Importance of having a gun safe

If you have guns you need a gun safe; it’s that simple! Not only do they protect your loved ones, guests and yourself, they also protect your guns, too! Here in San Bernardino, CA many people have weapons at home, and a proper gun cabinet can not only secure your firearms from children and thieves, but it can also provide protection for your guns from fire, dust, floods and other disasters.

What is a gun safe?

Gun safes are also known as gun cabinets. Here at Locksmith in San Bernardino we don’t care what you call them; we just want you to use them if you have guns of any kind at home or at your business. Gun safes are usually made of wood or metal and protect your guns from improper use that can include theft, idle play, dangerous games, curiosity seekers and anyone not authorized to use or handle them. Every year we hear about children, neighbors and guests that accidentally shoot themselves by finding or fooling around with a gun that was loaded and just “lying around” waiting to be found. Having a proper gun safe on the premises helps control the unauthorized use of dangerous firearms that can injure, kill and cause havoc among loved ones and families alike.

Gun accidents can happen anywhere yet people often assume that a loaded gun tucked away in a corner, or under the bed is safe. Out of sight; out of mind doesn’t hold true here or there wouldn’t be so many tragic accidents involving firing a loaded weapon that was within easy reach.

Gun safe also protect your guns!

A well-built gun cabinet can secure your guns from children, nosy guests, neighbors and other household members. It can also protect your weapons from bad weather, fires, floods, dust, excess moisture, wind and even scratches! You can also use your gun safe to store other valuables in. These items can include cash, jewelry, flash drives, documents, stock certificates, licenses, credit cards, car titles and registrations, insurance papers and anything else that you deem valuable and worth securing.

But, what if I need my guns?

Sometimes people call our Locksmith in San Bernardino shop and ask about gun accessibility. They have a point; how can they quickly get to their guns if they need to? After all, aren’t the guns locked up and secure? With the rise in home invasions and burglaries, they seem to have a point! Picture the poor homeowner hearing the sound of a window breaking while lying in bed frozen with fear. With all this stress, they can’t remember where they put the keys to the gun safe or they can’t remember the combination code to the lock. Someone’s in the house and you have loaded guns, but they are locked away in the other room, and there’s no way you can get to them, unlock the cabinet, and defend yourself and your property.

Get some advice

Here’s where getting professional advice is essential. If you work with the right locksmith shops you can get free consultations, free price quotes and honest, affordable prices on dozens of types and models of gun safes that you can strategically place in your home or office so that fast and easy access for you is practically assured. Many San Bernardino, CA locksmiths offer biometric gun safes so that there is no tedious and time consuming locking and unlocking before you can access your guns. Biometric safes use fingerprint technology to better secure your safe and rule out unauthorized access by children, neighbors or crooks. If this sounds very “science fiction”-like, consider that this amazing technology is already being used in Apple iPhones and many other affordable and useful applications.

Don’t have a big budget?

Don’t worry; you don’t need one! Sure, if you want to spend lots of money on gun safes, you can, but why do that if you don’t need to? You don’t have to opt for second rate quality either! Many locksmith shops including Locksmith in San Bernardino offer affordable options and huge selections of gun safes from different brands and manufacturers. You don’t have to get your gun safe from a San Bernardino, CA locksmith shop, but if you do, you’ll most likely save money and time by having licensed, mobile professionals set you up and do the installation too.

You can also find gun safes at safe stores, home improvement stores, firearms shops, pawn dealers and at local retailers like Sears, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Best Buy and Bass Pro Shops. You can do research on gun safes, prices, and brands by going online at any of the above retailer’s websites or so a simple Google search for “gun safes” or “gun cabinets” and check there for prices, shipping charges, warranties, model types and other pertinent facts that might help you make a selection. Don’t forget Amazon! Here you can not only select a great gun safe for your needs, but you can also check reviews from other consumers. Bear in mind that there will always be complainers and a few negative reviews as opposed to a greater amount of positive ones shouldn’t worry you.

Gently use gun safes?

Yes, you can go “used” when buying a gun safe by checking pawn shops, Craigslist, local garage sales, second hand stores and police auctions. We highly encourage you NOT to buy damaged gun safes that offer little to no protection other than a place to lean your weapons inside. The old adage “you get what you pay for” holds true here.

