HOW TO EFFECTIVELY SECURE YOUR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

If you could fit it into your budget, you would install an alarm system. That’s certainly an efficient way to safeguard your home. But if you don’t have that kind of money, there are still many good ways to secure your place ~ numerous measures you can take yourself (and some you’ll want to hire a professional to do) ~ without spending too much. No property is completely impervious, but you can follow one main goal: Discourage potential intruders as best you can, and make it as difficult as possible for a burglar to enter.

Establish standard home rules. In a simple list of rules you put forth, involve everyone in the family, so everybody can cooperate to keep your home as safe and secure as you can.

• Anytime you go out, and prior to heading off to sleep, lock every door and window.
• Don’t answer the door, unless you know the person. If you don’t already have a peephole, now’s the time to install one.
• When you’re not using your garage, keep the garage door closed and locked. Leaving it open only tempts potential prowlers.

Follow these basic lines of defense. Here are some fairly easy ways to augment your home’s security:

Don’t keep keys and remotes near the door, visible to anyone able to peek in. Instead, store them hidden on hooks inside a cupboard door, or in a drawer.

Fortify your air conditioner. You can thwart a burglar from getting in through an unsecured window by installing corner braces, a bracket, or a sliding window lock.

Don’t be obvious. Experienced thieves will case your neighborhood before pulling a job, keeping an eye out for everyone’s comings and goings. If they observe that you’re routinely home during the daytime, they’ll likely go on to another house. Compare your place to your neighbors’, and tone down your façade accordingly. Display only modest responsible upkeep rather than extravagance.

Replace worn and weak locks. Deadbolts will give you excellent security. Install grade-2 deadbolts, which penetrate the door’s frame. Heavy-duty is more resilient.

Don’t keep a “hidden” key. A crook will find that spare key you stash inside your mailbox, over the door, under the welcome mat, or beneath the flower pot. Even if your keyholder is a fake rock, a skilled robber will probably know what it looks like. It’s better to trust a neighbor or friend to keep a spare key for you.

Inside, keep your valuables out of sight. Close blinds and curtains if you have extraordinary possessions. Conceal expensive jewelry, cash, and hide other treasured items in unexpected locations.

Outside, don’t display valuables that would appeal to a potential thief. For instance, keep your luxury car inside the garage.

Remove windows on or close to your doors. Of course, windows increase the risk of a break-in, since glass can be broken. If your doors have glass, install top-quality deadbolts. If you have a sliding glass door, a latch lock is of little use. Enhance your security by putting in a wooden dowel cut to size or an adjustable safety bar, in the floor track. You could also install a floor bolt.

Make it difficult for a trespasser to hide. Trim your hedges, shrubs, trees, and any other plants. Also avoid tall fences. You don’t want a prowler to hide undetected.

Reinforce your doors. A hollow door is susceptible to a break-in. A solid door is far superior. Install a solid-core door made of metal or wood.

Don’t ever leave a ladder out in your yard. A trespasser could pretend to be a contractor or handyman, and climb your ladder to get in through your upper-floor window or balcony.

Post warning signs. Put up a “NO TRESPASSING” or “TRESPASSERS WILL BE SHOT” sign. You could stick an alarm company logo on the front door or window (even if you don’t actually have an alarm system).

A guard dog can work well as a disincentive. If you don’t have a dog, whenever you’re gone you could play a recording of a big dog barking, and post a sign that says “BEWARE OF DOG”!

Install exterior lighting. Install a light at any entryway and all around the perimeter. Even better, put all of them on timers. Motion-sensor floodlights illuminate anytime someone passes by. Some outdoor lights respond to changes in daylight, temperature, or sound. If you can afford more, some lights can be connected to your smart device so you can detect any suspicious activity and instantly respond.

