WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOUR SAFE IS JAMMED

Are you finding it impossible to open your safe? First, don’t despair. It’s inconvenient and unnerving when you’re safe stops working, but you don’t have to let it get you down. Often, when a safe malfunctions, it happens while it’s locked. Let’s talk about some typical reasons why your safe won’t open. There are a number of things you can try yourself before you call a safe technician.

Time delay. Does your safe have a time-delay feature? Then you’ll have to wait for the period of time specified (usually 10 to 20 minutes), and then re-enter your code.

Deactivated code. Your safe may not be opening because your code’s been deactivated. In this case, you’ll have to reset the safe.

The wiring has become disconnected and/or damaged. The safe’s wiring may have gotten disconnected, or it may need repair. Inspect the wiring behind the keypad to see if any wires are loose, or if you see any that are kinked or cut.

• If it’s all okay, then you should temporarily disconnect the wire from the keypad, and then take out the batteries. Wait 20 seconds or so. Now, reconnect the wiring and reinstall the batteries.
• If the wiring’s actually damaged, then call a professional safe technician.

Dead batteries. It just might be this simple. There could be enough power to operate the keypad, yet not enough for the bolt work to function. Therefore, even if the keypad beeps and lights up as usual, the problem may be that all you have to do is replace the batteries. Be sure to use only reputable brand-name batteries, because off-brands commonly lose power fast.

Lockout mode. If you put in too many incorrect codes, a safe will go into a penalty lockout mode. Depending on what sort of keypad you have, you may hear a series of rapid beeps. If this occurs, wait 10 to 20 minutes or so, and then try to open the safe again.

Jammed bolt work. Can you hear your safe’s motor trying to retract the bolt work, yet it’s still not opening? If so, kick the door, or give it a good couple of bangs with a mallet. Yes, we’re not kidding, go ahead and do it ~ as long as you don’t pound the keypad or the handle. This ought to loosen the bolt work. After that, try pulling the handle in the opposite direction from what you usually do, and then enter your code. If you’re in luck, this should release some of the extra pressure on the bolt, so the handle will move more readily.

What if, even though you’re using the correct combination, your safe still isn’t opening? If your safe has a three-wheel combination lock (that is, three digits) then try this:

1      First, turn the dial to the left 4 times, until the 1^st number of your combination aligns with the opening index. On the 4^th time, be sure to stop exactly on your number.

2      Next, you need to turn the dial to the right 3 times, until the 2^nd number of your combination aligns with the opening index. On the 3^rd time, stop exactly on your number.

3      Now, turn the dial to the left 2 times, until the 3^rd number of your combination aligns with the opening index. On the 2^nd time, stop exactly on your number.

4      Finally, you should turn the dial to the right until it stops (around 95). If the dial doesn’t stop, then it’s time to repeat your usual opening procedure, dialing exactly each number of your combination. Remember that your safe will stay locked if you dial even a tiny bit past any number you’ve meant to stop on.

5      To lock your combination lock again, turn the dial 4 complete revolutions, to any number that’s not in your combination.

If your safe still won’t open, then there’s no denying the fact that you are going to have to hire a professional safe technician. Don’t drill your safe, or you’ll damage it!

What if your safe won’t lock at all, and stays open? Then check on these issues:

• You should first replace the batteries. Choose only name-brand batteries.
• Make sure the edges of the cover are aligned, and see that there isn’t any debris stuck in the edges.
• Make sure none of the bolts are bent or otherwise damaged, and see that the holes that they go into aren’t blocked by any debris.
• Try “locking” it even if the door stays open. If the locking mechanism still works, then you’ll know the problem lies elsewhere.
• Try lubricating the locking mechanism. If a spring is stuck, this may do the trick. Be sure to use the right lubricant. Lubricant for a combination lock is different from the lubrication you use for a keyed lock, which is normally graphite-based.

Did you misplace or forget the combination? It’s time to find a legitimate safe technician with the experience and expertise required to determine exactly what’s causing the problem. A topnotch safe technician will make your safe more secure than it was before, without doing any damage.

