5 Home Security Tips for New Homeowners

As a new homeowner, there are many things you will be learning for the first time. One of those things will be how to keep your home and your family safe on a regular basis without it interfering too much with life. Everybody knows to lock the door when they leave and to keep an eye out for suspicious people in the neighborhood, but what else will it take to keep your home and family secure?

There are some things you may not have thought to do, such as getting to know the neighbors and changing the locks when you move in. Take a look at these five tips to get you started when it comes to new home ownership and keeping things secure.

Replace the locks

The first thing you should do when you move into a new home is to change your locks. Most likely, the previous owners still have a key somewhere as does anyone involved in selling the property to you. That means that your home is not technically secure and available only to your family.

Make sure you change your locks upon arriving at the new home to make sure no one else has access to it, such as the previous family or realtor. Then, make sure you reconfigure your garage door code.

Get a home security system

Next, you’ll want to install a home security system. Make your home less appealing to a criminal that enters the neighborhood, from the trimmed bushes allowing for a great line of sight to the motion-detecting lights, make sure no criminal will want to bother breaking into your home.

Be sure to set up your home with a trustworthy home security system that will notify you in the event that there is a security breach. Make sure to have a professional install it and remember to tell your homeowners insurance since you’ll likely receive a discount for having one installed.

Get to know your neighbors and the area

One of the simplest ways to keep your home and family safe is to get to know your neighbors and your surroundings. When you know who lives near you, it’ll be easier to spot a visitor to the area to watch for suspicious activity. You’ll also have neighbors to watch your home as you do the same for them in the event that suspicious activity is taking place.

You can even join the neighborhood watch program and volunteer to collect mail and newspapers for neighbors that go on vacation, as they can do the same for you. Then, be sure to get to know your surroundings to get familiar with what habits are normal in the neighborhood compared to the times when something new comes up. Do you always see this certain service provider and delivery truck, while that moving van or construction crew has never been here before?

Think about fire safety

In addition to security, you’ll want to think about fire safety. Make sure you’ve made a plan for home fire defense and have a fire monitoring package with your home security system. Smoke detectors throughout the house are vital, as well as fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep up with the maintenance

Having all of these items checked off will be a great feeling, but keeping up with maintaining everything is just as important. You need to be regularly checking your outside lights, your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, your fire extinguishers, and your window locks to ensure everything is in working order.

If something isn’t functioning properly, it can be all it takes to have a breach in your safety. Make sure you are trimming the bushes, verifying your home security system is working, and things on your property meant to deter an intruder are ready to perform.

These are the top five ways that you can make sure your new home is secure and prepared in the event of a fire or home invasion.

What Items to Store in a Home Safe: Consider These

You own plenty of valuable items, whether valuable in dollars or in sentiment, that you keep in your home. Some of the items you own should be kept in a home safe, preferably a fireproof home safe.

There are several things you should consider keeping in a safe within your home. Here are some of the top items to put in a safe instead of just leaving exposed in your home.

Household Safe

10 Items that Belong in a Home Safe

1. Guns

All guns should be kept in a safe unloaded with the magazine separate from the actual gun. Ammunition should also be kept in a safe. Special gun safes are designed to keep your weapons locked up properly.

2. Precious Metals

If you own physical gold, silver, copper, or other precious metals, they should be kept in a home safe. These items are valuable and belong under lock and key.

3. Expensive Jewelry

While not all jewelry is valuable enough to go in a safe, some jewelry should remain locked up when it's not being worn. Expensive engagement rings, family heirlooms, and other high-value jewelry belong in a fireproof home safe.

4. Important Documents

Several documents should be stored in a fireproof safe including:

• Insurance policies

• Bank account information

• Wills and living trusts

• Health care documents

• And more!

These documents need to be protected and a physical backup copy is a good idea, even if you have them stored on your computer.

5. House Pictures

If a fire were to happen or a break-in, having pictures of the items you own will help with insurance. You store these pictures on a CD or thumb drive and toss them in your fireproof safe at home.

6. Important ID Documents

While you will likely carry your driver's license with you daily, other ID documents don't need to be kept on your person. Passports, birth certificates, and social security cards should be stored in a fireproof home safe.

7. Spare Keys

It's a good idea to place spare car keys and spare keys for other things, such as a storage unit into your home safe.

8. Safe Deposit Box Keys

If you have a safe deposit box for your valuables, the keys for it should go into your home safe. This will not only help to protect these keys during a disaster, but it will also keep you from losing them.

9. Emergency Cash

If a fire happens or another type of emergency event, having some cash is a good idea. Storing some emergency cash in your home safe is a good idea.

