HOW BEST TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME SECURITY

When it comes to guarding the safety and security of your home, the truth is, if you don’t decide to be pro-active, your property will become more attractive to a potential burglar. It’s time to take charge. There are numerous relatively easy ways to protect your home from robbery. Obviously, you can’t anticipate every potential weakness, but you can still take affordable and reasonable measures to stop most situations in which a break-in might happen.

Set up basic household rules.

• Don’t open your door to strangers. (If you don’t already have one, it’s time to install a peephole.)
• Keep your garage door in working order, and always make sure it’s shut and locked whenever you’re gone.
• Keep your windows and doors locked anytime you’re away, as well as when you’re all asleep.

Eliminate potential hiding places. Maintain your trees, hedges, shrubs, and other plants, keeping them well trimmed. If they’re ungainly, too tall, or poorly spaced, a trespasser can easily hide.

Don’t keep your keys and garage-door remotes out in the open. It’s a bad idea to have your remotes and keys on display close to the door, where anybody can see them by looking through a window. Instead, keep them hidden inside a cupboard door or drawer.

Don’t keep a “hidden” key outdoors. Any robber will find the extra key you placed under the mat, inside the mailbox, above your door, or beneath the planter. Even if you have a phony-rock keyholder, a professional criminal will likely already be able to recognize what it looks like. Instead, give a spare copy of your key to a neighbor or friend you trust.

Hide your valuables effectively.

• Rent a safe-deposit box at your local bank to protect any especially important items.
• Keep your fine jewelry, emergency cash, and any other much-loved possessions in unexpected locations.
• A home safe may be better for your needs than a safe-deposit box is, maybe one you can hide in the wall or anchor to the floor

Don’t leave a ladder in the yard. Someone could pretend to be a contractor or handyman, and might attempt to use your ladder to enter your balcony or to get inside by a second-floor window.

Secure your air conditioning unit. You don’t want a thief to get inside through an unsecured window, so apply an air-conditioner bracket, some corner braces, or a sliding window lock.

Post warning signs and stickers. It may sound silly, but it can actually help to put an insignia or a sign from a security company on each window and/or close to each exterior door ~ even if you don’t really have a security system. You might also decide to put up a “No Trespassing” or “Beware of Dog” sign.

Effectively use your lights. Install outdoor lighting with infrared motion detectors next to each of your doors. Motion detector lights discourage potential prowlers. You can even connect them to your smart device, so you will be able to detect any unwelcome activity, and respond immediately. Some respond to fluctuations in sound, light, or temperature. Also, make it a habit to keep some lights on inside anytime you aren’t home.

Install timers. Put timers on your porch lights, so that anytime you’re gone during the day, or if you’ll be out for an extended period, you can make it seem like people are still at home. You can also attach timers to your TVs, radios, and computers. If you have a smart device connected to your timers, you will be able to monitor and control everything that happens using a mobile app, so you can make it look like your home is occupied the whole time you’re away.

Additional Ways to Optimize Your Home Security

There are many other ways to augment your home’s security. Some will take a bit more effort, but depending upon your circumstances, they may still fit in your budget. To find out more about the options available, if you’re any place in Federal Way, Washington, consider scheduling a free consultation with a mobile residential locksmith specialist on staff at a reputable company such as Federal Way Washington Locksmith.

Upgrade your locks. Any professional locksmith will tell you that deadbolts provide optimum security. Get yourself a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which penetrates the doorframe.

Smart or digital locks are electronic devices that give you increased security at your front door. Some smart locks can even be synchronized with your smart device, so you won’t ever have to carry a house key with you again.

Reinforce your doors. Inspect your exterior entry points. A hollow door is of lower quality, which makes it easier to break in. Thus it’s best to replace it with a solid door that’s made of metal or wood.

Examine your back- and front-door locks. If any locks have weaknesses, fortify them by replacing the strike plate (that is, the stationary piece where the bolt enters), and by mounting an extra solid-metal plate on the doorjamb for the sliding bolt. If you now have short mounting screws, you should replace them with longer screws, which will reach the door’s studs, adding solidity to the doorframe.

Do you have any sliding-glass doors? You can secure them much more effectively by placing a cut-to-size wooden dowel, or an adjustable safety bar, inside the floor track. You can add a floor bolt, too.

Install surveillance cameras. Surveillance cameras will keep you aware of all that’s happening around the perimeter of your property, so you can call the authorities right away should you notice any sign of foul play. You can purchase an excellent-quality surveillance camera if you want to record video footage. Depending on your budget and requirements, you can add more high-tech security features.

