New & Noteworthy

REED SECURITY CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE PLAN


To Our People - Clients, Dealers, Staff and Community,

At Reed Security we're paying attention to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. It's unsettling and share the same concerns as you.

We have increased measures to Reduce the SpreadWe encourage you to consult these trusted sources before making any decisions or disseminating any information: 


INCREASED MEASURES

  • As of today none of our employees have traveled to a country or area with an “Active Travel Health Notice” per Public Health Canada. If an employee did we would not allow the person to return to work until the end of the mandatory government recommended self-quarantine - which is currently 14 days
  • If you (employee) travel outside of Saskatchewan please consult a government website to assess the risk level and current protocols for your trip and return. All travel outside of Saskatchewan should be disclosed to the office for the safety of all employees and our clients.
  • If you (employee) are faced with self-isolation and do not have adequate supplies please let us know and we will do our best to assist you.
  • If you have upper-respiratory symptoms (headache, coughing, fever, other flu-like symptoms), please notify us and stay home; and we recommend you consult a doctor and a trusted information source to determine the best next steps.
    • As of today most clinics and doctors offices request that you call first if you think you have COVID-19 so that they can be prepared for your arrival.
    • Please do not come to work within 24 hours of having symptoms of a cold or flu.
    • If a household member is symptomatic, but unconfirmed COVID-19 please consult a professional and use your best discretion in deciding when it’s safe to return to work.  
  • Should you (employee) require self-isolation or extended time off for illness please contact Employment Canada about benefits.
  • If you (employee) are confronted with someone who is COVID-19 symptomatic please maintain a safe distance of at least 2 meters or 6 feet, as always you have the right to refuse work that you think is unsafe.
  • While we are extremely happy with the job our cleaning staff does we have requested they increase their current cleaning to include wiping down public surfaces with alcohol based wipes.
  • Our goal is to reduce the staff in the office at any given time by 20%. Please discuss work from home or reduced in office days with your manager. 

 
REDUCE THE SPREAD

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and especially after using the restroom and before eating.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wherever available. 
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
  • Avoid shaking hands, hugging, or other personal contact.
  • If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your bend of your elbow.
  • Wipe down your cell phone with alcohol based wipe several times per day.
  • Once per day wipe down public surfaces with an alcohol based wipes. This includes the front counter, light switches, door knobs, proximity card readers, and security system keypads.
  • Everyone (including clients) is required to wash their hands before and after using our boardroom.
  • Do not share computers, desks or phones.
  • Where possible do not share tools or van space.
  • Anyone can be denied entry into our office, or asked to leave the office if they are displaying symptoms that make our staff feel unsafe, a sign will be posted to indicate this at the front door of our office.

INCREASED FIELD STAFF MEASURES MARCH 16TH, 2020

  • Field staff are our sales representatives and technicians.
  • Field staff are to have hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes with them. 
  • Field staff should wash or sanitize our hands Before, During and After a site visit.
  • Technicians should wipe down equipment that multiple people touch at the end of an installation. (i.e Keypads, Proximity Card Readers, Monitors, Keyboards, Mouse’s, etc.)
  • Field staff are to ensure they are not exhibiting any symptoms as outlined by the trusted sources listed above before coming to work. 
  • Do not come to work within 24 hours of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • If you traveled outside of Saskatchewan, you must disclose it to management.
  • Do not share vehicles as much as possible.
  • Wipe down steering wheels, gear shifters, keys, radios, interior door handles, etc… with disinfectant wipes regularly. 
  • If you have a cough or sneeze, please remove yourself from the area, cough/sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your elbow. Wash/sanitize your hands (especially in the presence of others).

                  UPDATED COVID-19 MEASURES MARCH 16TH, 2020

                  • All employees are to stay at least one meter apart.
                  • Please wash your hands before entering and after exiting the lunch room and board room.
                  • All employees are to eat lunch at their desks. You may use the lunch room to prepare or store your lunch but no lingering.
                  • Daily huddles and weekly meetings should take place via Zoom app if you cannot maintain the one meter safe distance.
                  • We are wiping down of all “public” surfaces once per day. All office should help (we have a checklist).
                  Employees that have been approved to work from home must submit the following:

                  • A photo of their home work space including the computer/technology you plan to use at home.
                  • Confirmation you can access your desktop computer via ZOHO Assist. Geoff and Garrett can help you set this up.
                  • Confirmation of how you intend to take and make phone calls.
                    i.e. my cell number is this please forward calls to my cell and I will call people back from my cell
                  • No files, paper or inventory should be removed from the office. If you require a document SCAN IT and SAVE IT to your Office 365 One Drive. 
                  • Sales Team can take documentation you are actively working on home, but you must leave an itemized list on your desk of what you are removing from the office. 

