Violent Home Invasion in Toronto Reinforces Importance of Home Invasion Safety

A 53-year-old man has been arrested by Toronto police after a violent home invasion near Bloor West Village. The man allegedly broke into a home armed with a knife and hammer. Inside the home was a 64-year-old woman and her 89-year old mother.

It is reported that the man slashed the 64-year-old with a knife and demanded money from the residents. He then left the home with an undisclosed amount of money. The daughter was treated at the hospital for her wound. The mother had become ill during the alleged attack and was also sent to hospital.

Home Invasion Robbers vs. Traditional Burglars

Home invasion robbers are more dangerous than other burglars because they want a confrontation, use violence, and do not feel they are pressed for time to get out of your home immediately. In contrast, traditional burglars operate when a resident is not home because they want to avoid a confrontation and usually will flee when approached. Alarm signs and decals, strong locks and doors, big dogs and alert neighbors can sometimes deter a traditional burglar. Most incidents of burglary do not result in violence, even when the burglar is discovered. This is not the case with home invasion robbers.

Why Home Invasions?

Home invasion incidents are escalating because the traditional targets of convenience stores and fast food restaurants are harder to attack with affordable video surveillance systems, silent alarms and other anti-crime deterrent devices. Robbing a residence while the residents are home is more lucrative. Unlike robbing a convenience store, home invaders will most likely have privacy once inside your home and won’t have to deal with the police suddenly driving up or customers walking in. These offenders can rely on an ample period of time to escape from the crime scene.

Some Prevention Steps

The same tactics used to prevent burglaries will go a long way to preventing a home invasion robbery. If you can delay a home invader at the point of entry, then you have a chance of deterring them or have time to call the police.

• Do not open the door without question at the sound of a knock.
• Use the door peephole before opening the door. If you do not have a peephole, have one installed.
• If you are not expecting a package, delivery or service call do not answer the door. Insist that the deliverer provide you with verbal verification of his employment and call the company to confirm that the deliverer’s impromptu visit is legitimate. Your front door should remain closed and locked!
• Never rely on a chain-latch as a barrier to partially open the door; a home invader will kick in the door.
• A solid core door, strong locks with reinforced strike plates, and reinforced window devices will help to stop most forced entries. Keep doors, garage doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are home. Keep porches and all entrances well lit, i.e., driveways, garages and alleys.
• Check bulbs regularly
• Arm your security system (if you have one) even when you are home. This is a common mistake homeowners make and home invasion robbers know it.
• Add panic buttons to your security system and place them around your home so you can alert the proper authorities from any location in your home.
• Call the police if you see a stranger acting suspiciously.
• Alert your neighbors to suspicious solicitors.
• Hold a family meeting to discuss home security plans. The best defense against home invasion is education and planning.
• Consider building or designating a safe room inside your home to allow your family to retreat or escape potential violence while giving them valuable time to call the police.

Security ONE Alarm Systems Receives Life Safety Award

Security ONE was recognized at the 22nd annual 2011 Convention as a First Alert Professional dealer whose actions result in lives being saved; Company embraces the life safety message and promotes it to their customers

Security ONE Alarm Systems, Southwestern Ontario’s only locally owned and operated monitoring facility, was honoured at the Honeywell First Alert Professional 2011 Convention with the Life Safety Award. Members of Honeywell’s First Alert Professional dealer network assembled November 10-13 in Scottsdale, Arizona for the 22nd annual convention focused on innovative technologies and services. Security ONE was recognized as a dealer whose actions result in lives being saved.

The life safety incident Security ONE was nominated for was when a central station operator helped a senior citizen in a medical emergency. The company helps protect seniors with Security ONE Alert, a personal emergency response system that will connect them to emergency help 24 hours a day. Seniors who have a medical condition or live alone can benefit from Security ONE Alert. Within a matter of seconds of pressing their pendent, trained Security ONE personnel respond, notify emergency contacts and stay on the line until assistance arrives.

On Mar 28, 2011 at 11:49am, a senior resident of Essex, ON felt discomfort in his lower back and activated his medic alert. The medic customer was connected with a Security ONE dispatcher, who dispatched an ambulance at 11:51am. The medic customer had suffered from an aneurysm but received the medical attention they needed to recover and was later released from the ICU.

Life safety is the cornerstone of Honeywell’s program, and Security ONE was honoured to be the recipient of the award. As a security company, Security ONE has the resources to save lives. By installing monitored security, fire detection, and medical alert systems, Security ONE helps to protect against the threats of crime, fire, and medical emergencies.