Be creative

By this we mean think outside the box and consider unusual or diversion gun safes. These are creatively made gun safes that don’t look like what they really are. Most people that don’t know they are actually gun safes will not even recognize them as they can be quite stealthy in appearance. For instance, they might be hidden under the stairs or built into a bookcase or table. Many of them are actually part of the furniture, and since they don’t look like a gun safe, people don’t see them as such!

Aricle source here: Importance of having a gun safe

HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR HOME SECURITY

If you don’t pay attention to your home security, unfortunately, your property will be more attractive to a burglar. But there are plenty of things you can do to protect your home. A professional criminal will always find a way to get in, so no property is completely impervious. Still, you can take numerous reasonable and effective measures to prevent most circumstances in which a robbery might occur.

Reinforce your doors. Take a good look at all your outside entry points. A hollow door is of lower quality, which means it’s easier for an intruder to penetrate. It’s better to have a solid door made of wood or metal.

Check all your door locks. If any of your doors’ locks are vulnerable, you can reinforce them by replacing the strike plate (that is, the stationary piece where the bolt enters), and by mounting an extra solid metal plate for the sliding bolt on the doorjamb. If you have short mounting screws, you’ll add extra strength to the doorframe by replacing them with longer screws, which will reach the door’s studs.

You can better secure your sliding-glass door by placing a wooden dowel cut to size, or an adjustable safety bar, in the floor track. You can also add a floor bolt.

Keep your garage-door remotes and keys and in an inconspicuous location. Don’t keep your keys and remotes on display next to the door, where anyone could see them through the window! Instead, keep these important items well hidden, inside a drawer or cupboard.

In fact, keep all your valuables hidden.

• Store your emergency cash, your precious jewelry, and any of your other heirlooms and treasures in unusual locations.
• Buy a home safe, particularly one you can anchor to the floor.
• Rent out a safe-deposit box at your bank for any extraordinarily valuable items.

On the other hand, don’t keep a “hidden” key outside. The truth is, most robbers will find your extra key kept under the welcome mat, inside the mailbox, above the door, or beneath the flower pot. Even if you have a keyholder disguised as a false rock, professional crooks will likely already know what it looks like. Instead, give a spare key to a neighbor you trust.

Don’t leave any ladders outside. A prowler can pretend to be a contractor or handyman, and could try to use your ladder to gain easy entry through a second-floor window or your balcony.

Establish some basic household rules.

• Always make sure your garage door is in working order. Whenever you’re not around, keep your garage door shut and locked.
• Anytime you’re away, lock your doors and windows, and also do so before everyone goes to bed for the night.
• Make it a practice not to answer your door to strangers. (Install a peephole if you don’t have one.)

Secure your air conditioning unit. Since you don’t want a burglar to enter your home through an unsecured window, install an air-conditioner bracket, corner braces, or a sliding window lock.

Put up warning signs and insignias. Post a logo from a security company near each door, and add window stickers too ~ even if you don’t really have a security system. Neighborhood Watch signs work, too. Try being creative! Put up a “Beware of Dog” sign and loudly play a tape of a barking dog while you’re gone.

Eliminate potential hiding places. Trim your hedges, trees shrubs, and all other plants regularly. If they’re not well spaced, or too ungainly or tall, a potential thief can easily hide.

Use lights effectively. Of course, you should always leave some indoor lights on whenever you’re gone. But what about outdoor lighting? It’s a good idea to install outdoor lights with motion detectors near each door. They’ll discourage trespassers from daring to even enter the perimeter of your property. If you can spend a bit more, some motion-detector lights can be connected to your smart device, to alert you of any sign of foul play so you can respond instantly. Some outdoor lights also respond to changes in daylight, sound, or temperature.

Install timers. You can put your porch lights on timers, so that when you’re gone all day, or away for an extended vacation, you can make it look like someone’s still home the entire time. It’s relatively easy to attach timers to your lights, radios, TVs, and computers. If you can install a smart light timer, you’ll be able to monitor and control everything with a mobile app.

Install better locks. Any professional will tell you that deadbolts always provide extra security. Use a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which penetrates the doorframe. Heavy-duty will be stronger and superior.

Digital locks are electronic devices providing increased security at your front door. Some can even be synchronized with your smartphone, so you won’t have to carry a house key at all.

