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Month: June 2020

What’s Included With A Commercial Security Audit

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What Is A Commercial Security Audit?

As a business owner, you are likely concerned about your commercial property’s security. Businesses often have valuables located within the property, such as sensitive employee or client information, cash, products, electronics and other goods. To protect your property and reduce the chance of a threat, it’s very important to have effective security practices in place.

One great method to strengthen security is to have a professional evaluate the property and make suggestions. This practice is called a commercial security audit and can be very beneficial to business owners worldwide .

What Exactly Is A Commercial Security Audit?

To put it simply, a commercial security audit is a  systematic evaluation of the security of a company’s property against a specific set of criteria. These audits cover a variety of factors that contribute to the property’s overall security, and allow for a professional to make recommendations to enhance your current system. Security audits are a great practice because they ensure small details do not get looked over, and these details can make a huge difference.

Although audits differ depending on the security company conducting them, a basic security audit will include the following elements.

  • Mechanical Security– Experts will check the functionality of your locks,  along with the condition of doors and door frames. Other factors such as the property’s windows, effectiveness of types of keys used and methods used to access the property will also be evaluated.
  • Security System in Place– The security professional conducting the audit will also check to see if your property uses a security system such as Access Control. They will evaluate factors such as how the system is managed, who has access, and that access to sensitive areas is appropriate for employee status.
  • Code Compliance– Commercial Security Audits will also include checking your compliance with building codes. Safety is very important, and a professional should check compliance with ADA codes, Electrical codes, Fire codes, and other codes depending on your state.
  • Security Measures Outside the Building– A commercial audit will evaluate your outside security measures, showing the efficiency of cameras, gates, lighting near entrances, landscaping and other elements.
  • Environment– Another factor taken into account during security audits is the area where your business is located. Higher security will be needed in areas that have higher crime rates or gang activity.

It is important to note that audits may differ depending on the complexity of the business and company conducting the audit. A formal audit by a professional will likely include many other factors such as the building design, infectious disease control,  monitoring requirements, etc. Work with a professional to determine your system design and the best security practices for your individual property.

Considerations for Commercial Security

It’s important to take some time and consider what is important to you and your business when you decide to implement a new commercial security plan. Factors to consider should include:

  • Future Plans– What are your short, mid and long range visions for an effective access control system?
  • Your Current System– What investments have already been made in your system? Can you upgrade the system you already have or do you need a new system entirely?
  • Asset Control- What is the value of assets you have located in the property? Has there been a recent change in value of assets that requires more security? ( such as new client data, new products etc).
  • Credentials– How do you currently authenticate entry into the building? Does your property require an ID card for fob or access? How can you make these methods more secure?
  • Convenience factor– How willing you are to sacrifice convenience for increased security? These factors are often in conflict, and it’s important to find a balance that works for your property.

If you’re thinking about conducting a security audit, a great starting point is to download the full commercial security audit PDF from the Pop-A-Lock website. This download will help you consider if  your property would benefit from this practice, and will give you a better understanding of where your property stands in terms of security.

Security Professionals at Pop-A-Lock

If you’ve decided to have a security audit conducted, contact your local Pop-A-Lock today! Participating Pop-A-Lock locations will conduct a security audit in person, along with providing the download online. Deciding to have a security audit performed is a great step to ensure your commercial property is secure as possible!

Contact Your Local Pop-A-Lock Today!

Founded in 1991  in conjunction with law enforcement officials, Pop-A-Lock has grown into a prominent locksmithing franchise with locations across the United States and Canada. Our experienced security professionals are highly qualified, trained and have the experience to help you address your commercial security concerns. You can contact us by calling (800) POP-A-LOCK or contact us online for a quote today!

What Are High Security Keys and Locks?

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What Are High Security Locks And Keys?

When it comes to home security, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. As a homeowner, you may desire a higher sense of security for your residence than traditional locks or deadbolts can provide. You may have previously experienced a home invasion, or have chosen to keep valuables stored within the property. Maybe you live in a neighborhood with a higher crime rate, or you simply want more peace of mind that you and your family are safe. Whatever your reason, if you’re looking to increase your home’s security, consider installing a system with high security keys and locks. These systems provide better security than a traditional lock and key, and are a great option to discuss with your locksmith.

What Are High Security Locks?

High security locks are specifically designed to provide better protection for those that install them. These locks are often equipped with reinforcement such as rods and plates, deterring criminals as they quickly realize they cannot gain entry into the property through their typical methods of picking or drilling. 

