WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A GUN SAFE

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Follow the law. You must educate yourself on the details of the local laws in your state regarding weapon ownership. In most states, and in the District of Columbia, the law requires that your guns have to remain locked up to prevent access to children ~ in most cases even if you do not have kids of your own. You’ll likely be breaking the law if any child ever lays hands on a firearm that belongs to you. Penalties vary for allowing a child to handle your gun; but the fact is, you’ll probably be held accountable for negligent storage, regardless of whether or not a child gains access to your gun, or indeed uses your gun to cause a death or injury.

 

If you get a heavy-duty gun safe, you’ll keep thieves away very effectively. Otherwise, a burglar could steal it and use it during the commission of a crime, or perhaps even resell it. The unthinkable can happen: For example, a criminal might steal your gun, and then use it to hold up a convenience store. If that perpetrator shoots and kills somebody during that crime, then if you didn’t own a safe, the victim’s family would have the right to claim that your weapon was stored improperly, which means they could file a lawsuit against you. The wise choice is to store your weapons in a safe, because if your guns are ever stolen, you can prove that you initially took the proper measures to secure the weapons.

 

If a thief ever breaks into your home without doing any damage, if you cannot prove that there was a forced entry, then if you don’t have evidence to prove that you kept your guns locked in a safe, this would work against you if the robber later commits a crime using your gun, especially if the person is someone you know.

 

Maintain absolute safety. If you’re a gun owner, it’s vital to be responsible: Always safeguard your firearms. Don’t risk a dangerous circumstance or a grave situation, which could result if any of your weapons were to end up in the wrong hands.

 

A proper gun safe will keep your guns away from potential thieves efficiently, and, most importantly, away from children. The truth is: No one other than you, the owner ~ not friends, family members, teenagers, babysitters, children, house-sitters, care-givers, neighbors, and so on ~ should ever be able to have access to your weapons.

 

There’s actually no doubt: If you own a gun, it’s critical that at all times you safely maintain your weapons by storing them properly in a reliable gun safe. Access control is fundamental. Whether you own a gun for hunting, protection, skeet shooting, target practice, or work, you must suitably store your weapons.

 

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Fully insure your guns. Keeping your guns in a superior-quality safe may be the only way you’ll know for sure that your weapons are wholly insured. Protecting your weapons in a safe typically means that you can obtain a discount on your insurance premium. Find out: Read your renter’s or home or insurance policy thoroughly for the firearm coverage limitations and parameters. Your insurance company may compel you to keep your guns in a certified gun safe, and may even require you to install an alarm. Depending on how many guns you have, and what sort of weapons they are, ask about adding a rider that will expand your coverage. If you own a lot of guns, your insurance company’s safe certification rules may oblige you to keep your gun collection in more than one safe, to reduce the possibility of everything being stolen all at once. If you ever have to make an insurance claim, if you’re able to demonstrate that you took all the correct measures beforehand to protect your valuables, you’re more likely to be compensated for the loss.

 

Store your guns in style. Wherever you display your high-quality gun safe, it will certainly be attractive. A gun safe boasts gleaming hardware and a polished finish, and its impressive weight and size are outstanding.

 

Protect your investment. Some guns are replaceable or upgradeable. But vintage firearms are often irreplaceable, and they’re liable to have sentimental value for you. With the right gun safe, you’ll proficiently secure all your weapons.

 

With an excellent-quality safe, you’ll protect your other valuables, too. When you have a top-quality safe to keep your guns totally secure ~ and well-protected from theft, flood, and fire ~ you may as well include additional valuable items, too. Because a gun safe is sizeable, you’ll probably have room left for other significant items such as property deeds, passports, fine jewelry, stock certificates, tax records, birth certificates, collectibles, emergency cash, photographs, and so forth.

 

Protect your weapons from fire and flood. An exceptional-quality fire-rated and waterproof gun safe will give you optimal protection for your guns and valuables from fire or water damage.

 

You could save on your taxes. In some states, gun safes are exempt from sales tax. Furthermore, in some states, if you buy a gun safe, you’ll be eligible for a tax credit. A federal tax credit might also be available.

 

You’ll automatically have extra home protection. If you own a weapon for protection, of course you’ll want to be able to put your hands on your gun fast. Some manufacturers make their gun safes with locks that you can open in a few seconds. It’s imperative that you’re the only person who knows how to open it.

 

Take the correct precautions with your concealed-carry weapon. If you have a license to carry a concealed weapon, adhere to the legal requirements of your city and state. For instance, a portable gun safe is a smart idea for your car.

