Protect Yourself Against Home Burglary

Leaving your home unprotected is risky

A burglary can happen anywhere, whether you live in a house, a condominium or an apartment, in the city, suburbs or a rural area. In fact, burglaries of residential properties accounted for 69.5 percent of all burglary offenses in 2016. Don’t let your home become another statistic.

Even if you’re not there when it happens, a break-in can permanently shatter your feeling of security at home. Fortunately, taking a few simple precautions could dramatically reduce the risks of an invader gaining access to your home and keep your home or apartment in tip top shape.

Common sense care

Believe it or not, it’s often the simplest and most obvious precautions that homeowners tend to forget-and which burglars tend to exploit. Maybe you’ve lived on the same street for decades and doubt it could ever happen to you. Maybe you’re in a rush and skip the usual routine.

Whatever the situation, you should always lock your doors and windows when you go out. Keep close track of any spare keys that exist. Do you know where they are? Do you trust who has them?

Here are a few more common sense tips to minimize the chances of a break-in:

• Do not have money or jewelry lying out in view from a window. Consider purchasing two fire-resistant safes: One for your valuables and one for important documents and data. To protect your safes from theft, bolt them to the floor.
• Don’t tell strangers your daily routines, and avoid telling others about the valuables in your home. If you’re at home working outside, leave all other doors that are out of sight locked.
• Don’t leave tools or ladders in your yard. Burglars may use them to gain access into your home.
• Be wary about posting your vacation plans and updates on social media websites-even though you trust your friends, you never know who might learn that you’re not home.
• If you have children, discuss home security with them, such as not talking with strangers about their home, its contents or family schedules.
• Keep a detailed inventory of your valuables, including the date of purchase, price paid and serial numbers.

Original Article Here: Protect Yourself Against Home Burglary

Home security is one of the most important things that we should consider as homeowners. Why wait to become a victim if you can enhance your home security right now? Locksmith & Key Oak Park is now here to help you anytime. 

10 PRACTICAL HOME SECURITY TIPS THAT YOU CAN USE TODAY

A burglar is out for one thing: to find a home that is easy to enter. If your home appears too difficult or the risk of being caught is too great, they will move on to the next house. It does not take a lot to make your home appear intimidating to burglars – in fact, it is very simple. Unfortunately, too many homeowners ignore these super simple security tips that could significantly reduce the likelihood their home is robbed in the future.

Everybody loves a top 10 list, so here’s our checklist for living safely!

10 Simple Home Security Tips That You Can Use Today

1. Locking Doors and Windows – Before you leave your home or go to bed, lock the doors and windows of your home. If you have a home automation system, use your computer or smartphone to remotely lock your doors if you forget to do so before leaving.
2. Use a Home Security System – A home security system is your best defense against burglaries. There are numerous systems available that can be customized to your home and budget. Your local home security company can help you choose one. Simply installing it is not enough – you must also activate it!
3. Check the Locks – Locks need maintenance just like every other area of your home. Be sure to install deadbolt locks on outside doors, use the right locks on sliding doors and secure dog/cat entrances when you are away.
4. Occupied, Even When Vacant – Regardless if you are home, your house should appear occupied. That means turning lights on at night and having them turn off with a timer (if you will not be home in time to turn them off).
5. Reduce Shrubbery – One thing burglars look for is how easily they can hide around the perimeter of your property. Cut back shrubs and trees, especially those near upper levels and windows, so that burglars have nowhere to hide.
6. Secure Your Garage – Your garage has an entrance into your home, and it’s a common target for burglars. Secure your garage just like you do your home. Park your car in the garage too, if you can, as this will make it harder for burglars to tell when you are home and when you are out.
7. Lights – Use exterior lights and schedule them to turn on when the sun sets. Use motion sensing lights for dark areas on the lawn too.
8. Mail – If you go out of town, stop your mail delivery or have a neighbor pick it up for you. Mail that builds up in the box tells burglars right away that no one is home.
9. Outdoor Wires – Make sure the telephone lines and electrical wires are not easily accessible by burglars. Burglars will usually attempt to disarm security systems by cutting these.
10. Change the Locks – If you lose your house keys, move into a new home or have someone move out of your home, change the locks on the doors.

