5 Clever Home Security Tips That Go Above and Beyond a Home Security System

By: Hallee Dunsky

There’s absolutely no doubt that having a home security system is the best way to keep your property safe. With motion detectors and cameras, it can scare burglars away or identify them for prosecution, if they’re brave enough to target your home.

Although a home security system is the best way to keep your home safe, that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to keep your home safe.

There are plenty of simple and easy ways you can make your home more secure with or without a home security system. We’ve talked about a few of these ideas before, but we’re always learning more about home security, so we wanted to share a few more with you.

1. Exterior and interior lighting

One of the best things you can do to make your home secure is to pay attention to lighting. Certain lighting strategies will keep would-be thieves at bay, even if you don’t have a full-blown home security system.

Start with the lights outside. If every corner of your home’s exterior is lit up, there is nowhere for a burglar to hide. With nowhere to hide, they are a lot less likely to burglarize your home.

In addition to installing uplighting on your home, you should also install motion detector lighting to alert you to any activity outside. Keep entrance lights on throughout the night too. It’s a lot harder for someone to walk through the front or back door undetected when the lights are on.

Keep at least one interior light on throughout the night. If you aren’t going to be home, make sure your lights are on a timer. BeOn home light bulbs make this extremely easy because they learn your family’s habits and automatically turn the lights on and off according to your schedule.

2. Locks

There are lots of fancy lock choices out there. Some of them can be controlled by a cell phone, while others work the old-fashioned way. Although you might think a more expensive, fancier lock will protect your home better, that’s not necessarily the case.

It doesn’t really matter what kind of lock you have, as long as you use it. So many homeowners think their neighborhood is safe, so they leave the front or back door unlocked throughout the day. It’s even worse when people leave the door from their garage into their home unlocked.

Keep your door locked, even if you’re at home. Always keep the garage door locked. Many potential thieves know how to break into automatic garage door systems, banking on the fact that most people don’t lock their interior door.

Don’t forget about the windows! Only leave your windows open when someone is at home. At night, windows should only be left open if they are on the second story or higher. Always re-engage the lock when the window isn’t open.

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Related Article: When You Should Have Locks Replaced

If you need professional help for lock replacement, visit barbertonlocksmith.net

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How To Keep Your House Safe For Your Family

By Eric Murrell

Keeping a home safe is a fundamental duty of all parents and families alike. As a tenant, it becomes vitally important to keep the house safe especially if children or toddlers are living inside. Besides researching the area where the house is located, there are plenty of options available to families to secure their homes. Some of these home security proofing techniques will be discussed below.

Securing the Doors and Window Panels

Doors and windows are the favorite break-in spots for criminals, so these are the ones that should get the priority first. Many people forget to leave their doors or windows locked when leaving their homes. Thus, a simple technique to keep your house safe starts with locking all the doors and windows of the home.

Getting a Home Security System

This goes hand-in-hand with the first tip. When you leave your doors and windows locked when leaving the confines of your home, a home security system will immediately alert you if an intruder tries to break in through the windows. Note that this is not a preventative measure, but you can quickly notify the police and local authorities when a burglar activates the home security alarm of your house.

Meeting your Neighbors

Having a safe community starts with getting to know your neighbors first. If you do not know who is living next door to your house, how will you feel safe for your family? Neighbors can even help you with safety tips for your home, and you can feel a sense of your community and start building a safer neighborhood with the help of your neighbors.

Maintaining the Roof Over Your House

This may sound counterintuitive, but many people neglect their roofs. Besides keeping your home safe from the harsh elements of the weather, roofs provide insulation to the house. This is why it is vital to perform routine maintenance of the roof. Seasoned roof specialists at Bravo Roofing advise that when it comes to the roof, it’s a good idea to bring the professionals in. One mistake when you try to DIY could ruin the entire structure and cause more damage than there was initially. The next time your house suffers from water leakage, know that your roof is the number one culprit for this and get it fixed immediately.

Maintaining the Privacy of Your Home

We all love a bit of privacy from time to time, and so does our house. Simple actions like keeping your doors shut at all times and putting the blinds up when you’re indoors can help create a healthy sense of privacy for your family. The people outside have no right to peek inside your house, and so performing these simple actions can keep your house safe for your family.

