How to Find a Reputable Locksmith

How Do I Find a Reputable Locksmith?

Most reputable service providers are quite simple to find, whether it’s through a friend recommendation or a site that offers plenty information on the company. However, it can be difficult to know what types of scams or coverage certain industries provide. The locksmith industry is often times found under harsh scrutiny for the countless scams taking place. Many people are left with bad customer service, empty wallets and their homes vulnerable to poor security solutions. Here, we’ve created a quick guide to both understanding the locksmith industry, as well as how to identify a reputable locksmith company!

Locksmith FAQ’s & Helpful Tips

How do locksmiths become certified? Though not all states require locksmiths to obtain certifications, most reputable locksmiths achieve them anyway. During their training, they are often times taken under apprenticeships for “real life” training and situations to prepare for when they’re on their own. Many receive their training and certification through ALOA, although not all reputable locksmiths do. As a homeowner seeking quality and honest locksmith services, it is important to research the requirements in your own state.

What are some common scams in today’s locksmith industry? A typical locksmith scam can consist of one or many of the following scenarios:

• Price gouging. Many will tell you a price over the phone, then upcharge you a vast amount of money after the work is done or has started. Also, any locksmith that asks “cash only,” is probably a scam.
• Drilling. Most basic home lockouts require simple “pick a lock,” solution. There are exceptions for perhaps a less common lock used or other contributing lock factors. However, most do not require drilling of the lock. If this is suggested, stated or otherwise “the only solution,” ask why. If you’re still not convinced or satisfied, do not go through with the service. It is very possible it’s a scam.
• Certification. Like stated above, though not all states require it, you should always ask to see identification and/or locksmith certification. Also, be sure to check out the vehicle they drive. Most locksmiths work out of company or service vehicles that are branded.

Do Your Research & Don’t Settle For Less Than What You Want

When in doubt, it’s best just to research locksmiths near you. Some things to look for are insurance for products and services, certifications, and a physical address of company location. Read reviews on several companies, as well as call the actual company and ask any questions you might have. Any locksmith company—or general business—would be happy to address and concerns you might have about their technicians, products or services. It is also a great idea to do all of this before you actually need the service. This helps for emergency situations such as lockouts. That way you have a trusted locksmith at your disposal, who can help you in these emergency situations when you need them!

Garage Door Security Tips

Garage Doors Are Common Access Points of Entry For Burglars

Did you know that a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15.4 seconds? The most common point of entry to a home during burglary is through the front, back or garage doors. While it is important to protect the front and back doors, most people underestimate the garage door point of entry.

“Experienced burglars know that the garage door is usually the weakest point of entry followed by the back door. The garage and back doors also provide the most cover. Burglars know to look inside your car for keys and other valuables so keep it locked, even when parked inside your garage.”

Police only catch 13% of burglars and are rarely able to return the valuables stolen. So let’s take a look at ways you can better secure your garage door. These tips can help deter burglars from breaking into your house.

Garage Door Security Tips

• Don’t leave your garage door remote in the car. We recommend getting a keychain remote. This helps keep the garage door remote with you at all times. If a burglar managed to get inside your garage and into your car, they could steal the garage door remote and have access to your home whenever they please.
• There are ways to secure your garage door emergency release. Things as simple as zip-tying it still allow functioning of the garage door. There are guides available online that offer ways to do so.
• Make sure the door from you garage into your house is as secure as your front door. Whether you add a deadbolt, a stronger door, installing a peephole in that door, or other higher security means to your garage door can help protect your home from potential burglars.
• If you have windows in your garage, frost or cover them. This makes it difficult or impossible for burglars to see if your car is there or not.
• Close your garage door. This seems like a common idea, but it’s simply the most neglected. Not only can people just walk up and grab any valuable in your garage, but it also invites them inside your home. Even if your car is in the garage, that is seemingly an even bigger invitation.

Find a Local Garage Door Expert to Help

There are plenty of garage door experts that can also assist with services and products that can better secure your garage for you! As garage door technicians, they understand the importance in providing quality work and products that are guaranteed to secure your garage and home. They can also provide some helpful tips on how to secure your garage door to prevent potential threats from entering your home through the garage. Contact your local garage door technician for all garage door security questions and services today!