Install surveillance cameras. Surveillance cameras obviously cost more than what we’ve discussed so far, but if it’s within your means, a surveillance system is a great way to effectively keep you aware of everything that’s happening around your property’s perimeter. You’ll be able to contact the authorities right away if you see anything suspicious. If you want to buy a premium surveillance camera system, it could record 24/7 video footage.

Use high-tech home automation. If your budget is bigger, nowadays you’re able to monitor home activities with a smart app. You can manage your whole house with a smart alarm system, checking your property anytime you want while you’re away, and remotely simulate routine habits. Your properly almost takes care of itself! Should any unwanted activity be detected, you’ll be notified with an alert on your smartphone, giving you across-the-board security.

Explore the many ways you can augment security. There are so many things you can do to enhance your home’s security. Some take a bit more effort and investment. To learn more about all your options, bring your questions to a reputable expert. If you’re located anywhere in San Bernardino, California, consider scheduling a free consultation with a staff professional at Locksmith in San Bernardino.

Aricle source here: HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR HOME SECURITY

The Benefits of Installing a Safe in Your Home

A home safe is always a great option. Whether you need to store away some documents, you would like to keep your family heirloom away from prying eyes, or you need to keep a gun out of the reach of children, these are designed to make you feel at ease over the security of all your personal belongings.

We always recommend that homeowners consider installing these, for the aforementioned reasons among many more. To give you a better idea of the benefits these will bring, let’s focus on some of the common troubles that these will resolve for you.

1) They will protect your valuables from the unpredictable forces of nature

By which we mean fires, floods or even earthquakes. Having your own protective repository will prevent your valuables from getting damaged in these worst case scenarios. Keep in mind though, that not all safes are created equal – some may be more suited for fire protection, while others focus on water resistance. Check the safe’s certifications and specs to get a better idea of how these will protect your assets, and ask a residential locksmith to clarify the type of security you’ll get from each option you look into.

2) In the case of gun safes, they may actually be required by law

Some states require gun owners to have an approved safe upon purchasing a firearm. So if you own a gun, or are considering buying one, make sure to check you are complying with all local regulations.

3) Safes are a great theft deterrent, in more ways than you can imagine

Obviously, you’d expect a safe to keep things from getting looted from your house. But there’s actually a subtler deterrent power at play here as well – you see, most home burglars are looking to get their haul, and get out. A safe prevents them from doing so, as they would need to stop on their tracks and try to figure out the code. So even if you do have a break-in, this will essentially ensure that your valuables are left in their rightful place.

4) You will know exactly where everything is at any given time

It’s easy to misplace things if you leave them lying around. And it’s just as easy for someone to take a small item away that has been left unattended. A home safe will put an end to these daily uncertainties – as long as whatever you need to secure is kept inside, it will stay in there.

5) It will give you more control over who can access your valuables

Only people who know the combination will be able to access the safe’s contents. That means it will be kept out of reach of anyone who enters your home (from visiting neighbors to maintenance professionals and everyone else in between), or even out of reach of children if you have a family.

6) They are very low-maintenance

Safes are very easy to set up. Once you have created your combination, it’s as simple as punching the code and taking things in and out. Like we said, you are the one who controls who can access it and who knows what’s inside. Simple as that.

Now you know some of the benefits you can get from a safe, it may be worth your while to talk to a trusted residential locksmith business in your area.

How can a locksmith help?

Residential locksmiths will not only bring you some of the latest safe installation options available, for a very affordable price, they will also be able to advise you on which one is best suited for your valuables. Remember, safes come in various sizes and often differ in protective capabilities. Some will be more resilient to fire, others more resilient to water damage, and some should only be used for storing your guns. This is why talking with an expert will clear up a lot of uncertainties before you part with your hard-earned cash.

Never had to hire a locksmith before? Then research and referrals will make the job easier. Ask friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances if they have any recommendations, and do some background research to make your own judgment about their suggestions. If you’re using the internet to find a local business, make sure to check if they are located where they claim to be – some scammers may input a random address on their ‘business’ website to make them seem like a local operation. And when you’re consulting with your locksmith, check credentials like licensing and insurance too. Also remember that a genuine business will tell you its full name upon request, whereas scammers will just answer the phone using a generic sentence. It may be useful to know too that a lot of lock and key service providers don’t charge for price quotes and consultations. In short, you want to be sure you are making a good investment, so ask as many questions as possible.