Install state-of-the-art home automation. If you have more money in your wallet, you can monitor all your home’s activities using a smart app. It’s possible to manage your entire household when you install a smart alarm system. From mimicking your routine habits, to monitoring all activities anytime you wish, even while you’re not there, your property almost takes care of itself! If anything suspicious occurs, you’ll be notified by an alert on your smart device. With a smart home security system like this, you’ll enjoy extraordinary safety and security.

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Benefits of a Home Safe

When you own a home, you have a lot to keep protected. Having locks on the front doors is mandatory, but that doesn’t mean it is enough. You might be the type of person who really values finer things – maybe you have a lot of jewelry sitting around because you love to collect fancy new pieces. Maybe you love to keep very meaningful items, but not ones that you would necessarily display, like important documents, notes and cards. You might even have a weapon in your home that, more than just valuable, is dangerous.

Federal Way Washington Locksmith recognizes that in homes are many important, valuable and sometimes dangerous items which need to be locked away in a safe. And that is why they have put together information to encourage locals in Federal Way, WA and elsewhere in the country, to take advantage of home safes. There are numerous options available. And there are many different reasons for wanting a safe. Have a look at some of the benefits to having a home safe, as listed here. Hopefully it will leave you convinced to buy one for your residence, so that you can enjoy the protection and security that it offers. Here are some benefits to owning one:

1. Valuables can be placed in a safe. Items like jewelry and important documents can be locked away so they are safe. If someone were to break into your home they wouldn’t necessarily find these things. If your home were to catch fire or suffer damage from a flood, the items in the safe would be protected, so long as you had a water resistant or fire resistant safe.
2. Safes help with organization. How often do you misplace little things? If you had the ability to keep them in a safe, you might be less inclined to misplace them. Consider using a safe for storing passports and birth certificates, and even veterinary paperwork. These aren’t things you will need to access often, so keeping them in a safe might be your best bet. You will always know where they are, to say the least.
3. Cash can be kept inside of a safe. Again, this is where a water resistant or fire resistant safe would come in handy. Your paper money would be protected from damage. And if your property were to be broken into, the safe might not be in an obvious location.
4. A safe can be used for weapon storage. Many homeowners have guns. Others have knives. These are items that are extremely dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands. If you have small children in your home, then you know that they like to explore and “get into things” that they are not supposed to. You can avoid tremendous damage if weapons are kept locked away in a safe.

Clearly, a safe can make a huge difference for property owners who are in need of better protection. Rather than keeping items hidden away in a drawer where anyone can access them, when you use a safe, you are opting to use something that you are able to lock and even hide the key for. There are numerous kinds available, starting from very small safes that can easily be moved to larger ones that are meant to remain in one place.

It is a wise idea to do your research and look up an expert provider that is able to offer services to your local area in regards to home security. Federal Way Washington Locksmith is here to assist anyone who is looking for assistance in this part of Washington. It is a great idea to call to take advantage of a free consultation, whether that is with a business in WA or anywhere else in the country. Ask questions. You have so many different solutions to choose from that it can be difficult to know where to stop. Expressing your specific needs and concerns will prove to be helpful. Letting an expert know what your safe will be used for, will be very helpful. They can help you by pointing out specific sizes, styles and more.

Lock and Security Services

You are sure to find so many solutions which are available to you, because technology is constantly changing and new solutions are coming out every day. You will be able to find features that can help with home protection. Maybe you need better locks for your furniture, like drawers and cabinets, because you do want to place important items in these locations, in addition to your home safe. Or maybe you would like to go keyless wherever possible, because the thought of carrying around yet another key is nothing short of frustrating. You can get digital safes, keyless safes, and so much more. Of course, you will always be able to come across something to fit within your budget. Whether you are interested in spending a very small amount of money or have no problem spending one thousand dollars, you will find the right safe for you. The TL-15 Fireproof Safe – Dial Lock, for instance, is a high quality safe that is available for $1000. On the other hand, there are small security safes that can be purchased for well under $50.

Invest in a Safe!

Whether it is small, meaningful items without much financial worth that you want to lock away, very expensive items, or even significant paperwork that just can’t be misplaced, it is a great idea to invest in a safe for your home, even if you only opt for a small, inexpensive one. Just think of the difference it could make in your life, and imagine how much stress it could save if your home ever became flooded or damaged in another way. Protect your most valuable items. Keep what is important to you close. Check out home safe options to lock away your important memories, items and even weapons.

