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Peace of Mind Vol 1-49: Keeping Your Children Safe Outside
The warmer weather is here and people are spending more and more time outside. This is also a great time for children to play outside. You don’t have to spend time getting them in and out of their winter clothing and there’s no need to worry about them catching a cold from the weather. However, there are still things to watch out for and you should still take some precautions. Here are few children safety tips.

There are a number of things that you’ll need to watch out for when your children are playing outside. Children safety is very important. Children can hurt themselves, either through slipping and falling or by twisting ankles or hurting other body parts while running. Unfortunately, they can become the targets of adult predators as well.Outdoor exercise is important though, and you’ll want to make sure that your children have the freedom to enjoy themselves without stiffling them or stressing yourself out.

Children Safety is Mandatory

Adult supervision is important however. Adults can prevent children from attempting dangerous activities, they can calm down games before they get dangerous and they can be on the lookout for any other dangers. The younger your child is, the more supervision he or she will require. It’s important for you to based your supervision requirements on the abilities of each particular child. Children who are the same age may not have the same motor skills, physical strength and judgement skills. Also, for children safety, note that if a child is older, he or she may be able to know not to talk to strangers, but he or she is also able to climb up a large tree and fall off. It’s important to keep your child’s age and abilities in mind at all time. This will help you determine the degree of supervision required.

Regardless of where your children are playing, you will want to make sure that the area is safe. If your backyard, make sure that the gate is closed and locked and check to see if any dangerous debris has fallen into your yard. If your children are using playground equipment, make sure that it is in good condition as well. Sometimes slides and jungle gyms have broken pieces or rough edges that can hurt a child. Swing sets may be frayed or damaged. Make sure you check everything before you let your children play.

For the children safety, watch out for traffic and make sure your children know that cars can be incredibly dangerous. Children should know not to run into the street after a toy or ball. It is best for your children that they ask for help from an adult they trust in these situations. Make sure that your children are also aware of parked cars. Just because a car isn’t moving right now, that doesn’t mean it soon won’t be. Never let your children play around motor vehicles of any kind.

It’s also important that children understand that they should never go anywhere with a stranger and that they should never do anything they do not feel comfortable with, even if someone they trust is asking them to. You have to make sure that you don’t terrify your children by telling them to never trust any stranger at all, but it is very important that children know that they should never leave an area unless their parents allow it.

If you end up in a situation where you’d like to have someone else pick your children up, let your child know this in advance if possible. Otherwise, you should have a secret pass phrase that only you and your children know. If another person (a friend or another relative) is going to pick your children up, tell them this pass phrase. Your children should never leave with anyone who doesn’t know the pass phrase.

Barbecue Safety

A great way to enjoy your meals during the warm weather is to cook them on the barbecue. Not only does the food taste great, but you’ll also get to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you cook and eat. Here are a few tips to make sure that your barbecuing experience is a safe and happy one.

Inspect your barbecue, especially at the beginning of the season. Whether you store your grill inside our outside during the winter, dust, dirt and other build up can form while the barbecue is inactive. Check to make sure that nothing has been damaged as well. If the grill, burners, body or propane tank (if applicable) has been damaged, don’t use the barbecue until it has been fixed. Do a quick inspection of the entire barbecue each time you use it. If anything is defective, have it replaced right away.

Always keep the lid of the barbecue open when you are lighting it. Regardless of whether you are using propane, charcoal or natural gas, the lid should be completely open when starting up the grill. If you have a gas or propane barbecue and it does not light, turn the gas off and wait for five minutes before trying again. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to get it repaired.

Propane tanks need to be inspected and requalified or replaced every ten years. The date that the tank was last qualified is listed on the collar of the propane cylinder. An attendant is not permitted to fill an outdated cylinder. If your propane tank is rusted or otherwise damaged, it is time for a new one. Stores or gas stations that sell new propane tanks should be able to take your old tank for proper disposal or recycling.

If you have a charcoal barbecue, make sure that you only use proper charcoal lighting fluid to light the briquettes. Give the fluid a few minutes to settle after you spray it on the charcoal. Always make sure that you stand a safe distance from the grill when you light it and that the starter fluid bottle is far away from the grill when you do so.

Keep your children away from the hot grill and make sure the grill is always supervised to prevent injury. Make sure that you barbecue in a well-ventilated area and that there are no object or obstructions near the grill that could cause injury, cause someone to slip and fall or catch fire. Do not wear loose clothing around the grill. You should have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Make sure that you know how to use the extinguisher properly.

When shutting off a gas or propane grill, make sure you turn off the gas as well as the burners. Give the barbecue some time to cool off before covering it. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure that the coals are completely cool before disposing them. Hot coals can start a fire in a garbage can that can be incredibly dangerous.

Five Security System Facts You May Not Be Aware Of

If you have a security system, you may be aware of the functions of that particular system. However, there are many aspects of alarm systems that you may not be aware of. Here are ten security systems facts that may be new to you!

You can monitor your alarm system & security cameras via the Internet.

