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How a Door Latch Guard Provides Additional Security

Latch Guard

There are several ways to make your door security better. A door latch guard is one of the better choices. Before you make your decision, it’s important to understand how latch guards work.

Picking a Lock

Some break-ins happen because the criminal picks the lock. They slide a credit card or another tool between the crack in the door and use it to unlatch the lock to get in.

The gap between the frame of the door and the door is one of the weak points giving criminals away in. For some doors, the bolt of the lock is actually visible through this gap.

Adding a Latch Guard for Protection

A latch guard makes it possible to keep your lock from easily being picked. This security tool will cover the gap where the bolt of the lock is making it much harder to sneak any type of tool through the gap.

Outswing doors are the most common for latch guard installations. Since the latch guard can be put on the outside of the door, it works properly to guard the latch of the door from tampering.

The latch guard will be made of a single piece of metal, which will be installed on the exterior of the door. Some latch guards also include a security pin to embed it into the door frame. This adds even more security, especially in condos and apartments.

A latch guard can also be used on inswing doors, but it’s a different type of security device. It’s made of two pieces and uses a U-channel design to help protect the latch from tampering.

Protecting your Business

It’s common to find latch guards on storefront doors and business entryways. There’s usually a very large gap between the doors at a storefront, which needs to be protected. With the right latch guard, any business can add more security to their entryway.

A Low-Cost Pro-Active Security Device

Adding a latch guard to your door will help add security. These devices are very inexpensive and work with any door. Of course, you want to make sure you get the right latch guard for your specific door since they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The type of door you need a latch guard installed on will determine the type of guard installed. Regardless, it will be a low-cost solution offering more protection for your entryway.

If you prefer to be pro-active about your home or business security, a latch guard for your entry doors is a good idea. You can hire a Chicago locksmith to install your latch guards throughout your apartment building, on your business doors, or just on your home door.

Letting a professional install your latch guard ensures it will work properly. You want to make sure you gain better security and Quick Key Locksmith is here to help. Whether you need a latch guard for one door or hundreds of doors, we will make sure you gain the security you desire.

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How to Ensure Your Windows are Secure

Window Locks

Maybe you already have a home security system, so you don’t think you need to worry about securing your windows. While this might seem like a good thought due to the motion sensors you have, it’s still a good idea to make sure your windows are secure.

Along with your home security system, there are some very easy and good ways to secure your windows. Let’s look at a few of the best ways to make sure your windows are secure.

6 Ways to Properly Secure Your Windows

1. Locks

The first place to start is with locks. While you may already have window locks, since most come with them, it might be necessary to choose an aftermarket window lock.

You can choose pin locks for ground floor windows and even keyed locks for the most vulnerable windows. Hinged wedge locks also work well with double-hung windows and sash locks are a good choice for double-hung windows.

2. Tempered Glass

If you’re replacing your windows, you can choose windows with tempered glass. It’s stronger than annealed glass, which means it will be harder to break.

Since tempered glass goes through the heating and cooling process more than just once, it becomes stronger. This type of glass also doesn’t break into jagged pieces.

3. Add Security Cameras

Security cameras may not help physically make your windows more secure, but they certainly help with security. You can add outdoor security cameras as a deterrent.

Choosing HD video cameras with night vision will give you a great option to help secure your windows.

4. Motion Sensor Lights

Another option for better window security is to install motion sensor lights outside. These tend to freeze would-be burglars and send them packing. They won’t want to take the change of being caught in the light, so they will likely leave.

Some motion censored lights will even send an alarm to your phone when they are set off.

5. Plant Thorny Shrubbery

If you want to add to your landscaping, you can choose thorny shrubbery to plant around and below the windows in your home. When burglars try to break in, they will either get pricked by crawling through the shrubbery or they will know it’s thorny and move on.

6. Window Bars

While they may not look the best, window bars add another layer of security to your home. You can choose window bars that match your home or give it a specific feel.

You don’t have to choose the common ones you see at stores. There are some window bars offering a more decorative look, while also providing better window security for your home.