                  Permanent Work Changes:

                  • All contracts, maps, security drawings, JIFC Forms and client related paperwork are to be scanned and uploaded to the client MKS file. If you need a reminder how to do this please ask.
                  • Use ZOHO Assist to access your Desktop PC remotely.
                  • All WO and WO related materials should be photographed and emailed to the office to be stored digitally in the client MKS file.

                  Temporary Work Changes:

                  Filing

                  • The Admin Team will continue to file, however we will file in a weekly rotation i.e. new empty bin will be put out each Monday subsequently the old bin will be removed and filed sometime that week. This is to allow a 48 hour “cooling off" period for all files.
                  • If you require a file that is in a bin please wash or sanitize your hands before and after looking for the file.
                  • If you require a file that is at another employee's desk please have them have them retrieve it for you. If this isn't possible please wash or sanitize your hands before and after looking for the file.

                  The Management Team at Reed Security is reviewing the situation daily. We will provide additional updates when available.


                  4 REASONS YOU NEED HD SECURITY CAMERAS AT YOUR BUSINESS RIGHT NOW

                  Do you really know what goes on at your business when you’re not there to see it firsthand? 


                  Is your business as well-protected as it should be? 


                  Is your business as efficient as it should be? 


                  As a business owner or Manager you want to ensure your investment is protected against losses from theft, false claims or inefficiency. Having an effective HD video surveillance system will deter external theft, deter internal theft (shoplifting, employee theft), record crimes, record claims and record processes.




                  1. REDUCE LOSSES, INCREASE PROFITS 


                  One of the benefits of installing ReedHD™ security cameras are that they simply deter crime. Potential criminals will see that you have taken extra steps to protect your business and its patrons – and may be deterred from stealing or vandalizing knowing you have the ability to catch them in the act.  
                   
                  An additional visibility measure is to place a Public Display monitor (a camera used to monitor one area full-time) showing customers as they enter your business. When they see themselves on camera at the front of the store, they will be less likely to shoplift. 

                  Recommended Indoor Security Camera Coverage: 

                  • Minimize blind spots
                  • All entrances - main doors should be at face level
                  • Cash registers; you want to be able to see the customer as well as the cash area
                  • Hallways
                  • Storage areas
                  • Warehouses
                  • Work areas
                  • Seating areas
                  Recommended Outdoor Security Camera Coverage: 

                  • Minimize blind spots
                  • All entrancesmain doors should be at face level
                  • All driveway “Choke Points” – where vehicles enter and leave the property
                  • Parking lots
                  • Compounds
                  • Work areas 

                  All ReedHD™ Video Surveillance systems record for 10-90 days and come with smartphone and desktop apps. You can keep an eye on things from anywhere! 
                   
                  TIP: Add a microphone and sync it with a camera to record audio and remotely listen where laws permit. 

                  TIP: Upgrade to ReedHD™ Smart Cameras and get instant notifications when People or Vehicles enter security camera view.



                  ABOVE: SUPERMODELS / SUPERTECHS CODY AND CURTIS FINISHED THEIR INSTALLATIONS EARLY AND CAME BACK TO THE OFFICE AT 3:41:55 PM TO PREPARE FOR TOMORROW.

                  2. IMPROVE EFFICIENCY & SAFETY 

                  What time do your employees arrive to work or leave for home everyday? 

                  What time do mobile employees leave or arrive back from job sites? 

                  What are your employees doing while they’re at work? 

                  All security cameras have a date and time stamp. The data can be used to run your business more efficiently – and profitably

                  Employees are your greatest asset. Let them know their safety is a priority, especially if they’re required to walk to and from their vehicles in the dark at extremely early or late hours. 

