Reading Between the Locks
How does someone know what locks or security systems to use in their household? Think about your personal home life… Do you have kids? Talented animals? Are you more of a homebody, or do you go in and out of your home several times a day? These are all relevant questions to ask yourself before deciding on the best protection plan for your home. How is this information influential? If you have children frequenting your home, there are some security systems worth your attention. Kids are smart, but more often than not they lack understanding. As an adult, we can read between the lines and know the significance of home security, and the importance of keeping with the system. Kids (depending on age and experience) might see a lock, know it’s meaningful, and still forget to lock the door on their way to school or a sporting event. Thankfully in this day and age, we have smart phone reminders, iPod alarms, home security alarms accessible via cell phone devices, etc. All of these systems are great but not every person or family is aware of what is available to them. Having a keyless system for security is a great idea for families with children (regardless of age and maturity). However, if you are someone who expects the children in your home to learn the old system and keep with it, deadbolts might be the best option for you. Deadbolts are secure, and more times than not, they are accompanied with a standard door knob lock beneath them. Teaching kids to lock both of these locks is perpetually paramount, but if the importance of the deadbolt is expressed, when one of the locks is missed, it will likely be the door knob lock instead of the deadbolt. A popular expression is: “Door knob locks provide a feeling of security, and deadbolts provide the protection.” Do you have exceptionally talented animals in your home? This might sound like an irrational question, but it’s not! You would be surprised at the number of alarms set off by animals, and the number of doors opened by the paws of a household pet. If you have an electric alarm system make sure it is high enough on the wall that buttons can’t be pressed. Make sure it’s not above a countertop where an animal might rub up against it, to get a good back scratch in on a hot day. Attention homebodies! An electric home security system might be everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Hop online, do some research and find one that fits your household needs and your budget. There are tons of systems to choose from! Here are some reasons to consider a household alarm system: Once an alarm is set, it is only turned off by a private code of numbers, or the unwelcoming success of your door coming open. No need to check windows and doors every morning to ensure you are still alone in your house. Enjoy the peace of sitting anywhere in your house with headphones in or music playing. In most cases, your alarm will be plenty loud enough for you to hear. If for some reason it isn’t loud enough, keep your phone near you, because you’ll be expecting a call. To those who frequently enter and exit their home daily, OR forget items regularly: It might be that an alarm system is good for you if you don’t mind entering through the garage door, running to the front of the house to turn off the alarm before receiving a call from emergency, and then resetting the alarm just to run back out the way you entered. Can you tell this is a common annoyance for some? If you are a forgetful individual and find yourself exiting and re-entering your home frequently, it might be beneficial for you to stick with the basics. Deadbolts are great and less time consuming than some other choices. Considering all of your options though is still the best way to go. Make sure you give yourself and your family a thorough assessment before choosing the perfect system. Do the research, call a locksmith (LPI locksmiths are exceptionally trained and prepared to address all of your questions and concerns), and be sure to read between the locks! And if you ever find yourself in the PNW give our Seattle Locksmiths a call!
How to choose a safe home, and how to keep it secure.