Whenever you’re out, turn some indoor lights on. If you’re away for the day, or for a longer time, you can make it look like someone’s home by attaching timers to lights, stereos, radios, and TVs. If you can fit it in your budget, add smart-device capability, so you can monitor all household activities, and make it appear as if it’s occupied all while you’re gone.

These strategies are more costly, but worth your consideration. Do you require further security measures at your property? Here are some additional steps you could take:

Get a home safe, especially one you can anchor to the floor, to protect any irreplaceable valuables, emergency cash, or crucial documents. Choose one with an acceptable level of fireproof and waterproof certification.

Put in an electronic gate. Depending on your situation, you may want to invest in a security gate, so you’re able to approve which persons can enter your property. With a keypad, an intercom system, or even more sophisticated measures such as biometrics, you can select levels of security clearance.

A video surveillance system can be worth the investment if you feel it’s needed. Decide on the image resolution you desire, and look at other technical aspects of your set-up. Do you want to record video footage, 24/7? What about software with specified capture capabilities ~ time-and-date stamp code, vehicle number plate recognition, facial recognition, and so on? The choices you make will depend on your environment, your property, and your finances. The point is, when people with criminal intentions see your access control system, you’ll want them to think twice and move on.

Do your research. There are plenty of uncomplicated ways to improve your home security. To explore your options, if you live in Mableton, Georgia, you may want to request a free consultation from a trustworthy locksmith company. Mableton Locksmith GA, for example, has staff mobile locksmith experts ready 24/7 to assist you.

What to Do When a Car Key is Stuck in Ignition

For the most part, you will seldom have any issues with your car’s locks and keys. They are designed to maximize your automotive security, with newest technologies continuously working to meet the most current protection demands of all vehicle owners. Unfortunately, nothing in this world is ever fully immune of damage. Sometimes, the most common automotive hitches can spring up on you unexpectedly – and this quite common in the case of a key that is stuck in ignition. 

A key may become stuck after your ignition cylinder has become worn and torn inside. This could be because of aging, or simply due to an unnecessary amount of stress – heavy keyrings can actually accelerate this process. With a key that is difficult to insert and extract comes power interference, which could eventually lead to your key no longer being able to fit inside the cylinder at all. 

So you got into your car, tried to turn the key and it simply won’t budge. Now what? That’s what we hope to shed some light unto today. 

Your best resort is always to contact a qualified professional. Replacing an ignition cylinder or trying to force the key out will likely lead to a lot of damage. Not an ideal scenario when an expensive vehicle is at the fore of your worries. Besides, a stuck key could be a sign of even bigger problems than you imagined – you could be dealing with a broken key that needs to be extracted, for instance, or a cylinder that needs to be fully replaced.  

If you are reasonably savvy with DIY fixes, there are a few quick checks you can do before calling a locksmith. But only proceed with the following steps if you feel confident about your abilities to do so without incurring any damage. Otherwise, get in touch with an automotive lock and key services provider in your area, pronto! 

Basic checks you can do before hiring a locksmith

1)      Make sure your key is turned to the “off” position

In the simplest of cases, all you need to do when a key is stuck in your ignition is check its positioning. It’s quite common for people who are rushing to get somewhere to forget to take the key out of the “on” position before trying to remove it. Try turning the key and, if doesn’t budge, proceed to the next step. 

2)      Check if you can move the steering wheel

You won’t be able to remove your key from the ignition if the steering wheel is in lock position. Try moving the wheel from side to side, gently attempting to move the key at the same time. Be really careful when doing this – tugging at the key too tightly will cause it to break inside. 

3)      Is your battery working? 

If you were able to turn the ignition, but the car wouldn’t start, then you might be dealing with a dead battery. In this situation, it’s likely you won’t be able to disengage the key until the battery has been replaced.

-          One thing to keep in mind: Faulty anti-theft devices can cause ignition cylinder problems too. If you can see the anti-theft lights flashing, that’s where your issues lie.  If in doubt, ask a locksmith in Mableton.