Don’t ever try to “crack” your own safe! Opening safes, and properly working with combination locks (whether mechanical or digital), are highly specialized tasks that call for exceptional precision, skill, and experience. Hire a trustworthy expert with a thorough understanding of the various locking methods and maintenance requirements of today’s safes.

One common mistaken belief about having your safe opened by an expert is that the safe will get destroyed in the process. Be on the lookout for people claiming to be professionals who don’t have the proper training and credentials. Instead, choose a seasoned safe technician you can count on, someone who is certified, bonded, licensed, background-checked, and insured. You need a dependable individual who will bring the right tools, and possess the necessary sensitivity and skill with sound and touch.

If you’re located any place in Miramar, Florida, you may want to contact Locksmith Miramar, where you can request a free consultation. Make sure all your questions are answered to your satisfaction before allowing any work to begin.

Aricle source here: WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOUR SAFE IS JAMMED

Check Out Our Live Streamed Video!

All that you need for your locksmith service needs is the help of Locksmith Miramar. Getting the help you want and need is easy if you simply rely on the services that we have to offer. At Locksmith Miramar we offer residential, commercial, automotive and emergency lock and key services. We are the preferred and most widely used locksmith service in Locksmith Miramar.

Miscellaneous Service

• Emergency Lock Out
• 24 Hour Service
• Make Keys
• Keypads
• Keyless Remotes
• Lock & Key
• Lock Installation
• Change Locks
• Panic Bars
• Deadbolts
• High Security Locks
• Safe Locks
• Rekey Service
• Lock Change
• Magnetic Locks
• Lock Changes
• Broken Key Extraction
• Emergency Lock Out Services
• Replace Locks
• Mobile 24-Hour Locksmith Service
• Emergency Lock Out Services

Visit our website http://www.locksmithmiramar.com to find out why we are the preferred locksmith service in the area. Giving us the chance to serve you means the difference between the job being done right or not. Give us the chance to show you why we are the preferred and most widely used locksmith service in Miramar. We deliver the quality of services that you want and deserve.

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Locksmith Miramar: Lock and Key Types

Locksmith Miramar is dedicated to helping everyone understand the different security mechanisms they can install in their properties. Whether you live in Miramar, FL, or any other place in the world, we are taking the time to give you a full introduction to the different types of locks and keys you can get from your locally-based locksmith.

With this start guide, you will be able to get an idea of the type of protection that comes from various lock and key types – which will in turn help you when it’s time to make your decision about what locks to install in your home or office building.

Read through as we explain all of the basics. 

All about your keys

Since we will be talking about locks, it may be useful to touch on the different types of keys that come with them too. Here are the most common types of keys that you will encounter on a daily basis.

Single bitted keys. “Bitting” is the name given to the part of the key that comes into contact with the internal components – the cuts of a key’s bitting are what make the inside parts move to different positions. Single bitted keys are the most common types of keys around and only include one set of these cuts. As such, you will find these keys being used in the most traditional lock types.

Multi bitted keys. Different to single bitted, these have more than one cut and most commonly found in high security locks and sidebars.

Convenience key. These contain duplicate cuts but one bitting surface, enabling them to be functional no matter what orientation you insert these into a lock.

Cruciform key. Comprising four bittings, these have a star-shaped tip that allows for multiple functionality. Similar to a convenience key, not all bittings need to be used at once when accessing a lock.

Transponder key. Most commonly used for cars, these have a transponder chip in the bow (or the “head”) of the key that transmit a coded signal to a lock’s transmitter. Because these are electronically programmed, special equipment is needed to create or duplicate them.

Valet key. A special type of car key which is especially designed to be used by a valet driver. These enable drivers to operate the doors and ignition, but not the trunk or glove compartment.

Blank key. As the name suggests, these are keys which are yet to be cut into a lock. These are kept by locksmiths for duplication – if hear a lock and key professional talking about “Blanks”, this is what they are referring to.

Different lock types

With those types of keys in mind, here are some of the popular lock variations.

Padlocks

Typically, these are not attached to any foundations, making them the only type of portable locks you may encounter in a property. These can come in different sizes, and are comprised of 3 primary parts: the shackle, the body, and a locking mechanism.

