How to Choose a Commercial Lock

When you own or operate a commercial business, it is important that you make sure your investment is well protected. This can be accomplished when you have the right type of locks installed. If you lack sufficient security features, you risk experiencing a break-in. Just because you have never had a break-in doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. In fact, it usually happens when you least expect it to. Make sure you’re prepared either way by making sure you have the best commercial locks installed. You can depend on a reputable locksmith like Locksmith Buckhead in Buckhead, GA to offer you great options. They know which types of commercial locks are the most durable and resistant to attempted break-ins. There are definitely some locks used most often for commercial use than others because of their effectiveness.

Below is a list of the most widely used and requested commercial locks.

Deadbolt Locks

There is no doubt about it; deadbolt locks are effective in keeping out intruders. This is why it remains the most requested high security lock. This type of lock is so effective that is often used for residential and commercial customers. While some are installed on the interior doors, most are installed on the exterior doors. This prevents entry into the business from the outside. Deadbolt locks are made to avoid forced entry. There are both high-security deadbolt locks and standard dead-bolt locks. It makes sense to have the high-security deadbolt installed for your commercial business. The way they are designed and the materials used, makes it impossible for someone to break it. An intruder would literally have to take off the whole door and all of its components in order to gain access. This is way more work than most intruders intend on doing in order to gain access into your business.

Padlocks

This is a durable lock that is not always a person’s first choice. However, in recent years they have become more popular because of their ease of use. They can be transferred from one door to the next. Padlocks are usually installed on interior doors of businesses. This helps to protect important information and expensive equipment in a specified area of the business. Padlocks are offered a variety of types and sizes. They can be utilized with or without a key. The padlock key is hard for someone to cut with a bolt cutter and this makes it among the most popular types of locks used today.

Rim/Mortise

These locks can typically be found on glass entry doors, offering maximum security. A rim lock is used in rim latch locks, mounted inside the door. There is a long metal piece protruding out of the back of the door directly into the locking device on the opposite side. Two screws hold them together. A mortise lock is screwed directly into the hardware, which is mounted inside the door. With a cam, the door opens. Mortise locks are offered in different sizes and cam options.

Lever Handles Locks

This is another type of lock that is typically used internally. They do not usually have the same features that are used for exterior doors, nor do they have the same level of durability. The lever handle lock can not be easily pushed open because you have to turn the knob in order to it to open. A lever handle can be adjusted to suit your needs whether you’re right handed or left handed.

Cam Locks

A cam lock is usually used on file cabinets, mailboxes, drawers and desk. Typically they are placed anywhere that confidential paperwork is kept. Even if you already have a lock, it certainly can’t hurt to have an extra lock be sure that no one is able to break-in. It also offers you peace-of-mind in knowing you have an extra level of security for your important paperwork and information.

IC (Interchangeable Core) Cylinders

You are afforded flexibility with this type of lock. It can easily be adjusted and changed. When someone is let go from your employment, you might need to change the locks so that access is no longer possible. The core is changed without the locksmith ever having to change out the locks hardware. This is a convenient way to secure certain areas of your business and is a great option, especially if there is a consistent turnover.

Keyless Locks

This is an effective lock that is also convenient since you do not have to worry about using a key to gain access. Keyless locks provide business owners with a wide selection of choices. You can choose from biometric sensors, programmable key codes and fob keys. Some keyless options offer mechanical overrides. This is great when you have certain areas that you only want to offer specific people access to. Keyless entry access can be more expensive than other options but it provides another level of security. Some can even be customized to suit the needs of your business. If you’re not familiar with the various options that are available to you, make sure you know what your specific needs are in order to make a wise decision as to where you would like the keyless entry installed within your business.

When you want to protect your investment, you will have to think seriously about the type of locks you currently have installed. If you can honestly say that your business is as secure as it can be, you won’t need any additional locks. If you aren’t sure that your business is as secure as it can be, consider all of the many options currently available to you and consult with a qualified locksmith about where they would be most useful. The above listed locks are simply the most requested commercial locks that are used today. Since there are far too many locks that you have to choose from, consulting with a locksmith is the best way of determining which type of commercial locks would be best for your needs. Have them properly installed by a reputable locksmith.