Getting a Guard Dog

Dogs can be great pets. Besides providing companionship to your kids and your family, dogs can help guard a house. A dog has heightened senses that can immediately alert you if an unsavory character is outside your home.

The tips outlined above are only some ways you can utilize to keep your house safe. Prevention is better than anything for home security, and so these simple steps can increase the safety of your home in a significant way. Always practice vigilance and look for weak spots in your home’s security. If you find any, do not hesitate to act because your family deserves peace of mind.

Article Source: How To Keep Your House Safe For Your Family

Related Article: Best Keyless Entry Systems

For more tips on how to improve keep your home safe for your family, visit barbertonlocksmith.net

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How to Improve Your Backyard Security

Tips to secure your backyard during maintenance and cleanup BY ALLISON CLARK

How do you use your backyard? Maybe the kids spend hours shooting hoops, riding bikes, or jumping on a trampoline. Perhaps you use your backyard as your private oasis of calm, a spot to sip a cup of coffee or catch up on a good book in peace. Or maybe the backyard is simply your dog’s domain. Whichever the scenario, get a jump-start on backyard cleanup this season to not only enhance your yard security but also your outdoor aesthetic. Here are a few ways to keep your backyard safe for maximum enjoyment:

Consider a fence

Whether your backyard consists of a small patio or 2 acres of lush lawn, consider fencing in at least a portion of that space. Fencing, particularly near your home, can help deter anyone looking for an easy target. If you already have a fence, now is the time to give it a good cleaning, inspect for any warping or loose boards, and repair as necessary to make the fence more secure.

Add sensors

You may have a door sensor or video doorbell to secure your front entryway, but don’t overlook the back door and backyard-facing windows. Install glass break detectors that trigger an alarm if someone smashes a window, and use door and window sensors to alert you to anyone trying to gain access to your home from your backyard.

Lock it up

Sure, your backyard shed may be obscured from the road via a fence, but you’ll still need to add another layer of protection. To further secure your backyard, invest in a good lock for your backyard gate. Also ensure the back windows and doors to your home and garage remain locked, secure any valuables in a shed, and lock up bikes, power tools, and lawn equipment when not in use.

Install cameras

Position outdoor security cameras to capture your entire backyard. Just be sure to mount them in obvious spots so anyone entering your yard knows they’re under surveillance. Once installed, make sure to clean them regularly, wiping away dirt, debris, and pollen to get the most from your outdoor cameras.

Secure water features

Protect anyone entering your property if you have a swimming pool. Many local ordinances require signage and fencing around a pool area. Protect young children by keeping gates locked, installing secure fences, and adding a pool alarm.

Keep landscaping trimmed

Reduce hiding spots in your backyard. During your backyard cleanup, prune bushes, cut back landscaping, and trim trees, particularly near windows or your back door. Make sure to perform routine trimming throughout the growing season.

Incorporate strategic lighting

Another way to minimize hiding spots is by keeping your backyard illuminated at night. Floodlights, deck lighting, ambient landscape lights, and motion-activated options all contribute to yard security.

Secure patio furniture

Wondering the best way to secure patio furniture from theft? Protect that luxuriously cushioned sofa and chair set, along with your grill and other outdoor entertaining accessories, by anchoring them in place using locks and cables. This will also keep your outdoor furniture safe during inclement weather or windy conditions.

Ready to enjoy the full benefits of a safe backyard for your family and pets? Contact Brinks Home™ today.

Allison Clark is a senior writer for Brinks Home. She enjoys educating others on the benefits of smart home security and using technology to simplify everyday life.

Article Source: How to Improve Your Backyard Security

Related Article: When to Replace Locks

If you need professional assistance in enhancing security in your backyard, call (330) 680-5196. Learn more about home security systems at www.barbertonlocksmith.net

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Schlage's New Smart Lock Lets You Tap Your iPhone to Unlock Your Door

The company’s Encode Plus is one of the first to support Apple’s Home Key feature in iOS 15.

By Florence Ion 1/04/22 9:00AM

Easily unlock your front door with your Apple Watch using Schlage’s new Home Key-enabled smart lock.  Image: Schlage 

Now you don’t have to rely on Siri to open your HomeKit-compatible smart lock. Schlage’s Encode Plus just launched with support for Apple’s Home Key feature in iOS 15, which means you can tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to your lock to open it.