4)      Try jacking up the car

But only do this if you have the tools, the experience, and a safe enough spot to perform the task at hand. Hoist the car just until the wheels are off the ground, to enable you to move the steering wheel around more easily. Now, repeat the steering wheel movement mentioned in the second point above, with the car elevated, and see if that allows you to wriggle the key out of the ignition. 

5)      Are you at home? Try these quick hacks

If you have a hairdryer and a bag of ice, you could try these final fixes. First, the bag of ice trick: press it against the key for a few minutes – the idea is that the metal will contract, allowing you to dislodge the key from its position. Didn’t work? Then try the hairdryer: in theory, getting some heat onto the ignition cylinder should make the metal expand – after applying the warm air for a few minutes, gently try to remove the key.        

If none of the above has helped thus far, you definitely need the help of an automotive locksmith. 

So how do I hire the right locksmith for the job? 

The first thing to remember is that locksmiths come in many variations. Some exclusively focus on automotive matters, others may choose to specialize in home security, and a fair few may opt to go on the all-inclusive route. If you’re not sure your chosen professional offers the services you are looking for, just ask – free consultations are standard procedures for these types of businesses anyway, they’re more than happy to answer customer queries. 

For your peace of mind, plan in advance. Get a few recommendations for companies in your area (locksmiths outside your vicinity will you charge extra for mileage), and do some background checking on these as well. Things to check and inquire closely about include local client references (locksmiths shouldn’t balk at the idea of providing you with these), licensing and insurance information, and how long the business has been operating in the area. If you have the time to spare, read online reviews on your chosen lock and key services providers as well. 

Always get a full price quote for the services you are looking for, and don’t be afraid to shop around. Make sure to ask about their rates for after-hours services, as many locksmiths charge more for this. Be wary of businesses who change their price quote upon arrival and never hire a professional you can’t trace a physical address back to. 

Mableton Locksmith GA is always at the disposal of car owners in the Mableton, GA area. If your key is stuck in the ignition and none of the checks above worked, we will gladly inspect your issues for you. Call us to inquire about our services, and we’ll go from there.

We hope this blog post has helped all car owners understand what to do when a key is stuck in ignition. If in doubt, get in touch with an auto locksmith in your vicinity.

Why Invest in a Home Surveillance System

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You might not think that it is very practical to have a surveillance system installed at your home but we beg to differ at Mableton Locksmith GA in Mableton, Georgia. Many think that the cost associated with this type of system are so much that only a business would be the ones to be able to afford it. This is not the case. Despite what many homeowners may think, the cost of a home surveillance system is actually just as inexpensive as other home security systems found on the market today. Since there is such a large demand for visual monitoring services, there has been an increased interest in home surveillance cameras. While we would certainly suggest that any homeowner seeking to improve the quality of their home security, consider having a surveillance system installed, we would encourage you to have it installed by a reputable and trustworthy locksmith service in Mableton, GA.

Here are the reasons we think it is a good idea to have a surveillance camera installed in your home:

Peace-of-Mind

There is nothing more valuable than peace-of-mind and that is exactly what having a surveillance system installed affords homeowners. If you are unable to sleep at night, worried about someone trying to break into your home, it is a good idea to see what you can gain from this type of security system. With a video surveillance system, you can see for yourself exactly what is going on in and around your home. When things in the night make you jump, you might benefit from this system. Whenever you see any suspicious activity, you can immediately jump on the phone to the proper authorities to get the help you need. Sometimes, the things we here in the middle of the night are nothing other than our pets but it still helps to know for certain whether or not this is the case. Most home surveillance cameras are installed on windows and entryways. You have the added convenience of monitoring your home from anywhere. Some offer the ability to monitor your home on your cellular phone. Technology just keeps advancing!

