New & Noteworthy

WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING? MAKE SURE YOU ADD THIS PROTECTION



Most insurance companies require your home to be 
checked every 24 hours when you are travelling - due to the high risk of damage and paying out claims.

Many insurance companies will accept monitored environmental devices connected to a home security system as an alternative. You may also qualify for an insurance premium discount.    

Before leaving for an extended trip, contact your insurance agent or company to understand their specific requirements and recommendations.

Reed Security's most popular, insurance approved added protection are:




Low temperature protection...$3/month per sensor

Drops in temperature can occur when your furnace or boiler breaks down in our cold winters. 

Installing a low temperature sensor can prevent frozen pipes. If the temperature in your home drops significantly, there's a risk water pipes can freeze. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to expensive water damage.

When the temperature drops to 7 degrees Celsius you receive instant alerts to your smartphone and Reed Security's monitoring team will notify your call list. Take action before there is greater damage and costs.

Reed Recommends: install monitored low temperature sensors near the furnace or boiler as well as on each floor



Flood protection
...$4/month per sensor

Flooding can occur after heavy rains, spring melting, sump pump failure, sewer backup, water pipes bursting, broken appliances, bathtubs overflowing and more. 

Installing a monitored flood sensor provides early detection in areas with pooled water. Y
ou receive instant alerts to your smartphone and Reed Security's monitoring team will notify your call list. Take action before there is greater damage and costs.
   
Reed Recommends: install monitored flood sensors at low points where water is likely to pool - basement storage rooms, sump pit, and laundry area. Consider installing a smart water shutoff to turn the water off when a leak is detected.




Fire protection
...$4/month per sensor

The top 5 causes of house fires are: 1) cooking; 2) heating; 3) electrical; 4) smoking; 5) candles 

Installing monitored smoke sensors can save lives. Unlike traditional smoke alarms that only sound within a home, monitored smoke sensors are connected to Reed Security's 24/7 Monitoring Stations - operators will immediately dispatch the Fire Department.  

Reed Recommends: install monitored smoke sensors in bedrooms, hallways and common areas on each level of your home; do not install in kitchens or garages due to the potential of false alarms



Ready to take the next step?


Reach out to us today at 306.653.3200 or visit our website at www.reedsecurity.com to inquire about adding 
low temperature, flood or fire protection to your home or business




BACK TO SCHOOL SECURITY AND SAFETY TIPS

The back-to-school season is in full swing! As your little scholars return to the classroom, it’s essential to ensure the nest they come back to is safe and secure.


Reed Security takes the responsibility of protecting your home seriously. Use these 7 pro tips to increase your home security and safety as the school year kicks off.




1. Test your alarm system


Did you recently cancel your home phone line? If so, you may no longer be connected to Reed Security's 24/7 Monitoring Stations (and no longer have Guard, Police, and Fire dispatch).


Visit our 
Self Care site and type in "test" into the search bar for instructions. 




2.  Upgrade to a smart security system


As your kids return to school, there's no better time to review your home security measures. A smart security system not only protects against intruders, but can also notify you of hazards like fires or floods.

Consider installing:


Smart Door Lock: Never worry about losing keys. Our door locks have built-in keypads and can alert you when your child arrives home. Lock/unlock doors with our mobile app. 

Smart Doorbell Camera: Get an alert when a visitor approaches or rings your video doorbell. See and speak to visitors, from anywhere.

Smart Home Hub: The IQ Panel 4 replaces your existing alarm system. Comes with an elegant HD touchscreen, hacker protection and ultra fast LTE signaling to our monitoring stations.




3. Setup schedules


With the hustle and bustle of school routines, it's easy to forget to lock doors or arm the security system. By setting up schedules through the Reed Security mobile app, you can automate these tasks to ensure your home remains secure even in the midst of morning chaos.

For example, you can setup your alarm to auto-arm at 11pm (if it hasn't already been armed) or 9am after the kids have gone to school.


4. Establish a safe room


Designate a "safe room" aka a panic room in your home where your children can go in case of emergencies.

A safe room should have a solid core metal or wood door, a deadbolt lock and no windows. You can modify a closet or an are within your basement.   

Equip this area with essential supplies, including a first-aid kit, a list of emergency contacts, and a device to call 9-1-1.

Consider installing a keypad or panic button in your safe zone to notify the Police that you need help. 

5. Teach safety principals


Educate your children about the basics of home safety:

Stranger Awareness: Teach them not to open doors to strangers, no matter how friendly they seem.

Emergency Numbers: Ensure your children know how to dial emergency numbers and what information to provide.

Safe Routes: Discuss the safest routes to and from school and the importance of staying on the designated paths.




6. Share with neighbours


Encourage a neighborhood watch program where you and your neighbors look out for each other’s properties. Creating a community of vigilance can significantly enhance security.