                  Video surveillance of parking areas can reduce vehicle break-ins and vandalism, as well as increase the personal safety of customers and employees as they enter and exit their cars. 

                  TIP: For best results make sure there is adequate lighting. 



                  ABOVE: INDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS SHOULD BE INSTALLED AT ALL ENTRANCES AND HALLWAYS. EVENTS ARE RECORDED 10-90 DAYS AND CAN BE ACCESSED WITH SMARTPHONE AND DESKTOP APPS.

                  3.
                   REDUCE LIABILITY 

                  Did your employee get injured on the job?

                  Was there a slip and fall outside your business?

                  How can accidents be prevented? 

                  While most claims are legitimate, some claims made by customers and employees can be fraudulent. With an effective HD video surveillance system there is less likelihood that a false claim will succeed. With a HD video surveillance system, checking the video for the area where the incident occurred should become standard practice when completing your initial incident investigation. 
                   
                  TIP:  At a minimum, save and copy 2 minutes of the recording both before and after the indicated time of the incident. Reviewing the additional footage can help in determining the cause of an incident. 

                  TIP: Even if you don’t see anything on the video when you look at it, SAVE IT!  

                  Fraudulent claims can be costly to your business and you want to take advantage of every defense tool you can.




                  ABOVE: PROTECT EMPLOYEES BY INSTALLING SECURITY CAMERAS AT PARKING LOTS. MAKE SURE THERE IS ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

                  4.
                   MEET INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS 

                  Want to avoid an insurance rate increase?

                  Some insurance companies require security cameras with Live Video Monitoring service or an on-site private security guard to reduce the risk of loss. 

                  A private security guard @ $25 per hour can add up to an expense of $10,000+ a month. The security guard cannot cover the entire property or record incidents 24/7. 

                  If you have a construction site or fenced compound Live Video Monitoring will quickly pay for itself. In fact, Live Video Monitoring is 50% less expensive
                   
                  TIP: Install a combination of fixed security and PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) security cameras so that a remote operator can zoom in on suspects.


                  If you are having a problem with THEFT or would like MORE CONTROL, We Can Help!

                  Contact Us today for a Free Security Evaluation or to find out more information.


                  SASKATOON SECURITY

                  Reed Security Headquarters
                  Call 306.653.3200

                  SuRe InnoVations
                  Call 306.974.0888

                  REGINA SECURITY
                  Call 306.206.0700

                  PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
                  Call 306.922.7200

                  EDMONTON SECURITY
                  Call 855.424.2324

                  CALGARY SECURITY
                  Call 587.393.2800

                  24/7 ULC MONITORING STATIONS
                  Call 1.800.268.6870

                  STEALTH/UCIT VIDEO MONITORING STATIONS

                  Call 1.866.756.7847




                   


                  4 WAYS TO INCREASE FARMYARD AND ACREAGE SECURITY IN 2019

                  Grainews.ca recently consulted Virgil Reed, Founder, CEO of Reed Security on options to increase farmyard security. 

                  Not so long ago, farmyard security meant keeping a rifle and ammunition handy. “Farmyard security has always been an issue, but today there’s a lot more awareness about it due to events in the media,” says Reed.

                  “Farms have poor response times from the police due to their remote locations, so farmers need to take more proactive measures and create a security plan in the event an unwanted visitor comes in their yards. The security plan should include professional security solutions as well as common sense.”

                  “Stay away from Wi-Fi cameras and always install wired whenever possible,” cautions Reed. “Wi-Fi cameras are unreliable and the signal is often too weak or has interference. We’ve learned this the hard way over the past 18 years. We do install commercial grade Wi-Fi antennas when we need to connect the home to a shop or barn, but the antennas require direct line of site.”

                  Here are 4 WAYS TO INCREASE FARMYARD AND ACREAGE SECURITY IN 2019:   


                  1. HIGH DEFINITION

                  Reed says a four-camera ReedHD™ High Definition Camera package from Reed Security with professional installation offers superior quality imaging to cameras on offer online or at big box stores. Reed’s cameras record in 2MP to 4K, or four times the quality of 1080p HD. These cameras all have IR NightVision that allow the camera to see 100 to 300 feet in pitch dark. 

                  Hint: Proper lighting is crucial to camera performance. Rather than relying on NightVision keep your yard lights on and add Motion Lighting for best results.