Home Is Where You Are Safe How to choose a safe home, and how to keep it secure. When house searching we consider many things, the number of rooms, and bathrooms, the size of the master bedroom, etc. Do we want a patio or no patio? Large yard or small yard? Stairs or no stairs? One tree or five trees? It’s easy to get caught up in a picturesque idea of what we long for in a home, but there are other crucial things to consider before purchasing the “perfect house”. How to choose a safe Home: Neighborhood inspection: Whether you’re a single workaholic, a mother of 1, a family of 4 or a family of 10, you will want to observe the neighborhood you are considering calling home. Here are a few ways you can observe the area. Introduce yourself to your potential neighbors. If you get weird vibes or rude responses, trust your gut. A peaceful and friendly neighborhood is good for your overall security. Friendly neighbors look after eachother. Weigh the worth, chances are you can find something better. Look around. Are the homes around yours well kept, or are they junk yards? Remember that the worth of your home isn’t dependent on your actions alone. What kind of businesses are around? Is there a mini market on your street? Pay attention to the attitudes of those circulating your area. Crime Rate: Do your research. Crime rates vary depending on location, so you’ll want to be sure that the crime rate is low. When researching, make sure you aren’t looking only at robbery or invasions. You’ll want to check the crime rate for violent crimes, and see what’s going on in the schools nearby. If possible, try not to rely on statistics alone. Ask those in the area how they feel about the safety of their neighborhood. If you hear several horror stories, it might be in your best interest to reconsider. How to keep your new home secure: Once you’ve surveyed the area, and feel good about moving into your new home, you’ll want to be sure that your home is as secure as it needs to be. Replace the locks: Make sure that your home has new locks, it’s always possible that the people before you made additional keys. You don’t want anyone else having access to your home. When replacing the locks consider the durability and reliability of your options. Depending on the needs of your household, keyless locks may be a benefit to you, or maybe all you need are deadbolts. Either way, be sure your locks are chosen well. If you have questions about lock replacement, feel free to give on of our Locksmiths a call! Install a security system: Security systems are nearly necessary in the world these days. It seems that alarms are one of the few things that still deter thieves and other criminals. Stay safe by installing an alarm in your home. Consider security cameras/ sensor lights: Just the appearance of security cameras alone will lower your chances of burglary. If you can’t afford the real deal, spend 10 or 20 dollars on a fake set and place them around your home. Sensor lights are another sure way to scare off a burglar. They don’t want to be caught, so expose them with light, and you’ll be impressed at how fast they flee. These are only a few ways you can secure your home. If you are interested in learning more, visit some of our other posts on home security, or give one of our Locksmiths a call!
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.
Top 5 places to NEVER hide your house keys
Avoid vulnerability, and learn where to keep your keys __________________________________________________________________________ I don’t know about you, but I grew up hiding things. There is something gratifying about hiding something where you think no one else will find it. As an adult, I watch the little ones with anticipation for the day they realize they possess this great power. Not because I’ll lose my belongings – since I’m sure they’ll start with my phone or my keys – but because I will have the opportunity to teach them where the best spots truly are! There are some rather clever places to hide things, especially keys, and there are several places you should never hide them, which draws us to the point of today’s message: Where NOT to hide your keys. Fake Rocks: Yes, you read that right. Home-owners LOVE this idea at first glance, but have you ever seen one of these things? Some will argue that these fake rocks are hard to spot. I am inclined to disagree. They actually stand out (especially if they’ve been googled) which makes them completely insecure. Don’t hide your keys under real rocks either. You are fooling yourself if you think a thief won’t look there because they will. Empty pots or plants: This method has been used too many times! Hiding keys underneath or inside of a flower pot are far too common, and a thief will search there first. Don’t leave your keys in such a vulnerable place. Ultimately the point of hiding a key is to keep someone from breaking into your home, so don’t make it easy on them. Doormats: Don’t do it. Don’t even entertain the idea. Not only is this method (like the flower pots) way overused, but it’s also way too easy. If someone sees a person walk up to your home confidently, lift the mat, grab the key, and then unlock the door, they will likely assume that the person was given access. This will keep witnesses from paying any attention or reporting any suspicious behavior. Door Frames: It’s amazing the number of people who believe this tactic actually works. I would be more inclined to say that these people haven’t yet been visited by a burglar. Unless your neighborhood burglar is extremely short, I would not expect this method to work out well for your security. It’s too obvious, and it provides no kind of protection. Your wallet: If they have your wallet, they likely have personal information. I don’t know about you, but I keep my ID in my wallet. If I kept my key with my ID and lost them both, whoever has my wallet has my address. Hopefully, they are really nice people! You see my point? Don’t be a thief’s dream come true. And if you ever need a locksmith in the Eugene Oregon area give us 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!
