Evaluating Your Locks & Lights to Remain Safe

If you’re about to move into a new home, there is no doubt that you have a ton of things to do before you move in. One of those things should be to have your locks evaluated. The security of your new home should be of the most importance to you. The locksmiths of Locksmith Master Milwaukee in Wisconsin are sure to be able to give you some insight into the type of locks that are best for your home. It is always in your best interest to have the locks changed prior to moving into your new home.

With so much on your plate while you are preparing to move, it may go unnoticed that you do not have sufficient locks installed on the doors and windows. While the previous owners may have locks installed, they may not be the best suited for your home. It is up to you to take it upon yourself to make sure your home is safe and secure. Doing so may require that you contact a qualified locksmith to assist you in determining if the locks that you have will do the job of keeping out intruders. You may not need to replace every single lock in your home but it is advisable to at least change the main entryway doors.

We have put together a checklist for you to consider when you are about to move into a new home:

Lock Efficiency Checklist

1. Exam the Deadbolt Locks
   

If there are already deadbolt locks installed, you may just need to have the locked rekeyed. You should also find out if the type of deadbolt on the door that you are evaluating is appropriate for that particular door. Deadbolt locks are the most useful home locks. They offer maximum security and should definitely be present within your home, especially on exterior home doors. If it is discovered that your deadbolt locks are not made from the best and most durable materials, you should have them changed immediately. A burglar is very skilled at breaking locks. If you have a deadbolt lock that can be easily compromised, have them changed. The bolt of the lock must extend into the doorframe by at least an inch. If yours does not do this, the lock can be more easily compromised. We would recommend a free-spinning cylinder lock or tapered cylinder. If you have anything other than this type of lock, you should know that they are easier to break.

If your doors have double cylinder deadbolt locks, you should know that they could be problematic. This type of deadbolt has to have a key to unlock both sides to exit. If you are unable to find one of the keys, you will be unable to exit. This could be a serious problem if there is an emergency. A single cylinder is usually the best option. However, if you’re interested in finding out more about the different types of deadbolt locks, consult with an expert locksmith in Milwaukee.

2. Examining Your Home’s Exterior Doors
   

This is important because no matter what type of lock you have installed, it won’t do much good if the door can easily be kicked in. You need a strong, sturdy door for a deadbolt lock. If the door is not of good quality, you are putting your safety and security in jeopardy. Your exterior doors should be solid core doors. They will offer maximum security because they are solid all the way through. A solid core door is durable and can withstand the pressure of the strongest kick. It also provides you with fire protection. There is no doubt that this is the best type of door to have a deadbolt lock installed on. A hollow core door isn’t as durable or heavy as the solid core door. The hollow core door is often used on interior doors, not exterior doors.

If you have a door that leads from your garage to your home, this door should also be a solid core door. This will prevent anyone who is able to gain access into your garage from making their way inside your home. Also be sure to make sure that if any of your doors have glass or are made of glass that the glass is durable. If they are not, have them replaced with durable glass right away. An intruder can easily break it if you do not have durable glass installed.

In addition to making sure you have sufficient locks to keep out intruders, you can also keep them away by making sure your home is well-lit. With lights shining on the entryways of your home an intruder is less likely willing to attempt a break-in.

3. Exam Outdoor Lighting
   

Even if there are streetlights in front of your home, you should still make sure that there are some lights that shine directly on your entryway doors. This means that if someone is attempting to break-in, they will be visible to anyone passing by. If something looks suspicious, they can then notify the appropriate authorities. In addition to having the lights shining directly on your doors and windows, you should also make sure you have porches, walkways and your driveway, well-lit. It isn’t important that you make sure all of the lights are working correctly in order for them to be effective. If you are afraid that you may forget to turn the lights on, it is a good idea to invest in motion sensors. This means that as soon as someone steps in range, the lights will immediately turn on. This will immediately alert you and others to anyone who is coming toward your home. You can also have your lights programmed to turn off and on at specific times of the day or night.

Aricle source here: Evaluating Your Locks & Lights to Remain Safe

WHAT TO DO IN DIFFERENT LOCKOUT SITUATIONS

Lockouts always seem to happen to the “other” person; that is, until they happen to you! Then, it’s a completely different matter and your whole world can go suddenly haywire! One thing about lockouts; they don’t respect income, race, level of education or age. Everyone is susceptible to getting locked out. One brief moment of inattention is all that it takes to suddenly find yourself on the wrong side of a locked door!

