New & Noteworthy

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











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






$0 TOUCHLESS VIDEO DOORBELL


Our new Touchless Video Doorbell recognizes when a person stands on your doormat, and sends you a mobile alert. 

Just tap the alert to see, hear and talk to your visitor through your Alarm.com app, from wherever you are.

You can do more at the front door like:

  • Check on doorstep deliveries
  • Capture Porch Pirates
  • See, hear and speak to visitors
  • Watch live video feeds Anywhere, Anytime
  • Keep visitors safe with 2 way audio and touch free doorbell experience
  • Get around the clock smart alerts



FEATURES:


  • Expansive FOV (150° V, 115° H)
  • Full HD (1440 x 1920) video resolution
  • High Dynamic Range (HDR) for bright light conditions
  • IR night vision (15 feet) for low light conditions
  • Video Analytics on the edge for faster, more relevant alerts
  • Live video and saved clip viewing
  • Two-Way Audio through the mobile app
  • Battery heater for low-temperature operation
  • 2x2 antenna for improved Wi-Fi range
  • Compatible with existing doorbell transformers (requires 16-30 VAC, 10 VA)
  • Compatible with mechanical and digital chimes

    *Requirements:

    -strong Wi-Fi Connection outside your home
    -internet package with minimum 2.5 MBPS upload speed per camera
    -existing doorbell must have a 16V 10VA transformer (or an electrician is required) 

20TH ANNIVERSARY SALE!

For the month of 🏷️ MARCH you can get a Touchless Video Doorbell professionally installed for $0 ($400 value) when you sign up for a new Reed Smart Home Security system.

Plus.......Get the first month on us!

Expires March 31st, 2021

Applies to new installations, upgrades and switch overs from competitors.


CUSTOMISE THE PERFECT SECURITY SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.

Drop us a line and get a FREE SECURITY EVALUATION or skip the form and call us 306.653.3200


THE FINE PRINT
*Some conditions apply
*O.A.C. on approved credit
*Full packages start @ $49.95/mo.
*Doorbell only plans start @ $17/mo.
*36/60 month subscription is required
*Early termination charges may apply if you are an existing Reed Security client
*Available at participating dealers




WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS DOESN'T STAY IN VEGAS 2019


Every year 30,000+ Security Geeks (oops...Gurus) attend the biggest security expo in North America - ISCWest. Charge!

We connected with suppliers to negotiate the best pricing and brought the latest smart home and smart business technology back for our Clients and Dealers. Would you rather deal with the Dinosaurs that never change or the People that believe in Innovation?


Our partner Johnson Controls had a very busy booth. Product lines that we professionally install include DSC, Qolsys, American Dynamics, Exacq and Kantech.

The biggest advantages of using these sister product lines are integration and one app to control your security solutions. True convenience!

COMING SOON: Reed Security has been approved to become a Kantech Entrapass Global Dealer.


Senior Account Executive, Geoff Assman (right), connected with Kantech Field Application Specialist, Tom Giftochristos, to review the new features in Kantech EntraPass v8.0 including mobile app enhancements and a redesigned web interface.

NEW: Reed Security now offers Kantech Hattrix cloud-based access control. No server or up front software costs + no backups required. Conveniently manage your locations from your smartphone or desktop. Requires high-speed internet at the secured premises. Contact us for pricing details.



Automatic Systems has a fence barrier solution that ties into keyless entry systems. Restrict traffic in and out of your compound. Check out the video.


We visited our partner HIKvision with our Brand Ambassadors, Rain and Meadow. What's more fun than demoing HIKCentral Management software on four 65" screens?

HikCentral is a video business intelligence solution that provides features such as facial recognition, face matching and searching and people counting. Businesses can improve efficiencies and reduce costs. 




Using deep learning technology, AcuSense detects humans and vehicles and filters out unwanted false alarms.

When a human or vehicle is detected a strobe light and audible alarm are triggered - a huge deterrence for unwanted visitors.

Instant alerts can also be sent to your smartphone.


All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit thermal radiation, even at low levels. This kind of radiation, invisible to the human eye, can be detected by thermal imaging sensors. 

Thermal Cameras can produce images in the visual spectrum by detecting temperature differences between an object and its surroundings. The larger the difference, the bigger the contrast variety, making details visible. Thermal cameras can be used for applications in more challenging environments to detect people and fire.


Our partner Avigilon released ACC 7 video management software featuring Focus of Attention, a cutting-edge user interface for live video monitoring. It uses AI-powered self-learning analytics and Unusual Motion Detection technologies to help ensure critical events don't go unnoticed. 


Over 5 million people trust ALARM.COM installation partners such as Reed Security to protect their homes and businesses. From one single smartphone app you can control your smart security system, smart lights, smart locks, smart garage doors, smart thermostat, HD cameras, wi-fi doorbell camera and more...

COMING SOON: 16 channel commercial Stream Video Recorder


Alarm.com's video analytics engine provides an intelligent new layer of security and awareness for home and business owners. 