Deterrent for Burglars

There are professional burglars who see a surveillance camera as a deterrent. They are not going to risk being seen, caught and thrown into jail. The risks far outweigh their desire. When there is a prowler in the neighborhood, they may be doing nothing more than canvasing the area to find out what they can get. Some will come right up on your porch and peer through your windows to see what is inside. When they recognize a surveillance camera, they may just run and go in the opposite direction. They don’t want posters of themselves plastered all over your neighborhood either. Some homeowners know just how effective having a camera installed actually is and that is why some will have a fake camera installed. The burglar only needs to ‘think’ someone can see them in order to go the other way. This method has proven effective.

Court Evidence

Without evidence of an intrusion or attempted intrusion, it is just your word against theirs. When you have a surveillance camera installed, you have proof. If there is a problem in or around your neighborhood, law enforcement authorities are capable of tracking down the person in question with your footage. Your surveillance can capture specific distances, which means that they can even capture footage of the same burglar attempting to gain access into a neighbors home, further proof in court. Some might think that all a burglar needs to do is damage the camera and that’s that. This isn’t usually as easy as you might think. The camera is installed in the most inconspicuous places possible to avoid this from occurring. They might be able to see the monitoring equipment but not the camera.

Monitoring Service Providers

If you have ever heard of reports of people abusing children or elderly people, you can see why having a surveillance camera might be beneficial. Even with the best references, it is still possible for someone to do something out of character. With a camera setup in your home, you’re able to see what is going on at all times in your home. If you have any suspicion of abuse of your child or elderly parents, this is a great way to catch the caregiver in the act. Even if nothing is happening, it can still afford you peace-of-mind in knowing for sure exactly what is going on when you are not around.

Remaining Alert

It is simply impossible to always be alert to everything going on around us. When you’re at home and you have things to do, you may not be as alert as you may need to be. You have laundry to attend to, kids lunches to make, school work to check and other things. The last thing you are thinking about at this stage is who is lurking around your yard or porch. With a surveillance camera you can go back to it whenever you need to check footage just to remain alert to what is going on when you’re not alert. If you see something that looks questionable, you may begin to remain more alert even when you are engaged in other activities throughout the day.

It can be difficult to remain vigilant in your attempt to keep your home and your loved ones safe. However, we are certain that you can now see the many benefits to having a home surveillance camera installed. There is no reason that you should continue having sleepless nights when you have a monitoring system installed in your home. You can get the same level of security that is found in some of the businesses in and around Mableton at a price that will fit your needs and budget. Many homeowners whom we service agree that this type of system is well worth the investment. We couldn’t agree more!

Keyless Entry Systems And Their Benefits

Usually, a lock without a key is useless. It keeps whatever is locked safe and private, but no one can access it without that darn key! Locks and keys have been with us since ancient times; even the Egyptians and Sumerians used locking mechanisms to secure their privacy and to protect their valuables. This thousands+ years of use has made the locks/keys combination a successful one but now there’s a new way that can be used without keys at all! Keyless entry allows users to open and close locks with no fumbling for keys, losing keys or breaking off of keys. It’s fast, simple and easy to use. You’ll enjoy this latest Mableton Locksmith GA post on how to access and use this amazing technology!

Keyless Entry For Home Use

Yes, you can use keyless entry technology at home! It’s already being used quite extensively in luxury hotels and high rise condos and is gaining grounds in the single family home category, too. Here in Mableton, GA many of your better residential locksmiths are offering keyless entry systems to homeowners for their primary residence. A keypad is used to punch in a key code or combination. If the right sequence is entered, the door unlocks. You already see keyless entry in cars and users are used to it in some commercial applications, as well. Imagine; no more hiding keys under the door mat or behind the plant in the flower pot! Simply give your spouse and the kids the combination or number sequence and they have access with no possibility of lost or forgotten keys or keys broken off in the lock.

Just because a key is lost doesn’t mean that it no longer exists! Most folks think of the inconvenience caused by that missing key and don’t immediately realize that the key is still “out there” and can possibly land in the wrong hands. Lost keys not only necessitate new key cutting but also lock changes or rekeys for maximum safety.