These days you can watch your security cameras from your laptop. You can receive text messages when your alarm system is activated or deactivated. You can use your smart phone to enable your security system when you are away from home. You can keep track of everything that is taking place in your home from just about anywhere. All you need is an Internet connection and a computer, tablet or phone. Contact us to find out more about Internet-enabled security systems.

Wireless alarm systems are just as reliable as wired ones.

There was a time when wireless alarm systems were unreliable and unsecure. However, that is no longer the case. Much like wireless Internet, wireless phones and wireless stereo equipment, wireless alarm systems have improved in quality and reliablity greatly over the last few years. They are now as reliable and as secure as a wired system. Wireless systems are great for older homes where it would be incredibly difficult to install wires throughout the home. They are also great for renters who are not allowed or who do not wish to permanently install an alarm system into their home.

You don’t need a landline to have an alarm system.

These days many people do not have a traditional home phone any longer. Cellular phones and VoIP systems are more common than ever and they are replacing traditional landlines for many people. While a landline was once required for an alarm system, this is no longer the case. Modern security systems have safeguards that ensure your safety and security are never compromised, regardless of the state of your phone line, cellular signal or Internet connection.

Having an alarm system makes it ten times less likely that you will suffer a break in.

Combining an alarm system with a second form of protection (such as video surveillance cameras) reduces the chance of a break and enter by 40 times. In addition, the amount of property stolen is 80 percent less in properties that have alarm systems and security cameras than in properties that do not.

Security systems are not “only for the rich.”

Alarm systems, even monitored alarm systems, are much more affordable than most people think. In fact, the reduction in insurance premiums for having an alarm system and the fact that your home will suffer much less damage and loss in the event of a break in more than pays for the alarm system or the security camera.

SafeTech Alarm System has been protecting people and property for more than 20 years. We understand exactly what it takes to keep your property safe. Whether you’re looking for a home alarm system or a commercial alarm system, the loss prevention professionals at SafeTech Alarm Systems can help you find the system that meets your needs and protects your property.

Don’t Leave Spare Keys Where They Can Fall Into The Wrong Hands



It can be convenient to leave a spare key under a rock, inside a flower pot or on top of light fixture in case of emergency. We’ve all run into a situation where we’ve forgotten our keys or we need someone to enter our home when we’re not around. It just seems easier and more convenient to have an extra key stashed away for these types of situations. However, if it’s easy for you to get into your home, that means it’s easy for criminals as well.

Criminals will often scout out a location before attempting a break in. No matter how well you think you’ve hidden your spare key, a criminal will likely be able to find it within ten minutes or so of searching. The lock to your front door is often your first defense against a criminal. Leaving a spare key outside is taking away one obstacle and making a break in much more possible. Leaving a spare key out in the open is essentially the same thing as leaving your door unlocked: Don’t do it.

It is much safer to leave your spare key with a friend, relative or neighbour who you trust. You will still be able to retrieve the key quickly in an emergency, but you won’t be opening yourself up to nearly as much danger as leaving the key outside. You can also place a copy of your keys inside a safety deposit box. This will allow you to access all of them should there be a serious problem.

If you feel like you absolutely must leave a key outside somewhere, make sure that you place the key inside of a combination lockbox. While a lockbox can be tampered with, it is relatively difficult. This will keep your keys safe but still give you access to them when you need them.

As another reminder, never place identifying information such as your name or address on your keys or on your keychain and never keep your keys inside your wallet. If you happen to lose your keys, you don’t want the person who finds them to know exactly where you live. There are services that allow you to put a specific number on your key or keychain instead. If you lose your keys, they can still be send back to you via the number listed on them. Using these services ensures that your personal information is never compromised.

Having a dead bolt lock on your door makes it nearly impossible to lock yourself out with your keys inside. A dead bolt requires you to lock the door with the key as you are leaving. Dead bolts are also much more powerful locks and they are much more difficult to break into or pick. All exterior doors should have dead bolts on them. Now all you’ll have to worry about is losing your keys or forgetting them at work.
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Peace of Mind: Vol 1-25 – How To Keep Children Safe At Home
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. In this month’s issue, we focus on tips to keep children safe, how to work with contractors safely and much more.

Peace of Mind is the only way to get this exhaustive resource of security, crime, safetyand 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.

Keep Children Safe When They’re Home Alone

No matter how old they are, it can always be a little scary to leave your children at home alone. You never know what they can get into and it’s scary to consider what they would do if something went wrong. However, here are a few quick tips that can help you keep children safe when they’re home alone and give you some peace of mind.

First of all, remember that most guidelines state that children younger than 12 years of age should not be left home alone. However, it’s important to consider your child’s maturity level before you make the decision to leave him or her home alone. Sometimes older kids are not ready for the responsibility. Talking to your children about leaving them home alone before doing so will greatly help.

