What are the advantages of CCTV installation in the house?

Have you considered a CCTV system for your home? A CCTV security camera is a device you can use to for surveillance around the property that can capture images or video of the location you place them. These video monitors are perfect for adding security to your home, but they have other benefits too. Not only will you be able to capture a potential threat and use it as evidence, but you may actually deter a crime from happening. Take a look at the other advantages of a CCTV installation at your house. 

Deters crime

One of the cool advantages of owning a CCVT at the home is that it not only monitors activity outside, but a criminal would see it and be deterred from taking action as they had planned. Thieves that target your home are less likely to go through with it when they see your cameras outside. Make it really obvious by placing it in easy-to-see places and advertise it on the property. This is one way to protect your family and belongings.

See the entire property

You usually can’t see the whole property from inside the home or without walking outside to that part of the home. if you suspect something is happening, you can look on your CCTV system rather than going outside and facing a potential criminal. CCVT works great for blind spots around the home that you can’t see from a window, so if you were to hear an unusual noise, you check the perimeter of the property without leaving the house. This will calm your fears if you hear a strange noise, or if a guest shows up late so that you can see them without having to answer the door.

Affordable, low maintenance

One of the great reasons to get a CCVT is that there is essentially no maintenance needed to it once it’s set up. Occasionally you’ll want to wipe them clean and have a professional team check up on them, but you won’t need to do anything further. Once you purchase this system, it’s working for you. The best part is that it’s really affordable, which makes it an easy, low-cost, and low-risk investment for you.

Identifies criminals for evidence

If something were to happen on your property, having a CCVT may save you from never getting justice as this works as a way to identify criminals and can be turned in for evidence. You'll hopefully be able to catch the criminal and keep the neighborhood safer. Additionally, you’ll get an insurance deduction with most carriers, and if you are deterring criminals and not needing to make claims, you’ll likely see your policy get reduced over time.

If you want to significantly increase the security at your home, install one of these devices for a simple solution and prevention method. It’s just a one-time purchase that will allow you to reap the benefits for a long time to come. Your insurance rates may go down and you’ll have evidence if anything were to happen and very likely deterrent in the event that someone does consider trying to commit a crime.

How to Maintain Your Door Locks

Your home has plenty of door locks and you need to keep them maintained. If you're like most, you lock your doors often, which can wear out your locks over time. Maintaining your door locks helps to keep you from needing to replace the locks as often.

Door locks don't work forever. Even well-maintained locks will wear out over time. Here are some of the best tips you can use to ensure your door locks last a very long time.

Make Sure Your Door is Hung Properly

If you don't know was a properly hung door looks like, you can have a residential locksmith inspect the door for you. You want to make sure the door isn't sagging and is completely even with the frame. If the door isn't hung properly, it can put unnecessary pressure on the lock, which can cause an issue.

Properly hung doors won't bind and there won't be an uneven gap. You want a uniform gap along the sides and the top of about an eighth of an inch or at least less than a quarter of an inch.

Lubricate Your Locks Regularly

If you want to make sure your door locks function smoothly, you should use a lubricant about once or twice a year. Dry lubricants are very easy to apply and will help to ensure the lock remains in working order. Simply lubricate the inside of the lock with the key by moving it in and out a few times.

Clean Your Locks

You will also want to clean your door locks to keep them well-maintained. Use a mild detergent or a damp rag to clean the outside of the locks. If you use an abrasive or chemical cleaner, it can do harm to the lock. Even a petroleum-based cleaner may damage the finish of the lock.

Only Copy the Original Key

It can be a very bad thing for your door locks if you copy a copy of the original key. Always make your copies from the original key to ensure you get the best possible duplicate key for your door locks.

Check Your Deadbolt

You want to make sure you can easily secure the deadbolt without having to push or pull the doorknob. If you have to move the door around to get it to lock with the deadbolt, it means the lock or the frame wasn't installed correctly. Make sure the deadbolt extends all the way when locked, as well.

Check the Strike Plate and Screws

You want to make sure at least one of the screws in the top hinge is long enough to secure the door to the wall frame. This helps to prevent sagging and adds a bit of security. Usually, you want to add three-inch or longer screws to each hinge.

In addition, you want to check the strike plate to ensure it’s secure. You want to use long screws for this, as well.