Securing your home’s windows is very important. You want to make sure criminals cannot easily access your home from any window they can reach.

Of course, you don’t want to forget about second-floor windows, as they can become access points for more creative burglars. If you have a second-floor balcony, make sure the sliding door and any windows on it are also secured properly.

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Maintenance Tips for Commercial & Residential Safes

Security Safe

For businesses, safes are usually the last thing on your mind when it comes to your to-do list. You typically prioritize business activities before anything else since your business depends on it, right? The same goes for residents who may have safes in their homes as well. There are a million other tasks that can be accomplished before dealing with your safe.

Be Gentle

Sounds simple enough right? Even if you have a heavy-duty safe, constant slamming of the safe door can cause internal parts and bolts to malfunction and eventually break. Safes with a traditional locking mechanism are more susceptible to breaking because internal parts wear and tear easier.

This is why investing in modern safes such as a biometric, keypad, and safes that require electronic access cards is better for your pockets and more durable.

Ensure Locking Mechanisms are Lubricated

Constantly opening and closing your safe will naturally cause wear and tear over time. No one wants to deal with a safe that doesn’t open, even when the right combination is input. This can be troublesome especially when you have something of value that you need to get out when you’re in a time crunch.

Better yet, it can really be troublesome when you have a gun safe and need to extract something for protection. To avoid this, keep all moving parts lubricated. At a minimum, locks should have maintenance done annually.

Invest in Maintenance & Repair

Last but definitely not least, make an investment in your safe! Safes hold valuable items and the last thing you want to do is jeopardize the availability of those items. For this reason, you should invest in safe maintenance and repair.

Hire Safe Repair Professionals for the Job

Quick Key Locksmith is available 24/7 to help with all your residential and commercial locksmith services. Need safe maintenance? Safe Repair Services? We’re here to get the job done! Contact us at (877) 787-3399

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Cleaning Your Facility & Your Home During COVID-19

With COVID-19 causing unfortunate side effects on our economy, now is the time to change our habits and place the safety of our loved ones and employees at the top of our to-do list.

Where do people migrate to every morning? Their workplace! With that being said, we feel as if it’s crucial for businesses to ensure you’re keeping your facility as clean as possible. We’ve compiled some tips on how to do so.

Cleaning Electronics

Cleaning electronics can be a little tricky for some people since you must be careful to avoid damaging company technology. Electronics you may need to sanitize in your business may include tablets, touch screens, remote controls, mouses, keyboards, phones, and intercom systems. Here’s how to go about doing that.

When cleaning electronics, you should clean them based on the manufacturer’s handbook. If this isn’t available to you, feel free to clean all electronics utilizing alcohol wipes, not soap and water, and dry thoroughly after finishing.

Had an Employee Who Was Infected?

When finding out one of your employees was infected with the virus, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your employees are as safe as can be.

  1. Backtrack and be sure to close off all areas where he/she may have been.
  2. The next step is to get as much air circulation in the area as possible for at least a few hours. 24 hours of air circulation is recommended by the CDC.
  3. Clean everything that the employee may have been in contact with soap and water or alcohol solutions that contain at least 70% alcohol.

While these steps may be common sense for some, we would just like to reiterate that following these steps is in the best interest of your company. Keeping employees safe when coming into work should be your biggest priority to ensure we help stop the spread of not only COVID-19 but many other illnesses that can be avoided by cleaning.

We recommend making this a weekly or monthly habit at your place of work!

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3 Ways to Extract a Broken Key from a Lock

Broken Key in Lock

You’re arriving at your home after a long day of work. You’re excited to Key broken and stuck in the door? It happens!

What causes this breakage?

  1. Sometimes this occurs due to normal wear and tear on a key over time. The teeth on the key get worn down and can make it difficult for the teeth to catch onto the lock.
  2. In a hurry? Using excessive force can sometimes break a key in an instant.
  3. Other times it can be due to the key being a cheap duplicate!

No matter the cause of your key breaking in the door, we can all agree that it’s a huge pain. The question becomes, how can you extract it and move on about your day?