 

How do you choose the right gun safe for your needs? If you’re in Newport News, Virginia, and you want to find the gun safe that will fit all your requirements, consult with a dependable local company, such as Pro Newport News Locksmith, where the mobile safe specialists on staff possess the expertise to help you make well-informed decisions regarding your home security.

Article source here: WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A GUN SAFE

Pro Newport News Locksmith: What to Do When Transponder Key is Lost

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Every day, we have so many things to keep track of, that things can get very confusing. Perhaps you are the type of person who likes to stay very organized, and you even keep a to-do list handy. Or maybe you prefer to “wing it” and make it a point to try to remember everything you need to do. But no matter which category you fall into in terms of organization, you can always end up victim to a lost key. Pro Newport News Locksmith in Newport News, VA frequently receives phone calls from locals who have lost their transponder key. Often times, people call in a state of panic, not knowing how to operate their vehicle. Luckily, there are automotive locksmiths all over the country who care and who can provide service when transponder keys go missing. This information has been put together for your convenience, so you can know all about transponder keys and what to do when they are missing!

After all is said and done, if you have done everything that you can to locate your transponder key, but it is nowhere to be found, then it is time to call an expert for help. In a state of panic, it can be difficult to remember to retrace your steps. But check on top of countertops, in the bathroom, or anywhere else you could have dropped your keys. Did you have your car key in your hand when you remembered you needed to switch laundry into the dryer? Perhaps the key is in a pile of clothes. Check everywhere you can think of…if you have already done this, read on to learn about the next steps to take.

The technical side of transponder key creation

Transponder keys were created as a form of convenience and better security. They are very technologically advanced and as such, can be confusing when it comes to replacement. When you are looking for help with transponder key replacement, you will need an expert who is able to cut the key blade to the proper configuration, and they will need to be able to program the key’s chip so that it is a match for the vehicle’s transponder system. If it sounds technical, that’s because it is. A dealership would be able to do this for you if you lost your transponder key, or of course, an auto locksmith would be able to help.

What you need

Here are some of the things that you will need if you opt to call a lock and security provider for help with transponder key replacement…

The chassis number for your vehicle. This will be located within your vehicle’s registration documents.

The chip code. Where is the chip code, you might ask? This is something that you should have gotten from your dealership when you bought the car. Don’t have it? Don’t worry. An expert will help you to figure this out.

Proof of ownership of the vehicle: Any professional will need to verify that your vehicle hasn’t been stolen. Have registration and identification documents ready to go. This will speed up the process for you.

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Now, call a locksmith to replace your key

When you are ready with all of the information that you need so a new transponder key can be made for your vehicle, call a locksmith. They will provide the most affordable solution. And here is where the information you gathered will come in handy. First, a lock and security provider will use their expertise to cut the key by utilizing your car’s chassis number. An auto locksmith might program the new key by means of the chip code provided, or they might need to reprogram the vehicle’s ECU unit. Sometimes, the entire transponder system needs to be modified. Again, only an expert will know how to do this.

But be sure to find a locksmith that you can trust.

Hiring a credible locksmith is important. You want your situation to be dealt with professionally. Luckily, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a lock and security provider that is available 24 hours a day, because obviously you won’t want to wait long to have a new transponder key. If you were waiting to go to your dealership, then you would have to wait until it is convenient for them and you would have to be available during standard business hours, most likely. But with a lock and security provider, you get a professional who is available when it works with your busy schedule. Here are some key things to look for when hiring a locksmith for automotive services:

• Make sure they have licensing and insurance. It’s easy for any random person to log onto Craigslist and claim to be a professional locksmith. They’ll boast low prices, but that’s because the work won’t be worth paying a reasonable amount. Check to make sure you are hiring someone who has undergone the proper training and has obtained the appropriate paperwork to do their job. This will protect you, in the event that anything goes wrong.
• Look at the Better Business Bureau for relevant feedback and company scores.
• Ask around for referrals. The best source just happens to be the people you already know you can trust. See if anyone in your social circle can recommend a specific locksmith.
• Take advantage of a free consultation once you have found a lock and security provider. Ask them any questions that you have. Request a price quote prior to the job being started.

A lost transponder key is certainly a problem, but it is not one that can’t be solved fast. As long as you know where to turn to, you will surely get the results that you desire. If you’re in Newport News, you know who to call. But if you are anywhere else, just do an online search or as mentioned, ask your friends and anyone you can trust if they recommend an automotive locksmith for transponder key programming, duplication and other services.