10. Family Valuables

Any other items you plan to pass down to the next generation or consider to be valuable to your family should also be stored in a safe.

If you don't have a home safe for your valuable items, it's best to have a Chicago locksmith install a safe for you. With proper safe installation, you can protect your most valuable items better.

What to Look for in a Door Replacement

When it's time to replace your front door at home or at the office, the right door replacement makes a difference. Not only should you like the way your new entry door looks, but it should also offer the security features you desire.

There are plenty of things to consider when getting a door replaced. Let's look at some of the most important features of your new door.

5 Things to Consider with a Door Replacement

1. Door Material

Choosing the type of material, you want for your door replacement is a good place to start. You can choose wood, steel, fiberglass composite, or aluminum. While wood doors are the most common and often the cheapest, steel doors tend to offer the best security features.

Fiberglass-composite doors offer a good choice in humid or harsh climates and they are very tough. Aluminum doors provide a custom-built option with a good mixture of security and affordability.

2. Solid or Glass

Some front doors will be solid with no glass in the door at all. This is the most secure option, but you can choose a door with glass in it and still get good security.

With the right type of glass installed in your door, it will be harder to break making it more secure. Glass can also help to add to the aesthetic appeal of your new entry door.

If you prefer glass, but you don't want people to be able to easily see into your front door, you can choose glazed glass. This type of glass makes it harder to see through the door and offers more privacy.

3. Consider the Lock

While choosing the door might not limit the locking mechanisms you can choose, it's still important to consider the lock. You will likely have a lock on the doorknob or handle, but you will also want to consider a deadbolt or additional locking mechanism for security.

Before you choose your door and the type of lock you want, consider the level of security you prefer. Some front door locks offer more security than others. You can also add a strike plate and other options to ensure maximum security.

4. Additional Hardware

Do you need a mail slot, knocker, peephole, or other hardware for your new door? Consider the accessories you want and make sure the door you buy is designed with the right accessories for your needs.

Mail slots and knockers can often be added to make your door more functional.

5. Installation

You can install your new front door yourself or hire a professional. Unless you are very handy and have experience installing doors, it's best to leave it to a professional.

When you need door installation in Chicago, you don't want to take chances. Poor installation can lead to higher energy bills and lower security. Make sure you hire a professional to install your new entry door.

The right front door for your home or business will not only provide the aesthetics you prefer but also the security. Replacing your door is a big deal and should be handled with the proper care. Your new door should function the way you prefer and offer peace of mind knowing it's secure when locked.

How can a locksmith improve my home security?

Typically people think to call the locksmith only when they need out of a jam. You can actually call a locksmith to help you with improving your home security. Just like when you see the doctor for preventative care, you can have a locksmith come help with preventative security threats to your home.

While a locksmith is the one to call when you’ve lost your keys or need to change the locks to your home, you can also call them to replace your window locks, to reinforce the door, and to get a security system installed. Take a look at these reasons and more your locksmith is going to help you improve your home security.

Reinforce your door

One thing that your locksmith can do to start off your efforts of improved home security is to reinforce your door. It’s possible that an intruder could kick in your door and it’s how many people end up with an intrusion. Don’t allow a criminal to kick in the door by reinforcing it with a professional locksmith.

Installing a deadbolt and high-security lock

Now that your doors are more secure like when the house was first built, you could install a deadbolt that will ensure it’s extremely difficult to break-in. just the presence of a deadbolt will convince a criminal to go elsewhere. Deadbolts will decrease the chances of a thief gaining entry, along with your reinforced door. They also can’t be pried open with a card.

You could also use this as a chance to install high-security locks. Getting locks on the door that can’t be picked at or drilled will give you peace of mind and decrease the threat of a break-in. Make sure to have a professional locksmith help with you both of these services.

Smart locks and cameras

Use the latest technology to your advantage. Smart locks are a great way to improve your home security. These are great for homes and offices and will come with a motion sensor camera that will detect the tiniest movements and alert you. Get a smart lock with a camera on the front door.

While you are getting security cameras, make sure you put a sign up to show criminals they will be filmed if they attempt anything. If something were to happen, you’d have video evidence and you would be able to watch a smart device from inside the home or another location as long as you have an internet connection.

Replace your window locks

While you’re reinforcing the doors, installing new locks, and setting up your security cameras, you should also keep in mind that windows can be a vulnerable place for an intruder. Your window locks can wear down over time so it’s important to replace them as needed. If there is a damaged window lock, an intruder may find it as they are attempting any way to get into your home. A locksmith can get these installed for you once you’ve chosen the option you want.

