Security and Hosting Parties

Hosting a Summer house party has it’s own share of excitement and stress. You might be super excited to show off your cooking and hosting skills; you also might be nervous about a guest pawning some of your property. If you’re told all the people you’ve invited that they can bring their own guests, it’s important to be vigilant and prepared regarding your home security. Here’s some fantastic Summer house party security tips prepared by the experts at Top Locksmith.

Tell your Neighbors

Make sure you tell your neighbors that you’re having a house party so they can let you know if they witness any super risky or suspicious behavior. It also helps to let them know that there might be a noise, so that they can contact you directly if the noise is bothering them, rather than have to contact the police.

Make sure your Invitations are Secure

While social media is convenient and paperless, it can allow the number of guests at your party grow quickly out of hand. Guests might start inviting other people that you don’t know, and this amount of guests can start to exponentially increase. Make sure to send secure email invitations, or go the classic route with paper invitations, and make sure to ask your guests to RSVP.

Designate a Storage Room

Choose an area for the guests to store their personal items that you can lock behind you. Ensure that you’re the only person who will be able to access this room. You can even operate a professional style bag check by giving guests a number that corresponds to a number you leave with their item. By providing a locked designated storage space, you are minimizing the chances that somebody will accidentally take an item that’s not theirs.

Active Monitoring

Make sure that you monitor your party by keeping your eyes periodically on a video feed – which can be easilly installed through smart security systems that offer options for live monitoring via smartphone. This is the best way to make sure that all is well throughout your home. Of course, don’t stay watching this the entire time, but a quick glance now and then certainly couldn’t hurt – and it’s even more beneficial to have a recorded archived video of the entire party so you can go back to inspect it in case one of your, or your guest’s belongings have gone missing.

Comparing Smart and Traditional Locks

Technology has shaken the lock and security industry up quite a bit in recent years, with major advancements made to lock technology that has remained stable for centuries – and technically, millenia. In this blog entry, the experts at Top Locksmith will help provide our readers some detail as to the major differences between traditional locks and smart locks, with a highlighted emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of them both.

 

Traditional Locks

Traditional locks come in a wide variety of constructions. Basically, the term refers to all locks that don’t operate automatically, and need to be manually controlled in order to lock. These locks, today, often include deadbolt locks, knob locks, and mortise locks. They are often activated by turning a key, twisting a thumbturn, or pressing a button – and deactivated with similar manual gestures.

 

How Traditional Locks Work

Most of these locks are operated with keys, that activate the locking technology, locking or unlocking the entire thing. These include pin tumbler locks, rim locks, and mortise locks. For example, pin tumbler locks are some of the most common locks used in normal homes. It works with a collection of springed pins that are placed inside cylinders. The cylinders have a series of both key pins and driver pins. When the matching key is placed inside it, the key pins are raised, moving the driver pins up, and alighting them at the shear line – allowing the key to turn to lock or unlock the door. The wrong key will misalign the pins, preventing the lock from being able to be opened.

 

Security of Traditional Locks

This varies! Some traditional locks are secure, and some are really not. Deadbolts, for example, of the single or double cylinder varieties, are known as being very secure – but only when used correctly. Deadbolts are graded by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on a scale of 1-3, with Grade 1 being the strongest.

 

There’s many ways to improve the existing security of a traditional lock by adding on enhancements like solid metal striking plates, or extending the deadbolt throws or screws. Many locks can resist forced entry attempts like lock bumping or picking. However, a lock is only as strong as it is properly installed. You need to make sure that the frame is secure, and that the lock is firmly and perfectly installed to make the most of it.

 

Smart Locks

Smart locks are automated traditional locks, at least in their most simple varieties. They allow for lock mechanism to be activated electronically and sometimes at a remote distance. They have a different human-interface process than non electronic traditional locks. Smart locks, as opposed to non smart electronic locks, can usually be operated via an app or program on a smartphone, as well as have cross-operation with other kinds of smart devices. Smart locks keep a usage record of their access history, and provide much more practical comfort than traditional locks, as they eliminate the need to search for keys. However, they may not be as secure, as their manufacturers place an emphasis on convenience, rather than plainly security – but this isn’t ALWAYS the case.

