Burglary Protection

Most break-ins are simply "crimes of opportunity." Intruders will seek out the easiest opportunity to enter a home with the least chance of detection. Time, noise and light are often a burglar's worst enemy. Here are some tips to follow so that you can discourage thieves from seeing your home as an "opportunity."

• Never leave a spare key hidden outside. Use an AAA Alarms lockbox.
• Light up your entrances and garage. Minimize dark corners and hiding spots with well-trimmed hedges, foliage, and trees.
• Secure all windows and doors which are accessible from the outside. Don't forget basement windows and patio doors as they can be a favourite target for intruders.
• Install peepholes so that you can look out at visitors before opening your door.
• Leave a radio on and use light timers when you are out.
• Make sure the street number on your home is large, well-lit and unobstructed so emergency personnel can find you quickly.
• Ensure the alarm system decals & lawn sign are prominently displayed on your windows, doors and yard.
• Never leave ladders out where they can be easily accessible by unwanted visitors.
• Keep your shades drawn at night so the inside of your home is not visible.
• Install and use deadbolts not just key-in-knob locks for all exterior doors.

Personal Safety Tips

• Get in the habit of always arming your security system every time you go out.
• Do not open your door to strangers - ask to see credentials.
• Get to know your neighbours and report suspicious persons or vehicles to the police.
• Never indicate you are not at home on your answering machine.
• Change up your routine often, so people can't memorize your schedule.

Carbon Monoxide Protection

Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous invisible and odorless gas that causes symptoms of fatigue, nausea, headache and dizziness - symptoms that can easily be confused with the flu.

• Be sure any fuel-burning appliances are vented directly to the outside and keep fresh air circulating in your home/building.
• Have your heating system checked for CO emissions before the heating season begins.
• Check any combustion appliances (kitchen range, fireplaces, water heater, furnace, etc.) for CO emissions periodically.
• Never run your vehicle engine for more than a few moments in a garage or any other enclosed area, even if the door is open.
• Install an AAA monitored Carbon Monoxide Detector today!

Fire Protection Safety

Most fatal fires strike at night when people are asleep. Working smoke alarms alert you to developing fires and give you time to escape! They DOUBLE your chances of surviving a residential fire!*

• Install an AAA Alarm hard-wired smoke detector that is monitored through your security system
• Wireless smoke detectors require batteries, so make a habit of checking them every 6 months to ensure they will be ready when you need them.
• Smoke alarms should be installed on each floor of the house and outside bedrooms.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure everyone knows how to use it.
• Never leave a stove unattended while cooking, even for a minute.
• Have your furnace and fireplace professionally cleaned once a year.
• Ensure your family knows and practices a fire escape route.

Door to Door Alarm Sales Tips

The protection of your family and home is important; this is why it is essential to choose an alarm system from a security company that fits your needs and that you can depend on. In recent years, door to door sales, or doorknockers, have become a more popular form of selling products or services including alarm systems. Unfortunately, some door to door alarm sales people use aggressive sales tactics that may frighten customers into purchasing an alarm on the spot or hold back key information hidden in lengthy contracts.

In an effort to inform consumers, AAA Alarms has compiled a list of tips and questions to ask if approached by a door to door sales representative.

• Ask the representative to see photo identification to verify their position and company. If a door-knocker states they are from AAA but cannot produce photo ID, call the AAA Alarms' Customer Care Team at 204-949-0078 to confirm their employment.
• Do not feel pressured to purchase something you don't need or understand. Get a few quotes and give yourself time to consider the offer, services, and reputation of each company.
• Some companies offer "free" alarm systems. While the equipment may be free (is that written in the contract?), there is a monthly monitoring fee. Calculate the cost of the free system in relation to the monthly monitoring fees and compare it with other companies' quotes.
• Ensure the contract includes the same information and promises that the sales person outlined. If it does not, do not sign the contract.
• Inquire as to who will be monitoring your alarm system and where they are located. If it is not the same company you are purchasing your alarm from, ask for the company name and address.
• Read the contract in its entirety and make certain you completely understand the details. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification.
• Ask the sales representative to perform a security assessment of your home to evaluate your individual needs. Did they appear knowledgeable and provide you sound advice?
• Make sure the company you are dealing with is reputable by looking it up on the Better Business Bureau's website www.bbb.org.
• If you have any questions or concerns about door to door alarm sales representatives, do not hesitate to call us at 204-949-0078 or TF 1-866-949-0078.