An estimated 2.5 million home break-ins happen every year across the United States. Nearly half of those break-ins occur while someone is inside the house. It’s important to have a functioning and robust home security system to protect you and your loved ones from threats that come with intruders in your home.
Most of these break-ins can be prevented or resolved much quicker with a good home security and lock system. And while you may not be ready to shell out the money for cameras and motion detectors, there’s a lot you can do simply by adjusting your lock situation.
If you need help or have questions, reach out to a local trusted locksmith, they would be happy to help.
Below are some important points on a home security checklist that should be noted for overall security.
Have a way to see who’s at the door before you open
It’s not a good idea to open the door without knowing who’s on the other side, even if you’re expecting someone. You’d be surprised how many people use this simple method of entry to gain access to someone’s home.
While most doors have some form of peephole to safely give you a view of a visitor, getting a smart doorbell can let you see who’s knocking, even when you’re not home and help you keep an eye on anyone loitering on your property. Both serve the same purpose, however a smart doorbell gives you a better view and range.
Give a trusted neighbor a spare key
Most people know the old trick of hiding spare keys under rocks in the yard or beneath welcome mats. A much safer way to keep your spare keys handy but secure are to put them in the custody of a neighbor you can trust and can easily communicate with in case of emergency.
If you don’t want to give them spare keys, then a spare garage door opener is another option to ensure you have a secondary way into your home if needed. In the event you don’t have access to spare keys, make sure you have a locksmith you can call for assistance.
Deadbolt locks on all entry doors
One of the best choices you can make is to have a deadbolt lock on all entryways to your home from the outside. This is a secondary lock that essentially inserts a metal rod into a cavity in the doorjamb from the door itself, creating a pretty impenetrable barrier even if someone can pick a lock. It’s even smarter if this deadbolt has its own key, separate from the main house key.
Installing a deadbolt may require a locksmith service, especially if you want it done right.
Additional Questions
How can I make sliding glass doors more secure?
You can talk to your locksmith about getting secondary locks put on your sliding glass door. Another smart security upgrade is to utilize a rod to go in the slide track when the door is not in use, to prevent anyone who gets the door unlocked from actually sliding it open.
How can I make my windows more secure?
This is important. Window entry accounts for as much as 25% of all break ins, usually because windows are old or were left unlocked. While no one wants to have any unsightly bars on their windows, one thing you can do is talk to your locksmith about getting secondary locks put on your windows.
Talk to a locksmith today about your home security options and how to upgrade your current lock system.
Action Locksmith is a Michigan locksmith with more than 30 years of experience and referrals. As a family-owned locksmith business, we are dedicated and work hard to keep homes and businesses safe and stay up to date on safety codes and technology. Whether its rekeying, installing keyless entry and camera systems or repairing doors and locks we have got you covered.
Experts in the locksmith industry, we are proud to be helping people stay safe and feel secure with our 24-hour emergency services so that you are never locked out for too long! Call us to set up a security evaluation of your home or business.