Fully equipped locksmiths

Security Tips

B.C. home security depends on two important factors:

• The type of locking devices you choose
  The deadbolt is the most common type of deadlock used for residential security.  When choosing the deadbolt that is right for your home, the three main considerations are:  design, quality and advanced mechanical technology.  Key West is happy to provide you with recommendations based on our 24 years of experience.
• How you have your locks installed
  Improper installation of a lock will result in malfunction and may not secure the door as it should. Key West Locksmiths guarantees every one of our installations.

Are you doing enough to ensure the security of your home or business?

Key West offers some helpful tips to improve the security of your home and business:   

Home Security

• General
  • Remove trees or branches of trees close to your home that could give burglars access to upper levels.
  • Don't talk about your schedule to anyone.
  • Always leave some lights on in your house at night.
  • Keep the lawn mowed and the landscaping in good appearance.
  • Never allow newspapers to pile up on the front step, if you plan to be away, have someone pick them up for you.
  • Use electrical timers to turn on and off lights and appliances when no one is home.
  • When vacationing, ask a neighbor to park his or her car in your driveway.
  • Never place the box from the new big screen television or other expensive item on the curb for trash pickup. Instead, cut up the box and tie it with string, being careful to hide the product identification.
• Doors
  • Use deadbolt locks that extend at least 1 inch into the strike plate.
  • All entrance doors should have a solid core.
  • Locks on the inside of the door should be at least 40 inches from glass.
  • Locks must be re-keyed after you move in.
  • Choose solid wood or steel doors; a hollow wood door can be easily kicked in.
• Windows
  • Curtains or blinds should fully cover windows.
  • Windows left open for ventilation should be secured.
  • Basement windows should have security bars
  • Make sure the area around windows is free from concealment.  If not, cut back plants or trees that block a clear view.
• Exterior
  • Your house number should be easily visible from the street.
  • Make sure doorways are well lit.
  • If your home is equipped with an air conditioner placed within a window frame, make sure it is secured from inside the residence.  If the air conditioner is secured from outside, a burglar could remove the air conditioner and gain access to the residence.
• Garage Doors
  • Upgrade your fixed-code to a remote system with a control unit.
  • Equip your garage door with a locking device in addition to the garage door opener (for example: hasps and padlocks on the outside and inside).
  • Keep the garage closed at all times; sometimes garages contain tools that can be used to open the connecting door to your house.
  • The outside swing door entrance to your garage must be equipped with appropriate locks.
• Apartments
  • Open lobby doors only for people you know.
  • When moving in, have the locks re-keyed.
  • Use only your initials and last name to identify yourself on the lobby list.

Business Security

• Position your safe in clear view and secure it to the floor.
• Change your safe's combination often.
• Vary your schedule for trips to the bank.
• Make frequent deposits so a minimal amount of cash is stored at your business.
• Install 'motion sensitive' as well as 'constant' outside lights.
• Place inside lights in the rear of rooms so that shadows can be seen from the street.
• Be sure that fire escapes don't provide easy access to your business for burglars.