Home Alone: Security For When You Are By Yourself
To live alone is to be independent, an increasing concept in the US. Are you on a road trip to independence? Or maybe it’s simply more convenient for you to live alone? There are several benefits to living alone; there is no need to concern yourself with others whereabouts, or check on anyone. You have the house to yourself to do all that you wish. You get to pick all the decor, who cares if the walls match? You only have yourself to worry about. That’s where we come in, to remind you that you have yourself to worry about. This is not to say that you should worry excessively about your safety if you are living on your own, but there are some possibilities you should be aware of, so you can prepare for what you don’t expect. The vocal declaration that “It will never happen to me” only pillows the truth that it happens even to those people. The concern that someone will break into a house is actually significantly less concerning than the possibility of an accident, or injury occurring while one is alone inside their home. That being said, we are here to address both concerns. Here are some relieving truths about home invasions/ burglaries/ robberies: The crime rate is dropping. Yep, you heard that right. The chances of robbery or home invasion has been decreasing since the 1990’s. There is about a 0.6% chance of burglary in the US, and 30% occur through unlocked doors or windows, so simply keep your windows closed and your doors locked. Your chances will decrease. There is less than a 0.2% chance of being robbed in the US. Lets address some ways you can protect yourself as a home-aloner. Get a barking dog. Too many criminals know how to disassemble security systems, but a dog cannot be disconnected or dismantled. This an around-the-clock security system for those braving the excitement of living alone. You are basically alone, tending to the few needs of a dog. This will keep you more secure than your other security options. Burglars are far less likely to target your home at the sound of barking. Apartment renters: Find out who has keys to your door. Often times there will be a master key to all the apartments in an apartment complex. It’s important that you ask about the system and the regulations for controlling the security of their tenants. If there was another tenant living in your complex before you moved in, make sure the locks have been replaced. Keep a light on. Even while you are sleeping, keep a light on in another room (one that can be seen through the curtains of a main window). Some people stay up through the night, and a burglar doesn’t want to be caught as much as you don’t want them in your home. Take on the appearance of an owl in the night. Get door for your door. Security doors are great. They create an additional obstacle for anyone hoping to break into your home through a door. The installation of a security door could also imply that you go to great measures to secure your home and protect yourself. Where there is one obstacle, there are usually several more. Keep your living arrangements private. If you broadcast that you live alone, you become a greater target. Don’t post your exciting news online, or talk about your accomplishment with an acquaintance. If you reveal this information to one person, understand that it could reach the ears of someone less desirable. And if you ever need a locksmith in the Sacramento area give us a call anytime!
Garage Door Safety
The topic of garage door security is one of the most important and yet most overlooked matters out there. Without proper education about this issue, and without the proper security installed, a garage door becomes a weak link in home security. The do’s and dont’s: Don’t leave the remote in your car – If someone breaks into your car and steals your remote, they will have access to your house, putting yourself and your family in danger. Keep them on your keychain instead of using the visor of your car. Your garage key should stay with you. Don’t hit that button on the remote, and drive off before the door is closed all the way – This is FAR TOO COMMON. It’s important to stay in your driveway and make sure the garage door hits the ground. What happens is some people will press that button and rush off to work expecting the door to close all the way, and it doesn’t. There are several security reasons that a garage door is stopped mid track, and the most common issue is that something is in the way. Sometimes even the smallest interference of the laser eyes will keep the door from closing. Keep the door to your house locked – People often miss this step when leaving their home for the day, and for a thief, this can make breaking into your home a much simpler task. You should also deadbolt the door. The door inside of your garage should be just as secure as your front door. The extra security never hurts. Don’t leave your garage door open – Whether you are inside of the home, or out in the yard, it doesn’t make any difference. If you aren’t in the garage or utilizing it in some way, keep it closed. This is a sure way to lessen the chance of home invasion. Make sure your garage door security is working is functioning properly – A broken garage door can result in serious injury (especially to children), and will likely increase your heating bill. Frost your windows or cover them up – Garage door windows are dangerous because a burglar can see whether or not your car is there. They can also scope the space to come up with a swift plan of entry, depending on what is visually available to them. Keep the garage door system maintained – Sometimes it’s easy to forget about this simple step because a noticeable issue isn’t what is necessarily being addressed. It’s important to keep up on maintenance, same as you would with a vehicle or locks. Make sure the hardware isn’t wearing down and needing replacement. If you are leaving town, double check the hardware of the locks on your other doors too. If your garage door appears difunctional, you should: First and foremost – Check the remote battery and the transmitter battery on your wall. Make sure the security system is plugged in. Check the laser eyes at the base of the garage door – if there is anything under the door, the garage door will not shut. If you are unable to identify the reason for malfunction, call a locksmith. LPI Locksmiths are educated, trained, and ready to problem solve around the clock. If you need to talk about your garage door options give our Locksmiths a call!