There are two main types of padlocks: keyed and combination. Keyed padlocks undo the locking apparatus, and can come in either key-retaining or non-key-retaining options. Key-retaining padlocks will keep a key locked into place while the padlock is open, whereas non-key-retaining provides more flexibility in that regard. As for combination padlocks, these can only be opened using a numbered code.

Knob Locks

These usually can be seen in residential properties. They have a key cylinder on one side and a rotating knob on the other. We don’t recommend you use these as a standalone protection – because they are very easy to break into by brute force, a secondary lock like a deadbolt will serve to enhance the protection that these provide.

Deadbolts

Commonly found in a home’s main entrance doors, deadbolts are the usual accompaniment for your traditional knob lock. Deadbolts can come in single lock, double lock, keyless entry, and lockable thumb turn variations.

Single cylinder deadbolts are the most common, and are comprised of a key cylinder on one side and a rotating thumb turn on the other. Double cylinders are more complex, using a key cylinder of both sides of the lock. Keyless entry deadbolts are activated by a code, while thumb turn deadbolts are like single cylinders but with an added lock for its inner turning mechanism.

Lever handle locks

These are very common in commercial properties. As the name suggests, these locks rely on a lever that releases a bolt once swung up or down. The lever is especially designed to open and close easily, which is crucial for areas with a higher influx of people. Just like residential knob locks, lever handle locks have a key cylinder on one side and a rotating door knob on the other.

Cam locks

These are latches that are commonly used to lock up lock boxes, filing cabinets, and similar devices. The “cam” is a flat metal tailpiece that requires a key to rotate into and out of its slot.

Mortise locks

Mortise locks combine two locking mechanisms into one component. They are comprised of a non-locking spring latch that can be controlled by a handled lever, and a deadbolt for additional security. With this dual action, mortise locks act as a knob lock-deadbolt hybrid, making them a bit harder to install in a property but significantly stronger than most locks.

Choosing the best lock and key services for your property

Now you know about the most common types of locks and keys, it’s time to focus our attention on how a locksmith in Miramar will help you keep your property secure.

All types of locks and keys come with their pros and cons. We briefly touched on some of those here, but a licensed and insured locksmith will be able to explain everything in full detail. Usually, locally based locksmiths don’t charge for an initial consultation – so if you are considering changing or upgrading the locks and security in your property, then make some time to talk to a qualified professional.

Once you and your locksmith have talked through some options, you can request a full price quote for your installation requests. If you are happy with everything thus far, you just need to schedule a time for the installation and it should be all set to go within a few minutes.

We hope this has served as a starting point. Now that you know a bit about the basic facets of lock and key protection, you can start thinking about improving your property’s security.

Aricle source here: Locksmith Miramar: Lock and Key Types

Why Hire a Certified Locksmith in Miramar, FL

Long gone are the days of a locksmith only making keys and unlocking car doors. The responsibility of a locksmith has definitely evolved over the years to include much more than simply making keys and unlocking doors. Many locksmiths provide services that assist with home security. In an effort to keep up with emerging and advanced technology, many locksmiths are taking advanced certification courses. This serves to not only benefit them but it also benefits those with whom they serve. A certified locksmith proves their level of effectiveness by acquiring additional training and certification. They are also more committed to your satisfaction and therefore will go the extra mile to ensure the job is done right. Overall, a certified locksmith is generally more reliable. They take their craft, seriously.

These are a few more reasons why it is a good idea to only work with a certified locksmith.

They Provide Security Advice

Since technology changes so rapidly, you may not always be aware of the latest security advances. This is why it is a good idea to know someone who’s job it is to keep up with these types of things. When you want the best security features for your home, certified locksmith will be able to discuss your options with you, in detail. They know the most reliable and efficient security features and they know which ones are not worth the money. When you have hired a locksmith in the past that you feel comfortable with, why not find out if they are available for a security consultation. Many locksmiths offer complimentary consultations.

Based on the information that is provided by a certified locksmith, many people will choose to allow them to install the security features they have suggested to them. Even if they do not have the security features installed that have been suggested, you now know of someone whom you can rely on to provide you with information about your home security whenever necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions? Many locksmiths know that the average person is unaware of many of the facets of the industry that they are familiar with. If you have heard of a certain type of security feature and want to know if it will be a good fit for you, simply ask the locksmith that you’ve built a rapport with. Rather than contacting a security company to advise you on such matters, utilizing the services of a locksmith proves a lot more economical.