Aricle source here: Benefits of a Home Safe

How to Successfully Find the Best Locks

Don’t be in a rush to buy your locks. When you rush, you often end up with something that you do not want or that is no good. Take your time to make sure you get exactly what you pay for by taking your time to locate the best locks possible. You want to choose a lock that will provide you with the best level of security possible. It doesn’t really matter where you get purchase your locks, you need to make sure you go with an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of locks. While it might be easier for you to just buy the same locks that you already have, it might not be in your best interest. This article will go into detail about how you can successfully find the right locks for your doors and windows. Locating the ‘right’ locks means that you’ll find locks that cannot be easily broken or compromised. It is possible to find these types of locks when you know what you are actually looking for.

Getting What You Pay For

There is a lot of truth to the expression, “you get what you pay for when it comes to quality of locks. A good, sturdy lock will often cost you more than a standard lock. There are locks that just keep doors shut while there are other locks that help to maximize the level of security you experience. In order to better secure your home, it will be necessary for you to buy locks that offer you the effectiveness you need at a price that is reasonable. Buying a good, durable lock that cannot be compromised is possible. The number rating that is indicated on locks is the rating that is supposed to let you know the level of durability that particular lock offers to you. In recent years it has been reported that the numbers indicated do not accurately represent the level of durability these locks offer. If you want to be sure that the lock you are buying is a good, sturdy lock with durability, consult with one of our professional locksmiths at Federal Way Washington Locksmith in Washington, WA.

Right Pricing

Make sure you know in advance what you want to spend on a new lock before setting out to find what you are looking for. The more expensive the lock, the better your chances are of having a durable lock that actually does the job it is meant to do. Some people may not want to buy the higher priced lock but we assure you that it is worth the upfront investment. A lock that is becoming more popular is the smart lock. This locks offers the best level of durability and effectiveness. It uses advanced technology to offer you the effectiveness that you need and want. It is more effective than traditional locks because it is hard to compromise. Although many businesses use this type of lock; more homeowners are finding it useful too. It has proven effectiveness and is worth every dime spent on having it installed. Even if this type of lock doesn’t interest you, you don’t have to worry; there are still lots of great locks to choose from. The thing to remember when selecting a good lock is that you are actually paying for the construction of the lock. Good solid construction is used in the design of the most durable locks offered today. This is actually how its level of effectiveness is determined.

Information About Lock Brands

Just because you may have heard of a Kwikset lock or Schlage doesn’t mean for certain that they are offer the best protection and durability. Just because they are familiar to you doesn’t make them a good lock. It could simply be due to the manufacturers ability to market their brand. In some cases, you might be familiar with a particular brand simply because they market to a wide audience with a variety of locks. They have a larger share of the market. You can’t trust everylock that is made by a popular brand. If you notice a lock that you’ve never heard of, it could be due to the fact that it was made oversees. The craftsmanship of such locks is usually not that good. It is the fit of the lock that actually determines the locks effectiveness not the brand.

A Good Deadbolt Lock

Many deadbolt locks are installed alongside another type of lock. It offers an added level of security. We highly encourage homeowners to apply a deadbolt lock on the exterior locks. The actual location of where your door-knob is located is generally where your deadbolt lock is also located. A deadbolt lock is either double-sided or single sided. The double-sided lock opens from both sides; the single deadbolt can only be opened from one side. The problem is when you have a double-sided lock you also require a key to open either side. If you’re unable to locate both keys in an emergency situation, it can result in a tragic ending. Carefully consider the type of deadbolt lock that will work best for your situation. If you’re uncertain about the deadbolt lock that you would like to have installed, consult with a local locksmith in Washington.

You’ll definitely need to carefully consider whether or not the double-sided deadbolt lock is best for you. A certified locksmith technician in Federal Way, WA will be able to provide you with information about the locks advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you find the right one for your home or business.

Key Objective

There is one underlying objective in having a lock installed; it should be installed effectively. If you don’t have a good locksmith to install your locks, it will be ineffective in any type of door. The key to having a lock that is properly installed is to have a great lock installed by qualified locksmith service.

Aricle source here: How to Successfully Find the Best Locks

What To Do In Different Lockout Situations

It’s a fact; you can get locked out anywhere or anytime. All you need is a moment of inattention and a lock! Lockouts happen at home, at your car or even at your workplace, or business. You can’t always prevent them from occurring but you can be ready for one so that when (or if) it happens, the impact is not so great. This is why our Federal Way Washington Locksmith pros have put this post together; we want to lessen the impact of your next lockout and maybe even prevent it altogether!