The Encode Plus was finally launched at CES 2022 after an errant Home Depot product listing last month tipped the company’s hand. Schlage’s Home Key integration lets you unlock the door by simply holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock. You can choose to require Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode on your iPhone to add an extra layer of security. The lock will also support Power Reserve, so even if your iPhone is out of battery, you’ll be able to tap to unlock for up to five hours after losing charge. Home Key has some restrictions, namely that you need an iPhone XR or newer running iOS 15 and an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer.

In addition to Apple HomeKit, the Encode Plus works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa’s voice commands. And if the Schlage Encode Plus is connected through an Apple home hub, like the HomePod Mini, you can use Siri to control your lock away from home. If you like the option, the lock uses a physical key as a backup, but its primary input is a number pad.

The Encode Plus will be one of the first devices to seek Matter compatibility, which has become the smart home trend to watch this year. Matter will make it easier for more devices from different connected ecosystems to link together under one roof. The lock will have Thread built into it, one of the specifications required for Matter.

It’s been slim pickings out there for smart locks if you’re all in with HomeKit, so it’s nice to see Schlage give users more than the few smart lock offerings currently available.

The Encode Plus comes in a few different finishes, including an aged bronze version and matte black, when it goes on sale this spring for $300. 

Article Source: Schlage’s New Smart Lock Lets You Tap Your iPhone to Unlock Your Door

Related Article: When You Should Have Locks Replaced

If you need professional help in improving the security system in your home, call us at (330) 680-5196. Learn more about all our services at www.barbertonlocksmith.net

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What To Do, Ignition Cylinder Problems

The ignition cylinder is a very important component for any car. You might not think much about what goes into it because you just need to insert your key in the ignition switch and start the car! But when ignition cylinder problems occur, they can cause shutdowns, issues starting the car, and more. We have put together some information on what to do when faced with ignition cylinder problems.

Keep reading to discover more on this topic!

Check the Steering Wheel

If the steering wheel is not in the proper position, there might appear to be an issue with the ignition cylinder. What can you do? This one is easy. Just turn the steering wheel back and forth, from one side to the other, in order to loosen the key. What causes this issue to happen? The steering wheel lock is connected to the ignition cylinder. When the steering wheel is not in the right position when trying to turn off the engine it can make it impossible to turn the ignition.

Notice Any Wear and Tear

Another issue that can occur is wear and tear due to stress on the ignition cylinder. This can occur due to a heavy key ring over time. You might need a new cylinder and new keys in the situation. This is something that an auto locksmith can assist with.

The ignition cylinder and the ignition switch are connected by a lever or a shaft. There are different connections that are needed in order to run and the start the vehicle. If the ignition cylinder is in the first position or off position, nothing is going to be connected. When in the last position or start position, different parts are engaged.

Issues That Can Occur

If the ignition switch is not working, it might be due to ignition switch contacts that have become worn. If this happens, a motorist might not be able to start their car. Moreover, the engine might turn off when a person is driving. The ignition switch can be replaced if fuses and circuits have checked out and are not causing a concern.

Signs of Worn Ignition

A worn cylinder might become jammed when one puts in the key, removes the key or turns the key. If this happens, one might not be able to start their car. The concern needs to be addressed so it does not become worse over time.

The ignition cylinder is a very important component for any car, as demonstrated here. You might not think much about what goes into this important component because you just need to insert your key in the ignition switch and start the car. This is very easy to do and becomes second nature. But when ignition cylinder dilemmas occur, they can cause shutdowns, issues starting the car, and more. We have put together information on what to do – ignition cylinder problems. At the end of the day, our recommendation is to contact a mobile locksmith offering auto services.

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Lock Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Every single day, you use a lock and key to protect your home, assets, and loved ones. Without locks and keys to help us maintain our security, we would likely feel pretty powerless when it comes to our safety. In order to keep one’s locks in proper working condition, lock maintenance procedures must be performed periodically. There are several simple and key tasks you will want to make sure are achieved regularly if you want your locks to last a long time. All locks have expiration dates and most traditional locks and deadbolts will only last six or seven years, even with consistent maintenance.

It is important to follow the steps below if you want to keep your locks working well throughout the year. Neglecting to stay on top of lock maintenance procedures can result in a faulty lock going unnoticed for too long or some other mishap. Ill-fitting or worn locks leave your home vulnerable to a break-in. Make it a regular part of your household chores to inspect your home locks thoroughly, clean them, and make sure they are functioning properly.

