Alarm systems are no longer the basic burglar alarms they used to be. They no longer cost thousands of dollars and they no longer take days to install. In our latest Regina Security Blog post we highlight the latest security & automation technology available to home and business owners.

1.    3G/4G Cellular Connections & Interactive Services

In the past, most Regina security systems required a landline to send alarm signals to a 24/7 Central Monitoring Station. An emergency operator identifies the signals and dispatches the local authorities (Police, Fire Department) as well as your call list.

Modern security systems can still use a landline, but 85% of Reed Security’s new subscribers use ALARM.COM 3G/4G cellular connections. Since a landline is no longer required you could cancel this service and save $25 to $35 a month with your local phone provider.

With ALARM.COM you can get instant email notifications when your security system is armed or disarmed. The is an especially popular feature for parents that want to be notified when a child arrives home from school. “The Smith Family Security System was disarmed by Jamie at 3:52 p.m.”. If you’re a business owner or manager you can receive instant notifications when employees arrive to work or after hours when nobody should be at your building.

ALARM.COM smartphone apps are *free when you subscribe to an ALARM.COM interactive plan.

2.    Smart Home Automation

Have you ever heard of the Internet of Things (IoT)? IoT refers to connecting any item with an on and off switch to the Internet and controlling them with apps. Today’s modern security system is also a smart home automation system that can control your smart door locks, overhead doors, smart thermostat, HD Wi-Fi Door Bell Camera, Light Switches, HD Wireless Cameras and more.

With ALARM.COM you can stay connected to your home or business with one single app rather than having different apps for each IoT device.

3.    Wireless Sensors and Devices

With the evolution wireless security sensors and devices we no longer need to run wires throughout your home/office and risk damaging walls, floors, window casings and baseboards. Wireless security sensors and devices communicate with an encrypted frequency, have a range between 250 feet and 1.6km and have long lasting non-proprietary batteries that can last up to 7 years. This has also reduced professional installation times drastically – minimizing any interruptions of having a contractor working at your home or business.

4.    DIY (Do It Yourself) Systems

A new category for home security is DIY. Who doesn’t want to try to save few bucks right? If you’re a handyman and have an intermediate understanding of low voltage electronics, then this is a great option for you. Approximately 10% of Regina home owners and business owners are performing self installations of their security systems. These systems are NOT monitored by a 24/7 Central Monitoring Station and the Police and Fire Department will not accept any automated phone calls from your security system. This means you’re on your own when you need help the most.

For the rest of you, choosing a Professional Installation company to provide a Smart Home & Automation system is a better option. Reed Security $0 Down Plans are the most popular and all  inclusive . All you have to do is take care of the affordable monthly fees. Plus, since your Security & Automation system is monitored by our 24/7 Central Monitoring Station you will be eligible for an insurance discount. Discounts on your home owners insurance range from 10% to 25%.

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

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Coming Soon 

What is a HD Security Camera System?

We all watch TV - think of the difference in quality between regular channels and high definition channels. ReedHD™ security cameras can help solve more crimes using less cameras due to increased image quality. A standard video surveillance camera records in 0.3 megapixel (VGA 640x480 pixels). ReedHD™ security cameras record in resolutions up to 4K (3840x2160 pixels) and gives you a better opportunity to record and recognize Faces, License Plates and Objects. A ReedHD™ 4K security camera gives you the same resolution as over 26 standard definition security cameras.

CHECK OUT VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SAMPLES ON THE REEDHD YOUTUBE CHANNEL

HD Security Camera systems consist of:

1. Cameras and Lenses
2. Power
3. Cable and Conduit
4. Router/Modem and Internet
5. LAN and Switches
6. Storage
7. Display Monitor
8. Apps for connecting remotely
9. Warning Signage
10. Professional Installation

If you are having a problem with THEFT (or would like to avoid one), We Can Help!

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

Most new home buyers focus on area, proximity to schools, proximity to work, layout, colors, and landscaping. And, often overlook security and safety.

Here a 4 Regina Security Tips to protect your Home and Family and reduce losses:

1. DO NOT HIDE SPARE KEYS

Doormats, Mailboxes, Plant Pots, and Bins are all common hiding places for spare keys. A better security option is to leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor or family member. The best security option is to install a smart lock that connects to your smart security system. You can lock and unlock doors with a keypad or remotely with *free Alarm.com apps.

2. REDUCE PREDICTABILITY

Many burglars look for patterns before they target a home. Burglars watch for what time you leave for work and what time you arrive home. It's also obvious when people go for vacation because they often forget to cancel the paper and haven't made arrangements to shovel the driveway. 

Make sure you have a trusted neighbor or family member collect your mail and clear your driveway/cut your lawn.

3. INSTALL PROPER LIGHTING

Many burglars take advantage of the dark and like to hide behind shrubs and trees. For better security install motion sensitive lights that activate when a potential intruder is in the area. For best security install smart lights that connect to your smart security system. Smart lights are controlled on schedules and can make it look like you are at Home (most break-in's occur when you are away). 