Object classification and object tracking technology can distinguish between People, Vehicles and Animals, determine an object's direction of movement, and measure the duration of activity. Alarm.com subscribers can selectively control and manage notifications and assign virtual zones and multi-directional "tripwires" so they can monitor their properties for highly specific activity.

*Vehicles coming and going: Know when a vehicle stops outside your home during the daytime, or if a vehicle leaves unexpectedly overnight. 

*Lingering Visitors: Get a video alert if someone lingers by your front door, but not when the mail is delivered.

*Pet Protection: Know which neighbor's dog has been visiting your lawn. Know immediately if your own pet bends the rules and naps on the couch when you're at work.

*Automated Deterrence: Set your lights and other home automation scenes to turn on when a person enters your backyard, but not when an animal enters.

*Vendor Validation: Business managers can confirm that a delivery truck pulled into the loading dock, but won't be notified each time a customer exits the building.

NOW AVAILABLE: Video analytics now work with ADC-V522IR indoor wi-fi camera, ADC-722W wi-fi bullet camera, ADC-VC726 poe mini bullet camera, ADC-VC736 poe bullet camera, ADC-VC826 poe dome camera and ADC-VC836 poe turret camera. Requires a video analytics plan subscription. 


SHIPPING SOON: Interlogix Simon XTi5i has a an updated display that matches with the Alarm.com app. Now supports 80 wireless zones.


Ring.com displays a solar powered security camera. Perfect where no power is available. Not available for sale yet on their web site.


The smartest security and automation on the block goes commercial.

Our partner Qolsys now has a UL 1610 Certification for Commercial Burglar detection. This cutting-edge system is the perfect solution for small businesses!

Features include: 7" HD touchscreen, up to four partitions, screen lock, 6-digit passcodes, support for PowerG sensors (industry best range of 1.6km open air), disarm photos and secondary keypads.

The 2.3 Commercial software update also enables Alarm.com for Business, the industry’s leading interactive services platform integrating smart business security, access control, smart video monitoring and energy management technology.

HOW TO KEEP THE HOLIDAYS HAPPY 2017

Be Careful of WHAT and WHEN You Post Family Photos!

Travelling during the Christmas holiday season? There's nothing worse than coming back to a home that just had a break-in

Here's the TOP 6 HOLIDAY SECURITY TIPS you can implement to protect your Home and Property while you're travelling.


1. USE COMMON SENSE

DO NOT advertise on Facebook or Instagram that you are on vacation. Social media is the equivalent of a diary in a glass house. You may think you’re letting your friends and family know you’re having a great time, but people often forget to change their privacy settings. Thieves will also know you are travelling.

If you like to post photos - post them after you get back.

If you lose a key, then get the locks changed. A better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

Ask all strangers for identification. The person who is “lost” and looking for directions could actually be a burglar checking to see if someone is home.

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. Again, a better alternative is to eliminate keys altogether by installing an alarm.com smart lock with built in keypad.

For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home and keep all receipts in an off-site location. Great options are Google Drive, Microsoft Cloud and Dropbox.

Write down the model and serial number of all electronics. This will come in handy for a future Police report and insurance claim.



2. MAKE IT DIFFICULT

Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts. We have alarm.com smart lock options with built in deadbolts.

Install window bars on all basement windows. They are a great visual deterrent and can be connected to a monitored home security system.

Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows. You can find these at your local hardware store such as Home Hardware, Canadian Tire or Rona.

Make sure all doors and windows are locked. Many burglars go door to door looking for targets that forgot to lock their front doors.

For cabins, consider installing roller window and door shutters. Visit kimbel.ca to see samples.


3. MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE AT HOME

Burglars target unoccupied homes so keep your home well lit at night. Install timers that turn lights, radios and televisions on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home. A better option is to install alarm.com smart lights and smart appliance modules and setup on an alternating schedules.

If you’re taking an extended vacation of more than a week, hire a student or service to shovel your driveway.

Cancel the newspaper and have a friend or neighbour pick-up your mail.

Park a vehicle in the drive-way. Don’t forget to lock the doors and remove any valuables.



4. INSTALL A MONITORED HOME OR CABIN SECURITY SYSTEM

The insurance companies agree. You are 400% less likely to have a break-in and can qualify for an insurance discount of up to 25%.

  • NEW! $0 Equipment, $0 Installation Plans
  • No Phone Line required
  • 24/7 Monitored Protection from intrusion, fire, flood, low temperature, and carbon monoxide
  • Includes Police / RCMP and Fire Department dispatch and Call List notification
  • Optional ALARM.COM - control your smart lights, smart locks, and smart thermostat with *free apps
  • Optional ReedHD™ Wi-Fi Doorbell - Know Who's at the front door, record audio and video onto the cloud
  • A monthly subscription is required for all service plans



5. 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 mobile phone and wait.


6. ALWAYS GET 3 QUOTES

Do NOT Sign Up with Door to Door alarm companies with Limited Time Offers. Before you know it you will be on the hook for thousands of dollars with a company that doesn't have a local office. Many door to door alarm companies have summer programs (May to September only). After that good luck. Be sure to search Google for reviews and ask friends and family who they use for home security.


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



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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
Digitech Security Systems
Ph: 780.444.4449