Lockouts happen every day here in Milwaukee, WI and anywhere else that there are locks, keys and locking hardware. A lockout situation can happen with your car, at home, at your business, at work, or while you are on vacation. Here at Locksmith Master Milwaukee we deal with locked out persons on a regular basis, so we know how to handle these situations from a professional’s point of view. Read this post so you’ll know how to handle your next lockout smartly, safely and affordably.

Do this first!

Always remember to remain calm. It’s actually very hard to do when suddenly surprised by a lockout incident. Lockouts always seem to happen at the very worst time. We are usually hurried, busy, or otherwise in the middle of doing something important when it happens. Always remember that panicking does nothing but make the situation worse. Your emotions can range from sudden surprise at your situation to absolute panic or anger because you are now late for something or unable to attend an engagement.

Another great reason to remain calm during a lockout situation is to NOT attract attention to yourself. Doing so might attract someone that is bent on taking advantage of your vulnerability either by offering to fraudulently help you or to maybe even attack you or rob you. Don’t be paranoid but do be aware of your surroundings and be careful until help arrives!

Resist the urge to break back in!

Hey, it’s your property, after all, so why not break back inside? Actually, there are many reasons. Injury can occur at this time so be careful. Think about it; you are breaking glass, prying open windows, smashing doors; all destructive things that can not only result in cuts, falls, and electric shock, it can even lead to getting arrested or shot by a concerned neighbor, roommate or family member.

Another reason for NOT breaking into your property is the fact that you will incur damage to your own house, car or business. This will result in repair costs and possible negative publicity if someone films your episode and posts it online or to a news site. The ironic part of all this is that often people break back into their own property in a misguided effort to save money on locksmith service charges! Go figure!

What about real life and death emergencies? Should you break back in then? That’s up to you. If your pet is locked in a hot car or your toddler is left all alone in the house, then by all means do what it takes to help out but our example calls for restraint and good judgement when you are merely surprised, angry or inconvenienced.

Time for that spare key!

Be honest; do you have a spare key that you can use for lockouts? Our Milwaukee, WI locksmith shop recommends that everyone keep a spare key hidden where you can find it and use it if needed. We don’t recommend the usual flower pot on the porch or under the welcome mat approach. This practically invites burglars to target you! Instead, hide your key in a rain gutter or bury it next to a bush in the back yard. BBQ grills are good places to hide a spare house or car key. Glove compartments or under the floor mat are other options. Be sure to hide the house key NOT in the house and the car key NOT in the car! This may seem obvious but you’d be surprised how many folks do this and are surprised when they can’t access them!

Do you trust your neighbor?

Sometimes, if you are fortunate, you’ll live next to or near a good neighbor. If so, you might just leave a spare key with him or her. The same goes for a friend or family member. It’s nice to have someone to call on when you find yourself so helpless. The act of calling them not only brings a helpful key, it also keeps you on the phone for a while which can have a calming effect and it can also provide a potential witness in case you run into trouble while you are in “limbo.”

Don’t call a locksmith!

Don’t just call any locksmith; call the right one! Contrary to opinion, all locksmiths are not equal or alike. If you don’t know who you are calling you might wind up with unlicensed amateurs or part time handymen that only want a big fee from you. Be selective and choose a locksmith that is licensed, bonded and insured. You’ll want one that offers 24-hour emergency assistance and fast response times. Free price quotes and a cheerful and helpful attitude would be nice, as well. You might be wondering how on earth you are supposed to find such a lock and key shop in Milwaukee, WI when you are suddenly denied access to your own house, car or business.

The answer is simple; line up your lock professional BEFORE you actually need him!

Be proactive!

Who knows? You may never find yourself locked out. That’s a good thing. But, what if you do? Or, what if someone close to you goes through the lockout experience and calls you? Having a full service, affordably priced lock shop on speed dial is not only smart, it can be a life saver; literally! We recommend that you take the time to actually find a locksmith professional that you can work with and enter the phone number in your smart phone. If the unthinkable occurs; you are ready!

Aricle source here: WHAT TO DO IN DIFFERENT LOCKOUT SITUATIONS