Locksmith in San Bernardino is among the trustworthy local businesses who can help out. If you own a home in San Bernardino, CA, our licensed and insured professionals will be able to assist you with selecting the right residential safe for your immediate protection concerns. We recommend you make use of our free consultations to discuss some options, learn more about the protection each type of safe provides, and receive a full price quotes for the installations you have decided to pursue. If you’re happy with us, we’ll install it for you and we can even teach you how to set up your combination. After that, you can call us anytime if you experience an issue – you should be able to trust your home safe to be durable, but our help is at your disposal in case you experience any kind of glitch.

Regardless of where you reside, we hope that our advice has made it easier to understand the different benefits that come from a solid home safe. If you need more info, remember to get in touch with a locksmith – they’re there to help, and will do so with ease.

Aricle source here: The Benefits of Installing a Safe in Your Home

Analyze the Effectiveness of Your Locks

You might not think it is necessary to check the locks of your home as long as you haven’t had any break-ins. This isn’t necessarily true. Regardless of whether or not you’ve experienced a break-in, you should still analyze your locks to make sure no one is ever able to effectively break-in. An unsuspecting victim of a home invasion may not be aware of the fact that their home has even become a target of a would-be robber. You may be one of those unsuspecting victims yourself. This is all the more reason for you to seriously analyze the condition of your home locks. Don’t make it any easy for a would-be burglar to break-into your home. Your objective should be to make it as difficult as possible for someone to get inside. Burglars will generally take the route of less resistance. Therefore, if they suspect that you have sufficient security, they will likely go elsewhere.

Here are some things to consider when you begin analyzing the locks of your home.

Deadbolt locks

Deadbolt locks are the most durable types of locks that are made today. If you have a door with a regular knobs or lever locks, you will still need an extra layer of security to protect you from break-ins. This is why most locksmiths will insist on your having a deadbolt lock installed on these types of doors. If the deadbolt lock is going to be effective, it must be properly installed. If the hole that the bolt goes into is not deep enough, it will not fully engage thus making it ineffective. If the bolt is not extended all the way, the deadbolt lock that you just had installed will not do what it is designed to do, offer maximum security. This is why it is important to rely on the services of the preferred San Bernardino locksmiths at Locksmith in San Bernardino for your lock security needs.

• Window locks

When you have a window installed, the window comes with a standard lock that latches. If you have a door that slides and can be accessed from both inside and outside, you’ll have to make sure that you have another lock that cannot be accessed from the outside. It is easy for a burglar to break-in if your only lock is on the outside of the window. Don’t make it easy for them to do so, get the right type of locks for your windows by consulting with a certified locksmith in San Bernardino, California.

• Sliding Glass doors

Do you have sliding glass doors? If you do, you have to consider just how easy it might be for someone to break-in, especially if it is a standard patio door. Many of these types of doors are found toward the rear area of your home, where no one can see them, which gives a would-be robber more time to manipulate the locks on your door. Once again, a simple latch is used to secure these types of locks. Not only are they flimsy and easy to break, they are often incorrectly installed and can be taken out of the frame outdoors while the door is still locked. If you have a sliding glass door, you’ll need another type of lock to better secure your home. Sometimes just a door pin alone can boost the amount of security your home has and decrease the ability of your door being taken out of its frame and opened.

• Gates

When you have a gate around your home that can lead to the back, secure it with another lock. The same lock that is used for your home locks can also be keyed for the gate. There are some keys that are specifically made for gates. Don’t just use the key that is provided to you when the gate is installed. Make sure that the lock attached to your gate is strong and durable enough to keep out intruders.

• Moving

Anytime you are moving into another home, whether it is an apartment or house, have all the locks and codes changed. Even if management from an apartment complex tells you that the locks have been rekeyed, give yourself peace-of-mind by having the job done yourself. When you move, you’ll likely have to hand out keys and provide access codes to contractors. Make sure you get all of the keys back and change the codes on the locks that require them. Even when you misplace or lose a key to your new place, be cautious and have the locks rekeyed.

• Update Locks

If you moved and have been putting it off, maybe now is the time to update your locks before something happens that you’ll regret later. Consult with a professional locksmith to determine which types of locks are better than your existing locks. A professional locksmith will also be able to tell you which manufacturers offer the best quality of locks. In some cases, it is true that you get what you pay for. When you buy a $10 lock compared to a $20 lock, most often, the $20 lock offers a better level of security. When you have new locks installed, make sure you keep them lubricated and secured to your doorframe.