Maintaining your door locks is very important if you're a homeowner. Locks that don't work right could cause an issue and may make it easier for your home to be broken into. Make sure you keep your door locks maintained and if you need work done to the locks, contact a professional Chicago locksmith.

Key Duplication Tips: Trust Your Locksmith to Get a Key Made

When you need to get a key duplicated, you usually need it done quickly. Whether you’ve found yourself locked out, you’ve changed your locks and need more copies, or your living situation has changed requiring a duplicated key, it’s important to be able to get what you need efficiently.

That is why you should work with your locksmith to get the key made when you need it. What is great about working with your locksmith is that they can duplicate keys on the spot, making it convenient but also affordable. Take a look at how your locksmith can help you when you need it the most.

Why you can trust your locksmith

You may have tried duplicating keys at the hardware store before, but they don’t always have what you need and it’s an extra errand to add to your week. Instead, you need fast results and a simpler solution. Getting keys duplicated from your locksmith is the best and easiest way to get your key needs handled.

They not only can do it on the spot for you, but they will make sure there are no issues with it before they leave. You’ll have a key made for a specific lock that they’ve assisted you with and you can guarantee it will work properly and be available right now. Your locksmith offers professional services for your home and office security needs, so it makes sense that you’d also use their services to get your key copy needs handled by them as well.

Why a locksmith is better than the hardware store

Going to the hardware store takes time, energy, and cash to accomplish when your locksmith can come to get you and get the job done quickly and affordable on the spot. You already trust your locksmith to handle other jobs for you like being locked out or changing the locks to the house, so it only makes sense that you’d use the same professionals to duplicate your keys. Your locksmith already makes thousands of key each year through their key cutting process in which they can take a blank key and cut it precisely to your lock.

You can get everything from your house keys to your car keys and even your mailbox keys duplicated you’re your professional locksmith. They keep the newest technology in key cutting which definitely outweighs going to a local hardware store with outdated technology.

Many times hardware stores don’t have what you need or cut it inaccurately which means you’ll have to make another trip to get it done right. You’re wasting your time and energy when you could have gotten it done accurately and affordably right on location.

Key duplication services your locksmith will provide

Save yourself the stress when you need all kinds of new keys made and call your trusted locksmith. You can get everything made on the spot from house keys to car keys to a new copy of a broken key or a new key when the original was lost. Key copies and replacements for your home, office, and a vehicle can be made to order on the spot with a quick phone call.

You’ll find your locksmith commonly works with brands like MUL-T Locks, Kwikset Keys, Baldwin Keys, Master Lock Keys, Schlagle Keys, and more. It’s a small cost to have the locksmith come out and make that spare key that you desperately need and you can guarantee it will work before they leave. In a scenario where you have lost all keys, it’s possible for your locksmith to make a key directly from a lock, but it’s much easier to make a copy from a copy.

Store your copy in a safe place and if you ever lose your original, you can access your copy and have a locksmith make another copy for you. You’ll be quoted based on your individual key needs with affordable prices for all. Almost any key used in the US can be duplicated and you can feel safe and secure knowing that no information is stored about the key being cut.

You can trust your locksmith when you need to get a key made today!

What it Means to Work with a Licensed & Insured Locksmith

When you hire a locksmith for an emergency job or simply to switch out locks on your front door, you want a licensed and insured locksmith. It's important to know what this means and why it's so important.

What's an Insured Locksmith?

An insured locksmith carries liability insurance. This type of insurance isn't meant to just protect the locksmith, but also the client. If accidental damage happens to the property or to someone, this insurance will protect the financial aspects of the damage.

What is a Licensed Locksmith?

When a locksmith files the proper paperwork with the government, they gain a license to work as a bonded locksmith. If they don't have a license, they haven't gone through the proper training to gain a state or federal license as a locksmith.

What is a Bonded Locksmith?

While licensed and insured are very important when hiring a locksmith, so is bonded. The process of bonding is similar to insurance. Once the locksmith has paid a bonding company, they become bonded. This will add protection for clients if damage happens due to an accident.

What Could Happen if You Don't Hire the Right Locksmith?

Imagine you're leaving work and you realize you locked your keys in your car. You hop on your phone, find the nearest locksmith and call them without verifying anything.

About 45 minutes later, the locksmith arrives in an unmarked vehicle or in a poorly marked vehicle and goes to work on getting into your car. In the process, the locksmith accidentally breaks your window and never actually got into the car until the window was broken.

