As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to keep your home safe and secure. But with so many possible threats out there, it can be challenging to know where to start. Luckily, a professional locksmith in San Jose can help you identify the weak spots in your home security and offer solutions for making it more robust. Here are just a few of the things your locksmith will recommend to help keep your home safe:
1. Install high-security locks on all exterior doors.
One of the best ways to prevent a burglary is to make it difficult for them to get into your home in the first place. Installing high-security locks on all your exterior doors will make it much more difficult for an intruder to enter. And if they get past your locks, you can rest assured that your home is well protected. Indoor security is just as important. Installing motion sensors and security cameras in your home can give you peace of mind, knowing that you’re always aware of what’s happening inside your home.
2. Keep your garage door closed and locked.
Garage doors are the most vulnerable parts of your home; therefore, it’s critical to use caution. Always keep your garage door locked at all times, even when you’re home.
And if you have an attached garage, keep the door between the garage and your house locked.
3. Secure your home windows.
Windows are another typical entry point for burglars, so it’s vital to ensure they are correctly secured. If your windows don’t have locks, talk to your locksmith about installing them. And be sure to keep your windows closed and locked when you’re not home.
Use anti-lift devices to keep your windows from being lifted out of their frames.
4. Install a home security system.
A home security system is the best way to prevent burglars and protect your home. Installing a security system is an effective way to prevent burglaries. If a burglar comes across a house with a security system, they are 60% less likely to target that home. To ensure the safety of your home, put a yard sign and stickers on your windows that display you have a security system installed.
5. Be aware of who has keys to your home.
It’s important to be aware of who has keys to your home. If you have a housekeeper, dog walker, or other service providers that need access to your home, keep track of their keys. And when they are no longer required, be sure to have the locks changed. For added security, you can install a keyless electronic door lock; this will allow you to change the door code when you need to without having to change the locks.
6. Posting pictures of your vacation on social media.
Theives may use social media to find out if you are home or not. Do not post your vacation pictures until you are back home to prevent this from happening.
Following the above tips can help keep your home safe and secure.
If you need a locksmith in San Jose, CA, call Buddy’s Locksmith at (408) 315-2063. We offer 24/7 emergency locksmith services, so we’ll always be there when you need us.
Crime Rates in San Jose, CA, Increased in 2022
San Jose officials declare that crime has surged due to policies allowing prisoners to be released early from jail. Crimes of a violent nature, such as homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault, have increased by 10.4% between 2020 and 2021, and it looks like 2022 will have an even higher crime rate.
Due to the pandemic, a third of Santa Clara County’s jail population has been released.
The data indicate that the same 30 people have been re-arrested at least 10 times within a year, signifying a possible problem with the system.
How To Protect Yourself And Your Family
Now that you know that crime rates have increased in San Jose, it is vital to take the appropriate measures to safeguard yourself and your family. Here are a few tips:
Be aware of your surroundings.
Paying attention to your surroundings is vital, especially when in unfamiliar territory on foot or behind the wheel. If you sense something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and leave the area immediately.
From dusk until dawn, turn on outside lights.
Be sure to have lights in all dark areas of your home. The front, back, and garage doors should be well-lit. Trigger Motion lighting works well too.
Always have your windows and doors locked.
You should lock your windows and doors both while you are home and away. It’s also helpful to use a deadbolt lock on all your doors. In addition to a regular door, adding a screen door can provide extra security.
Know your neighbors.
Many apps cater to helping with crime protection. Nextdoor is excellent for getting to know your neighbors and staying up-to-date on local news. People in the neighborhood post about anything and everything on Nextdoor- from lost dogs to strangers walking around.
Home Security Tips for San Jose, CA
In addition to the general safety tips, there are some specific home security tips you should follow if you live in San Jose, CA.
Install a Solid Core or Metal Entrance Door
When it comes to security doors, steel core is a fantastic choice due to its durability and solid core. They’re the most durable doors available and almost impossible to break into. They are also very affordable and can be found at most home improvement stores. If you’re in need of an even higher level of security, opt for a door with a solid core. A metal or solid core door is much more challenging to break through than a hollow core door.