Article source here: Pro Newport News Locksmith: What to Do When Transponder Key is Lost

Protecting Your Home When Out of Town

Homeowners have to be vigilant in keeping out burglars. Even if you’ve never had a break in before, it doesn’t mean that this can’t happen to you. If you feel as though you’ve done all that you can do to prevent an intrusion, but you still manage to experience a break-in, perhaps there are some practical things you can do to avoid a break-in. When homes are broken into, it is usually when homeowners are out of town. When you are away from home for an extended amount of tim

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e, you give a thief all that they need, time and opportunity. At Pro Newport News Locksmith, we can offer you better home security features but we can also tell you about some of the most practical and effective ways to avoid a home invasion when you are out of town.

 

1. Lock Up

This is something that many people laugh at when the read but the truth of the matter is that many homeowners make it easy for someone to come into their home because they do not double check to make sure that every window and door is locked before they leave their home. If you have checked your doors, you might want to also check your windows. There is a chance that someone else in the home has opened up a window, without your knowledge, and failed to lock it again. Since you wouldn’t have known this, it makes sense to also check your windows and doors before heading out of town.

 

2. Don’t Post on Social Media

There is absolutely nothing wrong with posting your travel picture on social media but consider exactly when you are doing this and the information that you are providing to others. When you announce your plans of going on vacation and you are posting pictures, while you are away, you’re inviting thieves into your home. They can see from your postings that you’re not at home. This gives them an open invitation to come on over and get what you want. Refrain from posting your travel plans online and just wait until after you’ve returned to post pictures. It is a necessary precaution to take if you do not wish to experience a break-in.

 

3. Have an Alarm Installed

Most new apartment buildings have an alarm system installed in the apartments. It is up to the tenant to have the alarm service turned on. We would strongly suggest that you do this in order to scare off a would-be intruder when you’re away from home. If you live in a house and don’t have an alarm system, you should invest in one today. They offer you the level of protection you need and give you peace-of-mind when you’re out of town. When the alarm sounds, it often scares off the intruder. Even if you don’t have a the alarm system monitored, it will draw attention to the fact that someone is trying to get inside your home and someone can then contact the proper authorities. If they alarm system is connected to your mobile device, you can then contact the police to ask them to check things out for you.

 

4. Mail & Package Deliveries

What would you assume if you rode by a home and you noticed mail piled up in the mailbox and packages sitting on the front? Most people would conclude that nobody is home. This is the same thing that a thief would assume. It is in your best interest to either have your mail held at the post office or have someone pick it up from your mailbox every couple of days so that it doesn’t pile up. The same is true of packages left on your porch or in front of your apartment door. You can request that the courier keep them and retrieve them upon your return. Most courier services do not have a problem doing this for you. However, they may charge you a fee if the package is left their for too long.

 

5. Get a House Sitter

When people experience multiple break-ins, they see the value in having someone at their home when they are away. This way, a thief is less likely to attempt to break-in. This tends to be the case when there is someone home. The thief fears that they will be exposed and prosecuted. This is not a chance that most people are willing to take. Therefore; they will avoid your home and go to the home where they know for certain that there is no one home.

 

6. Install Deadbolt Locks

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Since deadbolt locks are the most durable locks offered to you, make sure you have them installed on every entryway door. This maximizes your home security and makes it more difficult for a thief to compromise the lock. If you do not already have them installed, get them installed as quickly as possible and improve the chances of your home avoiding a break-in.

 

7. Install Outdoor Lights

Shine a light on the problem. If you don’t have bright lights around your home, it is easier for a burglar to hide out and wait for you to leave. Instead of allowing them to lurk in the dark, why not have lights installed around your home to shine a light on a possible intruder. If there are too many lights on your home, an intruder will likely pursue a house with fewer lights or no lights.

 

We realize that while these may be very practical suggestions, many people do not implement them. It has been proven that by heeding the above suggestions, you’ll be able to minimize your chances of a home invasion. Don’t wait until someone has broken into your home and stolen your valuables before you do something. The key is to prevent a break-in while you are away. Do yourself a favor and get busy doing what needs to be done so that you can avoid a burglary at your home.

 

Article source here: Protecting Your Home When Out of Town

IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS – WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM!