If this is an unlicensed and uninsured locksmith, you'll likely get a huge bill to pay the locksmith and no help with the damage caused. This is a big deal and could happen if you don't verify that your locksmith is licensed and insured.

When you hire a licensed and insured locksmith, they will have certain policies and procedures in place to ensure there is minimal risk of damage. They will show up quickly and get you into your vehicle without damaging your vehicle much faster. If an accident does happen, they have insurance to cover the damage instead of leaving you responsible for something they did.

Hiring a Licensed and Insured Locksmith

Verifying that your locksmith is licensed and insured protects you, but it will also offer plenty of benefits. Locksmiths won't go through this type of trouble without having solid skills and the ability to provide you with quality service.

Most licensed and insured locksmiths are going to be available 24/7 and will offer you quality services at an affordable price. Plus, you will know you're dealing with a professional instead of taking the chance with someone else.

When you need a locksmith, even if it's an emergency, always hire a licensed and insured locksmith. You don't want someone that cuts corners helping you get into your car or handling the locks on your home.

5 Types of Intercom Systems for Home or Office

If you’re considering installing an intercom system in your property, you are making the right steps in protecting your home or business. Intercom systems are the perfect way to secure the home from theft and to protect your family and your valuables.

You’ll now be able to talk to the person at your door before you even open it and in some cases, even see them too. With these 5 different types of intercom systems, you’ll have all kinds of options to protect your home in the way you need most. Take a look at the various intercom systems available.

Wireless unit

A wireless unit is a newer take on the original hard-wired intercom system. The wireless intercom uses a different type of radio frequency and tends to be less expensive than other options. There is basically no installation required which means you can start using them right out of the box.

Just make sure the battery is up to date and be aware of the range of a wireless unit. While these are convenient to install, they can sometimes have interference issues and a lack of a wide range that you may need. In some cases, an unauthorized person could potentially tune-in to your frequency. With the ease of use and the low price point around $100-$200, it’s a great option to consider.

Hard-wired intercom

The most common intercom option is going to be the hard-wired unit that you can mount inside the home. These work by allowing you to communicate with someone at the front door just by pressing a button to speak and then your intercom speakers are connected by wire in the home.

You may pay a little bit more for this type of unit, but it’s much more reliable in avoiding external interferences and handling more wear and tear. The audio signal works well, making communication much clearer and you can worry less about if your property is protected. If you are in the middle of construction on a building, it would be very simple to set up a wired unit. Talk to a professional about getting this installed.

Video Intercom

Another option is to get a video intercom. This is for homes that want the option to see a visitor that is at the door before communicating with them. They are typically going to be wired systems since video is more difficult to send wirelessly than an audio-only system would be.

You can also go for smart home technology that will allow you to incorporate a camera into your intercom system. You’ll be able to connect your devices and appliances to the internet to give you functionality of your home’s processes from your device.

You could use a smartphone or tablet to lock the front door, turn off the lights, or change your thermostat. This means that you can also incorporate a webcam to your front door that can be accessed with your other smart home technology. You will have to have a good internet connection to do this successfully and it does have the potential for hacking vulnerability, but you have remote access.

Carrier-Current

A carrier-current is an intercom that would be integrated into the electrical system of your home. This is another frugal option for an intercom system where you could have a conversation with someone at your front door. It’s easy to install and maintain but you may find other options provide better audio quality.

Automatic-gate entry intercom unit

Do you have many visitors and hate to have to stop what you’re doing to let them in? Now you can use the automatic-gate entry intercom to let people into your residential front gate without being physically present. Just press the button to let them in the door. In many cases, you’ll have a small camera at the gate to be able to see who is at the front gate. You’ll be able to see, talk to, and open entry for a visitor from inside the home.

These five types of intercom systems are great additions to your home office.

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 Know About the Different Types of CCTV Cameras

Understanding the different types of CCTV cameras gives you the ability to choose the right ones for your needs. Surveillance is a big part of keeping your business secure and the right CCTV security cameras will make a difference.

There are a few specific types of cameras you will want to consider. Let's look at each of them to see what they are and how they can help your security system.

10 Types of CCTV Cameras

1. Dome Cameras

Offering both an interior and an exterior option, done cameras are one of the most common CCTV security cameras. They look like a dome instead of a camera, which means it's hard to know which way it will be pointing. These cameras deter criminals and they offer vandal-resistant features.