Original Article Here: 10 PRACTICAL HOME SECURITY TIPS THAT YOU CAN USE TODAY

Related Article Here: 8 Home Security Tips You Never Thought Of

Are looking for a professional help for your home security? Locksmith & Key Oak Park is a great choice! They already served hundreds of satisfied customers! Be one of them now!

Locksmith & Key Oak Park: What to Do to Prevent Lockouts

Being locked out is not one of the coolest things that you will ever experience. On the contrary, it may be one of the worst experiences that you will ever have to face. It usually tends to happen in the most inconvenient times and sometimes it occurs at some very odd hours.  

Locksmith & Key Oak Park in Oak Park is one of those locksmith companies that you can count on if you ever experience a lockout. We can be there within minutes to assist you once you are in any of the areas that we service. Unfortunately, if you are outside of these areas, you will have to find a locksmith in your area that you can trust. Hopefully, this will not be a very difficult task for you.  

So, You’re Locked Out? 

There are many reasons why you may find yourself on the opposite side of the door rather than safe and sound inside your car, home or business. Perhaps you have lost your keys, broken them or you just cannot find them anywhere.  

You may think that the easiest problem to fix here is the misplaced keys. However, finding misplaced keys can be a challenge that some persons never win. Sometimes, it is only after ceasing all efforts to find your keys that they finally reveal themselves. It’s almost as if they really did not want to be found.  

Lost keys and broken keys are similar problems. How come? Well, in both cases, you may end up seeking professional assistance. If you are one of the lucky ones, you may have a spare key. If you don’t, your problems may have just been magnified a little bit more.  

What Should You Do If You’re Locked Out?  

Realizing that you cannot open a locked door can be a very frightening experience. As a result, many people who get locked out tend to panic first. Instead of calling a loved one or calling someone to get some advice, some people break down in tears, others start freaking out and then there are those people that just freeze in disbelief.  

There is really no need for you to start panicking. There are many ways to get through a lock out. In fact, on many occasions after you think that you are locked out, you may realize that there is an alternate route to get you safely inside. 

So, here are some things that you should do if you think that you are locked out. It doesn’t matter if it is your home, car, business or elsewhere.  

• Check other points of entry 

This may seem a bit redundant. Of course, people would check other entry points before they determine that they are locked out. Well, that’s what we all would think. When you are in the situation, your thought process can be a bit impeded. Not everyone will think of checking for other entry points. Once they try to open the main door that they are accustomed to, many people will start panicking if it cannot be opened. If there are no other open doors, check for windows. You may gain entry from an open window that is nearby.  

• Try to remember if you have any spare keys 

Spare keys can be a big help during a lockout. But, that’s only if you can remember that you have them somewhere. Although it may be difficult to stop for a moment and gather your thoughts, try very hard to do so. You may just remember about a spare key that can save you some locksmith costs.  

• Call your local locksmith 

If there is no way for you to get inside, call your locksmith right away. 

Now That You Know What to Do, What About the Things That You Should NOT Do? 

As hard as it may be, and as tempting as it may seem, there are few things that you should totally avoid if you are locked out. Unfortunately, there are many people who practice these things. Some are luckier than others so some people may be able to escape the negative effects of their actions. However, do not attempt these things.  

• Do not break windows or doors 

Ok. So, it’s your house, your car or your business and you can do as you please. That’s completely correct. However, breaking windows or doors can end up being much more expensive than simply calling a locksmith for help. Yes, you want to get inside quickly and yes you panicked and did the first thing that came to mind. But, this should never be your first or last resort. There must be some affordable locksmiths in your area that can respond to a lockout quickly.  

• Do not damage your locks 

Yes, we get it. It’s not a big deal to replace your locks. But, have you ever considered the cost of a new lock in comparison to the cost of a locksmith? Often, locksmith prices are more inexpensive. Plus, if you aren’t able to replace that lock immediately, you will leave your property vulnerable to criminal elements.  

So, Can You Really Prevent a Lockout? 

There’s one way that you can avoid calling the locksmith, breaking down windows and doors, having a panic attack and much more. You can try not to get locked out! Easier said than done, right?  

No matter how careful we are, everyone is prone to being locked out at some point or another. Some people may go throughout their entire adult life without being locked out. Kudos to them! But, for the rest of us, we may face a lockout several times in our lives. So what steps can we take to prevent these unfortunate situations? Here are a few. 