They Maintain a Higher Level of Professionalism

It may be true that a locksmith who is not certified can do the same job as someone who is, however, a certified locksmith has more to lose. When there is a complaint about their service, they can lose their credibility. This ultimately affects their income. It stands to reason that for this reason alone, you can expect more accountability from a certified emergency locksmith in Miramar than from one who is not certified. When you employ a certified locksmith, they will not deliberately leave work that they will have to come back to complete for another day, thus causing you to have to pay another fee. They want your business and will do what they can to earn it. If there is a job to be done that appears to be taking longer than anticipated, they will advise you of this. However, they wouldn’t charge you to come back for the same job. They are concerned with maintaining a good standing with their customers rather than scoring a big payday. Regardless of whether or not you hire a certified locksmith or not, the important thing is that you research their credentials to make sure they are a reputable and reliable locksmith. You are allowing someone into your home who has to be trustworthy enough to allow access into your home.

The Offer Dependable Service

You can depend on the services of a certified locksmith because they have far too much to lose. Not only that but they attempt to make themselves available to their customers 24-hours a day. They know that incidents occur, which can’t be planned. If you experience a home invasion or your security equipment isn’t working like it should, you can rely on them to attend to your service needs, whenever you need them. If they are not personally available to attend to your service needs, they will find someone who they trust to come and assist you.

You are not simply left on your own to handle the problem. If there are any damages to a security feature that they have installed for you, they will be happy to make the necessary repairs so that it works as efficiently as it did when they first installed it for you. In addition to helping you with your home emergency, they are also dependable enough to rely on when you find yourself locked out of your car or office. With mobile services, you can always depend on a certified locksmith to get you the help you need when you need it the most.

We feel as though we have given you some strong reasons to rely on the services of a certified locksmith in Miramar. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. You stand a better chance of receiving what you want from your locksmith experience by working with a reliable and reputable service provider with a proven track record. Again, do your homework and find a certified locksmith who will be able to provide you with the best services possible at prices that you can afford. In many cases, your local locksmith will work with you to get you the help you need, no matter what your budget might be. They will not know how they can assist you if you do not speak up. Also keep in mind that hiring a certified locksmith may not be any more expensive than hiring a standard locksmith service for your locksmith needs.

Aricle source here: Why Hire a Certified Locksmith in Miramar, FL

LOCKOUTS! WHY YOU SHOULD CALL A LOCKSMITH!

If you asked 10 people on the street what they should do during a lockout most would say “call a locksmith”; but would they really? Many people actually fear the possible long wait or the unknown cost involved. There are many other factors to consider like licensing, insurance coverage, extra charges, bonding, accurate price quotes and lots more. No wonder that many people either don’t call a Miramar, FL locksmith at all or try and find another solution.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Call a locksmith! Ok, let’s rephrase that; call the right locksmith. You guessed it; that means doing your due diligence before your lockout happens. In the “old” days, if you got locked out you had to find a pay phone or run to the neighbor’s house and use theirs. After all, your phone was inside your home and obviously not in your car. Nowadays everyone has a smart phone on them, usually at all times. Many folks even sleep with one under the pillow or at least on the night stand nearby. This innovation makes getting professional locksmith help that much easier and faster.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

By this we mean that you should find the right locksmith for you. Ideally your Miramar, FL locksmith should be fast responding, available 24/7, licensed, experienced, insured, mobile, bonded and firmly established. You can use whatever research means you prefer. Web searches and phone calls work fastest. See how long it takes to answer the phone and if anyone answers after hours. Ask about pricing. Do they offer accurate, free price quotes? Is service really available 24-hours or does this just cover Monday through Friday? Can they handle lockouts during holiday times? Do they send their own in-house technicians to come and help you or is do they just operate an outsourcing telephone service? All lockout professionals are NOT alike so it’s important that you take the time to find the right shop for your needs and budget. Feel free to bypass all the tedious research and phone calls and simply call Locksmith Miramar anytime day or night for fast and always professional lockout service wherever in town you may be.