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Are you experiencing problems with your car’s ignition cylinder? Did you plan on running an errand or going for a drive but nothing happened when you turned the ignition key? This has to be one of the most frustrating aspects of driving! If you are like most, ignitions go unthought-of most of the time. Instead, we think of our destination, or our fellow passenger, or what we are having for lunch; anything! We fully expect to turn the key and to hear that familiar engine turn-over sound, and off we go!

Pro Newport News Locksmith often gets calls for automotive locksmith needs and at or near the top of the list are ignition cylinder problems. That’s why we’ve made this post, so our readers will better know what to do the next time they experience issues with their car’s ignition cylinder.

Ignitions are getting more complicated!

Yes, it’s true; ignition systems are getting more advanced, and you know what they say about more features; there are more parts to break down! Originally, ignition cylinders were built to supply power to your car’s engine. Nowadays they still do that, but power is also supplied to other components like windshield wipers, radio, GPS, power seats, disc player, power windows, headlights, air conditioner, heaters and more. We depend on our ignitions for a lot and we really feel the panic when they don’t work! So before you get your auto mechanic, car dealer or locksmith on speed dial, consider these tips by our Newport News, VA locksmith experts, and who knows? You might just save yourself a service call!

The importance of the right gear!

This one is a “doozy” because it happens so often; people try and start their cars in the wrong gear! In order to get your car’s ignition cylinder to start, you need to be in the PARK gear; nothing else; not NEUTRAL; not DRIVE; only PARK! Not only will your transponder key not turn, the engine won’t even begin to turn over. Actually, being in the wrong gear can be deadly. Every year people are injured or even killed because their vehicle rolled forward or backward and hit them. This is due to being in the wrong gear. It’s easy to do. In today’s busy world we are madly going from one errand to the next. It’s easy to “think” that you put the car in gear when you really didn’t.

Steering wheel is locked

Sometimes, when you lean too hard on the steering wheel, it locks up. When this happens, your transponder key won’t be able to start the ignition. Don’t let this panic you. Just apply a little pressure on the steering wheel until it moves back and forth and releases your key. So many times, this locking up action is confused with ignition cylinder problems when it really isn’t.

Check your battery

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Another culprit that is often mistaken for ignition cylinder problems is your car’s battery. If the battery is dead, the car won’t start and many confuse one problem for the other. If your vehicle’s engine won’t turn over, try testing for battery power. The most common way is to see how your dashboard lights are working. You can also try the radio, power windows, headlights or windshield wipers. If they work, the battery is fine. If you hear a series of fast clicking sounds, your starter switch is the problem. It’s always a good idea when “working” on your car to put the emergency brake on. With everything you are trying to do and all that is on your mind, it is easy to let the car roll forward or backward and this could be dangerous not only to you but to others.

Is the key stuck?

Sometimes, the ignition key gets stuck in the cylinder. This can happen when the wrong key is used by mistake and also when the right key is used but the ignition is already in the ON position. Try lightly tapping the key and see if it is released but be careful not to break it! You don’t want to compound your problems by suddenly needing broken off key extraction service, too. If you did use the right key, and you are able to turn the ignition to the off position, remove it completely and re-insert it. The ignition cylinder should work now.

Be careful getting help!

Getting help for your car’s ignition cylinder is not a bad idea but be careful where that help comes from. Sometimes friends and family members mean well but they can do more harm than good if they don’t know what they are doing. There are a lot of would-be car mechanics in the world and chances are that you know some. Keep in mind that after the dust settles it is still your car and the repair bills are still up to you. If someone you know really does have a reasonable background in car mechanics then by all means, give them a call – just be selective!

Search the web

The second biggest search engine on the planet is YouTube and there are thousands of videos on car repair, ignition problems and the like. If you have the time and the inclination, you can watch some of these and see if they help. Each person is different and has different time constraints. To most, their time is very valuable and if you need your car’s ignition cylinder to work like new again, the do-it-yourself method just won’t cut it.

Call a locksmith!

Our advice is to rely on the expertise of a licensed, bonded and insured Newport News, VA locksmith expert. By doing so, you get the advantage of their expertise along with their tools, training, and 24-hour availability. If you are a busy person or if others depend on you, make the most of your resources and call on real lock professionals to help you out. After all, it is your car’s ignition cylinder we are talking about, and if that doesn’t work, you are not driving anywhere!

Article source here: IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS – WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM!

