Scary home invasions and burglaries are a fact of life. That’s why keeping your home safe should be a priority, especially if you’re living in Australia, where more than 200,000 break-ins occur every year.

With that stat, you should be thinking about smart ways to strengthen your home’s protection. First stop, create your ultimate home security checklist. From alarm systems to quality locks, we have prepared simple but effective ways to deter lurking thieves.

In all of these measures, though, the assistance of an emergency locksmith is important. Why? Their assistance allows you to easily and promptly address lockouts and security issues even in unsociable hours.

Let’s explore the different emergency locksmith services for homeowners like yourself.

Assessing Your Current Locks

Check Functionality

Wear and tear compromise the functionality of your locks, resulting in unauthorised access.

Look for signs of rust and damaged or loose materials that expose security weaknesses. By identifying any locks that are outdated or worn-out, you can quickly and properly fix the issue.

Upgrade Recommendations

Consider elevating your current security system to more sophisticated locks and deadbolts. The installation of high-security locks will keep thievish eyes away from your house.

Another important step you can take is rekeying, which is highly recommended when moving into a new home. This will prevent old keys from working without drilling and removing the hardware.

Evaluating Entry Points

Doors

Inspect all your doors. Are there cracks or any signs of weaknesses?

Doors should be made with strong materials, and are properly installed. We also recommend reinforcing your door lock by adding a deadbolt for extra security.

Windows

Ensure that the windows and the locks are in good working condition. You can consider installing window bars and metal rods on front-facing windows for added security.

On top of that, opt for key-operated window locks and have security screens installed in all your windows.

Creating a Spare Key Strategy

Key Duplication

To avoid accidental lockouts, it’s important to have spare keys made from the original.

Moreover, spare keys should only be left with trusted individuals. You can entrust them to family members or friends close to where you are for fast access.

Secure Storage

Never leave your spare keys in obvious places like under your doormats or plant pots. These are the first places your home’s would-be intruders would look into.

Invest in a lockbox or magnetic key holder instead to safeguard your keys and your house.

Emergency Preparedness

Lockouts can occur anytime and can happen to anyone. So, don’t panic or get frustrated when you get locked out.

Lockout Procedures

Keep a Spare Key Close

As a preventive measure, you should always have a spare key near you. You can hide it somewhere discreet in your house.

Don’t try to Manipulate Your Lock

Never pick your locks with a card or a hairpin to try to open your door. It works in movies all the time, but in real life, manipulating your locks is trickier and can cause them to malfunction.

Call a Family Member or a Trusted Friend

If you’re locked out of your place, call a family member or a friend and tell them about your situation. They can make you feel safe and help you find ways to gain access to your home.

Contact a Locksmith

You should always keep a list of local emergency locksmiths who are certified and licensed. This way, they can swiftly get to you during lockouts and ensure a professional fix.

Emergency Contact List

Again, it’s crucial to have an emergency contact list so you have someone to help you in vulnerable situations. This list includes local emergency locksmiths and other emergency contacts like your family, friends and even neighbours.

Regular Maintenance Checklist

Cleaning and Lubrication

Your locks are not set to be left on the side and to forget—they need maintenance to keep them in good condition.

Clean them regularly to prevent dust accumulation. And if your locks are getting sticky, lubricate them to ensure smooth operation.

Inspection Schedule

We suggest setting reminders to have your locks inspected at least once a year. This is so you can be certain it’s working as it should.

Home Security Enhancements

Security Systems

Did you know that 49.1% of thieves are terrified of alarm systems? Modern alarm systems can be routed for fast responses from the authorities.

On top of this security measure, you can also opt for smart locks. Aside from convenience, it has encrypted technology, making it harder for homebreakers to access your property.

Lighting and Visibility

Are the nearby surroundings of your home well lit? Lighting may be simple but it’s an effective way to discourage burglars from committing crimes.

Keep adequate outdoor lighting around entry points and pathways at night, especially when you’re not home.

For added security, you can consider motion sensor lights, which are energy efficient. They automatically switch on when there is presence and turn off when there isn’t.

Neighbourhood Awareness

Community Programmes

Engage in the neighborhood’s watch programmes. These are security initiatives taken by the community to improve local safety and minimise crime.

With the assistance of law enforcement and the community, a series of crime prevention techniques and training are initiated.

A communication network is also created to promptly share information within the neighbourhood.

Additionally, stay informed about recent break-ins and suspicious activities. Being in the know allows you to prepare better against criminal activities growing rampant in your community.

Conclusion

While home security is pretty challenging, a proactive security measure mitigates the risk. You can minimise the damage and limit the access and capabilities of would-be intruders.

So, dear readers and homeowners, we encourage you to regularly review your emergency locksmith checklist. In doing so, you can better prepare and deter thieves, saving time and maintaining peace of mind.

Then again, if you’re faced with an issue that you can’t find a solution to, call in an expert. Skilled locksmiths like Clockwork Locksmiths offer speedy solutions to urgent situations.

The Ultimate Emergency Locksmith Checklist for Homeowners