 High security locks may also contain a more complicated pin system, meaning the hardware is designed so only high security keys can unlock them. These locks use different technology to secure the cylinder, and are very effective at maximizing your home’s security. Though high security locks can be implemented in most existing lock hardware systems, be sure to discuss with your locksmith the best method to add these locks to your system. 

Finally, high security lock systems are typically equipped with reinforced plates on the door frame. These plates make it much harder for someone to kick your door in or break the door frame. Through all of these components, high security lock and key systems make your home very hard to break into, adding an undesirable amount of noise and time spent outside to those with criminal intentions. These individuals often aim to enter a home as quickly and quietly as possible, looking to minimize the risk of being caught.

What Are High Security Keys?

When it comes to implementing a high security system,  the most important  component is the installation of a more complex lock. However, along with the new lock, your locksmith can make you a set of high security restricted keys. These keys are much harder to get copied, as only  one locksmith in your area can make copies. The blanks used to make these keys are restricted to only one locksmith per area, and most of these locksmiths have a process for ensuring only authorized people can get copies. The locksmith may track the amount of keys that have been made, keep a formal record of authorized individuals, or require ID upon asking to copy.

Additional Security Measures to consider

It’s important to note that while adding a high security key and lock system to your home will contribute to better overall security, the system is not as effective without implementing other safety measures on your property. Make sure you address other potential security weaknesses in your home such as:

  • Entryways: Make sure all entrances to your home are well-lit. Keeping your outdoor lights on at night deters criminals as neighbors or anyone passing by can see that someone is trying to break in. 
  • Landscaping: It’s best to avoid shrubbery that obscures windows. If you do have trees or bushes that block first floor windows, make sure to keep the branches trimmed down. These are often hiding places for people attempting to break in.
  • Invest in a Home Security System: If you are concerned about your home’s security, consider investing in a security system. Openly display that you do have a system, placing signs outside the property or a sticker on windows. These practices significantly decrease attempts to break in.

I Locked My Child In My Car, What Do I Do Now?

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I Locked My Child In the Car, What Do I Do Now?

In case of emergency:

  1. Call 911
  2. Block any sunlight you can from getting in the car 
  3. Keep track of time so you know how long the child has been in the car
  4. Look out for signs of heatstroke – bright red or flushed cheeks, confusion or lethargy, and sometimes vomiting
  5. Contact an emergency locksmith

As a parent, you do your best to keep your child safe. You anticipate dangers, securing your home and vehicle. Despite these efforts, accidents do happen, even with the most responsible of parents. If you accidentally lock your child in the car, take comfort knowing that Pop-a-Lock offers a free service to rescue your child. Even if the temperature outside is a pleasant 70 degrees, the temperature inside a closed vehicle can rise to 89 degrees in a matter of minutes. To save your child, don’t panic but act quickly and take the following steps: 

Call 911: 

A child left in a hot car is an emergency. Especially in the summer, you need to take action right away. Call 911 immediately and calmly explain your situation to the dispatcher. Emergency services will send police and firefighters to help get your child out of the vehicle.

Block Sunlight: 

To keep the car as cool as possible, do anything you can to block sunlight from entering your vehicle. Use nearby resources such as blankets or towels to create some shade for your child as you wait for emergency services.

 Keep Track of Time: 

Depending on the temperature outdoors, vehicles can reach temperatures upward of 100 degrees within ten minutes. Time is of the essence, so if emergency services fail to show up promptly, then you may need to break your window to save your child. 

 Know the Signs of Heatstroke:

According to the nonprofit organization, Kids And Cars, about 900 children locked in cars have died of heatstroke since 1990. A child with heatstroke typically has bright red or flushed cheeks, displays confusion or lethargy, and even begins vomiting. Heatstroke also limits the body’s ability to sweat and can either cause the pulse to weaken or speed up abnormally. 

Go Easy on Yourself:

Many parents and caregivers feel distraught and guilty for accidentally locking their child in the car. As long as you are able to take action to get them out immediately, the next step is to make a plan for the future. The following tips can help you avoid the same accidents moving forward: 

  •     Keep a reminder of your child (toy, blanket, etc.) in the front seat next to you.
  •     Keep your briefcase or purse in the backseat near your child. 
  •     Limit distractions and stay off of your phone while driving.

If you notice any other child unattended in a vehicle, call 9-1-1 and an emergency locksmith immediately.

