SafeTech’s Peace of Mind publication includes security tips from SafeTech’s loss prevention experts as well as in-depth statistical crime reports and facts on safety and security. Peace of Mind is the only way to get this exhaustive resource of security, crime, safety and loss prevention delivered to your inbox for absolutely free. Peace of Mind is the definitive resource for loss prevention advice and the most recognized and trusted authority on safety and security, just as SafeTech has established itself as the premiere loss prevention company in North America.

An Emergency Exit Plan Can Save Your Family From Disaster

Unfortunately you never know when danger can strike. A fire, flood or natural disaster can hit at any time and put you and your family in peril. The best way to prepare for such catastrophic events is by having a plan. You can’t control when tragedy occurs, but you can use forward thinking to have an escape solution for when it does. The first step is to know where all of the exits are. You should have two exits in each bedroom. In many cases this means a door and a window. It’s important that all members of your family are able to find all exits without any hesitation or assistance. During a fire there may be a lot of thick smoke that makes it difficult to see clearly. You should be able to reach all exits with your eyes closed. If your bedrooms are located on the second floor of your home, window escape routes will be more difficult to use. However, in the case of a fire, it may be necessary to do so. Every member of the family should know how to exit from a second storey window. Placing a ladder on the outside of your home to make escape easier is NOT recommended. Criminals frequently use such ladders to gain entrance to a home. If you have security bars on your windows, it’s important that they are easy to remove from the inside. In the case of an emergency you may not be able to find a key in time and quickly exiting through the window may be your only chance to escape. For this reason, you should periodically check that your windows can open freely and are not jammed. It’s important that every member of your family understands the escape plan and that you practice the plan from time-to-time. If you live with children, elderly people or anyone else that may require assistance, be aware that you will likely need to provide help to these people during an emergency. One of the best ways to ensure minimal damage and a safe escape in the event of a fire is to have smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms. These should be placed on every floor and regularly tested. You can even have your alarms monitored from a central alarm monitoring station to provide protection 24/7, even if you’re not at home.A monitored fire alarm system could save your life! For more information, please click here.

Did You Know? 65.8% of all burglary offenses in the United States in 2005 were residential structures. The average dollar loss per burglary was $1,725. (Source: FBI)

Five Ways to Avoid Harm While Traveling

  • Keep track of your passport and other important documents at all times. A small wallet or compartment worn close to your body is the best option.
  • If traveling with your laptop or smart phone, be aware that if your device is lost of stolen, someone else may have access to your important information. Encrypt as much data as you can to avoid this.
  • Be wary taking food or drinks from strangers. Drugging is entirely possible in many locations.
  • Stay alert. This includes keeping an eye out for potential pick pockets or other thieves as well as taking precautions to avoid dangerous situations all together.
  • Always lock your hotel door and do not leave your valuables unattended in your room. It’s usually better to travel with as few valuables as possible.

Life Saving Advice From Serial Killers: The Happy Face Killer

Nadia Fezzani is a Canadian journalist who has conducted extensive research and interviews with many notorious American serial killers. As a specialist on serial killers, Ms. Fezzani gives conferences on the topic to university students and to different organizations. She also works with production companies on TV documentaries. She’s gotten into the minds of some of the most dangerous serial killers alive and learned to understand how they think. She has used this knowledge to provide helpful tips on how you can avoid becoming a victim of a violent attack. People tend to believe that people such as British Columbia serial killer, Robert Pickton, are of a rare species. Yet, in addition to approximately 40 serial killers already caught in Canada, many Canadian serial murderers run free. In fact, 12 serial killers were notorious enough to be given nicknames without ever being found. They still live somewhere among us. The Edmonton Prostitute Killer, the Canada Highway murderer, the Highway 16 Killer, the London Ontario Killer, the NW Territories Headhunter, The Ontario Lover’s Lane Killer, The Ottawa Teen Killer, The Toronto Hospital for Sick Children Murderer, the Toronto Prostitute Executioner, the Toronto Rape Slayer, the Montreal Boys Slasher and the Montreal Gay Ripper are all serial killers who were never caught. Also, many homicides will never be linked together even if some of the murderers are captured. It is sometimes impossible to know if the crimes were committed by the same individual. What can we do to avoid being victims of attackers? We all know the basic rules: lock your doors, do not talk to strangers, get an alarm system, have a guard dog at home and trust your instincts. Other less-known advice includes having deadbolt locks on all doors and avoiding wearing a pony tail at night. In addition, never bring God into a conversation when you face an attacker, as it will only enrage them. Fortunately for us, American serial killers today open up to give us tricks in their own words on how to better protect ourselves from others like them. Their advice is effective against any type of aggressor. Take their tips into consideration since they come from the experts and, ironically, usually relate to their own crimes.