Minimalize your keyring

Lastly, having so many keys can feel overwhelming, especially on your keychain that you use all day. Getting one key to fit all is a great way to simplify your life and have everything you need on you. A locksmith can do a rekeying of all of your locks to have it so that it only requires one key to get inside the home. You won’t have to worry about forgetting a certain key and you’ll have a lighter keychain too. One key could open your front door, your shed, and more.

Call a professional locksmith today to get some of these preventative measures done on your home and you’ll have peace of mind like never before.

How to decide if you need indoor home security cameras

You’ve probably heard of families getting indoor home security cameras and you may have never considered the purpose of doing so. Why would you want cameras inside your home? Typically you would put cameras on the outside of your home to see in case there is an intruder, but a camera in the house seems unnecessary.

Actually, an indoor home security camera is wise because you’ll be able to check in when you’re away. Additionally, it can come in handy for pet owners. Take a look at some of the reasons that people get indoor home security cameras and why you should too.

Checking in on family and pets

You do have to leave the house sometimes as much as you may enjoy being home. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just having a night away, it’s nice to be able to check in and make sure everyone is safe. Specifically, pet owners really like indoor cameras so that they can check in on their pets while they are away for the day or in the evening. If you have kids that are old enough to be home alone, you’ll feel better knowing that you can see them and make sure everything is ok.

Have evidence if something were to happen

If someone were to break in while you’re on vacation, you’ll have it on tape. You’ll be able to see what happened inside your home and have evidence to give the police in order to try to catch the criminal. Knowing you have this at your disposal will make you feel much more secure.

Even if you’re not on vacation and just tend to spend long hours at the office, you’ll love being able to monitor your home from anywhere. Indoor home security cameras work by giving you access from a smart device where you can watch a camera feed.

You’ll love being able to go live in your own living room from your phone at work. You could even check in on your tablet from your bedroom if you want to make sure everything is safe in another room of the house. 

See why an alarm went off

If an alarm were to go off, you’ll actually receive a notification on your smart device right away. This means that you can check in and see what is going on. Perhaps someone tried to enter your front door or a smoke alarm went off. Having that indoor camera feed will give you a way to quickly respond to a situation.

More security for your valuables

Finally, you can stop worrying about your valuables. You can check on your pets and the status of your home any time you feel uneasy, but now you also have a way to keep an eye on your jewelry and family heirlooms. Stop worrying about your valuables by having a way to check in on them anytime you want.

There are so many reasons to get an indoor home security camera. Check out great options like the Nest Cam or Canary today.

Essential Home Security System Features You Need

What are some of the essential home security system features you may need for your home? Home security systems have been around for years but today’s technology has allowed homeowners to put smart technology into the home, increasing the level of security and making the home more efficient altogether.

Instead of a few basic options that we used to have, homeowners now have thousands of possibilities that they can find on the market varying from small DIY home security systems to professionally-installed hardwired systems. Here’s a closer look at what features you could choose from and why you need them included in your home’s current security system setup.

Camera technology

For starters, hidden cameras used to just be found at businesses to keep surveillance on potential crime at a company, but now these little cameras are being found in neighborhoods at each house. Video technology is such a large part of today’s world that it just makes sense that homeowners would want an enhanced way to survey their home’s boundaries for potential threats.

While the first security cameras to be featured in these systems offered a simple grainy image in black and white, now you’ll have HD camera feeds that can be accessed from any of your smart devices in any location. These are a great way to record, watch, and be aware of what’s going on around your home while you’re away or from inside the home.

Wireless and hard-wired options

You’ll get to choose from both the wireless and hard-wired security systems when you get one installed in the home, but many current options are actually a mix of both. You’ll have those hardwired parts but you can communicate wirelessly.

It’s wise to choose one that has cellular capability because these systems will still work when the internet is down or the power goes out as long as you have a battery backup. Older systems worked with analog phone lines which are going to be obsolete in a matter of years.

Home automation

Automating the home is what everyone is doing right now because of the convenience of having a better sense of what is going on in and around the home from anywhere. This is one of the biggest innovations in technology right now as homeowners can now use a simple app on their phone or tablet to check on the home and interact with its systems.

You can now check your camera feed, arm your security system, turn the lights on and off, and open or shut your garage door from any location. These are not only great for securing the home, but they also allow you to function in the home from the touch of a button rather than being physically present.

Updating simple tech

Lastly, updates to basic technology are a great option to incorporate into your home. Your simple smoke detector can now be updated with a more modern sensor which allows you to get an actual alert of your home’s air analysis. Your window and door sensors can be integrated into your home security system to see if someone has tampered with either.

You can now update your technology with tamper-sensitive sensors to show you if someone has been altering your control panel and the temperature, or if there is a flood or fire alert to your home. You can now go a step farther when it comes to protecting your home from natural disasters or intruders.