3 Ways to Extract a Broken Key

 

Tweezers

This is usually the go-to tool when a key breaks off in a door for most people. Two things you need to be aware of is how far the key has broken off in the lock, and how wide/thick the tweezers are. Thin tweezers that open wide are ideal for the job. Too thick tweezers won’t allow you to position them along the sides of the key, while tweezers that don’t open wide enough will not be able to grasp it. The last thing you want to do is end up pushing the key further in the locking mechanism.

This method will only work if there’s a little bit of key sticking out. Pushing the key deeper is more likely to happen if this isn’t the case.

Jigsaw Blade

This is probably the most time-consuming method of them all and will most likely require a trip to your local hardware store. However, if available, use two jigsaw blades when trying to extract a broken key. Insert both blades on opposite sides of the key.

For this to be successful, the blades must be thin enough. Be sure the blades are also faced down so that they can hook the teeth of the key. After doing so, simply turn and pull.

If it doesn’t work the first time, try again!

Super Glue

This should be your last option if all else fails. While we do not always agree with this method, because it can end up making things worse, this is an option that can be pulled off if done correctly.

The trick here is to utilize something small like a match and glue it to the key. Mind you, this only works if part of the key is sticking out. After creating a firm bond between the two, try pulling the key out of the lock!

Extracting a key isn’t easy all the time. It depends on the type of lock and how the key is broken.

Contact Your Chicago Locksmith

Don’t feel like extracting it? Tried these methods and still came up short? Give us a call at 877-787-3399. With 24/7 service, Quick Key Locksmith & Security can get the job done fast and affordable when needed. Not only can we remove the key,  we can also create a duplicate key.

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How Crash Bars Can Improve Business Security

Crash Bars

What Is A Commercial Locksmith? 

The job of a commercial business locksmith is to install the proper locking and security mechanisms to keep a commercial business safe. A locksmith provides businesses with keys, locks, crash bars, panic bars, touch bars, and other advanced security measures that are needed to maintain commercial business safety.

When businesses are considering locksmith for the installation of their safety and security measures for their facility, they should make sure that the company that they choose has been vetted carefully and has highly trained installers. A locksmith should be able to perform the following services:

  • Install master key systems
  • Rekey locks
  • Install locks
  • Repair locks
  • Install high-security doors and reinforcement
  • Install advanced access control systems

The Importance of Panic Bars And Crash Bars For Commercial Business Safety 

When it comes to commercial buildings, almost all of them are required to have crash bars which are also known as panic bars on their emergency doors. This requirement is part of most commercial building codes. The crash bars or push bars are the most popular type of door locks since they have multiple different types of benefits. Once the individual depresses the bar on the door this activates the unlatching mechanism of the door and allows a smooth easy exit. Push bars have been the reason why the casualties in random incidents, such as stampedes, have decreased tremendously.

The Benefits Of Push Bars On Emergency Exit Doors

The way that push bars increase commercial building security is that the doors are designed so that they aren’t accessed from the exit side of the door. Because of this security feature that push bars offer, businesses can we receive insurance discounts for having them installed. Did we mention that they’re also very affordable and they are catered to fit the needs of each individual building?

The push bar also varies when it comes to the style so a facility can get the exact push bar that matches their measurements when it comes to vertical or horizontal designs.

Quick-Key is always available to install push bars for your commercial business. Reach out to any of our locations and schedule an appointment today!

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Using Mobile Devices for Your Security

Using Mobile Devices for Your Security  

Mobile devices are everywhere in today’s world. The number of mobile phone users alone is expected to reach over 6.8 billion by 2020, and around two out of three businesspeople, today are using mobile devices like smartphones for an even more diverse set of applications.

Mobile phone access control uses smartphones and mobile devices as keys to get access to protected buildings, rooms, and areas, in your home or office. About 20% of organizations and businesses are expected to familiarize themselves with the use of smartphones as an option to outdated physical access cards by the year 2020. One reason for the high estimated growth for the usage of smartphones as digital access control keys is that mobile technology is now widely used for identification, authentication, permission, and accountability in computer systems across the world.

