Home Security Tips From An Experienced Locksmith

When Should You Change Your Locks?

• After a break-up or separation (When you shared a key) – Even if your ex returned your key dos not mean you are safe! Making a copy of a key only takes a few minutes and with all the automated key making machines on the market – EASY!
• When you have lost a key in public! I know you think “they do not know where I live” Are you 100% positive? They could follow you home, ask around, see your car and scout. Be safe – Change that lock.
• When your lock or hardware is malfunctioning – A lose lok or hardware that is not working properly is not safe – Change locks when you notice a problem with them!
• When you buy or rent a new home – The old tenant the landlord – and so on may have keys – Some apartments have master keys to enter your apartment and they can per the lease usually. BUT most  states require reasonable notice and you may be able to use your own locks if you express safety concerns??!! – When you buy a new home CHANGE YOUR LOCKS (ALWAYS).
• If you notice items out of place or sense that someone has been in your home. Trust your gut feelings – change your locks. Be safe not sorry.

How to secure your home at night?

• Lock all your doors and windows – Use a deadbolt lock – Use a Chain on the door – Extra layers of security will NOT keep someone determined OUT – But it will slow them down. LOCK YOUR SCREEN OR STORM DOORS! These doors open outward and can not be kicked inward.
• Use door security bars – They help prevent someone from kicking in your door, they work well and are not too expensive you buy them online or at your local hardware store like lowes or home depo.
• Reinforce your door jams and doors with steel plates – This prevents kick-in attacks! When a door is kicked in the wood splits allowing entry – Steel plate reinforcement prevents wood splitting. If you are in Roanoke VA and need reinforced doors as a local locksmith we can help. You can also buy kits and install them yourself kits run anywhere from $40-$150 depending on what level of quality you want. We use the best and charge around $125 to reinforce most doors.
   
• Buy a home security system and use it! If you can not afford one grab some yard signs and window decals that SAY YOU HAVE ONE. Burglars and home invasion bandits DO NOT LIKE ALARMS. You can buy all-in one wifi connected alarm systems that function well without large monthly fees (research online).
• Do not wait till you GO TO BED to secure your home. Secure your home once you know you are “IN FOR THE NIGHT”  –  Many break-ins and invasions happen when people are awake at night in the home. Lock-it down and arm the alarm before bed – stay safe while awake also!
• BIG DOGS – BIG BARKS! Dogs are great companions and are even better security alerts and sometimes protection (As in attacking intruders)!