Locks are your initial safeguard against unauthorized entry into your home, office, or vehicle. They are vital for protecting your property, ensuring your family’s safety, and keeping your personal space secure. However, the key to their effectiveness lies in how well they are used. To ensure your locks provide optimal protection, it’s crucial to follow these basic lock safety tips. Here are some important guidelines to keep your property secure.
Opt for High-Security Locks to Protect Your Home
To ensure proper lock safety, the first priority is to choose high-quality locks. Not all locks are created equal, and cheap or inferior ones can leave your property exposed to break-ins. Invest in high-security locks that are tamper-resistant and meet industry standards. Look for locks that resist picking, bumping, and drilling. Certified locks, such as those with a Grade 1 rating from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), provide the best protection for your home or business.
Strengthen Your Home Security with New Deadbolts
Upgrading your existing locks to high-quality deadbolts is an excellent way to enhance your home’s security. Deadbolts are among the most secure lock types available, with the added strength of a one-inch throw (the distance the bolt extends into the door frame). Choose a deadbolt that is keyed on both sides for an extra layer of security. For even more protection, consider a double-cylinder deadbolt, which requires a key to unlock both sides, making it much harder for burglars to enter through a nearby glass window.
Enhance Your Security with Smart Lock Technology
Smart locks have gained popularity among homeowners and businesses thanks to advances in technology. They offer the convenience of keyless entry through a smartphone, keypad, or biometric recognition like fingerprints. Many smart locks also provide features like tracking who enters and exits your property and sending alerts if the door is left unlocked. When choosing a smart lock, ensure you pick a trusted brand with strong encryption to protect against potential hacking threats.
Lock Every Entry Point, Including Doors and Windows
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent break-ins is simply to lock your doors and windows. It’s a common mistake for people to leave their homes unsecured by forgetting to lock up, even when they are at home or just stepping out for a moment. No matter where you are—whether in the backyard or out running errands—always check that your doors and windows are locked. It’s also wise to lock everything up before going to sleep, even if you live in a generally safe area.
Don’t Use Easy-to-Find Spots for Spare Keys
While hiding a spare key outside is a common practice, it can put your home’s security at risk. Criminals are well aware of typical hiding spots—such as under the doormat, in flower pots, or inside fake rocks. Rather than hiding a key outside, it’s better to leave one with a trusted neighbor or use a secure lockbox that only trusted individuals can access. If you absolutely need to hide a key, choose a discreet location and opt for a high-security lockbox or biometric safe for added security.
Secure Your New Home by Rekeying the Locks
If you’re moving into a new home or commercial space, rekeying your locks is an essential step. The previous owners or tenants may have given out copies of their keys to others, and you can’t be sure who still has access. Rekeying is an affordable and straightforward way to ensure that you’re the only one with keys. The process involves changing the lock’s internal mechanism, making old keys obsolete while creating new ones for you.
Protect Spare Keys with a Lock Box System
Instead of hiding spare keys outdoors, think about installing a lock box near your front door for secure storage. A lock box is a small metal container that requires a combination or key entry to access, keeping your spare keys safe from anyone who doesn’t have the code. This is a smart option to ensure that only trusted individuals can access your keys, and it’s especially practical if you rent out your home or often have people coming and going.
Make Sure Your Locks are Working Well by Checking Them Regularly
Proper maintenance of your locks is vital to ensure they work properly over time. Weather conditions and normal wear and tear can cause locks to become rusty, stiff, or prone to malfunction. Regularly check your locks for any signs of damage. Use graphite powder or a specific lubricant to keep them working smoothly. If you notice any issues, such as difficulty turning a lock or a sticking key, repair or replace the lock right away to avoid further problems.
Don’t Spread Key Copies to Ensure Safety
Although sharing keys can be convenient, it can also lead to serious security risks. You may trust the people you give keys to, but you can’t be sure how many copies they’ve made or who else might have access. Keep key distribution limited to trusted individuals and, if you need to allow access to multiple people, consider installing a smart lock or using temporary access codes. Always retrieve keys from service workers afterward and never leave them unattended.
Boost Door Protection with Security Bars and Reinforced Frames
For greater protection, consider installing security bars on sliding doors or windows, which are often vulnerable to break-ins. Reinforced door frames can further strengthen your entry points, making it much harder for intruders to force their way in. Since burglars often target areas where locks are easier to bypass, securing these weak spots can greatly reduce the risk of a successful break-in.
Stay Safe with a Door Viewer or Peephole
A valuable lock safety tip is to install peepholes or door viewers on entry doors, especially the front door. This allows you to identify who’s at your door before you open it, helping you avoid unwanted visitors or potential threats. Many modern digital door viewers include video features that can notify you when someone is approaching, offering added security, particularly when you’re home alone.
Ensure Old Keys Are Safely Destroyed When No Longer Needed
Unused old keys can become a security threat if someone with ill intent finds them. Instead of tossing them in the trash, dispose of them safely by cutting them into pieces or taking them to a locksmith to be destroyed. Never leave old keys where they could be found and used to gain entry to your property.
While locks are an essential part of your home and property’s security, their effectiveness depends largely on proper use and maintenance. By following these lock safety tips, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of a break-in or unauthorized access. Invest in high-quality locks, ensure they are well-maintained, and always stay alert to make sure your property is properly secured. With proper lock safety practices, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home or business is protected from intruders.