Aricle source here: How to Choose a Commercial Lock

BENEFITS OF HAVING A HOME SAFE

At first, having a home safe sounds like something right out of James Bond movie! You might be thinking “what do I have that makes me need a safe at my Buckhead, GA house?” The answer may surprise you! Protecting your valuables is always important. Considering that Buckhead is the ninth wealthiest zip code in the nation, it stands to reason that you probably have valuables worth protecting in a home safe. These items might include cash, bonds, jewelry and even guns. Having a home safe give you added peace of mind knowing that your precious items are safe from theft, fire, accidental discovery or wind and floods. Let’s itemize what could go into your home safe and why.

MONEY

This can include spare cash to be used for a “rainy day” or for emergencies. You don’t have to be a “prepper” to save a little urgent money. The bank atm machine may be down or highly inconvenient to go to and having ready access to hard cash is always a good thing. Cash can be used in a variety of ways including emergency car repairs, pet emergencies, health expenses, dental procedures, charity donations, handyman expenses, home improvement, tax bills, job loss and even funeral expenses! You can also count bonds, stock certificates, mortgage notes, warranties, insurance papers, tax returns, appraisals and other important documents as needing to be kept in your locked safe. Important key codes, combinations and passwords are also vital for your financial security. You can have these on paper or secured on a flash drive and then stored in your safe for fast and secured access when needed.

JEWELRY AND HEIRLOOMS

Both sexes can have expensive jewelry like watches, rings, necklaces, fountain pens, investment grade diamonds, loose gems and other collectibles. You don’t want just anyone having access to these items. Often a realistic fake is worn to a gala or dinner while the authentic piece is “safe” in the safe at home! Many times treasured family or investment heirlooms can be kept in the home safe. These can include old or special photographs, art work, keepsakes, old letters, antiques and even artifacts from travel or expeditions to other countries.

WEAPONS

You certainly don’t want firearms lying around the house! Not with children, guests or neighbors coming and going at all hours. Every year accidents occur when someone discovers a loaded gun and shoots themselves or a sibling by mistake. Not only can this lead to tragic circumstances but the legal liabilities can be tremendous. There is a vast assortment of home safes specifically for guns and other weapons that are available for your Buckhead, GA home.

EARTH WIND AND FIRE

No, not the band; the elements! Flooding, tornadoes, earthquake and fires can all damage property. While you can’t prevent them from occurring you can take measures to protect your valuables by keeping them in a dry, secure location like a home safe. Flash flooding, range fires, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are common in the greater Atlanta/Buckhead region and while we are too far inland for hurricanes, we do experience extreme heat and humidity in the summer months. All these can wreak havoc with your valuables so it’s best to secure them in a home safe as soon as possible.

BURGLARS AND CRIME

You might be thinking that if an intruder sees a home safe that he will automatically think you have something worth stealing. This is wrong on many counts. First of all your safe can be hidden from plain view so that only you and your close associates or family members know of its location. You can speak to one of our Locksmith Buckhead experts about this and we can provide you with many ways in which to use “stealth” methods to keep your home safe out of plain view.

Also, please consider that most burglars are looking for easy targets. They want the “grab and run” valuables like electronics, flat screens, tablets, X-Box type games, smart phones, lap tops and other items that can be quickly sold or pawned with little to no hassle on their part. Crooks like these are not experienced and hardened thieves like what the movies show and anything that makes their stealing process harder is actually a deterrent to them. Opening or moving a heavy locked metal safe is not part of the “grab and run” mentality and the longer they take to get your safe open the more chance they have of getting caught and arrested.

WALL SAFE 

It’s exactly how it sounds; a safe in your wall. “As seen on TV” is such a cliché but in this case, it applies. These wall safes can be installed and hidden behind a picture, a bookcase, a painting or even a tapestry or wall panel. Some custom home builders even incorporate these wall safes into a room behind the bookcase or wall panel much like a panic room.

