If you ever get locked out of the house, having a spare key can save you a lot of stress. However, there’s always a risk that this extra one may end up in the wrong hands. If you’re looking for peace of mind when it comes to home security, here are a few rules to follow when hiding the spare.

Do:

Keep it with a trusted neighbor.

Rather than hide the master key outside, it’s safest to keep it with a neighbor who you trust. Should you get locked out, you can call that person for help. If something happens while you’re away on vacation, they will also be able to check on your house.

Use a lock box.

Keeping a spare outside of your home can be convenient but also risky if it’s easy to access. To ensure the master key is safe while accessible, install a heavy-duty lock box on the outside of your home. These boxes use codes to open, so you won’t need an additional key to get your spare. For optimal home security, only give the code to those who should enter your home.

Don’t:

Store in obvious places.

While storing your key outside can be convenient, burglars know to check common hiding places. As such, you should avoid keeping the master key under the doormat, in a flower pot, or in the mailbox. If you are pressed for time and must leave it outside, choose discrete places away from the door. For instance, you can tuck it under a vinyl siding panel or tape it to a wind chime.

Forget to Get Keys Back

If you’ve given a pet or house sitter a spare key, don’t wait to get it back. Even if the individual is trustworthy, they can still end up losing it, allowing it to get into the hands of potential burglars.

 

While it’s always helpful to have a spare master key, you should also ensure your home is as secure as possible. Homeowners in the Piedmont-Triad area turn to Ability Lock & Key for fast and reliable assistance with home security issues. These professionals have the tools and experience necessary to give you peace of mind with master key systems, deadbolt installation, and rekeying your property. As a mobile locksmith, they will come to your location for convenient service. To learn more about how they can assist, visit the Winston-Salem, NC, team online. Call (336) 407-1586 to speak with a representative.