                  2. SMART CAMERAS

                  Video motion detection is unreliable and causes too many false alerts - the weather, the lighting and wildlife all create false alerts. You cannot depend on video motion detection - you will become frustrated and you start to ignore the alerts.

                  Instead, we recommend ReedHD Smart Cameras with Avigilon people and vehicle detection. This technology uses sophisticated video analytics to minimize false alerts. Smart security cameras learn the site and only alert a user's smart phone when an actual car, truck or person is in the view of the camera. Existing i.p. security cameras can be upgraded to smart cameras with an Avigilon Blue subscription.

                   


                  3. HD SMART PTZ

                  HD SMART PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) security cameras allow the user to control the camera similarly to a joystick. Instead of a joystick the user controls the HD PTZ camera from a smart phone, tablet, PC or NVR. Our 2MP security camera has a 30x optical zoom (4.3 to 129 mm lens with auto-focus) that allows the user to clearly see over 1,000 feet in both day and night. Available in HD or SMART. 

                  Hint: HD SMART PTZ cameras should be installed in conjunction with HD cameras. HD SMART PTZ cameras can only record 90 degrees field of view when not controlled by the user.
                    

                   

                  4. ALARM.COM INSTANT ALERTS

                  If you already have video surveillance cameras and do not want to upgrade to smart cameras, we can install wireless motion sensors to cover your driveway. When movement is detected you will receive an alarm.com instant alert on your smartphone. You can then log-in to your existing smartphone app and view cameras. This option requires a professionally installed home security system and alarm.com subscription. 

                  Hint: Most wireless motion sensors are not built for harsh climates. Install an outdoor model such as the DSC PG-9994.    



                  SOURCE: GRAINEWS.CA, REEDSECURITY.COM

                  If you would like more information on Smart Home or Business Security & Automation please Contact Us for a Free Security Evaluation.


                  SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
                  Reed Security Headquarters
                  Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)
                  SuRe InnoVations
                  Call 306.974.0888
                  PRINCE ALBERT 
                  SECURITY INQUIRIES
                  Call 306.922.7200
                  CALGARY 
                  SECURITY INQUIRIES
                  Call 587.393.2800
                  REGINA 
                  SECURITY INQUIRIES
                  Call 306.206.0700




                  HOW TO PROTECT A MULTI-TENANT PROPERTY


                  Property that has two or more tenants is considered a 
                  multi-tenant property. This could be retail, industrial, office, condominium or an apartment building. Managing the security systems of multi-tenant properties can be a challenge for landlords and property managers - especially if the security systems are from different security providers.

                  We have extensive experience designing centrally managed security systems for housing authorities, property management companies, landlords, housing co-operatives, REITs, development companies and condominium corporations. Our security systems are remotely managed via easy-to-use central management software and high speed internet connections.

                  Instead of going to the property every time you need to change an access code or retrieve the footage from a security camera for the Police, you can login with apps for your PC, tablet or smartphone. This is a huge time saver!  We can manage the security of your properties for you when you subscribe to a Concierge Service Plan.

                  We design layered security solutions that will save you time and money. The amount of security layers we implement are based on your needs and budget.



                  • Reduces Theft, Provides Accountability, Restricts Access
                  • Burglar, Fire, Medical, Temperature, Flood
                  • 24/7 ULC Monitoring service with POLICE and FIRE dispatch; Call List notification
                  • 3G/4G ALARM.COM Cellular Signaling – no phone line required
                  • Control with your PC / MAC / Android / iPhone / iPad
                  • User Code Control and User Reports via apps
                  • Instant Alerts via text and email




                  • Reduces Theft, Restricts Access
                  • Control Who Goes Where and When
                  • Control Doors, Elevators, Gates
                  • No More Keys to replace – delete users instantly
                  • HINT: Charge tenants a $20 refundable deposit for access keytags/cards
                  • Programmable schedules – weekday, weekend, holidays
                  • Optional: Intercom - Telephone-based or I.P. based
                  • Intercom Master Station at main entrance, NO tenant stations
                  • HINT: Save $$$ by not running wires to every suite
                  • Intercom Dials landline or cell phone, Door Release from phone
                  • Access programming on your PC / Android / iPhone / iPad