DO THIS; NOT THAT!

Do call a licensed, bonded and insured locksmith in Miramar, FL. Don’t try and break a window or force entry into your own property! You might have some explaining to do to your local law enforcement when they just happen to drive by and see you hanging half out of your bathroom window! Sometimes accidental shootings or assaults take place when a neighbor or family member mistakes the resident for a burglar or home invader. You can also get cut from broken glass or from a jagged piece of metal when trying to access your car or home after being locked out. You mean well but others who may not recognize you don’t know that! People have even been attacked by their own dogs when they attempt to gain entry by crawling through the pet door or from a shattered window. Even if you gained entry successfully you still have to deal with property damage along with its replacement expense and clean-up costs.

CALLING A LOCKSMITH IS WORTH IT!

Face it! Calling a locksmith will cost you something but that small cost is a trade-off from being stuck outside your property. You might have small children, pets or elderly persons inside and maybe you were home alone but something is in the oven or on top of the stove. Look at the cost of calling an emergency locksmith in Miramar, WI as part of the price you pay for upkeep and maintenance on your property; much like paying your air conditioner repairman or your mechanic. In fact, you should add the telephone numbers to these vendors to your smart phone contacts list along with Locksmith Miramar. Doing this will save you lots of time over having to call for directory assistance or look for the phone number on a post it note or other safe place. During a lockout, time is of the essence. Minutes count when you’ve got someone on the inside that needs your attention or you’ve got the bathtub filling up with water.

Maybe you are locked out of your car and you really need to be somewhere. Or, you might have stayed too long at a meeting or party and you are parked in a not-so-safe part of town. Now you are locked out of your car and you need assistance fast. During times like these, it’s not worth risking health, well-being or even your life any longer than you have to. A professional, fully mobile 24-hour emergency locksmith that you’ve already selected should be your go-to solution!

CAN’T I CALL THE POLICE?

This isn’t a good idea. In many municipalities the police won’t respond to lockout situations and simply tell you to call for a locksmith. Besides, what can law enforcement do besides try and pick open your lock? This can cause lock damage, alarm triggers and some funny looks from your neighbors! Speaking of neighbors you might try and leave a key with one of them but only if they are trusted. If you don’t know your neighbors or don’t feel comfortable doing this; don’t! Using your neighbor for lockout help is a stretch when at home but it’s even more far-fetched when you are having a lockout situation with your car or at your business. When you should call the police is when you don’t feel safe and you already are waiting for your locksmith to arrive. Be sure to tell the dispatcher that this is a non-emergency and that locksmith help is on the way.

ALSO WHILE YOU WAIT

Do you have a friend or relative that can come and stay with you while you are waiting for your locksmith to arrive? Even if they can’t come in person, it is smart thinking to stay on the phone with them while you observe your surroundings. This can help with nerves and it also provides another caller for roving patrol or officer assistance if needed.

Aricle source here: LOCKOUTS! WHY YOU SHOULD CALL A LOCKSMITH!

IT’S TIME TO EVALUATE YOUR HOME’S SECURITY

You want your home to be your sanctuary, a safe place from the rest of the world, where you can relax. In order to preserve your peace of mind, it’s important every day to keep an eye on the locks, points of entry, and the surrounding premises of your property.

There are always things you can do to make your home more secure.

No home is impermeable, but there are many ways you can effectively protect your home and family from criminal trespass. If you choose not to pay attention to possible vulnerabilities in your home’s security, your property will become more attractive to a robber. Let’s consider what you may be overlooking.

Secure windows and glass doors.

A visibly open window is obviously attractive to a potential intruder. Ground floor windows are of course more susceptible to break-ins. Upper floor windows can also be attractive if a robber can get in from a stairway, ladder, balcony, tree, or fence. Use a secondary blocking device, such as a wooden dowel, on each window to prevent someone from sliding it open from the outside. To comply with fire code safety, be sure these window blocking devices can be easily removed from the inside.

Anti-lift devices are needed for ground level sliding-glass doors, and for aluminum windows that slide horizontally. Install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel so as to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position. Place a decal on the glass door or window, near the latch mechanism, indicating that an alarm system, or a neighborhood watch system is in place.