Clean Your Locks Regularly

Just like with your home appliances and other items, you will want to make sure to clean your home locks often. Cleaning the lock itself, as well as the parts of the lock connected to the door frame, is important when it comes to extending the longevity of your locks. This quick step will take no time at all and can help maintain your security.

There is no need to use a harsh cleaner on your locks when you clean them. In fact, doing so may damage the finish on your lock, depending on the material it is made out of. A gentle cleanser is, at most, all you will want to use to make sure that your locks are clean. For most locks, a damp rag will be enough to wipe away debris and dirt without risking any damage to the lock in the process.

Keep Your Locks Well Lubricated

You may have never lubricated your locks before, but it is one of the most important lock maintenance procedures that homeowners need to perform annually. Lubricating home locks is fairly simple. Lock and key lubricant can be purchased at hardware stores and only a small amount is required in order to be effective.

To properly lubricate your home locks, spray a tiny amount of lubricant into the lock’s keyway. Then, insert and extract the key into the keyway several times. Each time you remove the key from the slot, wipe away any excess dirt or debris that comes out with it and repeat this procedure several times. This simple task should be enough to keep your locks working well, though it should be noted that a more intensive lubrication may be needed. For some locks, removing the lock from the door first may be necessary in order to apply proper and effective lubrication. If you are not sure if you can adequately lubricate your locks yourself, a certified locksmith can help.

Make Sure the Screws are Tight

Check the strike plate and other components of the lock that have screws. Tighten down any screws and make sure that no loose parts are interfering with the functioning of the lock itself. A loose screw can make it much easier for an intruder to break-in or make it so that other security mishaps occur more easily. Tightening the screws on your locks and the corresponding parts only takes a minute or two and will help guarantee the longevity and durability of your locks.

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Commercial Property Security

It goes without saying that you will definitely require security for your commercial business. You may not think about your security very often but it is very important that you take your commercial business security very seriously. It is something that you should definitely take the time to give great consideration to before something unfortunate occurs. There are so many options that are available to you that it could actually become very overwhelming. There are some security measures that must be taken if you are to avoid the misfortune of theft. You might not only experience a problem with someone breaking into your business and stealing the things you have worked hard to get. You can prevent losses by being proactive in having the right type and amount of security installed. One of the best and most widely used types of security systems that are installed for many businesses is access control security. This type of security is very instrumental in seeing who comes in and out of your business. It can help thwart off theft. If someone knows that their every step is recorded, they are less prone to do anything that they should not.

Access Control Security

Monitoring those who are coming and going from your business is very helpful. Giving your business a leg up with access control will only benefit you in the long run. While you may not have two sets of eyes, it certainly may feel like it with the installation of your access control security system. If you own or operate a large business, this will definitely come in handy for you. You will often recognize this type of security in hospitals, schools, malls, government buildings and other large institutions. Again, this is because they receive a large amount of foot traffic. With so many in and out, there is more of a need to protect sensitive paperwork and merchandise that you may have on hand. An access control system lets you monitor of anyone in and out of your business any time of day or night.

Advantages of Access Control for Your Business

Just think of the amount of paperwork that you’ll have to deal with if someone were to break into your business. If you don’t want to deal with this headache, it would be most advisable for you to have access control installed. In this case, you certainly get more bang for your buck. Since most career thieves are very smart, you have to have something installed that will be difficult for them to infiltrate. Determining now, what you will do to prevent a burglary can only benefit you and your business. If you hear of someone else’s business being broken into, you may realize that it is time to give us a call at Quick Barberton Locksmith in Barberton, OH. You will certainly be able to benefit from our locksmith services once you have received an efficient access control system. Before having access control installed, let us tell you a little more about it. 

When you have access control, you control who enters and leaves your business. You will not require a key to enter and exit but when you do enter and exit, you will be monitored. An employee generally receives a fob key that is then recorded into a database once they enter and leave the building. Some access control systems give employees access via their personal characteristics, such as eye or fingerprint recognition. Yet, there are other systems that will require that you enter a code in order to gain access into a building. Those who have access control systems know firsthand that just how beneficial this system is to them. Not only does it monitor those who come in and out of your property but it also helps facilitate large groups of people through the doors more efficiently. 

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