• Keep spare keys nearby 

It doesn’t matter if you hide it or give it to someone for safe keeping. Just make sure that you can access it whenever necessary. 

• Be very careful with your keys 

There are key finders and keychains that help to prevent loss of keys, misplaced keys and much more. Find something that works for you. 

But, if you ever find that you are locked out, call Locksmith & Key Oak Park in Oak Park!

10 Cold Weather Security Tips

When the temperatures start taking a southward turn, there are certain things that are worth appreciating—the pretty snow, a cozy fire, all those decadent cold-weather flavors we love (even breakfast cereal is pumpkin flavored these days). It’s a great time to slow down a touch and revel in the comforting sounds, smells, and sights that get ushered in with the cold weather. Though it’s easy to stay huddled inside surrounded by warmth, those cozy feelings are only as good as your winter safety preparedness. Give your home a little extra attention with our winter safety tips so that you don’t fall prey to a false sense of security.

Cold weather safety tips

Keep roads and driveways shoveled.

Snow and ice are obvious road hazards, but they can also obstruct the pathways and view to your home. To help keep your family safe this winter, make sure you keep walkways, driveways, and the view to your home clear of the pretty white fluffy stuff.

Avoid unknown visitors and solicitors.

It’s never a good idea to open your door if you don’t know the identity of your visitor or his purpose for being at your home. This is even more important in the winter when days are shorter and the streets are less likely to be populated by your neighbors. Items like the Ring doorbell can help you keep an eye on who is at your front door without having to open the door.

Use lighting to mimic normal activity.

Lighting is always a helpful deterrent when it comes to cold weather safety. But according to NPR, lighting is more effective if it mimics real activity. Try motion detectors and timers to help you achieve an effective schedule for keeping your pathways lit.

Avoid social media travel plans.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Don’t post your travel plans on social media. If you post your plans before you leave, you are advertising that your home will be empty—almost like an open invitation for a home invader.

Don’t leave your car running to warm it up before leaving.

This simple cold-weather safety tip could save you the serious hassle of having to track down a stolen car. Try parking your car in a garage so that it doesn’t require warming up. If that isn’t possible, throw on a heavy coat and brave the cold temperatures. If you insist on a warm up, at the very least, leave it in a well-lit area with a clear line of sight.

Have a backup power supply.

Outages can be particularly troublesome from a winter safety perspective because of the severe temperatures. Keeping a generator or backup power supply on hand will help you get through those outages and could keep your alarm system up and running.

Keep holidays purchases out of plain sight:

With winter comes the holidays, which typically means lots of high-dollar purchases in the home. To truly practice winter safety, store your purchases out of sight both before and after the presents are opened.

Read more at: 10 Cold Weather Security Tips

Related Article Here: 6 Cold Weather Security Tips to Keep Your Home Safe and Warm

Many of us would love to travel during winter season. Yet, before you plan it out, consider the safety of your home first before leaving. By investing and asking for the residential locksmith services at Locksmith & Key Oak Park, you can be at ease while you are in vacation!

What to Do When Your Safe is Jammed

Are you having trouble opening your safe? Does it seem impossible to get inside your safe? Don’t panic! We understand that it can be very frustrating but when you panic, it only makes the situation appear worse than it is. When a safe is jammed, it usually happens when it is locked. At Locksmith & Key Oak Park in Oak Park, Illinois, we help customers with their safe need regularly, whether it is installing or helping you get inside. Our locksmiths handle it all. However, we also understand that there is some things that people would prefer to handle on their own and this happens to be one of them. We have outlined some steps to take to get your safe open. 
Time delay issues: If your safe has a time delay feature, this could be the problem right there. This means that after attempting to open it, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes before entering the code again. This might do the trick.  
Dead batteries: Yes, it could be something as simple as having dead batteries that need to be changed. Although you might have enough power going to the lock, there may not be enough going to the bolt. This means that your lock will still look normal, it will light up and beep. However, the issue may not be anything more than replacing the batteries. If you’re experiencing this problem more times than you can imagine, it might be due to your buying off-brand batteries. Off-brand batteries tend to lose power faster. 
Code deactivated: Your code might need to be rest if the safe is jammed. A locksmith is usually able to handle this for you. In some cases, the locksmith might even show you how to reset the code on your own. 
Damaged wiring: The wiring of your safe may need repairs if it is damaged. The wiring might need to be inspected. 
Steps to take if wiring is damaged  

• If the wiring isn’t loose or cut, then go ahead and disconnect the wiring temporarily and remover the batteries. After about 20 seconds you can try again by reconnecting the wires and putting the batteries back inside. 
• If you find that the wiring is damaged, you should contact one of our locksmiths. 