Contact an Emergency Locksmith:

The Pop-a-Lock emergency locksmiths are here to help parents  rescue children who’ve been accidentally locked in cars as quickly as possible. Through the PAL Saves Kids program, Pop-a-Lock offers these vital rescue services 100% free of charge, and  has rescued thousands of children across the United States. The PAL Saves Kids program helps families and provides educational resources to parents and is always available if the unthinkable happens and your child becomes locked in your car. Don’t despair, and don’t wait to take action. Call Pop-A-Lock for help right away!  

 

How To Save Money On Automotive Key Duplication Services

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How To Save Money On Automotive Key Duplication Services

While there’s never a “good” time to lose your car keys, it always seems like they get lost at the most inconvenient time possible. This often leads to extreme stress and frustration for countless people across the country every day. 

As anyone who has had to replace a car key before knows, it can be a time consuming and expensive ordeal if you have them replaced at the dealership. Fortunately, there are faster and cheaper options available to you, such as using a locksmith – specifically, Pop-A-Lock – for key duplication. If you have a duplicate key, it’s not as big of a nuisance if you lose one. 

 Want to know more? Here are four reasons why you should hire a locksmith for a duplicate key instead of going to a dealership: 

  1.   Quick Response Time. A locksmith specializes in key replacement. They’ll be ready to help you right away because that’s what they do for a living! A dealership, on the other hand, is more focused on car sales. Dealerships don’t deal with key replacements as regularly as a locksmith does, and they don’t typically have an efficient process in place to make duplicate keys like a locksmith does. Many locksmiths offer emergency services 24/7, so you can get the key you need no matter what time of day it is.
  2.   Convenience. A locksmith will come to wherever you are and help get you back on the road, whereas dealerships typically do not offer this convenient service. This is a plus, as in a case where you are locked out of your vehicle, you won’t be able to drive to a dealership.
  3.   Help with Other Lock and Key Issues. A lost car key is just one example of the many issues a locksmith can help with. Another common problem is when a physical key gets stuck in the ignition. Instead of paying a mechanic to fix it, a locksmith can remove the key for a much lower price. Another common problem we encounter is when the ignition is damaged or has worn out, however a locksmith is usually able to repair the ignition switch on site. Locksmiths are experts in car keys and locks, affordably and promptly helping you with a range of issues related to accessing and starting your vehicle.
  4.   Quality Matches the Dealership. Locksmiths can duplicate 99% of all car keys on the market. Car dealerships will say that you have to go to a dealer to get a duplicate car key because they want you to go through them. There are a very small percentage of late model car keys that a locksmith cannot duplicate only because the carmaker has not released the key codes to locksmiths yet. 

Pop-A-Lock can duplicate virtually every make and model of key – and for a far lower price than what the dealership will charge. Our highly skilled Pop-A-Lock technicians can meet you wherever you and your car are,  creating your smart key on the spot. All technicians are trained to perform programming of transponder, VAT, and smart keys for all vehicle makes and models. The work we do will be very high quality – guaranteed every time.

Replacing Modern Car Keys

Why are car keys so expensive these days? The main reason is that vehicle security has become more sophisticated over the last few decades. Most newer vehicles are equipped with transponders, (a type of anti-theft system), and keys use an electronic fob, which is essentially a remote control. To program these types of key/fobs, locksmiths need proper training and equipment. 

Replacing a newer, high-tech transponder key is not as easy as getting a new key cut to match your ignition. This needs to be performed by a trained technician to ensure the key will start your car and function properly. Not only is Pop-A-Lock much cheaper than a dealership, we’re much quicker as well. Pop-A-Lock can assist with the following key duplication services: 

  • Key replacements
  • Keyless remotes
  • VATS keys
  • Laser cut keys
  • Transponder keys
  • Dealer chip keys programmed on-site
  • Remote programming
  • Electronic keys

Lost Your Car Keys? Call Pop-A-Lock For Help

We’re available 24/7, so call Pop-A-Lock whenever and wherever you need us, and our technician will promptly arrive on the scene to help! If you need a duplicate key, all you have to do is contact a Pop-A-Lock near you and provide the following information:

  • The type of keys that have been lost
  • Make and model of your vehicle
  • VIN#
  • Personal identification

After you’ve placed your call, a skilled Pop-A-Lock technician will come to where you are and duplicate your key on site. This way, you will not have to pay for towing. If you have AAA or roadside assistance through your car insurance, you may have benefits that will pay a percentage of the key duplication cost. Lastly, Pop-A-Lock will provide a similar warranty that you would get from a dealership.

Don’t overpay for key duplication, and say “no thanks” to the time and hassle that comes with getting a new key from the dealership. Instead, contact your local Pop-A-Lock to get a trained technician to save you time and money, getting you back out on the road fast!

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