Residential and Commercial Members
What have some people said about our product?
“My husband and I attended your SAFEsystem information session and immediately realized the potential of the lock boxes in cases of a medical emergency and put our names on the list for an installation at our home.
In early April, it was necessary for me to call an ambulance to transport my husband to Guelph General Hospital. I have never experienced something like this before and I realized then how helpful it would have been if one of the lock boxes had been installed at our front entrance.
Fortunately my husband was conscious and did not need lifesaving care. When I was back home from the hospital and went over the events in my mind, I thought about the things you don’t have time to think about while the event is happening before you. Having one of the SAFEsystem lock boxes already installed would have eliminated the worry of not having to answer the door to emergency personnel. If I had been in the middle of administering CPR, I would not have to stop what I was doing to get the door open. I also discovered that in an emergency situation, you can have problems focusing on what is the most important thing to do. Like most seniors, we keep our front door locked at all times. Getting rid of the problem of worrying about entrance for the fire department and paramedics just allows you more time to concentrate on the important things that must be done.
We both know without a doubt installing an SAFEsystem lock box will be a smart move on our part in many ways.”
What happens if I move?
Since the lock box becomes part of the home when it is sold, it will have to stay with the original structure. There are however a few options for you to take advantage of.
If you are a current SAFEsystem client but move to new home with an existing lock box, then your annual fees will simply continue. There will however be a small service fee for updating your replacement key into lock box at your new residence.
If you are a current SAFEsystem member but move to new home without an existing lock box then contact us and we will arrange to have new lock box installed at a discounted price. Annual fees will still apply.
If you move into a home that has a SAFEsystem lock box already installed but you do not yet have an account with us, contact SAFEsystem through our contact page.
Can the key be duplicated?
No. Plus, the key we use is electronic and can only be modified and updated by SAFEsystem.
What happens if I decide to cancel my membership with SAFEsystem?
As we age, it would seem more sensible to have a product like a SAFEsystem lock box installed. However, if there comes a time that you wish to cancel your membership, it is quite simple; we will have a representative go to your home and remove the lock, return the key to you and insert a low profile plug into the small opening. If you change your mind in the future, it is very easy to reactivate your membership.
What happens if I move into a home that already has the lock box installed?
All you have to do is contact SAFEsystem and we will send you our simple installation package.
How can I place an order?
There are a few ways that orders can be placed. Please go to our contact page for options to reach us.
Who benefits from SAFEsystem?
This program has been developed to assist participating Fire and EMS crews in gaining immediate entry to your home in the event of an emergency. Therefore, entry times are dramatically reduced and there is no damage caused due to forcible entry.
There are those individuals that are confined to their home due to illness or injury. These patients are of all ages and may not be able to unlock a door to let in emergency crews.
What is the current protocol within fire departments to gain entry?
Contrary to popular belief, when Fire crews respond to a home for a 9-1-1 call, for the most part they do not force open doors or break windows; there must be what is called probable cause. If this is the case, various forcible entry tools will be utilized therefore probably causing significant damage.
Here is a list of common actions taken from fire crews when responding to unknown medical or fire 9-1-1 calls:
Paramedics
Try to open front door
Confirm proper location
Obtain more info from dispatch (ie. Is there someone coming to scene with a key)
Perform 360 check of property to see about other forms of entry
Have police respond
Make decision regarding costly forcible entry
Fire
Try to open front door
Confirm proper location/ hear alarm
Obtain more info from dispatch (ie. Is there someone coming to scene with a key)
Check to see about other forms of entry
Complete a 360 walk around of the structure
Utilize thermal imaging camera (if available)
Have police respond
Make decision regarding costly forcible entry
This all takes valuable time.
With the installation of a SAFEsystem lock box, your house key is securely stored inside and can quickly be accessed by Fire personnel in order to make rapid entry without causing any damage to your home.
Do I have to be home when a lockbox is installed?
No. Each lock box is skilfully installed by our SAFEsystem team in an area close to your front door. If you have any specific instructions for installation, be sure to contact SAFEsystem or pass them on to the installer. Please keep in mind that this program is designed to make entering your home quick and without delay. Therefore, all lock boxes MUST be installed within a 4 foot radius of the front door. When you place an order, we will send you our special lock with simple to follow instructions. At the same time, an order of installation will be placed with our SAFEsystem team.
Will my home insurance be reduced?
Currently Cory Young Insurance Group, a Cooperators agency for Waterloo and Rockwood offers a discount on home insurance if a SAFEsystem lock box is active. It is advisable that you contact your current insurance company to inform them of your new purchase. We are hopeful that in time, insurance companies will see the value and add SAFEsystem to their list of possible discounts.
What if I need replacement medical forms for the Medi-tube?
New forms can be downloaded easily from our website at no charge from our resources page.
Can I install the lock box myself?
SAFEsystem representatives are the only personnel who can install your lock box. Partly because there is a chance that it is not done properly, therefore voiding any warrantee, not to mention making it easier for untrustworthy individuals to remove the lock box from your outside wall and possibly have access to house key.
The installation of a SAFEsystem lock box must be done properly due to the variety of exterior surface challenges.
Where are the lock boxes made?
All SAFEsystem lock boxes are proudly made in Waterloo, Ontario.
How does the SAFEsystem program work?
Lock boxes have been in our communities since the early 1950’s and have gone through significant modifications that keep up with ever changing technology. Corporations and small businesses alike have utilized the convenience of having a lock box mounted on the outside of their building to deal with an activated alarm after normal business hours. This assists Fire crews so they will not have to wait for a responsible party to arrive and open the door.
Our product is an improvement on the current system. We will install an inconspicuous lock box into the outside of your home and close to the front door. A special electronic key is help with emergency services personnel and is used to open up each lock box which would contain a copy of your front door key. Responders will know that each home is a SAFE home because of an identifying sticker placed near your front door (preferably the window beside front door). Once crews are inside they can obtain vital personal information from the Medi-tube that mounts on the side of your fridge.
Is there a warrantee?
Yes. We offer a basic 1 year warrantee.
Why is there an annual monitoring fee?
To support ongoing maintenance and security of the network and all support services related to your community network
What happens if the entry key gets lost?
The key times out after a predetermined period assigned by the network administrator. Unlike current lock box programs, there is next to no risk of our key being used maliciously if misplaced or lost.
How will each Emergency Services department know that homes are outfitted with a SAFEsystem?
Much like an alarm system, SAFEsystem will supply each member with a notification sticker that is to be placed near the front door (preferably on side window) that states the home is supplied with a SAFEsystem lock box. Also, depending on the operations of each department, there may be communication between your local dispatch. Therefore, all lock box addresses for each installation will be forwarded to your local dispatch and then relayed to emergency responder departments.
What happens if I accidentally install the lock into the lock box without a key or SAFEstick inside?
If you are home during the installation our installer will insert the lock plate into the lock box ensuring the master key and SAFEstick are attached. If a mistake is made the installer will be able to open up the lock box while on the premises. An installer will not return to open a lock box. You will have to contact SAFEsystem so we can send a representative out to assist (a service charge will apply).
Which departments are on board?
To date, Waterloo Fire Rescue and Guelph Fire Department carry the SAFEsystem. Other regions are evaluating.