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Month: July 2020

Do You Need A Deadbolt Lock?

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Do I Need A Deadbolt Lock?

If you are concerned about your home’s security, you may be wondering if you need a deadbolt lock. The short answer is: yes! This article will discuss the key advantages of having one installed in your home. If you need help installing a deadbolt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Pop-A-Lock today. The experienced locksmiths at Pop-A-Lock can install a deadbolt quickly and affordably.

Deadbolts offer specific advantages that standard locks do not have. A deadbolt, with its solid steel bar, makes it more difficult for a burglar to break into your home. There are three main types of deadbolt locks: single cylinder, dual cylinder, and keyless cylinder. The most common used is the single-cylinder deadbolt, which is operated by a twist knob on the inside and a key on the outside of the door. The double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both the inside and outside for operation. Keyless cylinder deadbolt locks use a password or fingerprint scan to open the door.

Keep in mind that a single cylinder door can still be breached if you have glass panels or windows, as a burglar could break through the glass, reach in, and turn the knob. A double cylinder protects against this type of break-in, because a key has to be used on the inside to unlock.

When installing the lock, the deadbolt must extend fully into the hole on the door jamb for it to function properly. It’s essential that the hole is reinforced with a metal strike plate. If the deadbolt does not extend all the way into the hole, or if a metal strike plate is not used, the lock and door frame can be compromised during a break-in.

Standard locks can be pried open with objects such as a knife because of the spring mechanism. They can also be broken open by crowbars. Because a hardened steel deadbolt is stronger, forcing or sliding them open is nearly impossible.  Deadbolts take longer than standard locks to break open, meaning a burglar is less able to get in and out promptly and, therefore, is more likely to be caught.

Often, when a burglar kicks in a door, it’s the door frame, rather than the door, that breaks. Some locksmiths recommend using a 3-inch screw to reinforce the strike plate and make sure it’s securely attached to the studs of the frame of your home or apartment.

Another advantage of deadbolts is that their simple mechanisms make them extremely affordable. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 for a deadbolt – a cost much less than installing a home alarm system. You may not even need a sophisticated alarm system once you install a deadbolt. While no lock is 100% guaranteed to keep out intruders, installing a deadbolt, as opposed to just having a standard lock, will significantly increase the security of your home.

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Having a deadbolt installed by the trained home and residential lock installation professionals at Pop-A-Lock will ensure it’s proper and secure performance. If you’re interested in learning more about deadbolts, or you would like a professional locksmith to come to your home to install one, call Pop-A-Lock today. We will make sure you have the right lock for your home that will keep you, your family, and your belongings safe from harm.

Tips to Prevent Accidentally Locking A Child in A Car

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Pop-A-Lock Technician Opening Door for Child in Car

Did you know that according to KidsandCars.org, an average of 38 children die heat-related deaths each year after being trapped inside a vehicle?

As a parent, your days are understandably hectic. With all of the responsibilities and distractions that come with everyday life, even the best parents could discover that they’ve accidentally locked their child in the car. While most of us assume that this will never happen to us, it’s always wise to consider how to avoid a mental blunder like this, and what to do if it accidentally happens to you.

That’s why we’ve provided the following tips that will help you avoid accidentally locking your child in the car.

 

  1.   Always take your kids with you. 

Even if you’re making a brief stop, bring your kids with you into the store. In some states, it’s even illegal to leave your child unattended in a vehicle. Make a habit of bringing your child with you, no matter how busy you are or how short you expect the stop to be.

  1.   Don’t leave your keys within an arm’s reach of your child.

No matter where you are, your keys need to be kept away from your child. The auto lock on your keyless entry remote allows a child to lock themselves in the car. It’s a good idea to carry a spare key with you at all times. Typically, a locksmith service can duplicate your key for less than what an auto dealership will charge. If your keys are locked in the vehicle with your child, Pop-A-Lock’s Pal Saves Kid’s program can help you get into your vehicle immediately to retrieve your child and your keys.

  1.   Communicate with your child’s caregiver.

Stay in contact with your child’s caregiver so that the caregiver will call you if your child doesn’t show up at daycare. It’s not unheard of for parents to be in such a rush that they accidentally forget that their children are still in the car and head to work. Use a smartphone app that requires you to check-in so you will receive an alert on your phone if your child is not dropped off at daycare.

  1.   Always check the car seat. 

Every time you exit your vehicle, check the backseat for your child. Place a reminder on your dashboard, or put one of your child’s belongings, such as a toy, in the front seat to serve as a visual reminder. Or, put something you’ll need when you get out of the car -like a phone, wallet or purse – in the backseat with your child.