5 ways to secure your home without paying for home security
Fooling the Foe It’s clear that there are many options for home security. Among those who are impressed with the variety, there are still some who would prefer to go without. The reason for this kind of a decision is often times due to a lack of finances. We are aware that some individuals or families simply cannot afford high-end security systems. So, is there a way to increase the security of a home without implementing an alarm system or installing fancy cameras? The answer is yes. There are actually several ways to deter a thief from breaking into your home. It goes without saying though, that these tactics will not guarantee your safety, nor can they be being held to any kind of high standard when compared to home security systems. 5 ways to deter a burglar from breaking into your home, without paying for home security: Make it look like you are home. Keep a light on. Keep your or radio on. Don’t broadcast your plans, especially when leaving town. If you have to leave your home for any extended amount of time, make sure you are keeping up on your outdoor maintenance. If your grass is crazy, your garbage remains hidden, and your trees are a bit out of whack – in the eyes of a burglar – this implies you are away from the home. Purchase fake cameras. Fake cameras are a cheap and great investment. Homes with security cameras are about 3 times less likely to be broken into. It’s not likely that a burglar will take the time to ensure your cameras are real and functioning, so if you don’t want to real deal, make time to hang the fake ones. Know the signs. Burglars who have been interviewed will say that they are less likely to break into a home that portrays some kind of home security system is active inside, or outside of the home. There are many different signs you can post around your home! The trick is fooling a thief away from your home all together. Here are a few effective signs to try: Beware of Dog Smile, you’re on camera! Protected by… Neighborhood watch. It may be that you are too shy connect with the neighbors in your area, but you should do it anyways. There are tons of break-ins a year, and many of them are reported by surrounding neighbors. Implementing a simple system with the people around you will prevent a burglar from taking advantage of your home while you are away. Window Jammers and deadbolts. A window Jammer functions similarly to a deadbolt, but instead of securing a door, it secures a window. Deadbolts are the most effective kind of lock and will keep someone from easily breaking into your home. Other locks can be picked, while deadbolts are harder to overcome. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on home security, spend the money you have on deadbolt locks for all of your doors. You might even try a double dead bolt system. To talk more about your home security options please call us!
Child Home Safety Series (Part 1 of 2)
Child safety inside of the home is a common topic addressed in several different ways. The most common area of conversation about this topic is in the way of “Baby proofing the home”. Yes, it’s important to baby proof your home if you have an infant or toddler wandering around the house, and it’s crucial that you know how to do it effectively. However, that is a topic for another day. The second common area of conversation about this topic is in the way of addressing home security systems. Yes, it’s important that you have the best security system for your yourself and your family. But, what about the little things? What makes a child unsafe in the home, outside of these popular safety subjects? 5 overlooked weak links in home security: Lack of education No evacuation (or safety) plan in place Lack of attention to child’s behavior Internet use Lost keys, open doors or unlocked windows You might be thinking, how do any of these issues directly affect the security of my home? The answer is simple… All of these areas address a commonality; all around awareness plays the biggest role in your home security. “If you aren’t aware of your child’s safety, then you can’t be sure your child(s) is safe. No security system can replace awareness in a home. You must know what is going on around you, and around your child in order to guarantee their safety.” -Locksmith Plus, Inc Lack of education Don’t underestimate the significance of educating your children. Here are a few topics to address in your home: Why keep valuables out of sight via windows, guests, maintenance teams, etc) Why personal information needs to stay inside the home. Why it’s important to only answer the door for very specific people. Teaching a child to answer the door only for people they know is too broad of a term. If they know the mailman and he stops by outside his mailing routine, he is probably not there to deliver mail. Keep in mind that children think differently than adults. Evacuation and safety plan The idea of someone breaking into the home while a child is inside is not a possibility we want to consider, but unfortunately, it does happen. Does your child know what to do if this happens? Do YOU know what to do if this happens? It’s okay if you don’t, that’s why we write posts like this. Sometimes it’s not only a child that needs guidance. We are here to educate all age groups, in hopes to improve the overall safety of your community. Here are some safety tips to consider in case of an unwelcome visitor to your home: Children: If you are scared or are unable to exit the home, HIDE. If you have a folding door closet, hide inside. Hide underneath the bed