FREE STANDING SAFE

These are commonly seen in luxury hotel rooms or behind the desk in many hotel lobbies. They are so heavy that they are quite hard to steal and most amateur burglars won’t even try. Their drawback is that they are quite noticeable and almost scream “valuable stuff here” so it’s up to decide is this is an option.

FLOOR SAFES

These too are often seen in the movies, in fact the recent hit REVENGE showed one in almost every episode. Like wall safes these floor models are great at hiding your valuables from plain sight and they too come in various sizes and strengths.

LOTS OF OPTIONS!

You have a vast selection of home safe choices to consider. You can do an online search to gain more knowledge of prices, brands, reviews and warranties. You can also call safe dealers and locksmith shops in the Buckhead, GA area for additional information and for free price quotes. Of course you can always call our Locksmith Buckhead shop and get free consultations, price quotes and details so that you can make an informed and intelligent decision about your home safe purchase.

Aricle source here: BENEFITS OF HAVING A HOME SAFE

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE HAVING IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS

What to do in different lockout situations

Locksmiths in Buckhead, GA, will often attend to a variety of different lockout calls in the area. These can take many forms, and may occur at different times of the day, meaning locals may feel a bit frustrated if they find themselves in this sticky situation.

So you found yourself locked out of your house. Trying to break in will just lead to bigger problems, and you don’t want to spend hours stranded outside your home. What do you next?

What about your vehicle? Nobody wants to be unable to access their car late at night when they are simply trying to get home. It is a frustrating situation that nobody wants to be in, and that nobody really prepares for.

These are among the different issues we will discuss today.

You should be able to get assistance for all types of lockouts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from a local locksmith business. These businesses operate around the clock to provide all types of emergency lock and key help, and they will get to you quite quickly. It is an affordable solution to lockouts that all locals can easily access at their convenience.

We want you to be fully informed about the different types of lockouts you may be faced with. So here is a basic guide to follow if you ever find yourself in such an unfortunate scenario.

What is a lockout?

As the name suggests, a lockout is any situation you are locked out of a property, building, or vehicle. These may occur for a number of different reasons, and we strongly recommend you let a locksmith know exactly how you ended up getting locked out so they can quickly identify the best possible solutions.

As we already mentioned, lockouts can happen for many different reasons. So we will tell you a bit about the most common requests Buckhead, Georgia, locksmiths attend to on a day to day basis.

Here is a handy breakdown of the most common lockout scenarios in Buckhead, GA.

Examples of lockouts homeowners may be faced with:

* Forgetting your keys inside your home before locking the door behind you

* Kids accidentally closing a door behind them and locking it

* Broken locks – because of a break-in attempt, because of wear and tear, or just damage that was not tended to appropriately

* Lost keys – we recommend a lock change in this situation, so that nobody can access your home without your knowledge

* A key has broken or is jammed into the lock

Examples business owners or office workers may encounter:

* Lock malfunction of any kind – again, either because of old age or damage

* Broken locks

* Lost keys

* Damage due to forced entry

* Door becomes stuck because the key has broken inside the lock

* Security systems backfired

And automotive lockouts may mean you have:

* A key locked inside car or boot

* Lost your car keys

* Damaged transponder chips

* A broken key that needs extracting

* A door latch that became stuck and won’t open

As you can see, these are quite similar by nature. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a locksmith and ask. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.

What to do during a lockout

We strongly recommend you contact a locksmith if your lockout situation is the direct result of damaged components. Remember, faulty locks and keys can be a huge security hindrance, leaving properties prone to break-ins and theft. Prevent these problems by having all issues addressed as soon as possible – trust us, it will make a great deal of difference to your security.

Here are the steps to take if you find yourself locked out of your home, office, or vehicle:

When you are locked out of your house, flat or office building

1) Check if there is no other way inside – in some situations, you may be able to access your property through another door.

2) Don’t try to break in – this will only cause further damage, and bigger headaches. Like we said, broken locks and faulty security are a huge liability.

3) Call a locksmith and tell them your situation

When locked out of your car

This is a situation where a locksmith should be called right away.