4. INSTALL A SMART SECURITY SYSTEM

A Reed Security monitored home security system reduces the chances of having a break-in by 400%. Insurance Companies agree and provide discounts up to 25% on your annual home insurance policy.  A Regina home-owner with $1200 annual insurance premium could save up to $300 a year. 

A Reed Smart Security system is customized to your specific needs, but we also have $0 Down Smart Packages to make your protection choices a little easier. Our most popular $0 Down Smart Package is designed to offer you the Maximum protection and Maximum insurance discounts and includes:

1           IQ 7” Touchscreen with Emergency Police & Fire Buttons

3          IQ door/window sensors

1           IQ smart motion sensor (pet-friendly, 40 pounds)

1           IQ smoke/fire/heat sensor

1           IQ high + low temp. sensor

1          IQ flood sensor     

1           Alarm.com 3G radio (works on SaskTel)

1           built-in 85db siren

1           24hr back-up battery

1           Professional Installation

1           Protected by Reed Security Warning Signage   

1         Silver Parts & Labour Warranty Plan

1         24/7 ULC Monitoring Plan
with Police and Fire dispatch

1         Alarm.com Interactive Gold Plan

·         No phone line required

·         Smash & Crash protection

·         Arm/Disarm with apps

·         2 Way Voice

·         E-mail alerts including Disarm Photos

Optional control of door locks, garage doors, thermostat, lights, HD cameras, shades

With more Regina Security & Automation Companies to choose from and promoting a variety of Security Packages, we think it's important that you focus on the level of protection that is right for your home. The best Regina Security & Automation Companies work closely with you, and make recommendations based on the layout of your home and the way you will be using your Security & Automation system.

It’s All About You.

The most important thing to remember is that your Security & Automation system should be designed with You in mind, and that means considering the following questions:

• Do you have pets? Where are they allowed to go in the home, and when?
• Do you have children? How old are they, and what issues will you face integrating a residential security system into their lives?
• Will you arm your system when you are at home? Many people do so (growing numbers, in fact), and that can impact your choice and placement of security sensors.
• Are there areas of the home where you don’t go at night? A basement is a great example, and that can influence the sensors you use there.

There are other questions, of course, and a reputable Regina Security & Automation Company can help you work through all of them. But the main point is that every system should be customized: not just for how your home is laid out, but also for your lifestyle.

This is no time for a “one–size-fits-most” approach!

1. “Stay” vs. “Away” System Arming

One thing we want to address up front is that most up to date alarm systems can be armed in either of two modes: “Stay” and “Away.” In the “Stay” mode, often used when you are home at night, only the perimeter (entry/exit) is armed, and you can move about freely in your home without triggering an alarm. In the “Away” mode, used when you leave your home, there are interior sensors that are also armed – meaning an intruder moving about within the home will also trigger an alarm. 

2. Start with the Perimeter

Since doors are the most common place for an intruder to enter your home, we start there. You should have a door sensor on every exterior door, including the door from the garage into the home. This is the foundation of your alarm system is perimeter protection.

Next come the windows you want to protect – with the window sensor. It’s best to focus on the windows on the sides and back of the house first, since they are less visible, and are therefore more attractive to a burglar. And as for those upstairs windows, you may decide to pass on those – unless a burglar can find an easy way to reach them.

For rooms with lots of windows, a glass break sensor is a great solution. This device has a limited range in any direction (as long as there is line of sight), and that makes the glass break sensor an efficient and cost-effective component of your perimeter protection.

3. Interior Protection

When you arm in the “Away” mode, then you bring into play your interior protection detection device – the motion sensor. You’ll seldom see a security system without at least one of these, and they are designed for backing up your perimeter devices, for an extra layer of security. This sensor is generally placed in high traffic areas and detects movement. The best motion sensors are immune to pets up to 50 lb.

4. Additional Peace of Mind

Once you get your arms around the intrusion component of your system, then you can consider the other devices that work in conjunction with your system – so that you can feel protected and connected.

• Smoke & heat sensor – we recommend at least one with every system.
• Carbon monoxide sensor – another important life safety device.
• Water/flood sensor – if you have a burst pipe, you want to know right away.

Get the Help You Need.

Remember – you should never be on your own when it comes to designing the right level of protection for your home with Wired or Wireless Security System. The advice we've provided on our blog is a good starting point, but you should have an in-depth conversation with our trained security professionals at Reed Security to make sure your Security & Automation system is the right one for you.

Security Building Supplies are veterans in the construction industry since 1968 and supplies lumber and building materials to home builders, renovators, and general contractors.

We supplied and installed a layered security solution which included:

• Smart Security System
• 24/7 Monitoring with Police, Fire and Call List Notification
• ReedHD™ Hi-Def Cameras
• Access Control Keyless Entry
• *Free smartphone apps 

When the project was over we interviewed Jay Fafard, VP of Business Development, and these were his comments:

1. Reed Security proved to have the most detailed quote and provided the best pricing. Both the Sales Representative and the Owner drove to our facility to walk through exactly what we needed and give us advice on where they felt our resources were best spent. We didn’t know exactly what we wanted but we were presented with our choices and Reed Security made it easy to find the best solution for our facilities.