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Home Security Audits – Addressing Potential Targets to Increase Your Home Security

Home is where the heart is, and home is where you deserve to feel the most safe and secure. Unfortunately, break-ins still happen,  which is why it’s so important to take the steps needed to increase the security of your home – and decrease your risk of burglary or theft. A home security audit is a great first step to ensuring your home is not vulnerable to these threats.  

AT THE DOOR SECURITY

Target 1: doors

Doors are your first line of defense, so it’s important to check the integrity and soundness of them. Are they breaking, brittle, or made out of weak material? If so, you may want to consider switching to doors made of solid wood or metal. Next, examine your door frames for any cracking or other signs of damage. An easy way to add an extra layer of security to your doors is by changing the screws in your hinges to longer, more durable screws to prevent the hinges from being pried or forcefully removed. 

Target 2: windows

Intruders may skip attempting to break in through doors, favoring windows because they are often less secure. Windows should have protective screens or even be storm-proof so they are more difficult to break into. Obstructions and hazards should be clear from both the inside and the outside of the windows to prevent any unwanted projectiles. Depending on where you live, you may want to clear tree limbs or similar structures to prevent unauthorized access to upstairs windows.  

Target 3: garages

Garages are another target that intruders may favor because of their exterior access and distance from the rest of your house. Garages should be cleared of obstacles and obstructions that limit identification and maneuverability and any tools, ladders, or other equipment should be secured. Lastly, garage doors should be kept closed and locked at all times.

Target 4: locks

All points of entry need adequate locks. As permitted by code, doors should have a double-sided deadbolt and window locks should not be accessible from the outside. You may even consider installing a smart lock system with video capabilities, giving you unlimited control of your security and the ability to identify any unwelcome guests. 

The bottom line

While no one can guarantee that these steps will 100% protect your home from intruders, following these steps is a way to help ensure your home is the safest it can be. As one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, Pop-A-Lock specializes in at-the-door security solutions, and we would love the opportunity to help better protect your home and business.

You can view our full Home Security Inspection Checklist on our website here. For immediate assistance, to make an appointment with one of our professional locksmiths, or to learn more about how to keep what matters most to you safe and accessible, visit us at popalock.com. 

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Pop-A-Lock was founded in 1991 by local law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a mobile, on-site locksmith in their area. Since then, Pop-A-lock has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, providing peace of mind to over 8,500 communities. In addition to automotive services, Pop-A-Lock also offers at-the-door residential and commercial services. To learn more, visit popalock.com.

Moving In With Peace of Mind: 5 Ways to Secure Your New Home or Office

Whether it’s your very first home or the next chapter in your business journey, moving to a new property can be exciting. However, we know the process of moving can also become overwhelming at times. Here at Pop-A-Lock, we want to offer you some peace of mind by providing a few tips on how to secure your new property after you move in. 

Rekey ASAP: Rekeying your locks should be one of the first steps you take after purchasing a new property. There is no guarantee that a few extra spare keys aren’t floating around somewhere, which is why it is best to rekey your locks to ensure only you have access. Rekeying is a relatively simple process, and sometimes, you can even negotiate with your realtor to have the service completed before you move in.  

Consider smart locks: In the process of rekeying, you may want to consider switching your exterior locks to smart locks. With common features like auto-lock, remote locking and unlocking, and passcodes or fingerprint readers, smart locks are a more convenient option for controlling who has access to your property. Remote locking and auto-lock are useful features if you or someone else forgets to lock up, giving you that extra peace of mind when you aren’t around. 

Guard valuables with a safe: Keep valuables and other important documents protected in a safe. We recommend putting these items in a safe that only trusted people know about and have access to. Getting a safe that is rated against fire and water will also protect your items from the elements in the case of an emergency. Make the combination or passcode something you can remember but cannot easily be guessed by others, and do not write the passcode in a place where it can be found.

Consider a security system: In today’s world, security systems have become more affordable and common in many homes and offices. An alarm system and security cameras can help you keep an eye on your property and receive alerts if there is motion detected inside or around the exterior. With many camera options on the market, make sure to look at reviews and search for cameras with good night vision and motion detection. 

Inspect all window locks:  It’s important to remember that windows also serve as a point of access to your property. Whether it’s through an inspector or your own testing, make sure all windows lock properly and are securely closed. Window locks are also essential for keeping windows secure during extreme weather.

The bottom line

While moving locations can be stressful, you can count on Pop-A-Lock to be there for you when you need us. From rekeying to setting up cameras for a security system, if you need help securing your home or office – or find yourself locked out of it – call your local Pop-A-Lock or visit popalock.com. 