One of the first things you should do is ensure to keep children safe is that your children know what to do if there is an emergency. Place a list of emergency phone numbers in a place where your children can easily find it. Make sure they understand where the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are and that they comprehend why the alarms may sound. Practice an emergency evacuation plan and route and make sure your child understands when he or she should leave the house immediately. Plan two escape routes in case one route is blocked.

You’ll also want to make sure that you let your child know when you will be home and give him or her a number where you can be reached (such as a cell phone number.) You may want to call home from time-to-time depending on how long you will be away. Also, make sure that all medications, toxic chemicals, alcohol, firearms and other dangerous items are locked up so that your children cannot reach them. This will help you keep children safe from these items.

Most importantly, teach your child not to open the door if someone should knock or ring the doorbell. Criminals often take advantage of children who answer the door in order to get inside the house. Tell your children to call you immediately if someone is knocking at the door repeatedly or attempting to get into the house. You should then call the police, have a trusted neighbour or relative check on them quickly, come home yourself or a combination of all three. You should consider tese tips to keep children safe when home alone.

Finally, if you have security cameras installed in your home, you may be able to view the cameras from your smartphone, laptop or other Internet-connected device. For more information on watching security cameras from your phone, please visit the security cameras section of the SafeTech Alarm Systems website.

Preventing Employee Theft With Security Cameras

Most businesses install security cameras in order to prevent unlawful, illegal and costly behaviour by clients, customers, guests and other criminals from outside the organization. However, security cameras can also prevent employee theft.

Studies have shown that a majority of company losses come from theft within the organization. According to a National Retail Security Survey, employee theft accounts for 46.8% of all retail inventory shrinkage. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners states that 27% of large companies are seeing an increase in office employee theft and that this theft accounts for 7% of annual revenues or $994 billion in the United States alone.

Clearly employee theft is a huge problem, both in retail stores and in offices. Installing security cameras and monitoring employee actions can reduce theft and save your business a great deal of money. The savings you’ll see from the reduction in theft will more than pay for the cost of installing the cameras.

Placing security cameras in stock rooms, retail stores and any area where company property may be stolen. Not only will these cameras catch theft as it occurs, but they will allow you to monitor who is entering these areas at all times. You should also point security cameras at cash registers or any other areas where money is kept.

Not only will security cameras catch thieves in the act, but they will also work to deter crime. Many employees steal from their employers because they feel that they will not be caught doing so. If they are aware of the security cameras, they will be much less likely to steal anything.

Protecting your business and your assets from criminals both inside and outside of your organization is vital to running a profitable business. Security cameras are proven to reduce theft in the workplace. You can install security cameras in your company and use the savings to pay for them! Security cameras from SafeTech Alarm Systems can help you keep an eye on your business 24/7.

How To Safely Work With Contractors In Your Home

One of the reasons you have likely installed a security system in your home is to prevent strangers from entering. However, there are times when you need to allow relative strangers into your home – sometimes unsupervised. When you are working with a contractor, housekeeper, babysitter or any other outside worker, it’s important to take some precautions to protect your home and your family. This will help you keep children safe and protect your property.

Whether you are doing renovations, having repairs done or hiring someone to look after your home or family, it’s important to select the right person. This choice should not be made lightly. Remember, you’re essentially allowing a stranger free access to your home so you need to ensure some level of trust. First of all, you need to make sure that the person you are hiring has the appropriate licenses and qualifications. Anyone who is fully licensed should have no problem showing you proof of that fact.

It’s also incredibly important to check references. You should ask the contractor for a list of references prior to agreeing to the work. You can also find contractor reviews online from a number of websites. Not only do you want to ensure that this person is actually qualified, but a track record of satisfied clients shows that the contractor is trustworthy as well.

When hiring someone, make sure to find out if any subcontractors will be used. These people do not work for the contractor on a full time basis, so it is important to find out who they are, if the contractor you are hiring has worked with them before and all other vital qualifications. Also, you’ll need to find out if the person you hire directly will be on-site at all times, You do not want to give your contractor permission to allow other strangers into your home unsupervised.

Remember that you can also use your security system to monitor contractors that are working in your home. Not only can you view their activities through your home security cameras, but your alarm system itself can provide you with vital information as well. You can use the knowledge of when your alarm is armed and disarmed to see how long the contractors are working in your home. When you alarm is deactivated in the morning you know that they have arrived and when it is armed you’ll know that they left.

This knowledge will help keep them honest and your home safe.

SafeTech’s 2011 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 2011 City Crime Report. Use the 2011 City Crime Report to:
  • Determine exactly where crime is happening in Canada
  • Keep children safe from crime
  • 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 2011, please click here.

What Do You Want to See?

Do you have a question, comment or story idea for “Peace of Mind”? Do you have some news regarding recent crimes or break-ins? Email us and let us know!

Online Technical Support, Special Promotions and More!

On the 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 safetechalarms.ca 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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SafeTech Alarm System 121 Willowdale, Suite # 202 North York, ON, M2N 6A3, Canada We hope that this newsletter was helpful and that it provided you with key tips such as how to keep children safe.
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