Lockout mode: When your safe uses a combination and you have incorrectly entered the code too many times in a row, the safe will automatically go into lockout mode. Some safes use a beep to indicate the keypad is locked. Waiting up to 20 minutes or more might allow you to reenter the code and try again later. However, prior to attempting to do this, make sure you have the right code so that you won’t have to go through the same thing again. 
Right Combination/ No Entry: If you have a combination lock with a three-wheel combination lock, you can do the following to gain access again: 

• Turn your dial toward the left four times until the first digit on your combination is aligned with the index opening. The fourth time around, make sure you stop on the right number. 
• Next, turn the dial to the right three times. Do this until the second digit aligns with the index opening. On the third time, make sure you land right on the number intended. 
• Now, you will need to turn the dial to the right and stop at 95 degrees. If it doesn’t stop, you will need to repeat it because it means you were off when you stopped on a number. Keep in mind the importance of stopping directly on the intended number to get the lock to open. 
• To lock it again, simply follow the aforementioned procedure but NOT stopping on any of the numbers that are a part of your combination. 

Are you still having a problem opening your safe? This might be time for you to find a qualified locksmith to assist you in opening your safe. We would strongly discourage you from drilling into the safe if you want to use it again. Drilling into the safe would mean that you would have to buy another safe. This isn’t necessary if you contact one of our locksmiths who are familiar with the way various safes operate. They are usually able to get you back inside your safe without a problem. 
If you can’t remember the combination you will need a trustworthy locksmith to help you get inside. Only rely on a locksmith that has a good reputation for being honest. You can find this information out by going on the Internet to read their business reviews. If they don’t have them, keep looking until you find one that has reviews. You’ll also need to check their credentials even when they arrive to handle the job. Making sure they are the ones that were sent by the service provider you hired is very important if you don’t want your safe to be opened by the wrong person.  

Some people assume that when a locksmith opens their safe they will not be able to use it again. We assure you that the opposite is true. Since locksmiths work with safes regularly, they know what is required to open them without incident. You should be concerned if someone without the proper credentials opens the safe for you. Only rely on a fully licensed, certified locksmith to open your safe. You should also make sure they have received a background check. Don’t be afraid to ask the locksmith service you contact. Every locksmith at Locksmith & Key Oak Park has been background checked and are the most trustworthy locksmiths in the Oak Park area.  

Chances are that when you rely on a locksmith, they will already be familiar with the issue and can effectively and quickly address your service needs. Don’t waste your time and effort trying to figure it out on your own when a locksmith is just a phone call away.

SMART TIPS FOR CHOOSING SMART DOOR LOCKS

Connected home technology makes it easier than ever to ditch your house key for a smart door lock. But with so many on the market to choose from, figuring your best choice is tough.

The best choice comes down to personal preference and your particular needs. Before choosing which lock to get, here are some things to consider.

With or without keys

There are two basic design considerations for smart door locks: Those that require you to physically have something on you; for example, keys, a fob or a smartphone.

Then there are those that simply rely on you knowing a code or using a fingerprint or eyeball scan. Going keyless has some advantages. Let’s say you go for a jog or walk, you can go hands-free and not worry if you leave home without your keys.

Compatibility

Smart door locks are designed to work with your existing connected home system, so make sure the lockset you choose is compatible with yours. Learn more about types of connected home systems here.

Durability

Generally speaking, you should look for a high-quality lockset. ANSI Grade 1 is the best. And if you’re selecting a keypad model, choose one with a durable surface – the oils from hands can wear down the lettering so that numbers are rubbed off easily.

Original Article Here: SMART TIPS FOR CHOOSING SMART DOOR LOCKS

Related Video Here: 3 Best Smart Door Locks for Home 2017

Locksmith & Key Oak Park is now offering high end and quality locks for your homes and businesses. Don’t hesitate to call them!