Don’t keep a “hidden” house key.

Don’t keep a key under the mat, inside the mailbox, or under a flower pot. That’s exactly where a burglar will look. If you have a keyholder disguised as a rock, a smart intruder will already know what it looks like. It’s a better idea to give your spare key to a trusted neighbor instead.

Sensibly store keys and garage-door remotes.

It’s a bad idea to keep your keys and remotes near a door with a window, or otherwise visible to someone outside. It’s best to keep them hidden inside a drawer or cupboard instead.

Store your ladders.

Don’t keep a ladder outside, where a burglar may easily use it to get in. A burglar can pretend to be a handyman, using your ladder to enter through a window on your upper floor or to make it up to your balcony.

Keep your garage secure.

Most people forget about securing the garage. Every burglar knows that it’s easier to get into your garage or back doors without being seen. Keep the garage door closed and locked.

Keep your yard tidy.

Eliminate potential intruder hiding spots by keeping your hedges, shrubs, plants, and trees trimmed. If they’re too tall, not well spaced, or unwieldy, a potential burglar can hide easily.

Keep your air-conditioning unit secure.

Use an air-conditioner bracket, corner braces, or a sliding window lock so that a robber cannot get through the unsecured window opening.

Check the quality of your lighting, and keep lights in working order.

Near each door, install outdoor lights with infrared motion detectors. Motion detector lights help discourage trespassers. They can even be connected to your smart device so you can detect possible undesirable activity and respond immediately. You may also want to choose lights that respond to changes in temperature, light, or sound.

Install timers.

You can put your porch lights on timers. When you’re gone for the day, or away longer, you can make it look like someone’s at home by using timers on your lights, radios, and TVs. If you’re away for an extended vacation, you can get a smart light timer installed, so you can monitor and control everything with a mobile app, making it look like your home is occupied all while you’re gone.

Fortify your doors.

Keep an eye on all your outside entry points. A hollow door is easier to penetrate. As soon as possible, replace it with a solid-core wood or metal door. If an outside door has a weak lock or weak resistance, it’s vulnerable. Strengthen your doors’ locks by replacing the strike plate (the stationary piece that the bolt enters), and mounting a solid metal plate on the doorjamb for the sliding bolt. Replace short mounting screws with longer screws that will reach the door’s studs, adding more strength to the doorframe.

Replace weak or worn-out locks with upgraded locks.

Any locksmith expert will tell you that deadbolts will always provide extra security. Be sure to get a grade-2 deadbolt lock, which penetrates the doorframe. Heavy-duty is always better. Of course, smart or digital locks will provide another layer of security. With some, you can synchronize your smart lock with your smart device, so you won’t have to carry a key at all.

Use your alarm system, if you have one.

If you have an alarm system, be sure you learn to use it, and then make sure you do! Teach each family member to use it properly and daily. If you’re not arming your alarm system, it’s worthless. Consider these strategies:

• Put your system on a timing schedule.
• With some systems, you can use your smart device to gain access to your system remotely, so you can monitor and adjust your security system anytime.
• Keep your batteries charged. They should have a warning system that tells you whenever batteries are getting low, so you won’t ever allow them to drain entirely. You want your home to be continuously protected, even in a power outage.
• Add a carbon monoxide monitor.
• Add a fire alarm.
• Do you live in an area prone to floods? You may want to install a moisture monitor for your basement to detect flooding.

Follow simple daily rules.

• Answer the door only if you know the person. (If you don’t have a peephole, install one. Use a wide-angle 160-degree peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches)
• Lock doors and windows whenever you go out, and before you go to sleep.
• Keep your valuables well hidden in unconventional locations.

Finally, be a good neighbor

Good neighbors look out for each other. Get to know your neighbors, at least on each side of your home as well as the two or three across the street. Communicate often and establish trust. Neighbors don’t have to be friends to help each other; simply be civil. A good neighbor will watch out for your home while you’re away. Some may even be willing to mow and water your lawn, pick up mail, etc. or do other things that can make it look like you’re home. Then return the favor.

Hire a professional.