THE BEST WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME SECURITY

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It’s important to be pro-active when it comes to looking out for the safety of your home. If you choose not to pay attention to security, unfortunately your property will be much more attractive to a potential thief. Be diligent. There are many relatively easy ways to safeguard your home from theft. Obviously, you won’t be able to anticipate every single possible vulnerability, but you can still take reasonable measures to prevent most circumstances in which a robbery could take place.

 

Set up basic household rules.

• Keep your garage door in good working order, and keep it closed and locked anytime you’re not home.
• Keep your windows and doors locked whenever you leave, as well as when everybody goes to sleep.
• Make it a rule that you don’t open the door to strangers. (It will help to install a peephole if you don’t have one already.)

Don’t keep garage-door remotes and keys visible. It’s a bad idea to have your keys and remotes out in the open nearby the door, where anyone can see them through a window. Instead, it’s best to store them hidden, inside a drawer or hanging inside a cupboard door.

Don’t keep a “hidden” key outdoors. By the same token, even if you have a keyholder inside a fake rock, a professional criminal may recognize it. Any potential intruder will also likely easily locate the spare key you leave under the mat, inside your mailbox, beneath the flower pot, or above the door. Instead, give any extra key to a trusted friend or neighbor for safekeeping.

Don’t leave any ladders outside. A crook could pretend to be a handyman or contractor, and use your ladder to enter your home through a second-floor window, or use it to land on your balcony.

Secure your air conditioning unit. You wouldn’t want a cat burglar to get inside through an unsecured window. Apply a sliding window lock, an air-conditioner bracket, or corner braces.

Hide your valuables effectively.

• Put your fine jewelry, emergency cash, and any of your other treasured possessions in uncommon locations.
• Consider renting a safe-deposit box at your bank to protect any particularly valuable items.
• A home safe, however ~ perhaps one you can anchor to the floor or hide in the wall ~ is probably better for your needs in the long run than a safe-deposit box, because you’ll have 24/7 access to it.

Use lights efficiently. Install outdoor lighting with infrared motion detectors at each exterior door. Motion detector lights discourage trespassers. They can even be connected to your smart device, so you can instantly detect any unwelcome activity, and respond immediately. Some respond to changes in temperature, light, or sound. In addition, always keep some of your indoor lights on when you’re away.

Install timers. If you put your porch lights on timers, whenever you’re gone during the day, or if you’ll be out for an extended period, you can make it appear that someone’s home. It is a good idea to put timers on your radios, TVs, and computers. You can even attach a smart device to your timers, so you can monitor and control everything with a mobile app; that way you can make it look like your home is occupied all while you’re away.

Post warning signs and stickers. Some people may think it’s silly, but it can be beneficial to put up a sign or a window insignia from a security company at each door or on each window ~ even if you don’t actually have a security system. You might even want to put up a “No Trespassing” or “Beware of Dog” sign to deter visitors.

Eliminate any potential hiding places. Keep your hedges, trees, shrubs, and other plants properly trimmed. If they’re too tall, badly spaced, or ungainly, a prowler can easily hide.

 

 

Additional Measures to Take for Optimizing Your Home’s Security

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There are many other ways to improve the security of your home. Some take more effort, but may still be affordable. To find out more about the choices available to you, if you live in Newport News, Virginia, consider scheduling a free consultation with a mobile residential locksmith specialist on staff at a reputable company such as Pro Newport News Locksmith.

 

Fortify your doors. Inspect all your outside entryways. A hollow door is of lower quality, and therefore easier for a robber to penetrate. The best thing to do is to replace it with a solid door of wood or metal.

Examine your front- and back-door locks. If any of your locks have weaknesses, reinforce them by replacing the strike plate (the stationary piece where the bolt comes in), and mounting an extra solid metal plate on the doorjamb for the sliding bolt. If you have short mounting screws, replace them with longer screws, which will reach the door’s studs and strengthen the doorframe.

If you have sliding-glass doors, successfully secure them by putting in an adjustable safety bar or a cut-to-size wooden dowel. Also, you can put in a floor bolt.

 

Upgrade your locks. Any locksmith expert will advise you that deadbolts offer exceptional security. Get a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which is an improvement because it penetrates the doorframe.

A digital or smart lock is an electronic device that will give you greater security at your front door. With some, you can synchronize it with your smart device, so you won’t ever need to carry a house key again.

 

Put in surveillance cameras. Installing surveillance cameras will keep you aware of everything that’s happening around your perimeter, so you can call the authorities right away if you see any indication of foul play. You can buy a premium-quality surveillance camera that records video footage. If you want to spend more, you can add high-tech security features such as facial recognition.