Locksmith & Key Oak Park: What Locksmiths Do

Many people have a fairly narrow idea in their minds about what a locksmith does. They are often associated with the basic lock and key method used in the vast majority of houses. Thus, locksmiths are only contacted when a person has lost their house key or needs to change the lock on their front door. Because of this, most people don’t consider it a career that requires a lot of technical skill. 

Locksmith & Key Oak Park, in Oak Park, Illinois, gets questions like this all the time. The truth is the responsibilities of a modern locksmith usually far transcend basic house keys and door locks. Locksmiths are usually able to help you with any safety needs related to your home and/or business, whether it’s doors, windows, or padlocking your shed. They are also skilled in dealing with safes, vaults, cars, and more advanced security systems. Finally, locksmiths are available on-call if you ever find yourself locked out of your house or your car. Here is a short article detailing the various tasks your local locksmith can do for you.   

Basic Services 

1. Windows and Doors: Locksmiths can perform virtually any basic home security task you can think of. They are able to install a variety of basic door and window locks, as well as being able to repair heavily damaged locks and replace old ones in cases of robberies or safety concerns. This goes beyond just locks; they can also fix hinges on both doors and windows, as well as put bars on windows and deadbolt features on doors. Finally, they can assist clients in unlocking their doors in the case of a client losing or forgetting their key. 

2. Keys: One of the basic responsibilities of a locksmith is the ability to cut keys for any type of lock. Whether you want a key for your garage, medicine cabinet, back door, or anything else you want protected, a locksmith can get that done for you. This also includes duplicating any of your keys in case you need more copies of one. Also, if you have a lost or damaged key, locksmiths have the ability to create a new one for you simply by examining your lock and carving a new key. Finally, locksmiths’ key abilities go far beyond just houses: they can also create master key systems for large industrial buildings, apartment complexes, banks, or essentially any other function that needs them.  

3. Vaults and Safes: This is where people are often a bit more unfamiliar with the abilities locksmiths have. Many people don’t know that locksmiths actually have the ability to open safes. Provided you have proof the safe is yours, they are able to access it if you cannot get in. Their skills with safes also include the ability to repair and replace them, as well as the ability to reprogram and change the combination on your safe. Some locksmiths even sell safes to their clients, although this is not true for all of them. Finally, the most talented locksmiths with the largest amount of resources might be able to move a large vault or a security safe for you.  

4. Car Services: Some locksmiths offer similar services for cars as they do for houses and buildings. If you ever lock your keys in your car, a locksmith could be a great person to call. They can unlock your car for you, as well as repair your key fobs or program your remote keys. If worst comes to worst, they can make a new key for you if your key is permanently lost. Their services in this area also go beyond keys – many locksmiths are able to open or unjam any of your car’s doors or its trunk.  

5. Emergency Services: In the worst-case scenario, a locksmith can be called if you need immediate access into your home or your car. Many of them are open 24 hours a day for this very reason. Although this will likely not be the quickest result (and will not be free), it is a way to make sure you stay safe.  

More Complex Services  

1. Security Systems: As technology has improved our lives in almost all areas, it makes sense that locks have been greatly improved over the last few decades. This has forced locksmiths to develop skills in more advanced security systems if they want their businesses to survive. Thus, most locksmiths are skilled in installing electronic security systems. If you need an electronic access panel installed in your home, consider contacting a locksmith to do the job. 

Locksmith & Key Oak Park can do all of these things and more. They have a team of well-qualified staff on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any of your lock-related needs. They are quite accustomed to getting calls from their customers at all times of the day when help is needed. Customers have been raving about their speed and professionalism for years, and I’m sure you will feel the same way. 

In conclusion, locksmiths actually have a plethora of services they can offer customers. If you are interested in any sort of home security project, don’t be afraid to contact your local lock and security provider to see if they are available. Generally speaking, you will find that an expert in your area is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to provide service if something comes up that would be considered an emergency. What is considered an emergency? Usually, a lockout, break-in (locks will need to be replaced immediately) or a key that is trapped in your car’s ignition. You can likely get a consultation for free for whatever service you might need.  

Although locksmiths are highly skilled in their field, most people still find their services to be quite affordable, as well as being surprised by the wide range of services they can truly offer. Hopefully this article was informative, and made you reconsider the way you view locksmiths in the future.