New & Noteworthy

EXPERT HOME SECURITY TIPS: SAFEGUARDING YOUR HOME LIKE A PRO

Ensuring the safety and security of our homes is a top priority for every homeowner. While the advancements in technology have provided us with sophisticated home security systems, it's essential to understand the basic principles and strategies that can significantly enhance our home's protection.

As an expert home security company, Reed Security compiled a comprehensive list of actionable tips to help you safeguard your property effectively. Implement these strategies and gain peace of mind knowing that you have taken proactive measures to protect your home and loved ones.





1. Install a comprehensive home security system


Investing in a reliable home security system is the first step towards fortifying your home's defense. A modern security system typically includes surveillance cameras, motion sensors, door/window sensors, and a central control panel. Ensure that your security system is professionally installed and monitored by a reputable security company for optimal functionality. Reed Security are experts at designing, installing and servicing home security systems across Canada.

FACT: You are 400% less likely to have a break-in with a pro installed, monitored home security system.  




2. Secure entry points


Burglar Bob often targets vulnerable entry points, such as doors and windows. Reinforce these areas by installing deadbolt locks, strike plates, and window security film. Consider upgrading to smart locks that provide keyless entry and allow you to remotely monitor and control access to your home.





3. Well lit exterior


A well-lit exterior acts as a deterrent for potential intruders. Install motion-activated lights around your property, especially near entry points and dark corners. Additionally, consider using timers for indoor lights when you're away, creating an impression of an occupied home.

Motion activated lights can be purchased online or from your local hardware store.



4. Trim shrubs and trees


Overgrown shrubs and trees can provide cover for intruders attempting to gain entry into your home. Regularly trim landscaping near windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas to eliminate hiding spots and increase visibility.

Hire a student or local yard maintenance company for larger projects.




5. Re-enforce doors and windows

Strengthen your home's defense by adding additional layers of protection to doors and windows. Install security bars or grilles on ground-level windows and reinforce doors with door jammers or door braces. These measures provide an added physical barrier against Burglar Bob.

Security bars can be purchased online or from your local hardware store.





6. Secure your wi-fi network


With the increasing number of smart devices, securing your home network is crucial. Change the default username and password of your Wi-Fi router, enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, and regularly update your router's firmware. Additionally, consider setting up a separate guest network for visitors to prevent unauthorized access.





7. Use smart home automation


Smart home automation systems allow you to control various aspects of your home remotely. Utilize features like remote lighting control and smart thermostat to make your home appear occupied even when you're away. Burglar Bob avoids homes that appear occupied. 

Additionally, integrate REEDHD™ security cameras and alarms into your automation system for centralized control.





8. Practice smart habits


Simple habits can go a long way in enhancing your home's security. Always lock doors and windows, even when you're at home. Avoid sharing vacation plans on social media to prevent broadcasting an empty house.

By implementing Reed Security’s expert home security tips, you can significantly enhance the safety and security of your home. Remember, a combination of proactive measures, modern technology, and smart habits can effectively deter potential intruders and provide you with peace of mind. Stay one step ahead of Burglar Bob by investing in a comprehensive Reed home security system, securing entry points, maintaining a well-lit exterior, reinforcing doors and windows, securing your Wi-Fi network, utilizing home automation, and practicing smart habits. Safeguarding your home like a pro is not just a luxury; it's a necessity in today's world.


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 844.384.7233






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


WE JOINED 20,000 SECURITY GEEKS IN VEGAS - HERE'S WHAT WE LEARNED


Every year 20,000 Security Geeks (Experts) attend ISCWEST to learn about cutting-edge crime fighting technology, latest trends and connect with our security industry friends.

Would you rather deal with a security company that invests in themselves (and You) or one that coasts?

BTW - This is the 16th year Reed Security has attended ISCWEST!



Our connected property partner, Alarm.com, announced the Water Dragon Smart Leak Detection System.

The Water Dragon is a single compact device that uses ultrasonic technology to detect and promptly alert homeowners about water issues before they become major problems. 

Homeowners can also use the Alarm.com app to monitor water usage trends for the day, week, and month, which can help them conserve water and save on utility bills.




We connected with our 24/7 Monitoring partner, AvantGuard, to learn more about tools they recently implemented to give our clients an even better Customer Experience. Tools include new monitoring software, apps and a dashboard.

The parent company, Becklar, also showcased WorkerSafety Pro. This lone worker solution requires regular check-ins and will notify a call list during an emergency.

Whether it’s an environmental, health, or social risk, WorkerSafety Pro provides the most comprehensive and customizable solution for the iPhone and Apple Watch today.




We found a MUST HAVE solution to detect teenagers vaping in school washrooms.

Triton smart sensors monitor your bathrooms 24/7 so you don’t have to. When an incident is detected, get an instant alert to take action quickly.

3D Sense can detect real time vaping of all vaped or smoked Nicotine and THC. 

3D Sense Pro can also detect keywords such as "Help", "Stop" and "Gun".




Need Remote Video Monitoring? Don't have reliable power? Don't have internet?

Mobile Pro Systems manufactures creative mobile surveillance systems for real-time monitoring in nearly any environment.

Add Reed Security's Virtual Guard Service to Intervene before a crime takes place.




"IT’S A SAD COMMENTARY ON OUR SOCIETY THAT GUNSHOT DETECTION SYSTEMS ARE NECESSARY TO ENSURE ONE’S SAFETY, ESPECIALLY WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS."