Pop-A-Lock was founded in 1991 by local law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a mobile, on-site locksmith in their area. Since then, Pop-A-lock has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, providing peace of mind to over 8,500 communities. In addition to automotive services, Pop-A-Lock also offers at-the-door residential and commercial services. To learn more, visit popalock.com.

Protect your Commercial Fleet with the Pop-A-Lock Preferred Partnership Program

By now, you know us as the people you call when you’re locked out of your car. While lockouts tend to be our most popular automotive locksmithing service, we have a lot more to offer, especially for commercial fleets. Lockouts are only one part of the equation – our other services included in our Preferred Partnership Program like rekeying, repairs, and installations are available to help keep you and your team on top of your game and your vehicles road-ready. 

Lockout and rekeying services

Truth is, lockouts and lost keys are inevitable – we’re all human. But when you’ve got Pop-A-Lock on your side, these incidents seem like less of a major disaster and more like a minor disruption to your workday. If you ever find yourself locked out or searching for your keys, simply give us a call or schedule an appointment through our online Key-Commerce system and one of our professional locksmiths will come to you – saving you time, and money, and getting you and your team back on track. 

Repairs

If the vehicles in your fleet have been around for a while, chances are they have endured some wear and tear. Locks that take too long to unlock or ignitions that feel loose or stuck can be easily resolved with a simple lock or ignition repair or replacement so you can operate your vehicles hassle-free, making your fleet more secure and keeping your staff safe.

Installations

You can only fix a broken thing so many times. Faulty ignitions and locks do not have to be hindrances, especially if the technology is dated or obsolete. As one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, we can easily install new mechanisms for your fleet’s locks and ignitions, updating them to the newest, most efficient technologies. Also, having professional locksmiths install your new locks and ignitions ensures the job is done right the first time, limiting the number of issues or hiccups down the line. 

The bottom line

Overall, our Preferred Partnership Program was designed with you and your commercial fleet in mind. Our main priority is to be there for you when you need assistance and to be your first-choice support system for your company’s vehicles. If you’d like to learn more about the Preferred Partner Program, visit our website at popalock.com. 

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Pop-A-Lock was founded in 1991 by local law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a mobile, on-site locksmith in their area. Since then, Pop-A-lock has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, providing peace of mind to over 8,500 communities. In addition to automotive services, Pop-A-Lock also offers at-the-door residential and commercial services. To learn more, visit popalock.com.

Smart Locks: How to Better Secure Your Home in the New Year

“Phone, wallet, keys.” We’re all familiar with this catchphrase – you know, what you say to yourself as you’re walking out the door for the day. As long as you’ve got those three vital items, you can pretty much get wherever you need to go. But wouldn’t it be easier to condense the list even more? What if you could do without one of those things or, better yet, combine them into one? That’s where smart locks come in. With smart locks for your home, you can enjoy the traditional security of a deadbolt with the convenience and added security of smart technology, making your home security accessible right from your smart device. 

What is a smart lock? 

Smart locks are battery-operated locks that open with an access code instead of a key, allowing for a more convenient exit from your home without compromising your safety. Smart locks lock and unlock through mechanisms that only you have access to, like a security code or app on your cell phone. Some smart locks are even biometric, meaning they need personal data like a fingerprint to permit access.

Benefits of smart locks

Have you ever wondered if someone, somewhere may still have a key to your home? Well, smart locks can help put that worry to rest. With smart locks, you’re in control and can grant or revoke access at literally the touch of a button. Do you have kids or teenagers who spend the afternoons at home alone? Well, with smart locks, you can say goodbye to the days of forgotten keys, ensuring your kids always have access inside. (Plus, you can always go lock up behind them).

Other benefits of smart locks include:

  • Avoid hiding keys outside of your home,
  • Provide access (at your discretion) when no one is home (for family, friends, or home deliveries),
  • Get notified when someone enters/locks the house,
  • And create multiple access codes for individual needs.

The bottom line

Overall, smart locks are a secure and convenient way to ensure you are always in control of your home security. Gone are the days of scouring the house for your keys or having to turn the car around to double-check that the front door is locked. By upgrading your home’s traditional locks to smart locks, you’re taking a proactive step to ensure that what matters most to you is kept accessible, safe, and secure. And that alone is priceless. For immediate assistance, or to learn more about smart locks for your home, visit our website at popalock.com. 

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Pop-A-Lock was founded in 1991 by local law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a mobile, on-site locksmith in their area. Since then, Pop-A-lock has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, providing peace of mind to over 8,500 communities. In addition to automotive services, Pop-A-Lock also offers at-the-door residential and commercial services. To learn more, visit popalock.com.