You can even get a system in which the authorities are notified when a fire alarm system trips or have your HVAC system shut down and doors unlock if there is smoke in the home from a fire.

Whether you want to update your home with special sensors and cameras or you want to incorporate a brand new home security system with the hybrid wired and wireless technology that also features home automation, these are some of the essentials you need when it comes to today’s home security systems.

5 Apartment Security Tips for Renters

Apartment security is a very important topic in Chicago. With so many renters and owners living in apartment buildings, it's important to make sure you have the right security in your building. Here are five tips to help ensure your apartment remains secure.

Lock Doors and Windows

The first thing you want to make sure you always do is lock your door and windows. You don't want to make it easy for someone to break in. Most burglaries are the result of an unlocked window or door.

Even if all you're doing is leaving to get your mail or go enjoy the amenities, make sure you lock all doors and windows. It's also important to put a security bar in any sliding patio doors.

Upgrade your Locks

If your apartment building allows it, you can hire a professional locksmith to upgrade your locks. Instead of the typical knob lock and deadbolt, You can upgrade to a mortise lock or a double-cylinder deadbolt for more peace of mind.

Make sure you hire a professional locksmith to handle this job as you want it done right. It's also necessary to clear it with the landlord or manager first to ensure they know you plan to upgrade your lock.

Add Timer Lights or Motion Sensor Lights

If you have an outdoor light, you can add a motion sensor light to it and make your outdoor area more secure. If a motion sensor light isn't possible, you can still set up an outdoor light on a timer to ensure it comes on and goes off at the right time.

Turning your outdoor light on at night can be a good way to deter burglars from breaking in. If you're going out of town, it can be a good idea to leave a few lights on timers to make it appear like you're still at home.

Install a Security System

Another upgrade you will need to get permission from the landlord for, but a great way to secure your apartment is a camera security system. If your landlord will allow it, you can have a security system installed to keep you safe. Many of today's systems are wireless, which make them easier to install in apartments without having to drill holes in walls.

Use a Safety Deposit Box

If you have valuable items and documents, don't store them in your apartment. Instead, store these items in a safety deposit box to ensure they remain safe. Even if you get robbed, you want to make sure things, such as your Social Security card or a precious heirloom from your grandmother remain safe.

There are several ways to make sure your apartment security keeps you safe. The building should have already taken some precautions, such as installing the proper lighting and maybe even providing a gated or secure entrance. Don't believe that a secure entrance or a doorman will keep criminals out, however. Take your own precautions to ensure your apartment remains safe.

4 Tips to Secure Sliding Glass Doors in Your Home

An experienced burglar can get into your home through your sliding glass door in less than a minute. With more than 8 million property crimes happening every year, you should be aware of the entry points a burglar can get in through.

Securing your sliding glass doors will help to ensure your home is harder to break into. Of course, this should be just one of the steps you take in your full home security plan.

While your front door and your windows may be very secure, your sliding glass door may be lacking in this area. Here are four great tips to secure your sliding glass doors.

Install Additional Locks

Having a professional locksmith install additional locks is one of the best ways to secure your sliding glass doors. Yes, they do come with locks, but they are usually very simple latches that burglars can easily bypass. A heavy-duty latch guard made with hardened steel can be installed on both the bottom and the top of the sliding glass door to ensure it’s secure.

Add Window Film

Another way burglars get in through the sliding glass door is by breaking it. It's usually not too difficult to break, but it can also be easily secured with window film. Sure, you want to let in the natural light, but you also want to keep thing safe. Having a professional install the film means you can get the performance you want while letting in plenty of light.

With the right window film, you can make your sliding glass door shatterproof. This makes it much more difficult for a burglar to get in.

Add a Rod in the Tracks

Maybe the easiest way to add security to your sliding glass doors is with a rod in the tracks. A metal rod adds security and makes it harder to open the door. If you have a door with a metal rod, use it and the door will become far more secure.

If your sliding glass door doesn't already have a metal rod, you can add a wooden dowel from a local hardware store. This is a great way to keep your door secure.

Add Door Sensors

Another easy way to add protection to your sliding glass door is by using a glass break sensor on your door. This can be installed as a part of your home security system and the alarm will sound if the door is broken.

You can also add a door sensor to the actual door that will trigger the alarm if it's opened. With two sensors, you will have plenty of protection for your sliding glass door. You need both sensors to fully protect the door as one will sense the sound of broken glass, while the other will sense the door actually opening.

Use these four tips to make sure your sliding glass doors are all secured properly. Hiring the help of a professional locksmith and a home security professional will help to ensure you don't have to worry about burglars getting in through your sliding glass door.