Analyzing your locks means taking a long hard look around your home and finding the locks that may no longer work to keep you and your loved ones safe and doing something about it. It is no good simply to analyze the situation if you have no intention of doing something to improve the situation. There are hundreds of homes broken into every year, make sure you do not become the victim of a home invasion by taking every precaution that you can now. With a few simple changes to your locks, you can greatly improve the quality of security for your home. Don’t wait until someone has already broken into your home before you get the help that you need. Act now.

Aricle source here: Analyze the Effectiveness of Your Locks

What To Do In Different Lockout Situations

Even the most careful persons get locked out at times. You can’t prevent lockouts on a 100% basis but you can know what to do in different lockout situations when they do occur. Lockouts happen anytime you have locks, keys and locking mechanisms. It only takes a tiny moment of inattention for that locked door to close behind you or for you to leave your keys in the ignition. Keep reading to see a few tips that Locksmith In San Bernardino offers for dealing with lockouts in your car, at your home or even at your workplace or business location.

Keep Your Emotions In Check!

It’s easy to say and hard to do. No one ever plans on getting locked out. We are usually busy doing something else. If we get locked out of our cars, we are probably running in to drop off some dry cleaning or loading groceries in the trunk. If we are home, we might be going out to bring in the newspaper or letting the dog out for a restroom break. People get locked out of their jobs or businesses all the time. They have so much on their minds that it’s easy to forget your keys on your desk. The important thing is to NOT panic. Freaking out never helps! Staying calm helps you to think better and remember more. It also doesn’t raise a red flag if someone is looking to take advantage of your situation in any way.

Don’t Go Smashing Things!

In other words, don’t break into your own property! This is a natural reaction. After all; it IS your property. One problem with this scenario is that you could get hurt. Broken glass makes for some awful cuts. You can bleed out in seconds and the risk to your well-being is just not worth it. Also, why complicate matters by causing destruction that will need repair at a later time? This could get expensive and you could even get hurt by someone living in or near the property. Many a roommate, spouse or sibling has shot someone that was simply trying to get back inside their own home or car. Neighbors can also have the best intentions but they can assume that you are a burglar (or worse) and shoot or hurt you in some way. Police and security guards are usually armed and can mistake you for someone else, especially at night. Always keep in mind that here in San Bernardino, CA locksmith service is plentiful and often affordable and there’s never a need to do anything drastic.

Auto Lockouts

Here’s one place where it’s easy to get locked out! There are a “million” distractions that we have to put up with when driving or using our vehicles. We have traffic, parking, pedestrians, street signs, deer crossings, school buses and lots more to think about. It’s so easy to not pay attention for a second or two and lock your keys in the car’s ignition or trunk. Not only does this cause a change of plans, but it can be dangerous, too if you have small children or pets in the car or if you are locked out after dark or in a less than desirable neighborhood.

Home Lockouts

It’s a good thing that Locksmith In San Bernardino is mobile! We get home lockout calls all the time and at all hours. We classify residential lockouts as accidental ones as opposed to evictions or foreclosure lockouts which are deliberate. The person might have simply gone out to get the curbside mail and the front door closed and locked behind him. Bathroom or bedroom interior doors are also easy to lock yourself out of. There’s nothing quite like being stranded outside your home (in your pajamas or robe) and looking foolish while your neighbors watch you trying to figure out your situation!

Commercial Lockouts

Getting locked out of your shop or restaurant is also a common occurrence. Staff can go out for a smoke break and prop the door open with a chair or brick. All it takes is someone moving the prop even a little and the door closes and locks behind you. Most outside commercial doors are pre-locked anyway as a precaution to keep unwanted intruders out. Other forms of lockouts include restaurant walk-in refrigerators, storage facilities, office centers and many more. Commercial lockouts usually happen in early morning hours while trying to open the business or late at night when cleaning crews or late workers are tired and somewhat distracted.

What Are My Options?

Spare keys are a good idea but they must be used smartly! Locksmith In San Bernardino discourages keys under the door mat or in the flower pot. Burglars and other crooks will surely think to look there. You CAN leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or relative. If that is not an option you can hide one in a place only you know like in the glove compartment, in the backyard barbeque or even in a fountain.