Share info. via text messaging or WhatsApp and post videos on Facebook.


7. Light up the perimeter


Ensure the external areas of your home are well-illuminated to deter potential intruders. Install motion-sensor lights and trim shrubs to remove potential hiding spots.


Back-to-school time is a season of transition. As you navigate the new schedules and routines, let Reed Security provide peace of mind by safeguarding your home. With cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service, we are committed to keeping your nest secure as your young ones head back to school.


REED personalizes security solutions for your needs and budget.

Contact Us today for a FREE QUOTE for your Home or Business.

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.7233

www.reedsecurity.com











$149 SMART HOME SECURITY SALE!


It's never been more affordable to Upgrade, Switch from a competitor or install a brand New smart security system.

Our security experts will help you design the perfect system for your home or business.


Ready to go?

REED personalizes security solutions for your needs and budget.

Monthly fees start @ $29.99 per month.
Monitoring agreement required.
Early Upgrade fees may apply for existing clients.
Available at participating dealers. 


Contact Us
 today for a FREE QUOTE for your Home or Business.

306.653.3200 or 844.384.7233 

The award winning IQ Panel is the security and smart home platform preferred by security industry professionals.

It's the most powerful, secure, and reliable smart home and business security system available.

Elegant touchscreen: The high definition touchscreen is easy to use and can display live video from security cameras. The 4K panel camera takes photos and can send to your smartphone.

Hacker protection: Power G technology encrypts sensors and protects against hackers.

Ultra fast alarm signal: Alarms are sent to our monitoring centers over a fast, secure LTE cellular signal, saving valuable seconds in an emergency.

Protect your perimeter with door and window sensors. These sensors are designed to detect unauthorized entry into your property. They can immediately alert you or trigger a loud alarm, notifying you of a potential break-in. This acts as a deterrent to burglars and gives you (and the Police) a chance to respond promptly.

Reed Recommends: install sensors on all main floor doors and basement windows as these are common targets for intruders.  

 
With a keypad door lock, you no longer need to carry keys or worry about losing them. Keyless entry provides convenience and eliminates the risk of unauthorized key duplication. You can simply enter a personalized code to unlock the door, making it easy for family members, guests, or service providers to gain access without physical keys. You can remotely control locks with with Reed's smartphone app.

Reed Recommends: install on main doors such as front entrances, back entrances and garage doors 




Security cameras act as a deterrent, provide valuable evidence, enable remote monitoring, enhance safety and surveillance, prevent package theft, assist with employee monitoring, and may offer insurance benefits.

They are an effective tool for increasing security and providing you with peace of mind, both at home and in business settings.

Reed Recommends: install a doorbell camera at the front door; supplement with cameras that protect the driveway and back yard



Installing smart lights offers convenience and control, customization and ambiance, energy efficiency, integration with smart home systems, remote access and monitoring, safety and security features, and increased longevity.

You can set up schedules or use motion sensors to automatically turn on lights when you enter a room or approach your home. This can deter potential intruders and make your home appear occupied even when you're away. Additionally, you can integrate smart lights with security systems to receive notifications or create visual alerts in case of an emergency or security breach. 

Installing a monitored smoke alarm provides early detection, quick emergency response, continuous monitoring, increased reliability, remote control capabilities, and potential insurance benefits. These benefits significantly enhance the safety and protection of your home, providing you and your loved ones with peace of mind.

Reed Recommends: install a monitored smoke sensor in hallways and common areas; do not install in kitchens or garages due to the potential of false alarms


Installing a monitored flood sensor provides early detection, swift emergency response, continuous monitoring, remote control capabilities, integration with other security systems, prevention of secondary damage, and potential insurance benefits. These benefits significantly enhance the safety, protection, and preservation of your property, allowing you to proactively address water-related issues and prevent extensive damage.

Reed Recommends:
 install a monitored flood sensor at low points where water is likely to pool - storage room, sump pit, and laundry area. Consider installing a smart water shutoff to turn the water off when a leak is detected.


Installing a smart thermostat offers energy savings, cost savings, convenience, comfort, learning capabilities, integration with smart home systems, energy usage insights, and environmental benefits. It enhances the efficiency of your HVAC system while providing you with greater control and comfort in managing your home's temperature.

Reed Recommends: a smart thermostat replaces your existing thermostat - you may require more than one
 

Remote control your security system and smart devices with Reed's smartphone and desktop apps. Arm/disarm your alarm, get notifications when the kids arrive home, adjust the temperature, turn on lights, get video alerts when visitors are at the front door, let visitors in, setup scenes and schedules...and more.

Reed Recommends: with Reed you can control everything with one single app; you can also control multiple locations


   
24 hour monitoring is included.

