Summer 2013 SAFE Security Customer Newsletter

As summer draws to a close and some of us turn our thoughts to the coming school year, we are in-creasingly aware of computer technology used as a teaching tool, even at elementary grade levels. Some schools require tablets for �rst graders.

Most schools will o�er or require training for parents on tablet use, and this is the best way to learn how monitor your child’s online activity to keep them safe. Discuss online safety with your

kids. You may �nd that sharing this educational experience with your child can be fun!

There are several websites that o�er safeguard suggestions, setting rules and guidelines for internet use by kids. Some sites are dedicated to kid safety, others have youth sections that provide great tools to keep an open dialog with your child about internet safety. Don’t get complacent after a while; this is an ongoing process, so be vigilant.

SAFE SECURITY

Tel: (800) 669-7779

Fax: (925) 891-3650

safesecurity.com

Keep kids safe: monitor tablets, technology assigned by schools

Easy “Tech Tips” save you time and moneyTest your alarm system before other technicians leave.

We have had recent reports of customers needing on site technical service to correct a communications issue between their alarm system keypad and the monitoring station, a situation that may have been created by an electrician, or a telephone or cable technician.

Communications technology in our homes is so integrated these days that occasionally a “non security” technician installing or repairing a phone, internet or cable line may inadvertently disable the land phone line used by the security alarm system. In e�ect, the alarm system, if triggered, may not call the monitoring station.

Avoid a costly security service call by testing your system before the other technician leaves the premises and have that technician correct the issue. Testing your system just takes a couple of minutes and can save the time and cost of a service call. Complete downloadable test instructions are located at www.safesecurity.com, and in the SAFE Operations Manual which is also downloadable.

Heed the Low Battery message to ensure optimal functionality!

Most security alarm systems alert us to a need for a new panel battery by a beeping sound, a blinking light or an “alert” icon on the alarm panel, and it is critical to the function of the system to replace that battery as soon as possible. Some systems actually indicate LO BATT or similar message or �ash a warn- ing signal in the visual display area. However, those of us who use a remote key fob or smart device to arm and disarm our systems may not even look at the control panel for a period of time to notice a low battery indicator. Be on the alert for this message, especially if your system is three or more years old.

If you wish to replace the panel battery yourself (to avoid a possible service charge), you will �nd helpful instructional videos (made by SAFE team members for our customers) at safesecurity.com under the SUPPORT option. These batteries are specialized but typically available at most national hardware chain stores and battery specialty stores. Remember to test your system after replacing the battery, and please recycle the old one.

SIMON XT users take note!The Interlogix (GE) Simon XT alarm panel is a bit more passive in its indication of a low battery. The “STATUS” button will light to indicate any abnormal troubles with the system. Press this button to view alert messages; a panel low battery may be one of them. Again, replace the battery as soon as possible (view the Simon XT battery replacement video on our website). Once the battery is replaced and has su�cient time to charge, this alert message will go away.

Right: When the STATUS button is lit, press it to reveal the alert message.

Suggested Kid Safety sites: www.fbi.gov www.ftc.gov www.mcgruff.org

Or, just type “safety for kids” in your browser.

Above: Simon XT alarm panel display showing no alerts.

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary

in the Security Industry!

Summer 2013THE SENTINEL, SAFE Security Customer Newsletter

PO Box 5164San Ramon, CA 94583

Reminders: Go to our website to• Make or change payment options• Request system service• Print a Certificate of Monitoring for your homeowner’s insurance premium discount• Request free yard sign and window decals• Download system manuals• Find alarm system test instructions• Watch battery replacement videos

www.safesecurity.com

Look inside for Tech Tips

that will save time

and money

Friends and Family Referral Special: Refer a new customer to SAFE and we’ll send you $50 cash!

Little did we imagine, when we conceived of a sign photo drawing as a fun way to bring awareness to the importance of displaying yard signs, that this project would be so impactful to our customers and SAFE team members.

There has been larger than expected participation by customers who have mailed or emailed their sign photo entries, not to mention the happy responses of the winners of several prizes awarded since we started the quarterly drawings.

Although the drawings are strictly random, we must commend the customers who put some creative effort in their photos. Posing by SAFE yard signs are teens, children, pets and husbands who stand patiently as wives take the picture. The ultrasound held by big sister was a nice touch! One clever photo shows a burglar running away at the sight of our yard sign!

We are pleased that our message of the importance of displaying your yard sign is being heard because that enhances the scope of security. We also note that the photos person-alize the recipients of the protection services we provide and remind us that they are not just houses, but homes with families, children and yes, pets.

We have posted the photos (unless specifically requested not to) in a slide show on our website. To protect privacy, they are not identified, and to view them (recommended), one must log in as a customer.

Thanks to all who have submitted photos and good luck! If you have not already won a prize, you are still entered for the drawings. Complete contest rules and winners are posted online after every drawing.

If you haven’t sent in our yard sign photo yet, email it to mysafesign@safesecurity.com before our October drawing.

SAFE’s popular yard sign photo contest sends multiple messages by Karen McQueen, SAFE marketing manager

Kaye and Eddie of Colorado Springs won the Grand Prize Big Screen TV in July!

There were several other prize winners in July’s photo drawing. From right to left these photos were sent in by iPad® winners Keith and his macaw of Shakopee MN and Trella of Memphis TN; Kindle Fire HD winners Florence of Tampa TX, Rita of Pueblo CO, Angelique of Wood Dale IL, Mark of Concord CA, and Nicholas of Larose LA.