Pay phones and huge, thick phone books are gone for good. You can still call for help but do that wisely, too. Be sure to add the phone number to a licensed, bonded and insured locksmith to your smart phone contact. Like most people, you likely take your mobile device with you everywhere so it’s smart to just be able to “tap to call” and get help right away.

We like to recommend that you call our Locksmith In San Bernardino location or your favorite lock and key shop and while you wait for help to arrive, call a friend or family member to stay on the phone with you. This does two things. One, it keeps your mind off of your problems and two, it adds a potential witness in case of any problems like strangers approaching you or anything else that might seem threatening. Don’t be paranoid but DO be proactive and smart by following these simple and useful tips!

Aricle source here: What To Do In Different Lockout Situations

Watch Our Video At Youtube

Contact San Bernardino’s premier locksmiths at Locksmith in San Bernardino, located at 741 West 2nd Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410, when you are seeking the best services possible. We are the preferred locksmiths for your emergency, automotive, residential and commercial lock and key needs. Find out all you need to know about the services we have to offer to you by visiting us at www.locksmithsanbernardino.com. If you want to receive the best quality of services possible in San Bernardino, rely on the reputable services of Locksmith in San Bernardino. Call on us any time of the day and any day of the week at (909) 327-4537. We are available to take care of your needs 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. As professional locksmiths in San Bernardino, we deliver quality services at prices you can afford.

Aricle source here: Watch Our Video At Youtube

When is it Time to Replace Your Locks?

It’s a fact we can’t avoid: Sometimes, things go wrong with keys and locks. Although a good locksmith will be available even if it’s the middle of the night, it’s still better to make the effort to be pro-active instead, so that you’ll prevent most potential mishaps.

Obviously, keeping your place of residence safe is vitally important. You want your home to be a sanctuary, where you always feel comfortable and secure. Therefore, keep all your home’s locks in excellent condition. Be sure that your front-door locks ~ and all your exterior locks ~ are always working properly, with superior durability. You’ll keep your loved ones and valuables properly protected when your locks are solid and dependable.

Important points to look out for:

Deadbolts

If you feel vulnerable at your place of residence for any reason, any locksmith expert will tell you that replacing your locks with deadbolts will enhance your security.

New Tenants or New Roommates

If you rent out space in your home or apartment, or have any rental properties, you absolutely must replace the locks, each and every time you change tenants. Even if the last occupants returned their keys, you cannot be fully certain that they didn’t keep copies. If a break-in ever were to occur, you certainly don’t want to have any doubts about former residents. Keep your property safeguarded with the most reputable and resilient locks.

A New Home

If you just moved into a new home, the same rules that apply to your rentals apply to your place of residence. Since you simply never know who may still have an old key to your place, it’s crucial that you get your locks changed immediately.

Lost Keys

Have you misplaced your keys? It may take some time to admit it, but if you see that your keys are lost for good, then change your locks as soon as you can. All your outdoor locks, which could give an intruder access, should be replaced right away. After your outdoor locks are completely secured, then replace any inner locks in the order of your personal security priorities.

Combination Locks

Do you lose your keys a lot? Then you might want to consider replacing your regular lock with a combination door lock. Combination door locks can be opened with a code number you choose. If the combination input ever malfunctions, or if you ever need to gain entry because you lose or forget your code, don’t worry, because most combination locks also have a keyed lock, too. Remember to change the combination if you ever think that its access may have been compromised, just as you would replace a regular lock if you lost your keys.

Normal Wear and Tear

Worn-out or rusted locks are definitely a serious weakness in your home security. They grow more difficult to open as time goes by. Old or rusted locks are easier for a thief to pick and break. If a lock has rust, bad tarnish, or is showing any other signs of wear, it’s probably time to replace it. If your lock is becoming increasingly difficult to open with the key, especially in cold weather, then you ought to replace it.

Stuck Keys

It does happen: Your key can get stuck, or even break off, in a lock mechanism. If there’s any issue with the internal lock mechanism, the keys won’t slide as effortlessly as they should into the lock. Also, if there’s any resistance when you turn the key, take it as a sign that it’s time to replace the lock.

Rusty Locks

You and your family go in and out of your door so many times each and every day. As the years go by, locks will eventually get worn-out or even rusted, which means they’ll easily break. If there are any visible signs of rust, you’ll notice that you’re encountering trouble putting the key in the lock mechanism, or getting the key to turn at all. If so, then replace the lock.