 

Add state-of-the-art home automation. If you have a large budget, you can keep an eye on all your home’s activities with a smart app. If you install a smart alarm system, you can monitor your entire household. From simulating routine habits to checking in on what’s going on, even while you’re gone, your property will almost take care of itself! If you see anything suspicious, you’ll receive an alert on your smart device, and you can notify the authorities. You’ll definitely achieve wide-ranging safety with such a smart home security system.

Article source here: THE BEST WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME SECURITY

Pro Newport News Locksmith: When To Replace Locks

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No matter where a person lives, their home should be a place they feel safe. This goes for people in Newport News, Virginia and various other areas across the country. Pro Newport News Locksmith specializes in providing security solutions that are meant to make a person’s home safer. In addition, they offer solutions for cars and commercial properties – but their ideas are useful to anyone looking for advanced protection. Nowadays, there are all sorts of locks available to help in property protection. You have portable locks that allow you to keep items like lockers, safes and bikes locked up; you have keyless locks that allow a person to get into a property with a simple code or fingerprint; you have padlocks, knob locks and so much more. The question isn’t, “Are locks a necessity?” because of course they are. Rather, the question is, “When do I need to replace my locks with new ones?” Here, you will find information that will assist in guiding you if you are wondering whether you might benefit from the installation of brand new locks.

According to Pro Newport News Locksmith, there are key indications that a lock needs to be replaced. Have a look at the information provided and determine if it is a good time for you to buy something new.

1. Locks need to be replaced at a home when a tenant leaves. If you are renting out a room at your house, and the person decides to move out, it is a wise idea to change out your locks. Maybe the person who rented from you was a stand-up individual that you trust completely. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that at some point, a person with bad intentions was able to make a copy of their key. It’s all too simple to make key duplicates. If this person ever was around a contractor who snatched their key for just a couple of minutes, or even an ex-partner, there might be a person out there who has access to your home. When someone renting from you leaves, change out the locks.
2. Likewise, locks need to be replaced at a commercial property when an employee leaves or is terminated. Whether you trusted that individual or not, the fact is, another person could have ended up with a copy of their key. They would therefore have access to your commercial space. Many companies change locks out automatically as company policy, but if you are up in the air about the decision, just be sure to exhibit careful judgement.
3. Locks should be replaced when you take over a property. Think about how many contractors had access to the house you just moved into, before you moved in. There might have been painters coming in, individuals working for cable companies, remodeling professionals, tiling specialists, realtors and more. This isn’t to say that these people can’t be trusted – one of them might have mistakenly held on to a copy of the key, without even realizing it. Suddenly, anyone who sees that key has access to your home or commercial space. While the majority of people very likely would do the right thing and return the key, there are some people out there who would take advantage of having easy access to a property. Don’t become a victim because you didn’t swap out your locks. When you acquire a property, be it an office building, store or home, be sure that the locks are brand new and that no one has had access to your key.
4. Replace locks if they seem to be faulty. A lock that has to be fumbled with
   

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   is one that is probably close to falling apart. Depending on where you might live, locks can fall apart faster because of extreme weather conditions. Do you live somewhere that sees extremely cold temperatures, or year-round hot temperatures? Be on the lookout for problems like rust. If a lock seems to be faulty for no apparent reason, perhaps someone attempted to gain access to your property by manipulating said lock. Of course, this is a very scary thing to think about, but if your locks just seem to stop working for no reason, it could be that someone roughly handled them. Don’t take chances when lock replacements are quite affordable. Contact a local lock and security provider (locksmith) or visit a hardware store where locks are sold. Just make sure to have an expert install it so that everything is functional.

5. Locks should be replaced after a break in. For some people, this is a given, but for others, this just seems to be an added expense. Hopefully your insurance covered most items taken from you, but it is understandable that some things just can’t be replaced or hold sentimental value. This is hard enough to deal with – the loss of items which were important to you can be a challenging thing to overcome. During a time like this, however, you also have to think about replacing your locks so that you still feel safe at your property, whether that is an office, shop, warehouse or house. It isn’t just about feeling safe, of course, it is about actually being safe. If a potential burglar sees locks that are visibly broken, they might be more inclined to try to enter your property. Be sure to swap out your damaged locks with new ones after your property was broken into. You will likely be thinking about many other things, but this is very important.