If you come across weak spots in your home’s security, ask an expert about how best to remedy the situation. If you’re in Miramar, Florida, you may want to request a free consultation from Locksmith Miramar.

Aricle source here: IT’S TIME TO EVALUATE YOUR HOME’S SECURITY

A Security Forces Vet Offers Gun Safety Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe

By James Clark on December 17, 2015

Air Force veteran Skylar Gerrond discusses the best practices for having a handgun for self-defense in a home with kids.

When it comes to gun safety in the home, there are smart ways to protect your loved ones and then are other ways that are less so. If your go-to weapon for home-defense is a .44 Magnum that you keep in your bedside table, you might want to rethink that. Know your target and what lies beyond it, right? If you’re trying to stop a bad guy from doing you harm, you can probably get the job done by using a smaller caliber weapon. You really don’t need a hand cannon that can punch through walls.

That being said, it’s less about the firearm and more about the individual who uses it.

Task & Purpose sat down with Skylar Gerrond, an Air Force security forces veteran with experience in law enforcement, for some tips on smart home-defense safety.

Gerrond served as a security forces officer for seven years before leaving the service in 2007 as a captain. He and Matt Barido, a long-time friend from his time in the Air Force, are the founding members of Veri-Fire and together they created the Guardian, a biometric lock for handguns.

During his time in the Air Force, Gerrond provided nuclear security for intercontinental ballistic missiles — which are nukes for those not in the know — for two years. He then served two and a half years in Germany doing traditional law enforcement, what Gerrond jokingly called “Hill Street Blues” work. Afterward, he went to San Antonio, Texas, where he worked on rapid prototyping for deployed personnel at the Force Protection Battlelab, which is where he got his start in defense development.

In particular, we asked Gerrond to help us lay out how gun owners can safely have a handgun in the home for self-defense when they have kids.

When Gerrond’s eldest son was 4 years old, he had to start thinking about gun safety in a way that he didn’t have to when it was just him and his wife, he said, adding that this instance was the genesis for the Guardian biometric lock.

“When they hit that age — 3, 4 years old — I started asking how am I going to store my handgun?” said Gerrond, who has two sons, ages 10 and 7. If a child walks into the room where you keep your handgun — let’s say, the bedroom — is there really a place you can put it where they won’t find it?

As of 2009, there were an estimated 113 million handguns in the United States, according to a 2012 report on gun control legislation by the Congressional Research Service.

To be useful for self-defense, the firearm needs to be readily accessible, but secure so you don’t have to worry about your children, or one of their friends, getting their hands on it. For gun owners with multiple firearms, many store them in a locked safe, which prevents accidental use.

Read more: A Security Forces Vet Offers Gun Safety Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe
Related article: How Do I Stay Safe at Home? Security Tips (Part 1)

Aricle source here: A Security Forces Vet Offers Gun Safety Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe

Getting the Best Security for your Residential Property

Miramar, FL, homeowners understand that keeping their property safe is an essential part of everyday maintenance. If you just bought your first home, or are looking for some tips for enhancing your residential security, then this post is for you.   

We are here to help all homeowners find the best possible protection for their type of property. There are many options to choose from, and learning about the most common security features will help you decide how to best get your money’s worth. We will also explain how hiring a qualified residential lock and key service provider will enable you to navigate the security decision-making process with ease. 

First, let’s get you familiar with the different locks, keys and security services that you should consider when protecting your home. 

A handy checklist of incredibly useful security features 

Our licensed and insured professionals recommend all Miramar, FL, residents install these components. All the listed options are very affordable, and can make a great deal of a difference in your home’s security. Add or exclude items from our checklist as you find fit for your residential property: 

1) Recently moved into your property? Then you should definitely re-key your locks. You don’t know how many key copies are out there, or who has access to them. That’s why locksmiths recommend that all homeowners change the locks of their new properties the moment they move in. It will ensure that only the people you can trust can access your property, reducing the likelihood of break-ins and uninvited guests. 

2) Does your house have gates? Do these have bolt-cutter resistant locks or padlocks installed to them? If not, it may pay for you to consider looking at some options. Remember, the gate is the first point of entry into your residence. Once people can get past it, they could easily try to pry their way inside your home. Getting effective lock mechanisms for your gates will provide you with an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for break-ins to occur. The more obstacles you put in the place the more likely it is that intruders will leave your residential property alone.    

