Indoor and outdoor security cameras – Why should I hide my cameras?
Having security cameras in plain sight is a good way to ward off burglars, however, in some instances, it is actually better to have them hidden. It could be that you have babysitters in your home, or other individuals frequenting your home regularly. It could also be that you live in a scary neighborhood and you’re concerned about intruders with a motive beyond theft. In any case, there are wrong ways and right ways to hide your cameras, but before getting into that let’s talk about the places you should NOT hide your cameras. The bathroom. DO NOT hide your cameras in the bathroom. Why? Because it’s weird, and quite frankly it’s unnecessary. Is it legal to hide cameras inside my home? This is a great question, and the answer is generally yes. Depending on the area you live, it’s always best to check the laws concerning the subject. It is most commonly legal to hide cameras inside of your home. Don’t hide cameras in places where people would expect privacy though. I don’t think you need help understanding what I mean by that. Where should I hide my cameras? Indoor Cameras: Inside, pointing out the window. Living room, kitchen, family room. Door ways. Outdoor Cameras: Birdhouses are a great place to hide outdoor cameras. When people see a birdhouse they aren’t usually thinking to check for a camera. In or around trees/ bushes. And if you need security consultation, give our locksmiths a call.
Securing Firearms in a Vehicle – What makes it so important and what can be done?
“You want your handgun to be secure, readily available, out of sight and out of mind.” – Locksmith Plus Inc. Ways to secure your handgun inside of your vehicle: The most efficient way to secure your handgun is by keeping it inside of a locked box. This can be a locked safe or a locked bag (depending on your personal preference). There are many options available through a simple google search. Make sure you are aware of the laws in your state, and be attentive to those laws. How can I keep my gun readily accessible? Many car-safe gun cases are locked using a key. For obvious reasons, this is the most secure option. However, it is not the most convenient. Those who carry a licensed gun on them are usually carrying it in case of an emergency. We all know that emergencies are high tension and high-stress situations. If you’ve read any of the other blogs I’ve written, you will remember the severity of shaping security around stressful possibilities. I wrote a blog called_ , and it does a great job at reminding people (including myself) of the tragedies that unfold when we are inconsiderate of danger. If you are carrying a weapon, you want to make sure it is quickly available to you. Ditch the safe that requires a key, and go with a key code lock or a hand detection lock instead. Where can I put a gun in my vehicle that will keep it out of sight, but still easily accessible? The answer to that question varies depending on the type and size of your vehicle. It would be best for you to examine your own vehicle and discern the best places for your car. Your gun should be out of sight to passengers in the car, and should not be visible if pulled over by a police officer. Examples of places to keep firearms inside of vehicles: For quick access: Under the driver’s seat. In the glove box (only while driving or occupying the vehicle) Stored in or underneath the dashboard. For long term storage (quick access not needed): The trunk of your vehicle. In a lock box that’s been installed somewhere secure in your car. Want consultation on a custom storage compartment for your car? Give our locksmiths a call.
What makes a deadbolt lock secure?
Statistics show that 34% of burglaries happen through the front door, and about 59% of break-ins are a result of forced entry. Front doors are the main target and are oftentimes tried first. It’s important to keep front doors locked. It’s a good idea to have a security system installed in your home, but it’s equally important to have a door that is not easily beat down. Deadbolt locks are designed to be burglar-proof. These locks are made up of 3 main parts. The key Cylinder accessible from the outside. The bolt that slides in and out of the door jam. The thumb that allows control of the bolt from inside the home. All deadbolts should be up of solid and unbreakable materials, ie: Bronze, brass, or steel. Is the deadbolt all that is required? It is always recommended to have other forms of security in your home. You can install cameras, home security, get a barking dog, or combine the three. These things should add to your home security though, and not replace the importance of secure locks. In addition to the deadbolt lock make sure that your door frame is secure. The deadbolt will do you no good if your door frame is weak or cracking. The bolt is designed to slide into the door frame in order to keep the door from opening. How do you make a door frame more secure? Check the frame for wear or cracking. If you notice that your door frame is weak, it would be best to replace the frame. You can install the strike plate with 3-inch screws. This will reinforce the plate into the studs of the door frame. Get a home security door and frame kit. The investment is worth it to protect your family and belongings. How to Install a strike plate: Step 1 – Collect your tools. A set of strike plates Drill and drill bit Screws and screwdriver Dremel Pencil or chalk A ruler or tape measurer Step 2 – Take measurements Measure the gap between the door and the frame. If the gap is too small, just chip of some the wood from the door frame. Do this until it has a tight fit. Measure the strike plate and compare it to the size and position of the deadbolt. Step 3 – Cut out the slots These are on the strike plate. After you’ve taken the measurements, use the dremel to cut a slot for the deadbolt to move through the door frame. Step 4 – Mount the plates The remaining plates are to be installed along the length of your door frame. This will provide resistance necessary to make the lock burglar proof. Step 5 – Test the lock Testing the lock could be done many different ways. Simply shut the door and check that everything is well aligned. The the kick-in test. __________________________________________________________________________ To conclude today’s message, just make sure you have a deadbolt on all your doors. Check the door frame, and make sure everything is installed correctly. This is an easy and effective way to enhance your home security. And you ever need a locksmith in the Eugene Oregon area give us a call!
What is a keyless lock, and why would someone need it?
A keyless locking system is usually a deadbolt lock that requires a code instead of a key. Some of these locks are touch screens, others are pinpads. Deadbolts are proven to be the most effective and secure for front doors and are most common for residential needs. As long as it’s a deadbolt, how it’s unlocked shouldn’t matter too much. You can use a metal key or a keyless system. Here is why deadbolts are most common: In order to open a deadbolt lock, the metal bar must be retracted from the inside of the door frame. Without the correct key (or pin code) to turn the system, pulling the deadbolt from the door frame is nearly impossible (especially without causing damage). Deadbolts are reinforced with a metal strike plate, so if the door is kicked or beat on, the bolt will remain in its correct placement. A double deadbolt lock is a great security option. With this type of system, the bolt requires a key (or pin) on both sides of the door. Why choose a keyless deadbolt? Kids tend to lose their keys, so a pin pad lock can serve as a fantastic option for families. Some families would choose to keep a spare key near their door when on vacation, or when kids are returning early from sporting events etc. Having a spare key near the home is risky. By utilizing a pin pad system, the issue of security breach in this way is no longer concerning. The need to spend money on locksmithing services is less likely because keys won’t need to be made, losing a key is not a concern, and borrowing out keys is no longer an issue. What if I don’t want anyone to know my code, is there a keyless system that would allow me to give access through my phone? The answer is yes! There are several keyless systems that offer these kinds of services. The most common is a Bluetooth system that is connected to your cell device. Your phone becomes your key, and you are able to share ekeys through an app using your smartphone. If you have questions regarding this type of system, give LPI a call. A locksmith would be happy to talk you through the process and address any concerns you may have. Are there other types of security devices that are more effective than a deadbolt? There are many ways to enhance the security of your home, but without a deadbolt on your front door that is locked correctly (meaning the deadbolt is all the way inside the frame) than other options, such as cameras, alarms etc, aren’t going to prove as beneficial. Deadbolts are an essential part of home security and should be utilized in every home. Door knobs are great for convenience, but deadbolts are great for security. And if you ever need a locksmith in Tucson AZ give us a call!