You can even give each member of your family or household a different code sequence to use at home. This is like having your own key and can be used to keep track of who entered the house and when. In addition, kids love keyless entry! It seems so “like in the movies” to them. Using a keypad is fun and practical!

Commercial Keyless Entry

No matter where in Mableton, GA you go, you’ll notice keyless entry being used by local businesses. There’s a good reason for that. Remember your elementary school janitor; the one with the many keys on that huge key ring? Having and using keyless entry systems eliminates the need for all those keys! It’s not just for custodians either. Entering a code sequence allows and restricts access to certain parts of a building. Our Mableton Locksmith GA technicians offer free consultations on keyless entry and its use for ANY need including home use, automotive needs and of course, for businesses. We can install keyless entry on front doors, interior doors, vaults, executive offices, institutional and educational areas, storage facilities, server (computer) rooms and many more. As in home use, you can better monitor building activity using keyless entry as well as see who gained access to what rooms and when.

Key codes are not the only way to use keyless entry commercially. Card systems also known as edge devices can also be used. These can even double as employee badges to be clipped on a pocket or worn around the neck. Instead of entering a code on the keypad, just swipe your card and the reader will either deny or grant access to that part of the building. Terminated staff or unauthorized employees can be kept out of designated areas and so can customers as in the case of a bank vault or jewelry store wall safe.

Automotive Keyless Entry

Many of today’s luxury cars use a keyless entry system. Some people love it and others don’t care for it. It’s more of a matter of personal preference. Our Mableton Locksmith GA automotive specialists can install, replace or repair your keyless entry system at your location and on your time frame. We also offer free consultations in case you want to learn more about this useful and highly convenient way of automotive lock security. Just like residential and commercial keyless entry systems, you can dispense with car keys. Simply add your code to the keypad and you are good to go (literally!). Considering that many of our Mableton, GA locksmith service requests are for key cutting, replacements, and key removal, using a keyless entry system can be a real plus!

More Keyless Entry Facts

If a key code or combination is forgotten, a pass key can also be used as a backup. In case of theft of employee badges or if a family member or guest shares the number sequence too often or wrongly these can be rendered useless very easily. All it takes to cancel these items is a push of a button and new codes and swipe cards can be issued almost immediately.

More advanced methods of keyless entry include biometric entry systems that make use of fingerprint lock technology, magnetic strip cards and even retina scanners for even more specialized control. This technology is being increasingly used in hospitals, universities, hotels, high end retail and even government buildings.

Just how safe is keyless entry? Plenty! Alarms are often built in to these systems so that a would-be burglar can’t stand outside your home or car door and try one number sequence after another until the correct one magically opens the door. After a few attempts, the alarm sounds and/or the system shuts down completely, foiling a potential robbery.

Keyless entry can provide huge benefits and convenience in your daily home and working life. Mableton Locksmith GA invites you to call us and learn more. We offer affordable pricing and fast service including 24-hour emergency help so call today and get rid of many of your keys!

HOW TO FIND A GOOD PROFESSIONAL LOCKSMITH

Long before an emergency happens, look for a reliable local locksmith. The best way to track down a trusty locksmith from your local area is to look before you need one. Do you want to augment your home’s security, or the security of your business? Perhaps you’d like to upgrade your locks to deadbolts, install bump-proof locks, or a keypad. What if it’s time to change all your locks? Maybe it’s time to heighten your security with an anchored safe, a smart key system, an intercom system, or a video surveillance system. Whatever the case may be, to avoid getting scammed or overcharged, do your homework ahead of time.

Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Word of mouth from a satisfied customer is truly always your best bet.