 

How Smart Locks work

Smart locks require the receipt of a cryptographic key code in order to lock or unlock. The keys for operating smart locks can come in many forms. Some are special key fobs that are automatically sensed when they are in proximity of the lock. Some are controlled through software on one’s phone. Smart locks can be integrated with other smart home security devices to only operate in turn with a series of authentication processes with other devices.

 

Smart Lock Security

Smart locks do offer the security benefit of remote monitoring and tracking of the lock usage, as well as the option to lock your doors even while you are away. However, they do not often change the manual construction of traditional locks, so they aren’t making any major physical improvements to security. Most smart locks work with deadbolts, meaning yes, they are way more secure than a simple Euro cylinder lock, however sometimes this means that they have limited options for interface – meaning that sometimes they can’t work with lever handles, or cannot work with double cylinder deadbolts. Sometimes smart locks require their own brand’s hardware to be installed to work. Since it’s harder to make custom modifications to smart locks, they might be more vulnerable to burglar bypass methods that these modifications would offer protection from. Additionally, they are somewhat vulnerable to cyber attacks – but it should remain said that the average neighborhood burglar isn’t going to be hacking into your smart lock software to access your home.

 

There’s many benefits to both traditional and smart locks. Traditional locks offer the ability to broad customization and integration of multiple security layers, while smart locks offer the fantastic option of being able to monitor one’s lock access history, as well as activate locks from a far distance. Which one is best, is really up to you, based on your particular security needs.

Locksmith Cash Saving Tips

Get a spare key before you need to get one.

If you ever lose your keys, you’re always going to think about all the missed opportunities you had to create a spare key when it was still convenient. Now, it’s not going to be as easy as simply getting an existing key copied. Get a spare key before you need to get one.o while you do have your home, business, or car keys, make sure to call your local locksmith to create a duplicate so you can always have a spare on hand in case the original breaks or is lost. Getting a key copied or duplicated costs a fraction of what it costs to have a locksmith create a brand new key for you.

Try getting locks rekeyed rather than completely changed.

For amateur locksmiths, who rely on misinformation, it’s somewhat easier to change locks completely, rather than simply re-keying them. This is the way they get to charge customers extra money, for unnecessary services. Re-keying basically consists of replacing a lock’s inner cylinder to allow for a new key to be used along with it, rendering previous keys not working – and for the experts at Top locksmith, this is a simple, efficient, and (luckily for our customers!) both cheap and effective operation.

Keep Locks Well Maintained.

If a lock is sticking, simply spray a little WD-40 in it, and slide the key in and out of it, and it will likely be good as new. There’s many ways that you can keep locks operating well all by yourself.

Save Cash on Surveillance.

If you’re looking to deter any potential trespassers or burglars, hang up a surveillance sign or consider installing a surveillance camera that looks 100% authentic, including motion and a blinking light. Motion activated cameras, if you do opt to install a real one, are often the most ideal balance between affordability and effectiveness.

Best New Smart Home Devices

In this new year of 2017, there’s tons of fantastic options for home automation that allow people to integrate their homes with fantastic levels of convenience. However, there’s been a over-saturation of home automation devices – making it somewhat difficult for homeowners to determine what devices are the best for purchasing. Here’s Top Locksmith‘s guide to the best smart devices – so you can simplify your search.

 

Ring Doorbell

This doorbell fuses doorbells with a CCTV system via Wi-Fi, notifying homeowners whenever anybody presses the doorbell or walks up to the door. It’s simple to install, and heat and rain resistant. It works with a mobile application for full control from a distance, and has live streaming capabilities.

 

Schlage Sense Smart Lock

This smart lock detects when anybody opens the door via keypad or it’s build in key, and has a siren that sounds if the door experiences a forced entry attempt. It contains an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt, the highest security grade in the industry. It offers full mobile control through the Schlage Sense application – and has a high degree of durability and strength to protect your home.

 

Nest Thermostat

This thermostat connects with all cooling and heating systems, including electric, air, solar, gas, and even geothermal. This thermostat is ‘learning’, meaning it will adapt to your habits after a few days of your custom settings, and automatically apply them, so you never have to manually set them again. It can be integrated with other smart devices, and notify you of any potential dangers inside your residence.