Choose High-Quality Deadbolt Locks
Choosing the right front door is critical, but so is selecting the right deadbolt lock.
With many products on the market, it can be confusing to select the right one. However, there are specific criteria to consider, including:
- A deadbolt that is at least 1 inch thick. The thicker the deadbolt, the better it is when it comes to security.
- A bolt that extends at least 2 inches into the strike plate. This will make it more difficult for someone to break through the door.
- A strike plate that is reinforced with screws. This will help to make the door more secure.
- A deadbolt that has a UL 437 rating. Meaning this lock has been tested for strength and security, meaning it meets specific standards.
Install a Four-Screw Strike Plate on a Wooden Door
The main reason for this type of strike plate is that it is much more difficult to break than the standard two-screw strike plate. Having four screws distributes the force over a larger area, making it more difficult to break or kick down the door.
You can purchase a four-screw strike plate at most hardware stores. Be sure to get one the same size as your current strike plate. This is a great security measure, especially if you live in a high-crime area.
Best Door Locks
With so many different door locks available, how can you know which one is the best option for keeping your family safe?
The following are the top in their field:
Medeco Maxum-High-Security lock
The Medeco Maxum is one of the most popular residential deadlocks. With its anti-tampering components, this high-security deadlock was first used by commercial and government entities.
The Medeco Deadbolts are more resistant to bumping and other forms of assault, making them a good choice for high-security applications. Medeco-authorized locksmiths are the only ones equipped to duplicate a Medeco key. Because of its unique feature of angel cuts and the lift and rotate motion, picking this lock is impossible!
Yale Premier Single Cylinder-Standard Door Lock
A single-cylinder door lock is when there’s a slot for a key on one side and on the other side a turning knob or a thumb turn that looks like a lever that turns as a key would. Picking a Yale single-cylinder lock has been difficult even for the most experienced locksmith.
Schlage Touch Keyless-Electronic Door Lock
No need to carry keys! Schlage’s keyless feature makes it easy to come and go without worrying about where you put your key. You can program up to 19 access codes for your family and friends. The touchscreen feature works in the snow or rain, even when wearing gloves. With its Grade A certification, Schlage will keep your house safe and secure. Because most intelligent locks operate with traditional deadbolts, they are just as safe as conventional locks.
Kwikset Obsidian – Smart Lock
The Obsidian smart lock is the way to go if you’re looking for style and elegance. Don’t let the sleek design fool you; this smart lock is very secure. With its BHMA grade 2 certification, you can trust that your family is safe. Kwikset’s smart locks are compatible with various home automation systems, making them easy to integrate into your home.
Eufy Smart Lock – Touch and WiFi
Eufy smart lock gives you the option to use WiFi or not. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a more secure lock but don’t want the hassle of setting up a WiFi network. With its built-in fingerprint scanner, you can be sure that only authorized people have access to your home. You can also control the lock through Alexa. Eufy Smart Lock will include five keys that can not be duplicated.
A fingerprint reader, keypad, and keys provide multiple ways to get into the house.
Locks To Stay Away From
When it comes to selecting the appropriate lock for your door, many people feel a bit perplexed. But never fear! In this article, we’ll show you some of the door locks you need to stay away from – so that making your decision will be a breeze.
- MiLocks BLEF-02SN
- LockState LS-DB500R-SN
- MiLocks ZWF-02BN
- Yale Edge Series YR82EB
From bluetooth only smart lock that is easy to be picked and kicked in to electronic locks that are highly sensitive to picking, drilling, and kick-ins, these door locks were rated poorly for their performance in remote access ability and convenience.
If you pick these lock options, you might as well not put a lock on your door at all.
Conclusion
The best door lock is the one that fits your needs the most. Consider what is important to you: security, convenience, or a combination. Many great options are available on the market, so do your research and find the perfect one for you and your family!