  1.   Situate your child’s car seat so that they are visible to you.

Position your child’s car seat to the right or in the middle of the backseat, so it is easier to see them in your rearview mirror than if they were directly behind you.

  1.   Limit talking on the phone. 

Try to avoid talking on the phone during your drive. Carrying on a conversation, particularly one that is deep or involving, could be distracting and divert your attention from your child.

  1.   Be careful if your daily routine changes.

The risk of accidentally leaving your child in the car increases with a change in routine. If you decide to run an errand before work or if you need to adjust your daily schedule for any reason, be sure to put your child’s new drop off time on your calendar in advance, and try to set phone reminders to alert you that they need to be taken to school or daycare. If your child will be with you all day, make a mental note to always take them with you on whatever special errands you need to run.

  1.   Save a locksmith’s number in your phone. 

Be prepared in the event the unthinkable happens and you accidentally lock your child in the car. If it’s a warm summer day or a cold winter day, and your child is in the car, take immediate action to get them out. Call 911 and attempt to break a window to gain entry into the vehicle.

However, if the weather is mild, calling 911 and breaking a window might not be necessary. Just be sure to call a locksmith or utilize Pop-A-Lock’s PAL Saves Kids program to get your child out of the vehicle immediately. Locksmiths are available 24/7 and will be able to pop the lock as soon as they arrive. Always be careful in this consideration, though, because inside of cars can heat up or cool off quickly, even if the temperature outside is mild. When in doubt, always call 911.

Pop-A-Lock is Committed to Saving Kids

Pop-A-Lock developed the PAL Saves Kids program, which rescues children in locked vehicles 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since law enforcement officers introduced the program in 1991, thousands of kids have been rescued throughout the United States at no charge to parents or caregivers. If your child is locked in your vehicle or you see someone else’s child locked in another vehicle, take advantage of this free program right away.

We hope you found these tips to be helpful, and if you need assistance with a locked vehicle, contact your local Pop-A-Lock professionals today.

Remember, always look before you lock!

Pop-A-Lock Mascot hugging child

Home Security Tips For While You Vacation or Travel

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Taking a vacation from work with the family or traveling for any reason at all can be fun and exciting. But the planning, preparation, packing and everything else leading up to the trip can be stressful. Then, when you’re finally gone, worrying about the security of your home can put a damper on the vacation. Don’t let stress ruin your adventure!

Fortunately, the residential security experts at Pop-A-Lock have a list of tips and tricks to help relieve this stress and ensure your home’s security while you’re gone!

Before You Go

In addition to trip research and packing, your pre-vacation to-do list should include security measures for your home. Below are a number of things you can do before you leave for your trip to keep your home secure so you can rest easy while you’re away.

  • Set your lights on timers. Having lights turn on and off automatically can make it look like someone is home, even if they’re not. This is a great way to deter potential thieves from entering your home.
  • Take all spare keys inside. If you typically keep any keys in a lock box, under a rock, in the mailbox  – anywhere outside you home – take them inside. Don’t give thieves any temptation.
  • Have exterior lighting. A well-lit exterior – particularly with motion-sensored lights – will likely scare off anyone creeping around your property.
  • Don’t post publicly that you’ll be away. A tell-tale status update can flag to someone creeping online that your house is going to be empty.
  • Unplug non-essential electronics, like computers and TVs. Apart from the threat of someone breaking into your home, there’s also the possibility of a power surge. Unplugging extra electronics will help minimize damage and the threat of an electricity fire while you’re away.

While You’re Away

Now that you’ve done all the prep work and it’s finally time to leave on your trip, there are a few more security measures that we suggest having in place while you’re away.

  • Hire a company to keep your lawn mowed and landscaping kept up. Overgrown grass and bushes can signify to crooks that the home has been vacant for some time and tempt them to go inside.
  • Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail for you. Or, if you’ll be gone long enough, put a temporary stop on your mail. Like the grass, an overflowing mailbox is another signal to crooks that the house has been empty.
  • Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house. Neighbors can make for great eyes and ears while you’re gone. They’re already in the neighborhood, and can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity around your home. If they know you’re gone and aren’t expecting anyone to be at your home, they’ll know something is wrong and can call the police.

Proactivity Will Keep Your Home Secure

It can be nerve-wracking to leave your home for any extended period of time. But there are a number of things you can do to increase your home’s security and alleviate that stress!

Our locksmithing experts have created a free home security audit. The checklist can help you create a safe environment for you and your family – while you’re home and away.

If you’re interested in re-keying your home or upgrading your home’s locks, contact your local Pop-A-Lock today!

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