Look for a locksmith company that’s local. Check the phone book, call directory assistance, or search the Internet. If you find a locksmith’s street address, it’s important to verify that the business address given actually belongs to that locksmith. Sometimes, a disreputable company will say it’s local when it’s really not. You can match phone numbers with street addresses using the Web. If a person answers the phone with a generic greeting, such as “locksmith services,” rather than the company name, then beware. Ask for the legal name of the business, and if the person refuses, it’s time to call another locksmith.

Ask the right questions. Some perfectly legitimate locksmith companies simply may not include a street address in their listing because they operate a mobile business, which dispatches one of their professional locksmiths who is local to you. Therefore, when you call a locksmith without an address listed, be sure to find out why there’s no address given.

For future reference, write down all the names of the potential good locksmith companies you find, with their phone numbers and addresses, in case you don’t want to choose the first locksmith you call. Keep track of which locksmiths specialize in the exact type of services you require.

Remember, you can consult the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints on file. You can also check with your local consumer protection agency and your state’s attorney general’s office.

Get a formal estimate beforehand. No matter what the job is ~ routine or emergency ~ before any work begins, make sure that you get a written estimate that includes all the labor, parts, and fees. If you’re locked out ~ of your home, your car, or your business ~ a professional locksmith will give you a ballpark estimate over the phone for the total cost. Then, ask about any possible additional charges before you choose to hire the locksmith. There may be a minimum fee; extra fees for responding to a call after hours; a mileage charge; and so forth. If the price the locksmith gives you upon arrival doesn’t match up with the estimate you got on the phone, say thanks but no thanks.

Check out the locksmith’s credentials. When the locksmith arrives, ask for ID, as well as a business card, and license number. Make sure the locksmith’s invoice includes the company name, and confirm that the locksmith’s vehicle has a name on it matching the business card and the invoice. Of course, for security purposes, the locksmith must also ask you for your identification. A proper locksmith will verify your identity, and make sure that you’re the genuine property owner prior to doing any work ~ whether pertaining to your home, vehicle, or business.

You’ll want to be sure the locksmith is fully insured, officially licensed, appropriately bonded, and thoroughly background-checked. Depending upon the service that’s provided, the job carried out ought to be backed by a warranty. If the worst happens, and your property is damaged during a service call, or if the locksmith ends up doing faulty work, the locksmith has to be insured to cover the loss.

If you’re ever locked out, be doubtful of any locksmith’s claim that you’re going to have to drill or replace the lock. An experienced expert locksmith will carry the right tools, and certainly know that such drastic moves aren’t needed. A consummate professional locksmith can unlock almost anything.

If an emergency arises, such as being locked out of your vehicle, you should call your roadside assistance service first. Roadside assistance companies usually keep their own list of pre-approved companies that they regularly subcontract with to perform standard services for you, such as unlocking your vehicle, giving you a jump, and so on, so if you’ve relied on your service before, you already know you can count on them to do just what you need.

Otherwise, choose a locksmith company that specializes in automotive lockouts and other automotive challenges such as replacing car keys, programming transponder keys, installing a new ignition cylinder, and more.

Once you’ve identified a reputable locksmith, and you’ve had a good experience, keep that company’s information around for future reference ~ in your wallet, on the fridge, and on the bulletin board at work, so you’ll always be able to get yourself out of trouble should any problems come up regarding locks and keys. Whether you need a locksmith for a one-time job, or you want a dependable professional to work for you on an ongoing basis, of course you’ll want that individual to be absolutely reliable. Whether it’s a locksmith service pertaining to your residence, car, or place of business, you definitely don’t want to allow access to just anybody when it comes to resolving issues with keys and locks.

If you’re not caught in a crisis with locks and keys at the moment, now is the time to find the right locksmith! The best locksmiths will offer to give you a FREE consultation, so it never hurts to ask for one. Bring all your questions and concerns to an expert. For example, if you’re in Mableton, Georgia, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, the staff mobile professional locksmith technicians of Mableton Locksmith GA carry out automotive, residential, commercial, and emergency services.

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