Take hiding a spare key at your residence, for example. 

Many people hide a spare key under a mat or in a fake rock at their homes. But is this a good idea in today’s technology-enriched world? Was it ever a good idea? As a professional locksmith company, we have our opinion the matter.

A Tradition of Convenience

First, let’s briefly discuss why someone would hide a spare key at their residence. Homeowners have been doing this for years, hiding them under doormats, inside fake rocks, and even beneath flower pots. This was a convenient practice in the event of getting locked out of the house, as an extra key was always close by. But this comes with risks as well. 

The Security Risks

While many people have hidden a spare key without any consequences, there are more than a couple of problems here when it comes to your home’s security:

• Predictability: Burglars these days are well aware of the classic hiding spots. In fact, one of the first places they’ll check is under the doormat or in any obviously fake decor. 
• Lack of innovation: There are more advanced solutions to the spare key, so not using today’s technology keeps your security in the past. This makes it easier for intruders to gain access to your home.
• Increased vulnerability: When you have a spare key close to an entry point, it makes your home a target. It’s difficult to have peace of mind when you know that unrestricted access to your home is just a found key away. This is even worse if you don’t have an alarm system.

Better Options

There are a few modern alternatives to the hidden spare key these days. Whether it’s a small or big change, however, upgrading the security of your home is always a wise strategy if you can budget for it. Here are some modern solutions to consider:

• Smart locks: These let you enter your home with a code, fingerprint or smartphone app instead of a physical key.
• Key safes: These are secure, combination-locked boxes that can be mounted outside your home, offering similar benefits as spare keys but without the risks.
• Home security systems: Modern systems include features like remote access, meaning you can unlock your doors using a smartphone app, even when you’re not home.

If you have any other questions about home security, don’t hesitate to call A-1 Locksmith or visit one of our Dallas-Fort Worth-area locations today.

Let’s discuss why it’s important to add your security system to your building’s regular maintenance repertoire.

Seeing What You Need To See

First, revisit why you got your security system in the first place. Wasn’t it to monitor every area of your business? If your cameras are out, there are blind spots or the entire security system is down, your business is at risk. These are after-the-fact problems, however. To prevent them from happening in the first place, it’s important to be proactive.

We recommend regularly scheduling security system inspections, and audits for any signs of trouble (e.g. loose wires, blank screens, etc.) and be sure to take both internal, and external criminal activities into account. Also, make sure you have enough cameras, and that they capture vulnerable areas like the entrance, exit and security or safe room. 

Monitoring Irregularities

Second, routine security system maintenance ensures there is a quick response for any irregularities or concerning behavior. By regularly maintaining and inspecting your security system, you can quickly find out if any cameras are not functioning, if they’ve been tampered with and if there are any gaps in the feed. These are all warning signs that indicate you either need to upgrade your security system, maintain them more regularly or have another security issue. (The latest security systems will let you monitor them remotely adding convenience to routine recording auditing.) 

A Professional’s Opinion

Lastly, a discussion with a professional locksmith / security expert can give you more confidence about the security system maintenance your business requires. Even better, you can get a commercial security inspection to more thoroughly, and accurately diagnose your security system (and building security in general). 

Commercial locksmiths have the training and experience to identify issues that might go unnoticed by you and your staff. They are also aware of the latest security equipment, standards, and features you can benefit from just by obtaining this expert consultation. Whatever you do, at least give your security system a once-over to replace any cameras or parts that need it—or to see if a new security system is in order. 

If you’d like additional security tips specific to your business including the aforementioned comprehensive security inspections, contact A-1 Locksmith today!