First things first; keep your cool!

Don’t you hate it when people say to “calm down?” It usually only makes things more tense! In lockout situations though; it’s true. Staying calm is going to help you a whole lot more than panicking or getting angry. Finding blame with yourself or someone else won’t get that door or trunk unlocked; it just hurts feelings and clouds your mind with stress and guilt.

At home, you might have walked over to the neighbors to return his mail that came to you by mistake. You come back to a locked door; how’s that for doing a good deed and getting nothing for it?

Lockouts happen at work or business all the time. You are trying to open shop for the day and briefly run out to set up your open or sale signs and find that you are unable to get back where the keys are! To make matters worse; customers are starting to drive up!

Auto lockouts are some of the most common incidents here in Federal Way, WA. Keys can become lost or stolen, and sometimes rushed drivers can leave them in the ignition while multi-tasking and running in to pick up the dry cleaning!

Staying calm allows you to think clearly and to make rational decisions. It also keeps you from looking noticeable to someone who may have noticed your dilemma and is thinking of taking advantage of you or your situation.

Don’t force your way back inside!

If you asked 10 people on the street what they would do if they got locked out, most would say “call a locksmith!” but in reality a few of them would try and break back inside their home, car or business. Federal Way Washington Locksmith discourages this! Not only can you cause bodily injury and property damage, you also could get mistaken for a burglar and cited, arrested or even shot by a neighbor or policeman. Try thinking with your head and NOT your emotions as the damage you cause by breaking back inside can be more expensive than simply calling for a local Federal Way, WA locksmith.

Now, if you have a toddler, pet or elderly person in the house or car, then that’s another story – you do what you have to do to save them. But if the situation is not an emergency then simply resist the urge to pry a door or window open or smash glass just to get back inside!

Spare key use

Spare keys can be so useful and helpful. They can also be a disaster waiting to happen! We’ve all heard about the person that hides a spare key under the door mat or in the flower pot next to the front door. This scenario is so common that television shows and movies include this in their episodes. Yes, doing this can allow you to get back into your house. It can also let any stranger inside, too! Don’t make it easy for anyone to gain illegal entry to your property. Make a spare key and only give it to a trusted friend, neighbor or family member and tell them to keep it in a safe and easy to remember place.

If you don’t have someone in your life that you trust like that, compromise and hide the key, but not where it is conspicuous. Try places like inside the BBQ grill or taped underneath a lawn chair in the backyard. Use your imagination but don’t forget where you put it and don’t be obvious. The same strategy goes for your car and business locks.

Find a locksmith NOW!

That’s right; find a locksmith now, BEFORE you need one! The “old” ways of getting locked out and then trying to find a pay phone as well as one of those huge yellow page phone books are long gone! Nowadays everyone carries a smart phone at all times. Many even sleep with their phones under the pillow! This gives us the perfect method for dealing with lock and key emergencies; have a lock professional (or two) logged in your contacts list! If you find yourself needing to get back inside your property; just tap to call!

While you are waiting

Having called your locksmith of choice, you now have a little while to wait for him to arrive. We recommend that you make another call. This time to a friend, close associate or family member. If you trusted them with your spare key, there’s really no reason to call the locksmith but if you haven’t, it helps to have someone to talk to during the wait. Doing this has a calming effect on you as well as providing you with a “witness” to your situation if you should run into any problems.

Be selective!

You should always want the best quality for you and your loved ones. You deserve it. This also applies to locksmith service. It’s a myth that the best always costs more. We are here to tell you that you can find best-quality, full service locksmith shops here in Federal Way, WA that are both affordable and available on a round the clock basis. Do your due diligence now and make a few calls. Look for licensed, bonded and insured professionals that offer free price quotes, free consultations and fast, same day service. Insist on 24-hour emergency assistance that actually responds and is not just advertised. Lockouts may still happen but if one occurs in your life, you’ll be ready!

Aricle source here: What To Do In Different Lockout Situations

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR LOCKS?

Sometimes, you will have trouble with locks and keys. Even if there’s a locksmith somewhere who will be available in the middle of the night, it’s still better to be pro-active instead, so that you’ll already be prepared if you encounter difficulties. Then you’ll be sure to prevent most potential key and lock problems.