if you must, or inside of a toy chest (with a lid). If you have long dark curtains that hit the floor, hide behind them, and STAY QUIET. Most of the time a burglar thinks they are alone, and they are hoping to be in and out of the house within 5 mins. Have a baseball bat (or another heavy item) with you. If you have a cellphone, call 911. Even if you can’t say anything, dial the number. The emergency response team will be on their way. Parents: If you can safely gather your family into one room, do so. Call 911. If you can’t get to your family, trust your safety plan and hide. Listen closely. If you have a firearm, be sure you know how, when and where to use it. Be ready to protect your family. Note: It’s always best to let the intruder believe they are alone inside of your home. Attention to detail What kinds of rules are being bent inside of your home? How often is your child(s) on their cell phone? What kind of information are they giving out via text? Could your youth easily exit the home through a window? If they could, would they? These are some common concerns to address when considering the safety of youth or younger children inside of your home. Internet usage This is an issue too often overlooked. With the amount of time spent on social media, it’s important that your youth understand what not to say over the internet. Personal information should never be relayed over social media. When needing to share this kind of information, it’s always best to do it in person or through a phone call. Examples of poor security via the internet: Event invites to your home via Facebook or other social media sites. Social media (or text) messages relaying personal information such as age, whereabouts, common hang out places, personal address or phone number, etc. Dating sites – some parents don’t want to admit that their youth would engage with people on this kind of a website, but it’s best to monitor internet usage to be sure personal information is not being shared (especially on a dating site). Lock and key control Keep extra keys because your kids will likely lose them at some point if they haven’t lost them already. If it is a repeated offense in your home, have a key hidden somewhere (unexpected) around your home, so that they aren’t locked out of the house in a potentially dangerous situation. Keep the doors shut and locked! Even if it’s hot outside, the doors should stay shut and locked if a child is at home alone. Doors should not remain open when children are out in the yard or taking out the trash. Be sure to relay this information like it’s important because it is. Keep the garage door closed. This is extremely important. There are too many places for someone to hide inside of a garage, and if the door is left open and unaccompanied, someone
Can a padlock be opened without a locksmith?
“That really depends on how important the lock is to you. If you want to use the lock again, I would recommend calling a locksmith.” –LPI Locksmith There are several ways to open a padlock without the assistance of a locksmith. Break the lock Break the lock Break the lock Hopefully this cuts straight to the point. If you want to remove a lock without damaging the lock or breaking it all together, call a locksmith. Locksmiths have the proper tools to remove it, and LPI locksmiths are trained in all the proper techniques. If the lock itself is not important, and it won’t need to be reused, you can get a bolt cutting tool or remove it with an angle grinder. A locksmith would not be necessary to remove the lock in this way, however having someone familiar with utilizing the tools required, is pretty important. Why would someone need this type of service? There are several reasons someone would request this type of service. Here is one great example: “When I started up a local storage business in my small town, I allowed my customers to use their own padlocks. I hadn’t given much thought to unpaid bills, or abandonment of belongings. When this type of situation came to pass, I wasn’t able to remove the padlock from a customer’s unit. I called a locksmith, and they were able to pick the lock, rendering the lock to me. I kept the lock incase the customer returned. Turns out their child passed away and everything else in life took the back seat. I’m sure glad I didn’t choose to break the lock. They have been loyal customers now for over 20 years.” -anonymous When it comes to removing padlocks, the most common need is to open storage units. How do Locksmiths remove padlocks? At LPI, the locksmiths make it their priority to understand the desires of their customers. Does the person simply want the lock removed because they need what is locked up? Do they care about the lock more than what it’s locked to? Will they need to reuse it? LPI locksmiths analyze each situation individually, and when given permission by the customer, will make the best decision in course of action. Common ways a locksmith will unlock a paddock Most locksmiths will begin with picking the lock (this is the most conventional and effective way to release a padlock) Tremmel tool (a small tool – looks like carving tool – used to pop the lock) Angle grinder (typically used in cases when other methods have failed, or when the service is requested by a customer – not very common) How much does this kind of service usually cost? Costs will always vary depending on the type of lock used, the difficulty level of removal, and the type of services provided. Typically someone should expect to pay between $100 to $200. If you need any help don’t hesitate to call one of our professional locksmiths.