Tell the locksmith the exact issue you are faced with, so they know what tools to bring for the job. No spare key? A locksmith will come equipped to re-open the door.

Keys not working? Locksmiths can diagnose the problem – may be as simple as replacing a battery, or it may be you need a key replacement

What can a locksmith do in a lockout situation?

We have already explained that a good locksmith should be able to help you regain access to your property or vehicle whilst ensuring that your security is back into shape.

Locksmiths are trained to do the job painlessly and effortlessly. They will be able to access your home, office space or vehicle in a way that will not incur any further damage. No locks will be damaged, no windows will be broken, and all faulty components will be given the care and attention that they deserve. They will also help you replace missing keys, re-key locks, or replace damaged locks and other security fixtures.

In short, locksmiths are here to reduce the stress you may encounter during a lockout, which is only one of the goals for Locksmith Buckhead experts. You will get assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for all issues so that you are not having to resort to drastic measures that undermine your security.

So now you know what to do in a lockout situation. Remember to keep the number of a locksmith in an easy to access location, such as your cell phone’s contact book, so that you can get the assistance you require promptly. Locksmiths are concerned about your personal safety, so contact a Buckhead, GA, professional without any hesitation.

Aricle source here: What to do in different lockout situations

10 Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Home Security

by: Jaymi Naciri

Keeping your home and family safe is a priority we all share. But beyond locking the doors and getting a home alarm, there are numerous steps we can take to protect who—and what—we love, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

1. Change your locks

Did you change your locks when you moved into your new home? Yeah. Neither did we. That means someone might already have the most important thing they need to get into your home: a key.

2. Upgrade your door security

While you’re changing your locks, look for those that give you more secure options. If you’re not sure how important this is, consider what Family handyman reports about FBI burglary statistics: “65 percent of break-ins occur by forcing in the front, back or garage service door.”

3. Remove that extra key

The FBI also reports that 12 percent of break-ins are caused by thieves simply finding your hidden key. If you have one sitting under your welcome mat or in a planter, it’s time to remove it.

4. Use timers

“Put interior lights, TVs, and radios on timers so that you can create the illusion that someone is home when they’re not,” said Bob Vila. “Modern digital light timers offer a key benefit over traditional models by having lights cycle on and off randomly.”

Make sure to include motion detector lights in key spots around the exterior of your home. A light that pops on just as a burglar is approaching your back door may be enough to make him back away form your home. Home automation products make all of this easier than since you can control lights, TVs, and other items via Smartphone.

5. Get a dog

Seriously. Homes with dogs are less likely to be broken into, according to a study by The University of North Carolina, because they bark to create a ruckus and can also harm an intruder by biting.

BullyMax6. Fake the alarm

If you can’t swing the cost of an alarm, pretend you have one. “Thieves look for an easy mark; making your home look tough to crack will encourage them to move on,” said HGTV. “You can easily put up security system decals – a clear deterrent – even if you don’t have a system.”

7. Install a camera

“Thanks to relatively inexpensive DIY systems, you can install a security camera outside (or inside) that lets burglars know you’re watching their every move,”

Resources: 10 Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Home Security

Related Article: Tips For Installing Home Security Alarm Systems

 

Aricle source here: 10 Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Home Security

Holiday Tips: Keep your home secure when heading away.

By Renee Cassidy on 2015-11-30

As December rolls around each year, preparing your home and family for the holiday season is high on everybody’s list. However with so much going on, it’s easy to forget about the safety and security of your home until you shut the front door and head away on holiday!

To avoid the sometimes costly mishaps that can occur over the holiday season, we have created a timely list of reminders to help you avoid any disasters in the home.

Before heading away, we recommend taking the following preventative measures so you can kick back, relax and focus on your tan, with the knowledge that your home is safe and secure:

*Click on the image to download your own copy

Following the preventative measures listed above will help you in two ways:

1. Reduce the risk of any unexpected events that may occur e.g. burglary, flooding, storm damage.
2. Make it easier for you to lodge an insurance claim and get the ball rolling in the event something unfortunate happens while you’re away.

Source:

Holiday Tips: Keep your home secure when heading away. 

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