                  LAYER 3: REEDHD SECURITY CAMERAS

                  • Reduces Theft, Provides Accountability
                  • 1080P to 12MP HD (4x to 39x better quality than standard definition)
                  • HINT: Mount entrance cameras at 5 feet from the ground to Record Faces
                  • Records 24/7; providing video evidence of activities for 10 to 60+ days
                  • Access to cameras on your PC / MAC / Android / iPhone / iPad
                  • HINT: Do NOT use wireless, use wired only



                  • Reduces Theft, Reduces Liability, Provides Accountability, Fire Protection
                  • Intervention while a crime is in progress – catch intruders in the act
                  • Intervention while a fire is in progress – reduce losses
                  • POLICE and FIRE dispatch; Call List notification
                  • 25% to 50% Less expensive than security guards
                  • Approved by Insurance Companies as an alternative to Night Watchman



                  LAYER 5: FIRE SYSTEM MONITORING

                  • In 2018 Fire Departments across Saskatchewan started enforcing the CAN/ULC-S561 national standard
                  • Fire Inspectors or contracted Fire Protection System companies will be ask you for your CAN/ULC-S561 certificate
                  • The majority of buildings will not meet this national standard and upgrades will be required to obtain a CAN/ULC-S561 certificate
                  • Failure to present proper documentation will result in deficiencies and can delay occupancy until the deficiencies have been remedied
                  • Fire systems must be monitored by 24/7 ULC Monitoring Stations
                  • 2 paths of communication: Phone line + cellular communication
                  • Security Company must attend site within 4 hours


                  If you would like more information on centrally managed security systems that can save you time and money - We Can Help!


                  CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE SECURITY EVALUATION


                  SASKATOON

                  Reed Security Headquarters

                  Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE 

                  SuRe InnoVations

                  Call 306.974.0888 

                  PRINCE ALBERT

                  Call 306.922.7200 

                  CALGARY

                  Call 587.393.2800 

                  REGINA

                  Call 306.206.0700



                  AND THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE IN CANADA 2018 IS...

                  Let’s start with the good news. Over the past decade the crime rate in Canada has plummeted by 25 per cent. Since 1998, the earliest data available, crime has been cut by a third. In 2016 the crime rate across the country sat at 5,904 incidents per 100,000 people—that’s the second lowest rate recorded by Statistics Canada.

                  Now for the bad. The severity of the crimes committed in Canada is on the rise. Although the crime severity index, the measure of all police-reported crime that takes into consideration both the volume and the seriousness of the crime, touched a low of 66 in 2013, it has been creeping higher ever since.

                  AND THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE IN CANADA 2018 IS...

                  According to Maclean's.ca North Battleford, Saskatchewan with a CSI of 353 has the worst crime record among Canada’s cities and municipal police districts. 

                  The crime rate in this industrial and agricultural community is four times higher than the rest of the country. That alone isn’t alarming. Smaller communities tend to be more susceptible to inflated crime rates, with one or two incidents getting magnified when they are recast for a population of 100,000.







                  Data source/methodology: The report ranks communities according to the Crime Severity Index, which is a Statistics Canada measure of all police-reported crime collected through the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey that takes into consideration both the volume and the seriousness of the crime. The index uses 2006 as its benchmark. The 2016 data is the most current available and was released July 24, 2017. Maclean’s collects the annual crime data for police services categorized as municipal by StatsCan and having populations of at least 10,000 people. Some police forces may cover larger areas then their name suggests, and populations for each police force were provided on request by StatsCan.  Locations without a crime severity index were not included. Nor were communities with no provided population numbers included. For the crimes of assault and sexual assaults, assault level 1 and sexual assault level 1 were used.

                  If you would like more information on Smart Home or Business Security & Automation please Contact Us for a Free Security Evaluation.

                  SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
                  Reed Security Headquarters
                  Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)
                  SuRe InnoVations
                  Call 306.974.0888
                  PRINCE ALBERT 
                  SECURITY INQUIRIES
                  Call 306.922.7200
                  CALGARY 
                  SECURITY INQUIRIES
                  Call 587.393.2800
                  REGINA 
                  SECURITY INQUIRIES
                  Call 306.206.0700





                  Previous Posts

                  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