24-hour alarm monitoring
provides immediate response to emergencies, round-the-clock protection, enhanced deterrence against crime, prompt notification of emergencies, reduced false alarms, and additional support during emergencies. It adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that your home or premises are continuously monitored and that help is readily available when needed.

Insurance Discounts: You can save up to 20% on your annual insurance premiums - check with your insurance broker
Expert design & installation is included.

Experienced: Our security consultants are experts and have personalized solutions for 8000+ homes and businesses. Our certified technicians have 200+ years combined installation experience.

Neat and Tidy: We promise professional installation and will clean up after ourselves when completed. You won’t see any ugly wires.

Friendly and Helpful: We pride ourselves on creating great experiences. We will make sure you are comfortable with your new system.


Ready to go?

REED personalizes security solutions for your needs and budget.

Monthly fees start @ $29.99 per month.
Monitoring agreement required.
Early Upgrade fees may apply for existing clients.
Available at participating dealers.
 

Contact Us today for a FREE QUOTE for your Home or Business.

306.653.3200 or 844.384.7233

reedsecurity.com






PANIC BUTTON ALARMS - ENHANCING WORKPLACE SAFETY & SECURITY


Workplace safety is a top priority for employers, and it is their responsibility to ensure that their employees are safe and protected at all times. Panic button alarms are an essential tool for workplace safety, as they allow employees to quickly and easily alert others in case of an emergency.


What is a panic button alarm?


A panic button alarm is a small device that can be carried on a keychain or worn as a pendant. Panic buttons are also known as hold up buttons and are mounted discretely under a desk. When the button is pressed, it sends an alert to Reed's central monitoring stations or a designated group of individuals, notifying them of the emergency and providing the location of the person in distress. Panic button alarms can be used in a variety of workplace settings, including offices, factories, warehouses, and retail stores.





Call coworkers or police for help!


The benefits of panic button alarms in the workplace are numerous. First and foremost, they provide employees with a quick and easy way to call for help in an emergency. Whether it is a medical emergency, a threat from a coworker or customer, or a natural disaster, a panic button alarm can alert others to the situation and ensure that help arrives quickly.


Deter violence


Panic button alarms can also be used as a deterrent to workplace violence. Knowing that employees have a way to call for help can make potential attackers think twice before attempting to harm someone in the workplace. This can help to create a safer work environment and reduce the risk of violence.





Instant alerts to coworkers


Another benefit of panic button alarms is that they can be customized to meet the specific needs of a workplace. For example, in a factory setting, a panic button alarm may be designed to activate machinery shut-off switches to prevent accidents. In an office setting, a panic button alarm may be programmed to send an alert to security personnel or designated employees.


Implementing panic button alarms in the workplace is a straightforward process. Employers can work with Reed Security to install the alarms and set up a monitoring system. Employees can be trained on how to use the alarms and what to do in case of an emergency. Regular testing and maintenance can ensure that the panic button alarms are working correctly and are ready to be used when needed.


REED personalizes security solutions for your needs and budget.

Contact Us today for a FREE QUOTE for your Home or Business.

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.7233

reedsecurity.com


HOME SECURITY TAX CREDIT

Source: Saskatchewan.ca

Home Renovation Tax Credit

Home Security Systems, Devices and Professional Installation qualify. Monthly fees do not.


Under this non-refundable tax credit, Saskatchewan homeowners may save up to $2,100 in provincial income tax by claiming a 10.5 per cent tax credit on up to $20,000 of eligible home renovation expenses. Eligible expenses include the cost of labour and professional services, building materials, fixtures, equipment rentals, and permits.

This tax credit will be administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as part of the Saskatchewan personal income tax system. CRA will develop the necessary forms and filing instructions in the coming months.


1. To Qualify

  • Renovations must be to your principal residence, which must be located in Saskatchewan.
  • Renovation expenses must be incurred between October 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022.
  • The renovation must be substantially completed by December 31, 2022.
  • At the time of the renovation(s), you must own, alone or jointly with another person, the housing unit (or share of the capital stock of a co-operative housing corporation that you acquired solely for the right to inhabit the housing unit owned by that corporation).
  • You, your current or former spouse or common-law partner, or any of your or your spouse/common-law partner's children must ordinarily inhabit the housing unit during the eligibility period.
  • In general, renovations must be of an enduring nature and integral to the dwelling or to the land that forms part of the dwelling. Land of one-half hectare or 1.24 acres, including the land upon which your housing unit stands and any portion of the adjoining land, will generally be considered part of your eligible dwelling for purposes of this tax credit.