Pro Newport News Locksmith put together this list to ensure people everywhere know when it is important to install new locks. Hopefully you found this information to be useful, even if you aren’t in Newport News, VA. Just be sure to keep your property’s protection at the top of your priority list. Locks serve to keep us and our belongings protected. Make sure you have reliable, strong and functional ones.

Article source here: Pro Newport News Locksmith: When To Replace Locks

Keeping Your Garage Door Secure

When you can get inside your home through your garage, it might be necessary for you to take certain safety precautions. Many homeowners simply do not realize just how susceptible they are to a home intrusion via their garage. Other than simply closing your door at night and going inside your home, you may be leaving your home and your safety vulnerable to break-ins. If you are serious about the safety and security of your loves ones, take the necessary precautions to protect them.

 

Steps to Better Garage Door Security

 

Advanced Technology

 

With continued improvement in technology, it is possible to monitor your home from wherever you are. As long as you have a dependable Internet connection, you are able to monitor the inside of your garage. With a responsive remote system, homeowner are capable of alerting the proper authorities if it appears as though someone has entered your garage without your aut

Newport News residential locksmith

horization. You are also able to open and close the doors of your garage remotely. Many modern remotes will enable you to program your garage doors to only open when you are within range. This prevents anyone from sneaking into your garage without your being able to see them doing so. If you want to ensure increased security for your garage, make sure you have a rolling code remote signal. This will make it harder for someone to steal the code by changing the code every time the incorrect code is entered. If you’re not sure if you already have rolling code technology, consult your garage door manual

 

Invest in Strong & Sturdy Door Panels

 

If you don’t already know this, an intruder wants quick and easy access. The more difficult you make it for an intruder to get in the more likely they will not even attempt. The risks they take far exceed their rewards. All that a real thief needs is time and opportunity. Do your part by eliminating the amount of time they have to get inside your garage by investing in good durable, strong door panels. The same is true even if somehow a burglar is inside your garage. The doors that lead into your home should be strong enough that they will not be able t o make their way inside your home.

 

If you have a garage with a side door or one in the back, always make sure you have a door installed with solid-core materials that will be difficult to puncture. Take it a step further by having a deadbolt lock, also, installed on the door. The professional locksmiths of a reputable locksmith service in Newport News, such as Pro Newport News Locksmith, can help you choose the right locks for these types of doors. Also be aware that if you have windows on your garage door, a burglar will be able to see what you have inside and thus this might make your garage their next target. Invest in a garage shield pad and you can at least avoid the problem of a burglar manually trigging your emergency release.

 

A clever burglar can break-into your garage if they are familiar with the design of your garage door. Since this is the case, you must be vigilant in making sure that your garage door and any other doors that are attached to the garage are secure.

 

Practice Good Safety Habits

 

You have to make it a habit to always be aware of the safety and security of your home as you are coming and going. No matter how much security you have for your door, if the door is left open, you are inviting intruders to come in and take what you have. This is important for everyone in the household who utilizes or accesses the garage. Make sure everyone is practicing good safety habits.

 

• Double check to make sure the garage door is completely closed behind you.
• Don’t leave the door remotes in plan sight.
• Set the alarm

These are just some of the safety habits that you and your family can implement. Go over these to make sure everyone is in compliance with them. You don’t have to become a victim as long as you are doing your part to avoid an incident from occurring.

Replace Your Garage if Old & Dated

If you have a garage door that still functions properly but isn’t new, you might be setting yourself up for trouble. Some people never invest in a new door, they simply continue replacing the door opener. This is fine but if your door is unattractive and doesn’t look like the others in the neighborhood, a burglar may conclude that you do not have the same level of security on your garage door as everyone else and make your garage their next target. Avoid this by updating your garage door to fit in with the newer doors in the neighborhood. This will take the attention off of your door and perhaps place it on someone else’s. Not that we wish for anyone to experience the misfortune of a break-in. If you’re concerned with the cost associated with buying and having a new garage door installed, you shouldn’t be because there are literally garage doors to suit everyone’s budget.

When it comes to safety and security for your garage door a garage door expert may be good to consult with but a locksmith will be able to advise you of the most useful and effective locks to use on your garage door and your interior door that leads into your home. If you have any other security concerns as they relate to your garage door security, a reputable garage door is able to offer suggestions and install the most durable locks. You would be surprised at how many people do not consider the basic things, such as locks, when speaking about affordable security. You’ll be able to get exactly what you need for your security needs by turning to an experienced locksmith in Newport News.

