Preventing Home Lock Outs
Most people have experienced the bad luck of losing or misplacing their home keys some time in their lives.
But when it happens, it’s not only frustrating, it can also be very distressing particularly if keys are lost late at night, during bad weather or when you’re in a rush. And if you’re tired or stressed, it becomes even harder to think clearly and remember where your keys could possibly be which can make a bad situation even worse.
However, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent this from happening and to safeguard your access to your home.
Have a look at these five ways of reducing the likelihood of getting locked out of your home:
- Follow a routine
People often have so much going on in their lives and in their heads that it’s easy to forget the mundane things like where you placed your keys. A good way to avoid this is to have a regular spot for your keys. It could be in a handbag, in a designated container on your desk or in a drawer – it just has to be a regular spot so that putting your keys in the same place every day becomes a habit.
- Sharpen your memory skills
The mind needs exercise just as much as the body does, and doing brain games to sharpen your memory will stand you in good stead throughout your life. Things like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, word games and online ‘brain fitness’ programmes like Lumosity can help improve memory, concentration and alertness – helping you to not only remember where you put your keys in the first place but helping with recall and retracing your steps if need be.
- Ask a neighbour or close friend to hold a spare key
Do a key swap with a close friend or trusted neighbour so that you both have access to spares if necessary.
- Keep a spare key hidden on your property
Keeping a spare key hidden on your property is handy – but it can also be hazardous. Crime is on the increase and burglars know all the tricks about where to look for hidden keys, so it’s not a practice that is encouraged. However, if you do need to leave a key on your property somewhere (for a child coming home from school, a neighbour coming in to water plants while you are away etc), make sure that it’s in a secure, unusual and well-hidden spot (not under the door mat, in a flower pot or on top of the door frame!). The best option is to have a lockbox with a code or password-protected entry which should also be concealed somewhere safe.
- Smart locks are a smart choice
Advancements in technology and digital communications have opened up a whole new world of possibility when it comes to keyless entry. A simple keypad at your entrance door is convenient and secure whilst more advanced smart locks can be linked to your home security system and activated remotely by digital devices.
These automated options take your home security to a new level. For example, you can have the system set up in such a way that you get an alert if your front door lock has been tampered with or you can turn the lights on remotely so you don’t have to come home in the pitch dark.
Getting locked out of your home is frustrating – but you don’t want the situation to become a security risk. Why not chat to your home alarm provider about installing smart locks and keyless entry so that you never have to worry about losing or misplacing your keys again?
Crown Security can help with all types of home security systems in Perth, from home security systems and CCTV cameras to commercial security systems, access control systems, home automation and smart wiring and they will design, supply and install a tailor-made and cost-effective solution to suit your unique needs. Banish lost keys forever and contact Crown Security on 08 6117 1246 or visit www.crownsecurity.com.au.