CHRISTIAN CONNORS – FOUNDER

This is the exact thought we had when we stopped by the Shooter Detection Systems booth.

The Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System incorporates the world’s finest acoustic gunshot identification software and combines it with infrared gunfire flash detection to produce the highest performing, fully automatic, and most accurate gunshot detection technology available today.

The Guardian System is certified by US and UK Government authorities and trusted by our customers in corporate, school, government, and other private and public venues across the globe and comes in wireless and PoE sensor solutions to fit every building design.


Our partner, Qolsys, had the MOST smart features of any security and automation system at the show. Control it all from a touchscreen or from Alarm.com apps.

Coming Soon: IQ Pro and IQ Pro+ for large commercial facilities.




We stopped by the AJAX Systems booth to learn about their smart home and business platform. The company is based in Ukraine and have relocated their production to a safer area that hasn't been as impacted by the War.  

The products look beautiful, they have best in class wireless range (up to 2km) and the app is easy to use.

We ordered a demo kit to test it out. Bat sold separately.




Our partner, Avigilon, introduced Avigilon Unity on-premise and Avigilon Alta cloud security suites. 

Whether you want to manage your video surveillance and access control systems directly or outsource management by moving to the cloud — this is powerful AI enabled technology!


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




POLICE AND REED SHARE 8 WAYS TO IMMEDIATELY COMBAT THEFT


Reed Security’s design and installation teams recently met with the Saskatoon Police Service Break & Enter Unit. Thank you Det. Cst. Carter #574  and Det. Cst. Lorette #552 for collaborating with Reed to combat crime.

POLICE & REED SHARE 8 WAYS TO COMBAT THEFT:




1. Video surveillance is the number one security tool the Police use when investigating a crime. Unfortunately, most security cameras are not mounted in locations that can help. A security camera mounted high up in the air overlooking the front of a building is great to partially identify a vehicle and markings, but would be difficult to identify a suspect from so far away.



Instead, mount cameras at Face Level approximately 5 feet from the ground to record the suspects face. Helpful locations for Face Level cameras are entrances. Dome cameras, height strip cameras or other hidden cameras are helpful.
 

INFRARED ILLUMINATOR


COLORVU 
 


2. Many break-in’s occur in the middle of the night when lighting is poor. Cameras with Infrared Illuminators (IR Nightvision) can see in the dark, but cause a ghosting effect when aimed at a person or license plate. Instead, ensure you have proper lighting at night or install REEDHD™ ColorVu cameras that see in color 24/7. 

Note: Recording license plates helps, but license plates are often stolen or the suspect is driving a stolen vehicle.




3.
Deter crime before it happens by display warning signage that you have security cameras at your location. Large dogs are also a great deterrent. Most break in's occur when you are away from the premises - so make it look like you are there with proper lighting.  


4. When you watch TV do you have the audio muted? Video only tells part of the story. Doorbell cameras and select REEDHD™ cameras have built-in microphones. The Police can listen for names or other clues to identify suspects. Recording audio is legal in Saskatchewan and there are published guidelines to protect privacy in public buildings.
   





5. Another problem the Police run into is not enough storage on the local NVR recording device. 7-10 days isn’t enough. Minimum 30 days storage is recommended. This can be accomplished by adding hard drives to the network video recorder (NVR), reducing the frames per second, reducing the image quality and recording on motion instead of continuously. Always use surveillance grade hard drives or SD cards. Reed Security has a storage and network calculator that approximates how long you can record for before video is recycled. 


6. You can stop crime before it happens with Reed’s Virtual Guard Service. Our guards watch over cameras in real time to catch events as they happen. Intruders are identified, informed they are trespassing via loud speaker and asked to leave immediately. If they don’t leave we dispatch the Police immediately. Visually verified alarms receive the fastest Police response.


7. If you have experienced a break-in, ensure the area is left untouched so the Police can collect fingerprints. Ensure you communicate this to your staff and cleaners. Serial #’s are required to recover stolen goods – so make sure you document them.
 

8. When archiving an incident for the Police onto a USB stick, make sure you include a Video Player that can play exported video clips. Common video players are VSPlayer and VLCPlayer. If you have a REEDHD™ bundle we take care of this for you and archive the incident directly to cloud storage. The Police can access video directly from our cloud.


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

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.7233

www.reedsecurity.com

CHRISTMAS CARD & HOLIDAY HOURS


To: Our Clients, Suppliers and Friends

Have a Safe & Happy Holidays!

From: Your Friendly Neighborhood Team @ Reed Security headquarters

Ariel, Sarah, Lara, Logan, Theo, Geoff, Charissa, Colleen, Virgil, Nolan, Devin, Lesli, Garrett, Brendan, Curtis, Chris, Tyrl and Derek


HOLIDAY HOURS

December 23rd, 8am to 4:30pm

December 24th, closed

December 25th, closed, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 26th, closed, observed holiday

December 27th, 8am to 4:30pm

December 28th, 8am to 4:30pm

December 29th, 8am to 4:30pm

December 30th, 8am to 4:30pm

December 31st, closed

January 1st, closed, HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

January 2nd, closed, observed holiday

January 3rd, 8am to 4:30pm, regular business hours resume


Our Monitoring Stations are live 24/7/365.

Self Care - A database of most common problems and solutions. It's Free.

Technical Support is available during business hours.

After Hours Technical Support is available at a cost.


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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

GREATER TORONTO AREA SECURITY
Link Secure Canada Inc.
15 Victoria Crescent
Brampton, ON L6T 1E2
Ph: 647.262.7460

 

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