Another key component of the Life Safety Award was to recognize the First Alert Professional dealer who incorporates the life safety message into their company’s philosophy.

Security ONE embraces the life safety message and promotes it their customers. Sales people instill the life safety message with each customer they visit. A bi-monthly eNewsletter, the News Alert, emphasizes the value of life safety, through topics such as safety procedures for home invasion and fires, identify theft, internet safety, cyberbullying, poison control, and personal safety for children, adults and seniors.

Customer Testimonial

Do you ever worry that a loved one will experience a fall while alone in their home? Stepping on a chair to reach a cupboard, or moving light furniture can become dangerous activities for seniors. This senior could enjoy living safely and independently in their own home with a medical alert system monitored by Security ONE. Their family members had the assurance that their loved one could get immediate medical assistance and could continue living the lifestyle they wanted.

“Mom fell several times and on one occasion had to be hospitalized. (Security ONE Alarm Systems) equipment and service made a huge difference in her instant access to help and our family’s comfort. Mom recently told one of my sisters that if it was not for this system, she would have had to move to a retirement home long before now – something she absolutely did not want to do.”

“I am glad to be able to report that the service that we received from Security ONE was outstanding – from the initial contract and installation, to the purchase of the unit, the constant monitoring and the always fast and effective response to emergency calls for service.”

Seniors could feel limited in terms of what they are able to do within their own home, in fear of falling and not getting help in time. Just as they have given you essential life tools, you can give loved ones the tools they need to continue living the lifestyles they want. With a medical alert system monitored by Security ONE, a loved one can live safely and independently in their own home. You and your loved ones can have the peace of mind that help is one button away, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Security Myths

This article was prepared by Mark Morris,  Security Consultant with Security ONE since 2000. Mark has also been with the parent company, KELCOM, for 27 years. He is married to Cathy, and enjoys time with his family of 5 children and his 6 grandchildren. 

This month I thought it would be helpful to review some common myths that I hear each week from families and individuals looking to provide security in their homes. Everyone means well, but you may have heard different ideas about security from friends, family members or neighbours.

“If my phone line gets cut, my alarm company will know!”

False and incorrect. (Sound of a really annoying buzzer would also be good here). The phone line is the distinct method and path for communication with the monitoring station. If it is cut intentionally, by means of an intended break-in, or by natural causes like an ice storm, the alarm company will have no knowledge of this. With more and more VOIP phone applications sometimes their system failure or a power outage can suspend your monitoring.

The solution comes by the way of a cellular module added to your alarm system to provide no disruption of signals to our monitoring station. A huge advantage of choosing Security ONE is that we do daily check-ins to ensure that each of our customer’s alarm system is transmitting properly.

If you are not a Security ONE customer, check with your current provider to better identify what steps are in place to provide the best in-home security. I have met dozens of homeowners who have found out the hard way that their system has not been monitored for months, and no one knew.

Security ONE provides the most up to date technological protocols to ensure that you and your family are safe and secure. Call us today if you are unsure or concerned about your home security. Maintain peace of mind with Security ONE.

Mark Morris – Security Consultant
363 Eugenie St. E., Windsor, ON N8X 2Y2
Email: mmorris@securityonealarm.com
Tel 1: (519) 250-5080 ext. 2634

VoIP Phones Disrupting Security Systems

Homeowners who make their phone calls with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone services may want to check their security system. A Windsor resident who had been with a competitor security company found that their house had not been properly protected for 6 months.

The customer had no idea that the VoIP phone service they signed up for 6 months ago was incompatible with their home security system. The customer learned that their security company was not receiving their alarm signal, meaning any calls for help would have gone unanswered.

“I visited a Windsor resident who was with a competitor security company and was shopping around for prices,” said Christine Renaud, a Sales Consultant with Security ONE. “I learned that they had switched from Bell to Cogeco and for the past 6 months were using VoIP.”

VoIP uses a high-speed internet connection as a phone line instead of a regular analog line – and often at a fraction of the cost of traditional land-line phone services. While these new phone service options are rapidly growing in popularity, Christine was aware that they may cause alarm signals to get scrambled. As a result, a system may be unable to consistently send alarm signals to the monitoring station.

Christine purposely set off the customer’s security system and waited for a response from the competitor security company. Just as Christine suspected, the security company did not respond to the alarm signal. Because the competitor did not do daily tests of the customers security system, they hadn’t been aware that the system was not transmitting properly since they switched to VoIP.

“Regardless of the type of service you choose, our GSM Cellular Modules help ensure that your alarm system will continue to function without interruption.”