2. C-Mount Camera

Offering a good camera for distances up to 40 feet, C-mount cameras come with detachable lenses and fit for different applications. They are commonly used indoors.

3. Bullet Cameras

Another common CCTV camera is the bullet camera. They are often used outside and provide long-distance viewing with a protective casing. The compact size and night vision make bullet cameras a good choice for your security system.

4. Day/Night Cameras

The key with day/night cameras is the ability to capture images during the day and at night. These cameras come in many sizes and record in color or black and white.

5. Discreet Cameras

Sometimes it's beneficial to make it clear a camera is present and other times you don't want a criminal to know. These cameras are harder to spot and tend to blend in with the area.

6. Varifocal Cameras

A CCTV camera with the ability to zoom out without losing focus, varifocal cameras work well for dead zones and close-ups.

7. Dark Fighter Technology Cameras

A specialized camera created to pick up images in low light conditions, the dark fighter camera works during the day and night. Without the need for an extra light source, these cameras can pick up very high-quality images even during the black of night.

8. ANPR/LPR Cameras

Another specialized type of camera is the ANPR/LPR camera. This type of camera will pick up registration plates and read them. They work well for hotel overstay management, toll booths, parking lots, and more. ANRP stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition, while LPR stands for License Plate Recognition.

9. PTZ Cameras

Pan, Tilt, and Zoom or PTZ Cameras provide an option for security guards to move as necessary. The camera can pan, tilt, and zoom as necessary to capture the proper picture.

10. Thermal Image Cameras

A great choice for airports, seaports, and other critical infrastructures, thermal image cameras or infrared cameras pick up moving figures even when it's pitch black.

Many of these CCTV cameras offer high definition, network capabilities, and many other features. It's best to speak with a security professional to find out which CCTV security cameras are best for your needs.

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.

Simple Tips to Not Lose Your Keys

Do you ever have that problem of losing your keys? Your day is going along just fine and suddenly you can’t find your keys to get in the car and head home for the day. Maybe you made it home and you can’t find the keys to your house. Perhaps your teenager misplaced your car keys or you can’t find the key to your office.

Whatever the case, losing keys you use every day can give you that sinking feeling of worry, dread, and panic. Not only are you wasting time searching everything you own to find them, but you may be missing out on important obligations because you can’t get into the office, the car, or the house. Fortunately, there are some easy tricks that you can learn to ensure you don’t lose your keys anymore and the likelihood of losing them in the future will be slim to none. Try these tips to stop losing your keys.

Your life is too cluttered

One of the main culprits behind losing your keys or anything in your life is that you are lacking organization. It’s time to get rid of clutter once and for all, allowing you to easily see where you’ve placed items without things other visual distractions along the way. Minimizing your belongings to only keep on you the things you really need allows you to more easily find missing objects since there are fewer hiding spots.

Make a home for everything

Once you’ve started paring things down, you can start to make a “home” for everything you own. Now that you have less stuff, you can dedicate a place to where things go when they are not in use and this allows for you to eliminate excuses about why things are missing. As long as the keys, wallet, and phone have a spot that it’s supposed to go, it would be much harder to lose these items.

When you arrive home at night, make sure to put each item you’ve brought home with you in its dedicated spot, whether it’s the key rack, the bowl on the counter, or the hook by the door. Do this for each household member so that everyone knows where things go after using them and things stop getting lost.

Use technology for help

Now that you’re organized, it’s time to use technology to your advantage. For starters, it’s much harder to lose a phone when the ringer is on and you can find it by calling the phone. Sometimes you can’t find an item when looking for it or feeling for it in a bag, but you’ll eventually hear it and see it light up. Next, use technology to help keep track of your phone even easier.

You can attach a BlueTooth tracking device like Tile or download apps like “Find my Phone” to help you track the item in the event that it is lost and nowhere to be found. Just get on a desktop to locate your phone through these tech options.

It’s important to remember that life gets busy and forgetting things is bound to happen. By implementing tricks like these, you’ll find it easier to keep track of your stuff and have methods in place to find them if you were to lose it again. When you dedicate a space in your home for things to live, hang a motivational sign to remind you to put things in their place, stop collecting clutter, and use technology as an aid, things can stop getting lost and life can get a little simpler.

Use these tips to make sure you don’t lose your keys anymore! If you do get locked out, please call The Professional Locksmith and they'll get you in!