 

Amazon Echo

This device works as a speaker as well as a voice activated home automation device, that can control your front door or smart thermostat, as well as place Amazon deliveries. This is a newcomer to the game, but already immensely popular.

 

Phillips Hue

This lighting automation bulb allows for full control of home lighting wirelessly, with a range of customization options that include varied light intensity, as well as timing scheduling – even for separate bulbs.

 

iSmart Alarm

This smart home security system connects via WiFi to allow for remote access and control. It comes with a group of motion sensors and monitors that send information back to a central hub controller that notifies you if there’s any unexpected movement or entry attempts in your home. It can be easily installed, as well as programmed with any automation or scheduling rules that you may prefer.

 

Nest Protect

THis smoke alarm works with the Nest Thermostat, notifying you of any smoke or carbon monoxide way in advance of most normal smoke alarms. It’s easy to set up, and can be monitored via smartphone or tablet. You can choose options for wireless alarms, or even one wired into your homes existing circuits.

 

Nest Cam

This camera is easily installed, and has high quality video that can be watched live via smartphone. It can be connected with all other nest devices, and even offers two way voice chat, allowing you to communicate with people inside your home even when you’re not there. All it  needs is to be placed on an included stand or a wall mount, and it’s good to go.

 

Samsung SmartThings

This control unit can work with multiple home automation devices, and can be programmed with customizable automation protocols that link up various control factors through multiple devices. It’s strong back up battery and full connectivity with Amazon Echo, Apple Watch, and many different devices allows homeowners maximum convenience to control an array of home automation devices from a single location.

 

Belkin WeMo

This device plugs into power outlets and allows for remote control of any plug-in appliance, from toasters and lights, to televisions. You can program times for devices to turn on and off, to save on your electric bill, and it can be pared with other home automation devices – with pretty much infinite potential configurations.

 

Honda Miimo

This lawn mowing machine basically cuts grass on your lawn for you. Simply program it, put it down, and it will automatically mow your lawn while avoiding any obstacles. It’s pretty amazing to see us moving closer to a time when automated and robotic devices will eliminate the need for human labor in simple household tasks.

Programming Car Keys

When it comes to home security, it never hurts to be prepared. One of the smartest things that you can do is to constantly maintain the possession of a spare key for your vehicle – a tactic that’s not often thought of as an essential precaution.

Transponder Chips

It’s not quite as simple as walking into your local Maryland or Washington D.C. hardware store to get an instant key copy, since almost all cars today are built with transponder keys. These transponders are made up of a small electronic chip which provides a signal to the computer system inside the car, allowing the engine to be turned on. The majority of hardware stores are unable to make duplicates of car keys, since the programming of transponders requires specific professional technology that isn’t readily available to casual consumers. This is why it’s important to have the contact information for a trustworthy and professional local automotive locksmith, like Top Locksmiths.

 

Duplicating Car Keys

Car key duplicates furnished at hardware stores might be able to open up the doors of your car, but most likely will not be able to start your vehicle’s engine. The only way that the copied key will be able to work in sync with your vehicle’s on board computer is if it gets programmed by a professional locksmith. The professional automotive locksmiths at Top are fully equipped with the necessary technology and computer equipment to match programmable car keys to their respective vehicles. While this is a common procedure, if one seeks it out from someone else besides a professional automotive locksmith, it can be quite expensive for the consumer – since the programming computer program is costly, and there’s also a price attached to the code which is provided by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Trustworthy local locksmiths can provide this service at a fraction of the price that one would get charged at a local automobile dealership.

 

Depending on the type of key that you’re copying (luxury car keys are usually priced at somewhat higher of a level) you may pay anywhere from 50 to 160 dollars. This is the general price for key copying; so if you’ve lost all versions of the keys you need, a locksmith will be able to make you a copy from scratch – but it may come at slightly higher of a price tag. The best way to avoid this expense is to make copies of your existing keys before you lose them, so that you always have a spare on hand in case you ever misplace or lose one.