“Our GSM Cellular Modules use digital technology, which is the same technology found in millions of cell phones. Signals can get through, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This product allows you to take maximum advantage of cost savings from digital telephone services while maintaining, and even improving, the reliability of your security system.”

After explaining this alternative method of communication, the customer switched their security provider to Security ONE Alarm Systems and had a GSM Cellular Module installed.

“A huge advantage of choosing Security ONE is that we do daily check-ins to ensure that each of our customer’s alarm system is transmitting properly,” highlighted Christine. “All of our customers can be sure that they are in good hands.”

Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Statistically, water damage is the number one insurance claim in Windsor-Essex County. A conversation between Mark Morris, a Security ONE Sales Consultant, and Natalie Belinko, our Marketing Coordinator, highlights that now is good time for homeowners to take the necessary precautions to protect their home from water damage.

Natalie: Spring is still a couple months away, but I can’t help feeling motivated to get prepared. It is too early for homeowners to start preparing their home for spring?

Mark: Not necessarily. Every spring, basements get flooded with water. Many homeowners will make appointments with me after the fact, and post water damage, to get protection for the water levels in their basement.

Natalie: Getting your home ready for spring now will ensure you’ll be ready to enjoy the season! And there’s nothing enjoyable about stepping into ankle deep water, and seeing family photos and personal items afloat in your basement.

Mark: Yes, most people would rather be spending time with family, and outdoors, than thinking about insurance. However, water damage is statistically the number one insurance claim in Windsor-Essex County.

Natalie: So this is a good time for homeowners to take the necessary precautions to prevent having to submit a claim… but also loosing irreplaceable items, like heirlooms and baby pictures.

Mark: Yes, and another aspect is that when water leaks into your property, moisture can collect, allowing mold to develop. Mold can cause further damage to your property and can potentially cause health problems.

Natalie: For many reasons, prevention costs less.

Mark: Especially when you factor in that most insurance companies offer homeowners a discount of 10-15% for having a monitored security system. Having a monitored security system is not only a precaution to prevent theft and intrusion, but is also a preventative measure against flooding basements.

Natalie: The obvious cause of this annual ritual of flooded basements is the spring thaw, a time of rain and melting snow and ice, and when water flow mechanisms don’t work as they usually do.

Mark: Yes, there are a couple direct sources for water to get into your basement.

One source is water from your roof and yard that flows to the foundation wall and overloads your basement system’s capacity to get rid of it.

Secondly, a rising water table under the house can lead to flooded basements.

Local flood conditions is another source, usually coming from ice clogged rivers and ditches.

The failure of sump pump detection processes, including some “fail-safe” devices, is also a source of water in basements.

Natalie: When you meet with homeowners who wish to protect their home from these occurrences, what do you recommend they do?

Mark: Security ONE provides monitoring of environmental devices that will protect your home from sump pump overflow, which will prevent floods. The installation of a sump pump detector alerts homeowners through their alarm system that a pending flood could be imminent.

Natalie: How does it work?

Mark: A float device is mounted in the sump pump basin or the water hole, in a lever where you consider critical. Once water reaches that level, it triggers a signal through your alarm system. This allows security ONE to contact homeowners at work, on vacation, or in their absence, a family member or neighour.

Natalie: Some homeowners don’t have sump pumps, but can experience water in their basement from the other sources you mentioned. What do you recommend they do to protect their home?

Mark: They can protect their basement with a “water bug”, which is a device that lays flat on a cement floor. It detects water in the event of non-sump pump related occurrences. If a pipe burst, or if your hot water tank leaks, the “water bug” would detect any water.

Natalie: I can see how having this type of system in place would be beneficial for people that are away from their home, whether it be for the day or for extended periods of time.

Mark: Yes, retired couples, or “snow birds”, that head south for the winter months can enjoy peace of mind knowing that environmental issues are being monitored at their home.

Natalie: Does Security ONE provide monitoring of other environmental devices?

Mark: Yes, Security ONE will protect homeowners from

• Low temperature, which will prevent pipe freezes
• Carbon monoxide detection, which will keep your family safe
• Fire and smoke detection, to protect your home and family
• Power failure monitoring

Natalie: Is it cost effective?

Mark:  Security ONE does not charge a monthly premium for environmental monitoring. These devices can be added and monitored with no additional monitoring fees. Water devices can be purchase and installed starting as low as $125, depending on the style and construction of the home. The cost for each device is minimal when compared to the peace of mind they provide.