Using mobile devices as keys not only provide a useful experience to the end-user, it also helps increase operational effectiveness and fulfillment of today’s mobile using workforces across the globe. Just as vital, it represents a lower cost, easier way for companies and regular people, to manage the identification, as it removes many physical tasks related to handling, printing, allotting, and getting rid of physical badges. Quick Key Locksmith and Security are always available for answering any questions you may have, regarding mobile access control.

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7 Tips for Protecting Your Home When Going On Vacation

Safety While on Vacation

The enjoyment of summer vacations comes from experiencing new places or visiting favorite places. But, being away from your home for any length of time leaves your house and property susceptible to break-ins and robbery.

We’ve assembled our top 7 tips for protecting your home while you are away on vacation.

1. Install a Video Security System

Installing a high-quality security camera system in your home gives a first-line-of-defense against break-ins and burglary. Choosing a video security system with the right number of cameras needed to cover your whole property, inside and out is important. Make sure crucial areas such as your front and back doors, yard, rooms with valuables, and entrances inside of your home have sufficient surveillance coverage.

 

It is also important to choose the best security cameras for your home or business needs. Infrared security cameras or IR cameras will provide improved low light and nighttime surveillance capabilities. Also, hidden cameras provide an additional level of security, when combined with a video security system. Hidden cameras are camouflaged inside of enclosures that look like common, ordinary objects such as an AC adapter, smoke detector, or floodlight, and can be positioned around key areas of your home. Hidden cameras are nearly invisible—so criminals won’t know they are even being watched, or be able to disconnect or damage the cameras to elude being caught on video.

Furthermore, a home security system that can be seen and managed remotely with your cell phone or mobile device and can provide additional peace-of-mind while you are away from home on vacation or just away.

2. Keep Your Home Lighted Well

Thieves often mark homes that are not well lit. They use the lack of light to their benefit to break into your home while going unseen. Therefore, it’s important to keep your home sufficiently lit. You can achieve this by installing timers to turn on indoor lights at different intervals, and at various times while you are not home. You can also install motion detection floodlights that can turn on whenever motion is sensed in your yard. At the very least, install motion-activated floodlights in your front and back yard for added protection.

3. Make Sure to Hide Your Valuables

Before you get on with your vacation, you’ll definitely want to take a look around your home and make sure your valuables are safely hidden from view. Eliminate any expensive electronics such as laptops or tablets away from a clear view from a window. Place valuables such as jewelry, credit cards, rare coins, money, and other possessions in a trusted safe, or a safety deposit box while you are away from home. Other items such as grills, lawn equipment, and toys should also be hidden from view and locked up also.

4. Make Sure to Lock All Doors and Windows

Locking all doors and windows before you leave is also extremely important. Many thieves break into your house by entering through an unlocked door or window. Double-check all windows, side, back, and front doors are locked securely before you leave for your vacation.

For added security, you can strengthen your patio door by placing a wooden or steel rod in the door track. This will prevent robbers from being able to open the sliding glass door if they get open or unlock the door.

Additionally, you need to make sure your garage door is secure. If you have an automatic garage door, you can unplug the power to it for added protection, because crafty thieves can use a universal remote to open your garage door, if it’s getting power.

5. Put a Hold on Your Mail

If you are going to be on vacation for more than a few days, you’ll want to let the post office know to hold your mail or have a reliable neighbor or friend pick up your mail for you. That way, you won’t have mail stacking up in your mailbox, which can tip off thieves that you’re not home. Also, if you have a daily or weekly newspaper delivery, have a friend or neighbor pick up the newspapers too.

6. Unplug All Electronics

In order to guard your electronics such as computers, TV’s, gaming systems, and other valuable items while you are away on vacation, just unplug them. Unplugging these devices will stop any damage occurred while you are away by a potential power surge, power outage, brownout, rolling blackout, or other electrical catastrophes.