Types of Security Safes

There’s many kinds of security safes available on the market today for both residential and commercial use. Based on what your specific context is, you can choose security safes with additional features like fireproofing, or choose a more simple layout. Here’s a guide to some of the many main categories of security safes on the market today.

Office Safes

Safes in commercial office locations can vary from different sizes or exact functionality, based on the needs of the business. Some safes are massive and can hold large quantities of cash, important sensitive documents, electronic equipment, or other valuable items. Some other commercial locations may opt for a somewhat smaller safe that can hold day to day earnings.

 

Wall Safes

Wall safes, as you may have inferred, go inside the walls of residential or commercial locations. They protect all valuables or important documents safe from burglars, but they should also be officially rated as protecting them from water and fire, in the event of a fire or flood. Once you decide on the ideal size and specific features that you need, you should consult with a professional safe installer regarding the best location inside your home or business to install the safe. It’s common to place a picture, art, or furniture over the face of the safe in order to disguise it from unknowing passersby.

 

Fireproof Safes

Fireproof safes vary in terms of their heat ratings – based on how long the contents of the safe and it’s internal temperature can resist growing beyond 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fireproof safes are rated on a scale of 1 to 3, numbers which demonstrate how many hours it’s inside will stay below 350 degrees in the event of a fire.

 

Gun Safes

These safes are meant to prevent unwanted people from having access to guns that are kept inside residences or businesses. They are available in a wide range of sizes that can accommodate many different firearms, from small pistols to big shotguns. The locking mechanisms on these safes vary wildly, and can include combo locks, deadbolts, electronic codes locks, or even biometric locks. The majority of high quality gun safes also boast fireproof ratings.

Benefits of Using a Keypad Lock

There’s many benefits for consumers in using a keypad lock as opposed to a normal door lock. Today, the amount of homes that use keypad locks are increasing – even to rival their usage by commercial locations!

Keypad locks have become commercial and residential lifesavers due to their plethora of practical benefits. A few of the major benefits of using keypad locks in home or business settings are:

A lack of need to carry keys

Keypad locks are keyless  meaning the process of locking one is very different than the typical door locking technique. Keypad locks almost work like machines or dispensers at a bank – all you need to do is type in your specific keypad access code that only you know in order to unlock or lock your doors. There’s zero need to worry about misplaced, lost, or stolen keys – or even a need to remember where you placed them in the first place.

Serious home security improvements

All keypad locking mechanisms are built with advanced machinery, making it nearly impossible for criminals to break into your home. Business and residential owners of property will never have to worry about burglaries again – since the only individuals who will have the ability to enter their home are those who know the custom access code.

Customizable Access Codes

We just want to stress that these locks offer users the options to program in their own custom access codes; you won’t have to worry about the brand providing default codes that make rounds within the community, that burglars might get their hands on. With the ability to program in custom codes of infinite length and complexity, you can ensure that your doors are as secure as they ever have been.

Simplicity and Durability

These locks are made out of advanced technology with an emphasis on ergonomics, aesthetics, and practicality. You can trust in your keypad lock to provide you years of faithful reliability, making them a perfect choice for homeowners seeking a lock that’s both easy to install, and will last them for years to come.

Wireless Keypad Installations in Baltimore, Bethesda, and Maryland

There’s a major amount of specific designs for keypad locks on the market today. It’s important to ensure that you’re installing locks made by a professional brand, from a professional installation provider if you truly want to end up with a lock that will both be reliable and provide lasting service. If you’re looking for true professionals to install your keypad locks, look no further than Top Locksmith, the best lock installation and repair service throughout the entire Baltimore County region.

Pool Owners and Home Safety

Lately, pool owners have been investing in safety/security technology that makes home swimming pools much safer for children. This starts outside the pool. The best way to prevent injuries is to control pool access with gate doors. Gates that lead into pool or spa areas should be equipped with an automatically locking latch and closer, at least 5 feet tall. The latch must automatically lock the gate when it closes, and should be placed as high on the gate as possible, to prevent any children or smart animals from opening it.

The state of Arizona requires these gates to be at least 54 inches high, and be self closing as well as self latching. Locksmiths should understand the basic requirements for installing gate mechanisms since there’s no window for mistakes when lives are at stake.