Article source here: Keeping Your Garage Door Secure

What to do in different lockout situations

Wherever you have locks; you will have lockout situations. We simply can’t avoid them! They will happen no matter how careful we are or how many cups of coffee we just consumed! They happen here in Newport News, VA and everywhere else in the world so keep reading this post and see how to best avoid lockouts and handle them when they occur.

Stay calm

“Keeping your cool” is not always easy. (It’s just easy to say!). It’s true, though. Have you ever taken martial arts or boxing training? They always stress remaining calm during a match or a real fight. This is because once emotions come into play your mind reacts instead of responds. In fact, it was probably a moment of

distraction or inattention that caused the lockout in the first place! Did you park the car and run inside to the dry cleaner’s to drop off your clothes? Did you find the keys still dangling from the ignition when you got back to the car? You were probably thinking about what to make for dinner or where you were going next on your errand run.

 

Staying calm and focused also works once you actually ARE locked out. At first you can feel silly; especially if you are outside in your bathrobe while trying to bring in the morning newspaper. Then the feelings of worry or panic take over. Was something still cooking on the stove? Is the baby inside safe? Were you going to walk the dog once you got back inside and you know he “needs to go?”

Breaking back in is NOT good!

Ok, if you left the back door unlocked, go for it! But, don’t smash glass, pry off window sills, bend door frames or hit the lock with a hammer! Our Pro Newport News Locksmith crew has seen and heard EVERYTHING from frustrated and sometimes bleeding customers that resorted to forcing the situation and didn’t success too well.

First of all, why destroy your own property in the first place? Sure, if it’s an emergency like a dog or child in a hot car, we can see it. But if you are just trying to save money over calling a locksmith then you are simply making the situation worse. Not only can you hurt yourself wielding a hammer and dodging glass shards, but you can truly damage property that will need repair later. Then, you might get arrested, accosted or even worse if a police officer, neighbor or family member doesn’t recognize you and does something drastic! This is especially true at night. Bottom line; if you get locked out; do NOT become a vandal and attempt to break back in!

Residential lockouts

Home lockouts are our second most requested lockout service. They happen at all hours of the day or night and since more people are home on weekends and holidays, they happen all the more during these times. Pro Newport News Locksmith does not classify evictions or deliberate lock changes as lockouts. These are a different matter entirely. The residential lockouts we mean are all accidental and can happen both outdoors AND indoors. You can be locked out of your bathroom, bedroom, shed, basement or even garage so we are not just talking about front or back doors.

Automotive lockouts

You guessed it! Vehicle lockouts happen more than any other. It’s so easy to get distracted when trying to cope with traffic, pedestrians, road signs, bicyclists, traffic lights, billboards, incoming texts and dozens of other items that can take our minds off of our keys. From loading luggage into your trunk and leaving the keys inside when you close it, to thinking that you put your keys in your purse (you didn’t!) and going inside to enjoy the movie; auto lockouts happen all the time and for quite innocent reasons, too.

Commercial lockouts

Lockouts at local businesses occur more often that you’d think. Part of this is due to back doors that stay in the locked position at all times. Oddly enough, these are often propped open by a chair or a brick while staff goes out for a smoke break. All it takes is tiny bump or nudge to dislodge the propped door and boom – lockout! Other times common for business lockout situations occur when the owner or manager is opening for the day and going outside to raise the flag or set up signs, and accepting deliveries from vendors and suppliers. Imagine customers arriving to shop and seeing you locked out of your own store. Or picture in your mind trucks full of food that needs to be unloaded and refrigerated, and no place to put it!

What about spare keys?

Spare keys are wonderful if used right! Don’t hide one under the door mat or in the flower pot! Do give one to a trusted neighbor or family member that can come to your aid and let you back inside. Don’t make several key copies and forget where you hid them or who you gave them to! Do hide spare keys intelligently and discreetly and remember where you put them!

So what to do?

As you can imagine; there is no one right answer! With hundreds of possible lockout scenarios, the best thing to do is to be prepared for any and all of them by having fast, 24-hour access to a trusted and fully licensed lock and key shop like ours at Pro Newport News Locksmith. If you already have a local lock professional that you use or trust; use him. If not, you are welcome to call our family owned shop at any time, night or day, weekends and holidays included!

Take this advice a step farther and add the telephone number to a reputable, 24-hour locksmith to your smart phone. People are often without their keys but they are NEVER without their phones! If a lockout occurs at any time; tap to call and have a mobile locksmith on his way to your home, car location or business to let you back in!

Article source here: What to do in different lockout situations