Fire Safety Precaution & Tips

Fire Safety Tips

Whether you have just moved into a new home or apartment, it is important to do safety checks such as ensuring your smoke alarms are fully functioning. Other things you can include or install could be carbon monoxide alarms and sprinkler systems to ensure that if any fires or other hazardous materials enter your home are extinguished. Some other important factors to ensuring proper fire safety include knowing your exits, “stop, drop and roll,” as well as knowing the location of and how to operate a fire extinguisher.

Fire Hazard Precautions & Safety

There are precautions to take when dealing with outdoor fire hazards. These things include fireworks, grilling, lanterns, firepits and even natural hazards like lightning. Reading all instructions upon installation can be essential to not only proper functioning of said objects, as well as precautions for malfunctions. For example, don’t light fireworks in small or secluded areas. Don’t lean over a grill when lighting it. Ensure proper barriers are set for outdoor firepits so the fire doesn’t spread further than designated area.

Indoor fire hazards can include appliances like clothing dryers, microwave ovens, fireplace, and some types of lightbulbs. Checking things such as the lint screens for build up can help decrease the likelihood of a clothing dryer fire. Avoid placing flammable objects or materials in the microwave oven. Keeping a screen and properly ventilating indoor fireplaces is essential to preventing a fire outbreak.

Other miscellaneous fire hazards include smoking, candles, cooking, electrical and heating. Don’t leave candles lit unattended, or near flammable materials including alcohol, fabrics, etc. Keep liquids away from electrical outlets and wiring.

While these all seem like common sense, they are common causes and scenarios for which most fires are caused in homes throughout the US.

Fire Statistics in the US

As of 2012, frequency of fires have been progressively decreasing over time including the deaths, injuries and money lost as a result. The most common causes of residential fires is a result of cooking, and those resulting in fatalities were caused by smoking. Studies also reported that most fires in the US were outside, with residential fires being the next common property fire. Recent reports showed that Texas, California and Pennsylvania led the nation in deaths as a result of fire. DC, Mississippi and Alabama had the most deaths per million population in the US.

At a glance:

• In 2013, 1,240,000 fires were reported in the United States. Of those, 3,240 were killed, 15,925 injured and $11.5 billion in property damage.
• 487,500 were structure fires, causing 2,855 civilian deaths, 14,075 civilian injuries, and $9.5 billion in property damage.
• 188,000 were vehicle fires, causing 320 civilian fire deaths, 1050 civilian fire injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage.
  564,500 were outside and other fires, causing 65 civilian fire deaths, 800civilian fire injuries, and $607 million in property damage.

Did you know that a fire department responded to a fire every 25 seconds, and one structure fire was reported every 65 seconds?

Home Security Tips

Whether you’re going on vacation or simply going to work, it is important to protect your home. There’s nothing more terrifying than returning home and realizing it has been burglarized. Don’t just assume that living in a safe neighborhood is enough security for your home. Here, let’s break down the dynamic of burglars and common misconceptions of homeowners. The commonalities should help you understand why burglaries happen and how you can protect, as well as deter burglars from targeting your home.

Common Points of Entry

Front doors, first floor windows, and back doors are the three most common points of entry for burglars to gain access to your home. Did you know that 33.1% of burglars commit unlawful entry—which means they did not need to use forced entry to gain access?

It’s not only important to secure your home with a security system of some sort, but to also educate yourself on how burglars gain entrance, common things they look for or steal, and how to further protect your home from said criminals. It has been reported that 65% of burglaries occur during the day between 9am-3pm when most people are anticipated to be away from their home. Studies also show that only 14% of homes in the US have security systems. This is problematic because homes without a security system are two to three times more likely to be broken into.