Layers of Security

Like any regular doors or security protocols, protection of swimming pool or spa areas depends on multiple layers. It’s smart to position pools away from homes, so children can’t access pools by themselves through an easy to open door. Any doors that do lead into the pool or spa space should have built in automatic closers and latches. Just like the access gate into the pool, the latch itself should be positioned as high as practically possible, just to make sure that children can never reach it.

 

Fence Height

Any poolside chairs or any items that children could potentially climb should be kept inside the protected area, and all fencing should never be climbable. Any vertically oriented bars inside the fencing should be positioned closely enough together that small children or animals can’t squeeze through them to access the pool area.

Pet Safety

Security doesn’t always apply to preventing burglaries; sometimes it applies to keeping pets securely in your property. Your pets are their most safe when they remain in your home – although many animals have wild instincts, the common cats and dogs are domesticated and cannot survive by themselves in the world. Of course, the pet security protocols will vary based on what pet you have, where your home is, what your schedule is, etc… – if you have more than one pet, you’ll need to have multiple levels of security. In this blog post, I’ll detail some of the ways that you can make your home safe for your animal companions as well as yourself.

 

Fences

Depending on what kind of pet you have, there may be more or less of an escape risk. Most animals can slip in between spaces in fences – so you need to make sure that your fences are high enough to prevent jumping, doesn’t have too large of a gap at the base, and can’t be digged out from under. Most fences require a bit of experimentation and trial and error.

Gates

Some animals are smart enough to open any kind of gate – like badgers, tortoises, and even pigs! We recommend getting a strong gate with a hefty, sturdy lock. They can be inside or outside the house. Inside gates are usually inherently weaker than outdoor gates, since they’re usually made of less strong materials.

 

Carriers and Habitats

The goal is for your pet to be fully comfortable and used to their space, as opposed to seeing it as a prison or a cage – which will be scary and unpleasant for them. Using animal carriers are a great way to help transition an animal into their new home. It’s a great way to transport pets in moving vehicles.

 

Habitats give pets a wider range of space and motion to feel at home in. It should have a gate to keep the animal inside, and have items that make the pet comfortable and at ease – from heat lamps, to water bowls, to places to rest.

Safe Rooms

Safe rooms are areas where people can go in situations of danger, whether the context is weather, terrorism, or crime related. These rooms are installed inside commercial businesses or private residences to protect people in the event of any sort of threat, and they often contain equipment in order to speak to authorities in the event of any sort of emergency.

 

What makes a safe room?

 

Safe rooms are usually made of an exterior grade metal door with a solid core, a strong deadbolt, and strike plate protected, long hinged screws to protect it from being battered. Alarm systems, access controls, security cameras, and even a peephole can all be implemented.

 

These rooms are often stocked with survival gear like blankets, water, food, flashlights, self-defense tools, and a portable toilet. They can be ventilated with an external system, and can be connected to safety shafts. They can be built with concrete walls, which is an option that isn’t feasible in wood frame buildings (unless it’s in the basement, or if the building is structurally reinforced.)

 

Depending on the specific intentions for the safe room, it could be built with extra protection for varying circumstances, like storm-resistance for extreme winds and flying debris. They can be hidden in non-descript locations, even behind decoy objects or furniture.

Uses of/for Safe Rooms

 

Officially set government safety codes help guarantee the safety and reliability of safe rooms. There are various safety codes for various risks and circumstances. Every year, the International Building Code updates their criteria – which is then adopted to varying schemas on a state to state basis. Some areas that are prone to strong winds or hurricanes are required to have built-in hurricane solutions for example.

 

The use of safe rooms in residences definitely increases the level of security, but may not always be warranted. It’s worth it to consider the total sum of risk factors affecting the space, as well as the amount of money in assets that may be at risk – this should be compared against the cost of installing a safe room when one is determining the necessity of installing one inside their home or business. Sometimes, a sturdy and well concealed safe, along with the usual bevy of security tools like locks, deadbolts, cameras, bright lighting, and deterrents will provide the necessary security. That being said, in situations where it is warranted by the combination of risk factors, there’s simply no substitute for a professionally installed safe room.