Burn Awareness Week

A majority of Canadian parents are not aware of the scald and burn hazards in their homes. A survey by Safe Kids Canada found the 70% of Canadian parents did not know that the most common cause of burn injuries to children is scalds from hot liquids, such as spilled hot drinks and hot tap water, rather than fire.

Hot water scalds are the leading cause of burns to young children, which the vast majority of these burn injuries are preventable. February 5 – 11 is Burn Awareness Week, and an excellent opportunity to “kick off” a year full of burn prevention.

Each year an estimated 9,000 children nationally visit hospital emergency room for burns, and almost half of these have suffered scalds from hot liquids. Close to 1,000 Canadian children are hospitalized each year for severe scalds and burns. According to Safe Kids Canada, approximately 50% of these children are hospitalized for scalds alone.

A scald is a second-degree or third-degree burn caused by hot liquid or steam. Hot coffee, tea, soup and other hot foods are the most common causes of scalds to young children. Hot tap water is a less common cause, but these scalds are often more severe. Most Canadian hot water heaters are set to a temperature of 60°C (140° F). Water this hot can severely scald a child’s skin in just one second.

Tap water scalds can happen anywhere that the water is too hot – not just in the bath. Children have been scalded by hot tap water when playing at the sink, or by putting their hands or feet into a bucket filled with hot tap water for household cleaning.

To prevent tap water scalds, the hot water at all your taps should be no hotter than 49°C (120°F). The Ontario building code requires that hot water at household taps be no hotter than this temperature, and applies to new construction and substantial changes to existing plumbing. At this temperature, it takes about 10 minutes to burn a child’s skin.

Children are more at risk for tap water scalds. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult’s skin. A child’s skin burns more quickly – so even a very short exposure to water that is too hot can cause a serious burn.

Young children cannot move away from hot water quickly. Many tap water scalds happen when a child is in the bath or playing at the sink. If the water is too hot, a child will get a deep burn that covers a large portion of his or her body. The child may need repeated surgery and skin grafts over many years.

Elderly people and people with certain disabilities or medical conditions (such as diabetes) are also at high risk for tap water scalds. This is because their skin may not be able to feel heat quickly or because they cannot move away from hot water quickly.

Poison Safety

What is a Poison?

Any substance that can cause harmful effects if used in the wrong way or in
the wrong amount can be a poison! This includes medicines, chemicals,
household products, the venom of certain insects and snakes and even some
plants. Poisons can be absorbed into the body when swallowed, inhaled, when
contact is made with the eyes or skin, or when injected under the skin.

Who Can Be Poisoned?

No one is immune from poisoning, and small children are especially at risk. Children are naturally curious. They cannot tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous substances, and they can put everything within reach into their mouths. They also imitate adults whom they see using medicines.

Older children and adults are poisoned by taking too much medicine or the wrong medicine, inhaling fumes at home or on the job, splashing certain substances into their eyes or on their skin, and being bitten or stung by an insect, snake or other animal. Since most poisonings are unintentional, preventing them means taking some precautions.

How Can I Prevent Poisonings in My Home?

• Store all medicines and household products in their original containers.
• Use child-resistant packages for medicines and potentially dangerous household products. Encourage older adults who spend time with children to use child-resistant packaging. Remember, these packages and caps are NOT child-proof!
• Lock medicines and products out of sight and reach of children.
• Teach young children to ask an adult before putting things in their mouths.
• When giving or taking medicine, be sure to read the label each time.
• Follow product label warnings about mixing different products together, being in a well ventilated area, or wearing gloves.
• Never leave children alone with household products or medications. If you’re using a product, take the child with you if stopping to answer the door or phone. Most poisonings
• occur when the product is in use.

Dangerous Household Poisons

Medicines of All Kinds
Medicines taken by older adults for chronic health problems, e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, can be especially dangerous to children and adults if not taken properly. Iron pills and pain relievers can be very dangerous in overdose situations and especially when ingested by children. Cough and cold remedies can also cause problems when children take more than the recommended dosage for their height and weight.

Cleaning Products
Common household cleaning products are a leading cause of unintentional poisonings of children. Those that are especially dangerous are ones that can cause chemical burns, such as drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners and laundry detergent.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Permanent wave neutralizers and hair straighteners can burn the eyes and skin. Mouthwash and perfume contain alcohol, which is dangerous if swallowed. Some nail careproducts can also be poisonous if ingested.

Household and Auto
Maintenance Supplies Gasoline, kerosene, motor oil and paint thinner are dangerous because they are easily coughed into the lungs when someone tries to swallow them. Antifreeze and windshield washer solution are dangerous to swallow and their sweet taste makes them appealing to children and pets.