Peace of Mind

Your locks do not necessarily have to show any visible signs of damage for you to want to replace your locks. After awhile, you may forget how many family members, friends, and neighbors have been given copies of your keys. Accordingly, to augment your security, it’s a good idea to periodically replace locks to regularly maintain your home. You’ll thus have much-needed peace of mind, knowing that you’re keeping your family and possessions ultra safe.

Damaged Locks

If your locks are ever tampered with, vandalized, or otherwise damaged, it’s time to get new locks. Don’t risk it! Replace your locks. Don’t keep a damaged lock for any period of time, because it will make you susceptible to more problems, and make it easier for a burglar to get in.

Break-ins

If the worst happens, and you have experienced a robbery, it’s imperative that you instantly replace your locks. The force involved in a break-in has compromised the lock mechanism’s integrity. A damaged lock will also put you at a greater risk of another theft. Besides, mechanical malfunction could easily leave you locked out. Furthermore, you never know if your keys may have fallen into the wrong hands. Don’t take any risks! Replace all your locks as soon as possible.

Going Digital

Is it time to go high-tech? Then replace all your traditional locks with digital door locks. It’s an ideal way to secure your home, without the need for any keys at all. Keyless locks have opened new horizons in home security technology. They work with keypads; remotes or smart devices; alarm systems with remote codes; biometrics; and so forth. Once you get accustomed to it, keyless locks are simple to use. Most include an appealing selection of features providing additional convenience and safety.

If you’re anywhere in San Bernardino, California, and you realize it’s time to hire a genuine locksmith professional, you may want to choose the mobile expert locksmiths on staff at Locksmith In San Bernardino.

Aricle source here: When is it Time to Replace Your Locks?

Finding the right security cameras for the CNET Smart Home

by Megan Wollerton

We’ve already outfitted the CNET Smart Home with an Amazon-Echo-friendly security system called Scout. This straightforward kit shines in its simplicity, offering an assortment of sensors that you can install around your house to track doors opening and closing, as well as motion (you do have to pay $10 per month for most of its features, though, unless you were grandfathered in as an early adopter). But Scout doesn’t currently come with security cameras — or even offer them as optional add-ons (disappointingly, Scout-brand cameras have been “in the works” for a while now without any discernible progress).

While Scout does offer a solid basic layer of protection, we also wanted to add some live streaming indoor security cameras to our setup. This 5,800-square-foot house/smart home test lab is a lot to keep an eye on, after all. So read on to find out what indoor security cameras we ended up selecting for the CNET Smart Home.

A bit more backgroundThis is actually our second go-round with the whole DIY security system thing. Back in November, we decided on Samsung’s SmartThings after testing it alongside SimpliSafe. SmartThings was already our hub of choice for combining multiple products from different manufacturers, but it also has its own suite of sensor-based products that can work as part of a relatively simple DIY security setup. And, since Samsung is SmartThings’ parent company, the system also integrates with Samsung SmartCam HD Pro cameras.

This worked fairly well, but some serious software clunkiness on SmartThings’ part made the whole system difficult to use. And, despite some updates from the SmartThings team, the app’s overall usability stagnated rather than improved, further increasing our frustrations.

Around the same time, the Amazon Echo and its Alexa voice control assistant were making some major strides in third-party partnerships. Soon, Alexa and the Echo became the new centerpiece for the CNET Smart Home. That’s where Scout came in — it’s one of the only Echo-friendly DIY security systems with a bunch of useful voice integrations via the Alexa Skills Kit. It made sense as a second stab at DIY security.

But what about security cameras? Well, we wanted those, too.

What cameras are available today?There are a ton of different security cameras on the market and that can make it tough to pick the right model.

•  Some offer live streaming so you can pull up a video feed of whatever your camera can see 24–7, while others can only record when they detect motion, sound or some other sort of unexpected activity.
•  Some have high-definition (HD) video quality for a clearer image (and potentially a longer lag time due to Bandwidth limitations), others are standard-definition (SD).
•  Some have cloud storage and some rely on local storage via a microSD card slot.
•  Some rely on a plug-in adapter to operate, while others are battery-powered.

You get the general idea. (Interested in more details? Check out my security camera buying guide.)

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