For all of us, keeping your home safe and secure is very important. You want your place of residence to be a sanctuary, where you’ll always enjoy your privacy and feel comfortable. Accordingly, it’s essential to keep all your residential locks in topnotch condition. Be sure that your front-door locks ~ and any other exterior locks ~ are always functioning well, with tiptop durability. You’ll keep your loved ones and possessions suitably protected when your locks are solid.

Consider These Important Points

New Roommates or Tenants

If you rent out space in your house or apartment, or if you have any rental properties, you absolutely must replace the locks, every single time you switch occupants. Even if the previous people returned their keys, you cannot be totally sure that they didn’t keep their spare keys. If a break-in ever were to happen, you don’t want to have doubts about former residents. Keep your property effectively guarded with the resilient, dependable locks.

A New Home

When you move into a new residence, the same principles that apply to your rentals apply. You just never know who may still have an old key to your place lying around; that’s why it’s critical that you get the locks changed right away.

Lost Keys

Did you mislay your keys? It might take some time for you to admit it, but if you have to accept the fact that your keys are lost for good, then you must change out your locks as soon as possible. All outdoor locks, which could allow a trespasser access, ought to be replaced. Once all exterior locks are secured, replace interior locks in the order of your personal security preferences.

Normal Wear and Tear

Worn-out or rusted locks are a major weak spot in your home security. They’ll grow increasingly hard to open as the years pass. Old or rusted locks are much easier for a burglar to pick or break. If you have a rusted lock, or if it’s badly tarnished, or showing any other signs of wear, it’s time to replace it. If it’s difficult to open a lock with the key, particularly in cold weather, then it’s a good idea to replace it.

Rusty Locks

You and your family go in and out your doors so many times, day in and day out. As time goes by, locks will become worn-out or rusted, which means they’re bound to break. If you observe any signs of rust, you’ll see that it’s almost impossible to put the key in the lock mechanism, and you may not even be able to turn the key at all. If so, replace the lock.

Stuck Keys

In a faulty lock mechanism, your key can get stuck, or may even break off. If there’s any issue with an internal lock mechanism, the key simply won’t slide into the lock as effortlessly as it should. If you notice resistance when you turn your key, that’s a sign you should soon replace the lock.

Combination Locks

Are you always losing your keys? Then you may want to decide to replace your standard lock with a combination door lock. Combination door locks are opened using a code you choose. If the combination input ever fails, or if you need to gain entry because you lose or forget your code, don’t fret, because most combination locks also have a keyed lock as well. Change the combination if you ever realize that its access could’ve been compromised, as you would replace a regular lock if you ever misplaced your keys.

Deadbolts

Depending upon your living circumstances, if you’re feeling vulnerable at your place for any reason, any professional locksmith in Federal Way will advise you to replace your traditional locks with deadbolts to best enhance your security.

Damaged Locks

If your locks are ever tampered with, then get new locks. Don’t take risks! Replace your locks, now. Don’t keep a damaged lock, because it will make you susceptible to more problems, and make it easier for an intruder to enter.

Break-ins

If, heaven forbid, you’ve sustained a robbery, it’s imperative that you replace your locks. The brute force involved during a break-in definitely compromises the lock mechanism’s integrity. A damaged lock puts you at a greater risk of another burglary. What’s more, mechanical malfunction could possibly leave you locked out. Moreover, you never know if your keys might’ve fallen into the wrong hands. Replace all your locks without delay.

Going Digital

Do you want to go high-tech? Then replace your conventional locks with digital locks. It’s a great way to secure your home’s doors, and you won’t have to use any keys at all. Keyless locks have certainly opened new horizons in home security technology. They work with keypads; smart devices; remotes; alarm systems; biometrics; and so on. Once you are accustomed to them, keyless locks are fairly uncomplicated to use. Most include an attractive selection of features to provide you safety and convenience.

Peace of Mind

Your locks don’t necessarily have to show visible signs of damage to tell you that you need to replace your locks. After quite awhile of living some place, you may forget how many friends, neighbors, and family members you’ve given copies of your keys to; therefore, to fortify your security, it’s a good idea to periodically replace locks, in order to maintain your home properly. You’ll have much-deserved peace of mind, knowing that you’re keeping your family and possessions extra safe.

If you live anywhere in Federal Way, Washington, and you have questions about replacing locks, hire a reliable locksmith professional. You may want to schedule an appointment with a staff mobile residential locksmith specialist of Federal Way Washington Locksmith, where free consultations are available.

Aricle source here: WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR LOCKS?