The Happy Face Killer

Born in Canada, Keith Jesperson moved to Oregon at the age of 12. A trucker by profession, he would make his truck the prime location for his crimes. Although his first murder would end up being a fight that didn’t turn out well, he later acted violently whenever he faced a dilemma. He claimed that killing became too easy with time. When a couple was convicted for his first murder, Jesperson wrote to the authorities and the media to prove the guilty one was still free. He would sign his letters with a smile.

Security Advice

At home, always keep your curtains pulled closed. Don’t let criminals see inside and determine what is worth taking, would it be property, assault, or your life. No free viewing! Remove shrubbery and trees that allow people to stand by your home undetected. Have lots of lights and invest in a security system. Invest in the cam-over top and bottom bolts to secure your doors. Garage doors also need to be bolted so door openers cannot open them without the safety bolt disengaged. Do not leave spare keys outside, under rocks, rugs or with anyone other than a neighbour you can trust.

What Burglars Want

Washington Post infographic entitled “Anatomy of a Burglar” states that the average amount of loss per residential burglary is $1,725. Most burglaries occur between 10am and 3pm, when thieves know most people are at work. Burglars look for homes that appear empty. Having a car in the driveway and proper lighting turned on both outside and inside a home usually cause most burglars to look for different targets. It also states that the typical burglar spends between 8 and 12 minutes in a house, quickly looking for valuables hidden in common places. Most burglars head to the bedroom first, searching for jewellery, cash and other small valuables that are easy to steal and also easy to sell. Most burglars do not hold on to the items they steal for very long. They are looking for valuables that they can easily turn into cash. The same graphic also states that the average burglar only wants to spend 60 seconds or less breaking into a home. This allows him or her to enter the home quickly without being detected by neighbours or others walking by. Deadbolts, bars or shatter-proof windows are excellent ways to deter criminals. Alarm systems and security cameras are the best possible deterrents. Criminals would much rather break into a home undetected. As for points of entry, 34% of burglars enter through the front door while 22% choose the back door. First floor windows are also common: 23% of break-ins begin this way. The garage is also a prime target, with 9% of burglars choosing this option. Burglars will take the fastest and easiest route to valuables. They do not want to be detected, they do not want to take very long and – above all – they do not want to get caught. Anything you can do to make it more difficult to break into your home or make it easier to draw attention to criminal activity will help protect you from burglars.

SafeTech’s 2010 City Crime Report Now Available

Protect yourself! Find out where and what type of crime is happening in your neighbourhood and your city with SafeTech’s 2010 City Crime Report. Use the 2010 City Crime Report to:
  • Determine exactly where crime is happening in Canada
  • Examine the types of crime taking place in your region and across the country
  • Compare different areas of the country on several different types of crime
  • Recognize the severity and likelihood of crime taking place in your city
  • Understand the overall crime situation in this country
Crime statistics vary drastically across the country and only by knowing the information for your region can you properly protect yourself, your family and your possessions. SafeTech Alarm Systems has been protecting people and property for over 20 years. We have compiled crime statistics from across Canada, broken them down by province and city and presented them in a straightforward manner that will help keep you safe! To receive a free copy of SafeTech Alarm Systems’ Canadian City Crime Report 2010, please click here.

Online Technical Support, Special Promotions and More!

On the new SafeTech Alarm Systems website, you’ll have access to special product promotions as well! Don’t miss out on exciting deals and promotional offers! We’re always working to add and improve website features in order make our website more appealing, more functional and easier to navigate. We invite you to visit the new site and let us know what you think. Stay tuned for even more enhancements to the SafeTech Alarm Systems website over the next few months!

Need help troubleshooting your alarm system?

The new website online technical support features and live online help that will guide you through any issue! Now you can solve any problems you may have with your alarm system quickly, easily and without picking up the phone or waiting for a technician to arrive! We even offer live online chat with members of our technical support team if you have any questions. Visit our technical support page here.

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