Security Tips

Home Security Tips

Rekey your locks any time you move into a new home — you never know who has a copy of the old keys
Install a deadbolt on every exterior door — a standard knob lock alone is not enough
Use a high security lock on your front door — standard locks can be picked or bumped easily
Reinforce your door frame and strike plate with 3-inch screws — most kicks go through the frame, not the lock
Make sure all sliding glass doors have a secondary security bar in the track
Consider a smart lock so you can lock and unlock remotely and give temporary access codes to guests
Install a wide angle peephole or video doorbell so you can see who is at the door before opening it
Do not leave garage door openers visible in your car — thieves will use them to enter your home
Window locks should be checked and tested regularly — many window locks fail over time
Get a quality safe for valuables, passports, and important documents — do not rely on a drawer or closet
Make sure your kids know not to share the door code or hide-a-key location with anyone
Do not post vacation photos on social media until you return — advertising you are away is an invitation

Install a master key system so employees only have access to the areas they need
Use a restricted key system so keys cannot be duplicated at a hardware store without authorization
Keep a log of who has which keys and update it every time a key is issued or returned
Install high security locks on all exterior doors and server/file rooms
Install a door closer on all entry and exit doors to prevent tailgating
Consider an electric strike or magnetic lock on your main entry for added control
Use timed door schedules so doors automatically lock after business hours
Secure all file cabinets containing sensitive documents with quality locks
Install an intercom or buzzer system so staff can verify visitors before granting entry
Never prop open exterior doors — this is one of the most common security mistakes in commercial buildings
Make sure storefront door locks are commercial grade — residential locks are not strong enough
Install a drop safe or floor safe for cash handling to reduce theft risk
Use a camera system alongside your lock system — locks deter, cameras document
Consider access control with audit trail so you know exactly who entered and when
Make sure all exterior lighting is working — well-lit buildings are less likely to be targeted
Rekey all locks immediately when an employee with key access leaves the company

Install a keypad or fob system on your gate so you can control who comes and goes
Use an electric strike or maglock on gates for hands-free secure access
Install a video intercom on your gate so you can see and speak to visitors remotely
Consider proximity card reader for multi-unit buildings so residents do not need physical keys
Install panic hardware on any gate used as an emergency exit
Have a licensed locksmith assess your gate system annually
Install motion-activated lighting at your gate entry point
For multi-door access management, use a central control panel to lock down all access points at once
If your gate lock is old or failing, repair it sooner rather than later — a broken gate is no gate at all
Make sure delivery drivers and vendors have limited temporary access only

Always bolt your safe to the floor or wall — an unbolted safe can be carried out of your home
Use a UL-rated fire safe for documents, passports, and irreplaceable items
Use a gun safe if you own firearms — it is the safest way to store them securely from children
Consider a wall safe hidden behind a picture or panel for an extra layer of concealment
An in-floor safe is one of the most secure options — it is extremely difficult to remove
Make sure your safe is the right size — many people buy a safe that is too small and leave valuables outside it
Have your safe serviced if the lock is stiff, sticky, or slow to open
A fireproof safe does not mean waterproof — consider flood risk in your area
Store a list of your safe contents and serial numbers somewhere outside your home in case of a total loss
A media safe is specifically rated to protect hard drives and digital media from heat
Do not tell people you have a safe — secrecy is part of security
Replace the batteries in your electronic safe at least once a year
Consider a biometric safe for fast access in an emergency — no combination to remember
Cheap safes from big box stores offer minimal protection — invest in a quality UL-rated safe
If your safe was in a fire or flood, have it inspected by a professional before using it again
Keep your safe in a discreet location — a safe in plain sight in the master bedroom is the first place burglars look