2. Claim Credit on Tax Returns


Claim the credit on your 2021 and/or 2022 personal income tax returns:

  • Total qualified expenses incurred between October 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, in excess of $1,000 (base amount), but not more than $12,000 can be claimed on your 2021 tax return (maximum claim of $11,000 for 2021).
  • Total qualified expenses incurred between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, in excess of $1,000 (base amount), but not more than $10,000, can be claimed on your 2022 tax return (maximum claim of $9,000 for 2022).
  • The tax credit can be split among eligible family members, but the total amount claimed cannot exceed the maximum allowable. Eligible family members include you and your spouse or common-law partner and you or your spouse/common-law partner's children who are under 18 years of age at the end of 2021.
  • If you sell and purchase an eligible dwelling during the eligibility period, qualified expenses that you incur for both dwellings will be eligible (however, each dwelling must have been your permanent residence at the time the renovations occurred). The maximum total of qualified expenditures that you can claim is $20,000.
  • If you earn rental or business income from part of your eligible dwelling, you can only claim the amount for expenses incurred for the personal-use areas of your dwelling. For expenses incurred for common areas or that benefit the housing unit as a whole (e.g., re-shingling a roof), divide the expense between personal use and income-earning use and claim the personal-use portion.
  • Example of splitting the tax credit between family members: You and your spouse enter a contract for the purchase and installation of a new furnace after October 1, 2020, and pay $9,500 for this renovation. On your 2021 tax return, calculate the tax credit as follows: Total qualified expense of $9,500, less the $1,000 base amount = $8,500. Either you or your spouse can claim the entire $8,500 or you can each claim a portion of it. For example, if you claim $3,500, your spouse can claim the remaining $5,000.

3. Documentation

Eligible expenses must be supported by documents such as receipts or invoices and should clearly identify:

  • the vendor/contractor including business address and (if applicable) their GST/HST registration number
  • the type and quantity of goods purchased and/or services provided
  • the dates when the goods and/or services were purchased or delivered
  • Invoices must by marked "paid" or be accompanied by other proof of payment such as credit card slips or cancelled cheques.

4. Eligible Expenses

Examples of eligible expenses:

  • painting the interior or exterior of a house
  • re-shingling a roof
  • kitchen, bathroom, and/or basement renovations
  • flooring (carpet, linoleum, hardwood, laminate, etc.)
  • windows and/or doors
  • furnace, boiler, woodstove, fireplace, water softener, water heater, and/or oil tank
  • central air conditioner
  • permanent home ventilation
  • permanent reverse osmosis system
  • septic system and/or wells
  • electrical wiring upgrades (e.g., changing from 100 to 200 amps)
  • home security system (monthly fees do not qualify)
  • solar panels and panel trackers
  • building a garage, deck, fence, garden/storage shed, and/or an addition to your home
  • building a new driveway and/or retaining wall (or resurfacing a driveway)
  • exterior shutters and awnings
  • pool liners and/or solar heaters and heat pumps for pools (does not include solar blankets)
  • landscaping (e.g., sod, perennial shrubs and flowers, trees, large rocks, permanent garden lighting, permanent water fountain, permanent ponds, large permanent garden ornaments)
  • fixtures (e.g., blinds, shades, shutters, lights, ceiling fans)
  • electronic devices that are installed as a fixture and are necessary and primarily used to operate another eligible expenditure (e.g., a device that is a fixture and is necessary and primarily used to operate solar panels, air conditioning systems, home security devices, or ventilation systems)
  • associated costs to the above such as installation, permits, professional services, equipment rentals, and incidental expenses (e.g., work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. will generally constitute an eligible expense)
  • for condo owners and co-operative housing corporation members, your share of the cost of eligible renovations to common areas will qualify for the tax credit if certain conditions are met (see Information Bulletin for more details)

5. Ineligible Expenses

Examples of expenses which are not eligible:

  • renovations to a cottage or cabin unless it is your principal residence
  • the value of your own labour for do-it-yourself projects
  • payments to a close relative or other person not at arm's length, unless that person is registered for GST purposes
  • routine repairs and maintenance typically performed on an annual or more frequent basis
  • maintenance contracts (e.g., furnace and/or pool cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, etc.)
  • appliances, furniture, draperies, hot tubs, and mechanical items not considered an enduring addition to your home (e.g. fridges, stoves, couches, etc.)
  • TVs, computers, tablets, smart devices, speakers, streaming devices, cellphones, gaming systems, and other audiovisual electronics
  • items that have a value independent of the renovation, such as construction equipment and/or tools
  • any financing costs (e.g., interest payments) associated with the renovation(s)


Contact us today for a No Obligation, 20 minute Smart Home/Business Evaluation or call 1.844.384.7233


SASKATOON SECURITY 

Reed Security Headquarters

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

SuRe InnoVations

306.974.0888

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY

306.922.7200

REGINA SECURITY

306.206.0700

CALGARY SECURITY

587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY

855.424.2324




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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