3) For general safety, check your lighting. Thieves and vandals like the darkness as it helps them conceal their crimes. This is part of the reason why a lot of break-ins occur at night. So, ensuring that you have good exterior lighting is just as crucial to your home security as installing effective locks and alarm systems. It may seem like something small, but it can truly make a difference. 

4) What security do you currently have in place? How can you improve? Here are a few essentials that we truly believe can enhance the security of all Miramar, FL, residences:  

·         Deadbolts or other heavy duty locking devices – locks are your front line of defence, so getting the most durability from sturdy hardware is your best choice when it comes to deterrence 

• Key operated window locks – if you have plastic locks installed on your windows, consider replacing them with metal locks. Metal locks will provide you with more resilience towards attempted entry through your windows
• Alarm systems – these have become quite affordable over the years, and there are many options to choose from. We recommend opting for systems that are monitored by a back to base security company that is well-known for good response turnaround times 
• Home safes – quality safes with recognized insurance ratings will help your protect personal documents, jewellery, cash, and other important properties. 
• Gun safes – same as above, but especially created for those homeowners who have arms and artillery that they need to protect.  
• Electronic security surveillance – just as with alarm systems these have become increasingly affordable and accessible over time, and new technological innovations have made these very easy to install and manage. CCTV surveillance is one of the most popular types of electronic security.
• Keyless entry systems – worried about losing your keys? Then these are a great choice! Keyless systems are affordable, easy to install and puts you in control of who can access your property and when. Creating and changing passcodes is effortless and you will be given a passkey in case you are unable to access your property using the keypad password.

Now that you have a better idea of your options 

As you can see, there are plenty of security choices out there for Miramar, FL, homeowners. Consult with a locally-based residential locksmith such as Locksmith Miramar to find more about these different choices, including the pros and cons for each of them. A trusted lock and key service provider who specializes in residential security will have seen it all. They will have attended to lockouts, break-in attempts, and will have installed, repaired and replaced all kinds of residential locks, keys and security systems.  In fact, you should be able to trust that your locally-based locksmith will have the tools, components and flexibility required to attend to all emergency callouts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Locksmiths are here to help you improve your security, and providing round the clock assistance is just something that comes with the job description.

Consultations from Miramar, FL, based locksmiths are often offered free of charge. This includes scheduled appointments on-site as well as in-property inspections if you need extra help with malfunctioning components. Once you know what your locksmith is able to offer, request a full price quote for their services. Once again, this is something a lock and key expert should provide you at no extra cost. 

When consulting with a locksmith, ask them what residential lock and key services they are able to offer. The professional you are talking to should be able to tell you exactly what each service entails, from the components that are used right up to the type of protection you can get. We recommend that you tell the locksmith what you are looking for, and providing them with information about your specific type of residential property so that they can help you select the most appropriate options. 

Source:  Getting the Best Security for your Residential Property

Top tips to prevent a burglary or home break-in

This is How to Open a Master Lock with No Key or Special Tools [Watch]

by Katie McGuire

Most people think that if you have a lock on something, that will be enough to deter thieves from access. This YouTube video shows just how easy it is to bypass that lock – and possibly say goodbye to your valuables:

If you are using a Master Lock to secure your valuables right now, this video will probably make you think twice about your security.
YouTuber bosnianbill uploaded this shocking video in which he opens a Master Lock by simply applying tension and gently tapping it with a hammer. This is a particularly worrisome exploit for two reasons. First, this type of lock is one of the most commonly used in the country. Second, this exploit requires no skill or specialized tools. In fact, you could probably replicate this hack by using a rock instead of a hammer.
Who knew that picking a lock could be so easy?

This is scary. Looks like I need to get to the local hardware store sooner rather than later for an outdoor shed housing my generator and tools, because this is all that stands between my stuff and thieves.

Article Source:  This is How to Open a Master Lock with No Key or Special Tools [Watch]
Related Article: http://automotiveandcommerciallocksmith.blogspot.com/2015/03/master-key.html