


If you would like more information on any Reed Security Product or Service please


FREE ESTIMATES in Prince Albert call 306.922.7200
FREE ESTIMATES in Saskatoon call 306.653.3200

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LOCATIONS

SASKATOON SECURITY
Reed Security Group (HEADQUARTERS)
14-1724 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: 306.653.3200
1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

Sure Innovations
1701 Saskatchewan Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1P7
Ph: 306.974.0888

Nine Yards Technologies Inc.
Ph: 306.341.2477

 

REGINA SECURITY
ViboPulse Services
Ph: 306.206.0700

WINNIPEG SECURITY
Guardian Advanced Solutions
Ph: 204.250.7510 or 204.878.0061

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
Thor Security Ltd.
1-243 South Industrial Drive
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7L9
Ph: 306.922.7200

 

NIAGARA REGION SECURITY
Alltech Smart Security
Ph: 289.990.3234

KAWARTHA LAKES REGION SECURITY
Dot Communications
232 Kent St W Unit 4
Lindsay, ON K9V 6A4
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

 

CALGARY SECURITY
Oxford Security Systems
#501, 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C4
Ph: 587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY
Ph: 1.844.384.7233