7. Always Check Heating and Cooling Systems

Before you leave on your vacation, it’s always a good idea to check your heating and cooling systems, and hot water heaters to make sure they are running properly, and are not in need of any repair. The last thing you need to do is to come home to a flooded house from a hot water heater that gave out, pipes that froze, or an air conditioner that just stopped working.

Quick Key Locksmith & Security is always here to answer any questions or give suggestions to any locksmith or surveillance questions you might have. We want our neighborhoods to be as safe as possible for everyone living here.

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What Does a Home Security System Cost?

security system equipmnet

What Does a Home Security System Cost?

Are you thinking about having a security system installed in your residence? Maybe it’s to give you peace of mind as well as to help protect your family and your possessions? If so, you may be wondering how much a home security system would cost.

The shortest answer is: the price differs depending on the company, the monitoring service package, and the equipment that comes with it. For instance, with some monitoring, you can select from several monitoring services with additional add-on equipment.

For answers to some basic home security questions, continue on:

Why Should I Purchase a Home Security System?

The cost of a home security system is fairly small when you consider the possible costs of property loss or damage from a break-in. A home security system not only offers peace of mind and a sense of safety but also helps to frighten off would-be invaders. Another study directed by leading University reports monitored alarm systems make a home three times less expected to be robbed than a house without an alarm system.

What are the differences between a professionally monitored and a not monitored security system? 

While researching online you might have learned that you can select from a professionally monitored or unmonitored home security system. Professionally monitored security systems are inclined to be much more expensive than an unmonitored security system, but many homeowners appreciate knowing someone is monitoring their home 24/7. Monitored systems are typically connected to a phone LAN line, so when a sensor is activated, the monitoring company is notified and contacts the appropriate authorities.

Un-monitored systems often have the same sensors contained within monitored systems; however, when the inside alarm sounds, no reports will be sent out to the authorities. Instead, the alarm just warns homeowners and neighbors of a problem, but if you’re not at home, you must depend on your neighbors to contact emergency or police services.

How Much Does a Home Security System Cost? 

By now you are probably unsure how to define your average monthly cost for home security. The best way to find this out is to talk to a home security expert to determine which monitoring package and equipment is best for you and your home or office.

Quick Key security specialists will gladly give you a free quote. To customize your plan, they may ask you a few of the below questions to determine which monitoring package is best for you:

  1. How big is your home or office?
  2. How many entryways need to be watched?
  3. Do you want to control your system by remote?
  4. Do you have a landline phone in your home?
  5. Do you want to include video surveillance?

For answers to all your home security questions, check out our services at quick-key.net  or give us a call at 1-855-220-6124.

 

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5 Things Burglars Look For In a Home Before They Break In

Burglary Breakin

Thieves don’t usually choose their houses randomly. The threat of being caught is simply too great to go into a home with a tough alarm system and guard dog. Burglars look for weak properties. Defending your home from thieves means getting into the mind of an intruder, so you know what to elude. Here are five things that a burglar will look for in an easier target:

#1 Easy Entry

Struggling with tough locks and dodging motion sensor alarms is much more work than walking through an unlocked back door. Install a DIY security system. Making your house look harder to get into could direct a thief elsewhere.

#2 A Hidden Entry Point

A window opportunely masked by trees and shrubs gives a criminal time to get inside without possibly being seen by neighbors. Cut back the shrubs and tree branches near your property year-round. Motion triggered floodlights also make it harder for them.

#4 Signs of an Empty Home

One of the best home security advice is to make it look like people are in the house as often as possible. If you go away on vacation, have a neighbor get your newspaper and have the post office hold all of your mail. Unkempt grass and a dark house at night are other ways you can unintentionally show a burglar that the home is empty and easy pick ins.

#5 Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners on lower level floors also leave an inadvertent opening for an intruder. If you have to use an AC on a ground floor window, strengthen your home with motion-activated audible alarms and other preventative measures.

The moral is that if you make a burglar question whether they’ll be caught, you highly increase the likelihood they will not choose your home. Check out our outdoor security cameras for sale and motion-activated lights to get started. If you still have questions, call Quick Key and we’ll be glad to help you.