Are you planning for a family vacation? To ensure the safety of your home in your absence, you need to ensure that the existing lock system of your main door is in perfect condition. There are some tricks which you can use to ensure that no intruder can enter your premises while you are out of town with your family. Some of these are discussed below-
Get Your Home Security Assessed
A survey conducted in UK showed that were 6,69,000 cases of domestic burglary in England and Wales in 2018 alone. Therefore, as a property owner, it would be wise on your part to get the security of your home assessed by an experienced locksmith. It will give you a clear picture of how your door locks are working and help you find out any existing issues which need to be resolved before you go for your family vacation.
Ensure That Your Front Door Has The Latest Locking System
One of the major security issues which most people have is that they don’t have a lock in a good working condition fitted in their main door. Many opt for cheap replica locks of famous brands from the nearest hardware store. However, these locks lack durability and cannot prevent burglars from entering. To ensure that you have peace of mind, opt for the latest locking system prescribed by an experienced locksmith in Bixby.
A modern uPVC front door might not have the latest locking standards. To ensure that the door is locked properly, you need to lift the handle so that locking points of the frame are engaged. You don’t need to hold the handle up when you turn the key. Many people think that they have locked the main door just by lifting the handle. Ensure that the lock you install is suitably tested and confirms the existing standards.
Consider Installing Deadbolts
The presence of an extra layer of protection on the doors and entryways of your home can make you feel assured when you are on a vacation. Studies have confirmed that 35% of burglaries are done by thieves by entering via the front door. There are numerous types of residential deadbolts and a professional locksmith can help you select the one which will suit the security needs of your home perfectly. The installation of deadbolts must be done by a professional as proper installation is essential to ensure that the lock functions properly.
Hire A Licensed Locksmith
One problem which is often faced by homeowners is that they often end up hiring locksmiths who are not regulated and lack a professional license and certificate. To ensure that the locksmith whom you hire understands your security needs well, you need check the professional credentials of a locksmith well before you hire him. A well-trained and professionally certified locksmith is well aware of the mechanism of both modern and traditional locks. So, ask a locksmith to show his license to ensure that you are hiring a skilled, reliable locksmith.
Check The Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors can be opened easily. Some of these doors are installed backwards and therefore can be lifted by someone standing outside your home. In order to solve the problem, you will have to install a retaining plate along the track for securing the sliding door on its track. If you want to do this on your own, put a pipe or wooden stick along the sliding door to ensure that it stays in place.
Leave A Light On When Your Are Away
This will be very useful when it gets dark during the evening and you are away from home for a week! You can opt for a light with a timer and a television simulator that mimics a TV screen. By producing different colors and patterns of lighting, it will make outsiders believe that you are watching TV at home.
Fit Lights With Sensors In Front of Your Home and Garden
Doing so will prevent a burglar from entering your premises when it is dark. You can also put some gravel in front of your front driveway. The noise it makes when walking towards you home will deter the burglar because of the fear of being heard.
Check All The Locks of Your Garage, Gates And Shed
If it is necessary, get the faulty locks replaced by new ones. Ensure that any object that a burglar might use to get into your home is locked inside your garage.
Lock All Doors and Windows Before You Leave
Most intruders use an unlocked door or window to gain entry within a house. Even the latest security system would be useless if you keep your doors and windows open. Therefore, ensure that your door and windows are locked and alarm systems are switched on before you leave for your vacation with your loved ones.
My house is located in an unsafe area, which is why I’m thinking of hiring a residential security service that will be able to protect my home from any thieves or burglars. Well, thank you for these tips by the way; I’ll make sure to hire a professional that will be able to install a deadbolt on my entry door. You’re also right about the importance of hiring a licensed locksmith service who is knowledgable about the mechanisms of both the modern and traditional locks.