What Thieves Look For

• Vacancy. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, be sure to set your lights or some sort of audio on a timer. This makes it look or sound like someone is home. Asking a neighbor, friend or relative to collect newspaper, mail and other packages is imperative. You could also have your mail forwarded or “temporarily stopped,” to ensure your front porch isn’t cluttered with unopened, uncollected papers. This is a strong indicator that nobody is home, which presents an opportunity for burglars to target your home.
• Places to hide. If you have large shrubs or trees, be sure to keep them neatly trimmed. This might seem like a strange suggestion, but burglars commonly lurk behind large foliage or objects making it hard for you to identify them. Keeping your paths, windows and doors clear of any potential hideout places can deter burglars.
• Security Systems. There are several inexpensive ways to install security systems. Even if you splurge a little, it will be worth the peace of mind that your home is secured and less likely to be burglarized.
• Some common items stolen include jewelry, cash, guns, office equipment, electronics, tools & building supplies, and identity information. Police only recover 15% of stolen items. In 2011, Americans lost $4.8 billion in lost property, which averages nearly $2,000 per victim.

Keyless Entry Locks

Increase Home Security With Keyless Entry Locks

Keyless entry locks are exactly what they sound like—locks that essentially eliminate the use of a key to open the lock. There are several different types of keyless entry locks such as keypads, remotes, biometric and smart locks. Each offers unique home security features to suit different lifestyles, communities and demands of residents. Keyless entry locks are typically used for commercial properties for higher security purposes. However, they are becoming popular with residential purposes as well, specifically, the use of smart locks.

One advantage of using keyless entry locks as a homeowner is for when you’re on vacation, renting out a place or some other purpose for being away, it allows a limited number of people access to your place. The best advantage is that access can be gained without the use of a physical key. Many locks offer the ability to change or create as many passcodes as you wish to ensure security purposes by limiting access.

The main disadvantage of keyless entry locks is deciphering whom to trust with the code. For example, if you tell a friend or renter the code, they can share that code outside their group of friends allowing unlimited access to your property. The only other disadvantages include hardware error or malfunction, lockout when power outage occurs, and installation can be pricey depending on your lock and service provider.

Keypads

Keypads were the first keyless entry lock systems introduced to the realm of home security. Some great advantages of keypads include deterring break ins through spare keys, are typically battery operated so they remain functional during power outages, and some have unique security features like permitting a homeowner to call for help using a specific combination.

A common problem with keypads is easy combinations to guess such as birthdays, anniversaries or something basic like “1-2-3-4” codes. However, some keypads have unique features including a notification that alerts you when someone has entered the wrong code too many times.

Remote Keyless Entry Locks

These lock systems work similarly to a standard keyless entry system. The only difference is that they operate using a fob or a typical car remote to lock and unlock the door. They act much like the remotes used to control cars and garage doors. A great advantage of remote keyless entry lock systems is that they allow a hands-free access to your home, while also offering you the luxury of not remembering codes or keys.

The only real problem with remote access is the same as keeping track of your keys. However, unlike car keys, remote keyless entry locks can typically be disabled from your computer if the remote/fob is lost.

Biometric Locks

These home security locks use either a fingerprint or a hand print to activate the lock. This works to most advantages because you don’t have to remember a combination, keep any device with you or keep track of keys. Most biometric locks can be programmed for a large number of different prints, which allows you to keep record of who uses the lock and when, offering higher home security purposes.

The downfall is that most biometric lock systems are rather costly and have proven to be more fragile causing loopholes for security breaches.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are keyless entry lock systems linked to your smart phone. This means you can lock and unlock your door with your smart phone. Passcodes are typically unlimited which in turn allows you to give out access to friends, family, or maintenance workers for a limited time. The ability to change passcodes numerous times helps ensure your home security at all times.

Kwikset’s Kevo lock, which is a “touch to open,” smart lock. Other smart locks like Goji have a camera, and various unique security features.

A major disadvantage is the liability of whom you share your code with—smart locks can be linked to other smart phones to allow another person access to your property. There’s also the vulnerability of losing, breaking or having your phone stolen (like most everything, there are ways to avoid that as well, such as having a passcode to unlock your phone). Installation can also be pricey. Some smart locks, however, can be self-installed.