Your house is your most valuable possession, and it’s filled with other important belongings. It’s also a place where your family should feel safe. Even though homeowners know that security should be a top priority, many people make mistakes that put their property and their loved ones at risk. These are a few things you can do to keep your home secure.
Have the Locks Changed or Rekeyed After You Move In
When people buy a house, they’re often so excited about the idea of unpacking and decorating that they don’t think about security. Getting the locks changed or rekeyed should be one of the first things you do before you settle into your new home.
The previous owner, plus the past owner’s friends, family members, contractors, babysitters, and others, might still have keys. A locksmith can change or rekey the locks so that old keys will no longer work. It’s a simple and straightforward process that can give you peace of mind.
Upgrade Your Locks
Some locks are easier to pick than others. If your house doesn’t currently have deadbolt locks, having a residential locksmith install them can make your home safer for your family. Keyless entry locks are another way to keep your home secure. Instead of using traditional keys, members of your family can use key cards or a code to enter the house.
Don’t Hide a Key in an Obvious Place
If you own a house, somebody will get locked out at some point. Homeowners often prepare for that inevitable situation by hiding a key outside the house in an easily accessible location, such as under a doormat. Burglars know the most common places where homeowners hide keys, and those are the first places where they look.
A better option is to leave a key with a friend or relative who lives nearby or with a trusted neighbor. If you or a member of your family gets locked out, that person can call or text the individual with the spare key or go to that person’s home to retrieve it. That will take more time and will be a bit of a hassle, but you’ll have a much bigger problem if a thief finds a spare key and takes off with your valuables while you and your loved ones are at work or at school.
Get Professional Help with Home Security
All United Locksmith serves homeowners across Connecticut. We can rekey your locks, install new locks that will make your house more secure, help if someone gets locked out, and provide other services. We’re available around the clock. Contact us whenever you need assistance.