A locksmith is one of the most critical components of any given home’s security strategy. After all, a locked door is often the first line of defense of any given home, and the abilities of one’s locksmith will determine the level of safety and security they will enjoy in the long run.
 
Changing one’s locks isn’t the sort of activity anyone wants to make a habit, not only because of the expense the activity can sometimes attract but the inconvenience involved. However, there are cases where this prospect is simply unavoidable, situations that tend to necessitate the changing of one’s locks, the most prominent of which include the following:
 
Losing Your Keys
This is the primary factor that drives people to change their locks. A surprising number of individuals lose their keys every year, and when this happens, one has no other choice but to change their locks. It doesn’t really matter if they are eventually returned to you. Once you lose sight of your keys and you are unable to account for their whereabouts for any notable amount of time, it is important that you change the locks, lest someone take advantage of your loss to gain access to your home.
 
Worn Locks
Locks do not last forever. Eventually, they begin to wear out and rust, transforming into a serious weakness for your home’s security. Keep in mind the fact that old locks are much easier to pick and break. Keep an eye out for any visible signs of wear such as rust and tarnish. More often than not, you can tell that your locks need immediate replacement when they become increasingly difficult to open with your keys.
 
Intrusion
When you become the victim of a break-in or an attempted break-in, it would be within your best interests to change your locks. For one thing, the force used to break into your home is bound to have compromised the integrity of your lock’s components.
 
More importantly, once someone successfully breaks into your home, they tend to gain vital insider knowledge into the workings of your security and the weaknesses of your locks. As such, you are encouraged to reinvigorate your security by changing your locks.
 
A break in should compel you to scrutinize any security arrangements you have and to close any weaknesses you encounter.
 
Moving
When you move into a new home, it is only rational for you to undertake the expense of changing your locks. The chances are quite high that the former occupant still has the keys to your new home. As such, rather than taking chances with your security, you are better off changing every lock in your new home.
 
This same level of prudence is encouraged anytime you change roommates. If someone moves out of your house or apartment, especially under hostile circumstances, the only way you can ensure that access to your home remains restricted is by changing your locks.
Individuals that have experienced divorces or separations rarely take this issue into account. It doesn’t really matter how civilized your separation might have been. If you want to avoid misunderstandings, you need to change your locks. Even if your former partner isn’t the sort of person to misuse their access to your home, there is no telling who will have access to their keys once the two of you separate. Do not take chances.
 
Spare Keys
This goes without saying; any time you give out your spare keys, especially to repairmen, service persons and the like, and you do not receive them back, it is imperative that you change the locks to your home. You can never be too sure about who might try accessing your home.
 
On a whole, any individual with property of any notable value is encouraged to change their locks every few years. You do not have to experience one of the situations above in order to change your locks.
 
Like any security mechanism, locks do not merely wear and tear over time. They can also grow obsolete. More importantly, technology is constantly changing. The only way to stay ahead of all those nefarious minds working to develop even more effective methods of infiltrating your home is to change your locks on a regular basis.
 
Consult a professional locksmith like A-1 Lock & Key where necessary. Make an effort to remain abreast of technological trends when it comes to your locks.
 
 
A-1 Lock & Key
15435 Schafer Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: (225) 924-7007
Email: info@A1safeandlockco.com
www.a1safeandlockco.com

Needless to say, one of the last things that any of us would want to lose is our car keys. Just imagine being locked out of your car, and how much more trouble you would be in if you are running late for a meeting or are caught up in the rain. It would, undoubtedly, be a total disaster and would most likely create a negative impact on your day.
 
The good thing about losing your car keys, however, is that like any other unpleasant situation, it can be avoided. All it needs is some organization and focused follow through in order to ensure that you will never lose your car keys again. Below, therefore, we take a look at 6 simple ways to ensure that you do not lose your car keys as follows:
 
1. Use a key tray or hook
Ensure that you always put your car keys in either of these so that whenever you need them, you will know exactly where to find them. It is advisable to place the key tray or hook in an accessible place such as above the fridge, the table next to the main door, or your bedside etc. These are foolproof locations where you can store and easily retrieve your keys.
 
2. Use reminders
People who are extremely busy with hectic schedules are most likely to forget things - their home and car keys included. So, if you are among this lot and find it difficult to organize your keys, remind yourself of the things you ought not to forget by placing notes all over your office or house. It may come across as silly but if it is what is needed, then it should be done. Put a note to the effect that you do not forget your car keys’ in your closet or on the main door so that before leaving your office or house, you are sure that you have them. Remembering that you have forgotten your car keys when already locked out and running late makes little sense.
 
3. Try key chains
Here, when we refer to key chains, you do not have to limit yourself to the Spiderman or Hello Kitty inspired varieties that abound. Sure they work - but if you suffer from a severe case of forgetfulness, try attaching your car keys to your wallet, door pass, parking pass, ID and for women, your beauty kits. You are sure to have the aforementioned items with you on a daily basis so are less likely to forget your car keys if you attach them to these items.
 
4. Adopt technology
With today’s advances in technology, almost everything has become simplified and that includes locating lost objects such as car keys. Presently, there are gadgets that are designed to trace lost car keys through the use of transmitters that emit sounds so that you can track them wherever they may be. Operated through a main controller, such gadgets are, admittedly, a bit pricey.
 
5. Spare keys
From the foregoing, it is evident that the main issue that we are trying to address is not losing our car keys again. However, it is always beneficial to plan ahead and have a safety net when you can. Ensuring that you have spare keys is thus a great way of saving yourself a lot of trouble when the above mentioned tips are not observed. Just make sure that the spare keys are always somewhere safe like in your wallet or in the inner pocket of your bag. Most importantly, remember where you keep them in case you need them.
 
6. Call in a locksmith
If you are always losing your car keys for one reason or the other, you may choose to have new ones made or go the safer route and have your car locks replaced. The latter is especially smart because it guarantees you peace of mind that no one will be able to access your car. This is also a welcome idea if your locks were getting old and worn out.
 
In the unfortunate event that none of these tips prove effective and you still end up misplacing your car keys, feel free to call A-1 Lock & Key to schedule a quick appointment with one of their skilled and licensed locksmiths who should be able to sort out your problem.
 
 
A-1 Lock & Key
15435 Schafer Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Phone: (225) 924-7007
Email: info@A1safeandlockco.com
www.a1safeandlockco.com