Peace of mind comes with preparation and often a cost. In a world where theft is common, it’s important you acknowledge the need to do your due diligence to achieve peace of mind and ask yourself the proactive question: “is everything in my home secure?” If the answer is uncertainty or a simple “no,” you might want to take a second look at your property’s security. A great place to start is your use of locks around your property and household.
We all know about knob locks, deadbolts and other common types of locks. But what about mailbox locks? Or storm door locks? Here are five types of residential locks you might not think about when first considering home security, but can still be beneficial.
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Mailbox Locks
It’s kind of crazy how exposed our residential mailboxes usually are, especially if you’re in a residence where the mailbox isn’t directly on or by your house. Important documents, gift cards, cash and information come our way constantly in the mail and it’s easy for a thief to quickly take what you have in your mailbox (even if it is a felony). Mailbox locks can provide an extra level of protection similar to what you’d enjoy at a P.O. Box. Just be mindful of your local laws and regulations and that the permitted professionals needing to access your mailbox have the means to do so.
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Storm Door Locks
You probably lock your front or back door, but if you have a storm door, it’s another opportunity for a small additional level of protection. While security isn’t the top feature of a storm door, the only way to open them is to use a key or break them, so it adds a deterrent to unwanted guests. (And also keeps it more secure during storms.)
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Fridge Lock
Have a sweet tooth you can’t control? Kids always sneaking bites of ice cream? You may need a fridge lock to protect your waistline. Unused fridges also make for great hidden safe locations, so locks can be beneficial in these cases as well.
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Gate Locks
If you have smart children or wily pets, they could open any child or pet gates you have on the premises. If the gate is in a dangerous area, like the top of the stairs, you might want to invest in a gate lock for extra protection and peace of mind.
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Secret Compartment Locks
Finally, any other area of your home where you’re storing valuable belongings can be secured with a lock (often with one specifically designed for it). Of course, a home safe is a better option, but secret compartments can be a good backup or alternate storage solution. Here are a few types of secret compartments you can secure with a lock:
- Under the stairs
- Behind paintings
- In bookcases
- Under the mattress
- Beneath the floor
- In a vent
If you’re interested in more professional lock advice or how to improve the security of your home, contact A-1 Locksmith today or visit any of our DFW-area locations.