Pesticides, Including Lawn and Garden Chemicals
Many chemicals used to control insects, rodents and weeds are as toxic to humans as they are to their intended victims. When ingested or inhaled in small amounts, most are capable of producing illness. Many of these products are poisonous if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Avoid using products that require leaving powder or pellets in areas where pets or children may have access to them.

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may resemble the flu and include headache, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. In addition to making sure that your fuel-burning appliances are working properly, it is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home as a backup to making sure the appliances are working properly.

Alcohol
Alcohol found in beverages, mouthwash, perfumes and aftershave lotions is a dangerous poison for children. Small amounts can slow down their breathing and heart rate, cause seizures, coma or even kill them. Since children imitate adults, alcohol at parties can
pose a real hazard. Watch children closely at adult parties and clear the “empty” glasses
and cans immediately. Use child resistant closures on mouthwash bottles. Lock alcoholic beverages, mouthwash and other alcohol-containing products out of sight and reach of children.

Plants and Wild Mushrooms
Some indoor and outdoor plants can pose a hazard to curious youngsters. Berries and wild mushrooms pose the greatest outdoor hazards to curious children. Philodendron and Dieffenbachia (Dumbcane) are indoor plants that can cause pain and swelling in children and pets who nibble on them. Adults are poisoned by eating plants and mushrooms they have mistaken for edible species. Teach young children to ask before putting things into their mouths. Never eat wild mushrooms unless they have been identified by an expert. Learn the correct botanical names of your house plants, garden plants and trees. Contact your poison center for a list of poisonous and non-poisonous plants common to your area of the country.

This information is intended to increase your awareness of potential poisons in and around your home. We want to alert you to especially dangerous poison hazards. In our next post, you’ll also learn the best course of action to take if a poisoning does occur.

Developed with information from:
American Association of Poison Control Centers
American Academy of Pediatrics

Home Security Challenge

Fire Extinguisher 101 

Do you think you know how to best protect your home and loved ones with a fire extinguisher? Take our challenge and find out!

Take the Home Security Challenge

Senior Safety

Loved ones can enjoy safe, independent living in their own home with a medical alert system monitored by Security ONE Alarm Systems 

Throughout the years you may have gained essential life tools from parents, grandparents, or other loved ones in your life. As these loved ones grow older, you can help them get the support they need. Security ONE has helped many seniors enjoy living safely and independently in their own home by providing medical alert systems. They also give their family members the assurance that their loved ones have the tools they need to continue living the lifestyles they want.

Safety
Do you ever worry that a loved one will experience a fall while alone in their home? Getting immediate medical assistance could be the difference between life and death. Stepping on a chair to reach a cupboard, or moving light furniture can become dangerous activities for seniors. Instead of avoiding these tasks entirely, they can feel confident that during their daily activities around the home, somebody is watching out for them. By pressing the button of a medical alert system bracelet, they are instantly connected to our monitoring station.

Usability
Some seniors may have a limited amount of technical knowledge. Our medical alert devices are extremely easy to use. To get the assistance they need, a user needs only to press a button they wear as a bracelet or necklace. The two-way voice communications system allows even those with quiet voices to be heard, and can be loud enough for those with difficulty hearing.

Functionality
A loved one can have access to their button in basically any household environment. The pendant has a waterproof transmitter, which means that seniors who are worried about tripping and falling in the bathroom will be able to get the help that they need.

Immediate, 24/7 assistance
Some security companies outsource their accounts to a call center. This is not ideal in the event of an injury or a fall, because an elderly person can’t afford to wait to receive medical assistance. Security ONE is not a “Third Party” Alarm Company. Security ONE provides immediate service, and professional personnel who will promptly call emergency services.

Personalized
Do you want to find out about a loved one’s accident before anybody else, or would you rather emergency medical services be notified first? A part of our professional monitoring is how we handle an emergency situation, which we handle according to your needs.

Cost-effective
Security ONE offers all-encompassing coverage that costs around a dollar per day. Including the equipment, monthly monitoring and full maintenance in your home, the rental is $29.95 per month. Many children even offer to buy it for their parents.

Summary
Seniors could feel limited in terms of what they are able to do within their own home, in fear of falling and not getting help in time. Just as they have given you essential life tools, you can give loved ones the tools they need to continue living the lifestyles they want. With a medical alert system monitored by Security ONE, a loved one can live safely and independently in their own home. You and your loved ones can have the peace of mind that help is one button away, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.