While you often set personal and professional goals at the start of a new year, sometimes your home environments are overlooked. One of the most crucial aspects of your property is its safety. As you plan your resolutions for 2020, consider some ways to optimize your home security. From changing the locks to ensuring only trusted individuals have spare keys, here are some simple tips to consider.

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Improving Home Security

1. Upgrade Your Door Locks

Upgrading your home’s door locks is a good idea for several reasons. First, it ensures that any past sitters or other service providers who once had a key can no longer gain entry. Secondly, it also equips your home with a sturdier line of defense, as old locks can become rusted and vulnerable to breaking.

2. Keep Keys in a Convenient Location

If you don’t have a designated spot for keeping your keys, you could be more likely to lose them. A lost key floating out in your community will naturally make you feel a little uneasy. It’s, therefore, wise to designate a spot, such as small hooks next to your coat rack, where keys are kept.

3. Only Give Keys Out to Trusted Parties

Trusted friends, neighbors, family members, and people you employ are the only individuals who should have spare keys. Not only does it grant them easy access, but it also gives you a source to call if you ever get locked out. Just be sure to keep track of who you give them to and change the locks if you ever experience a falling out.

4. Learn How to Hide Spares Effectively

Hiding spare keys is risky since criminals are likely to check common spaces — under the doormat, for example. If you do choose to hide a spare key, consider investing in a specially designed hideaway, such as a hollow door knocker, fake sprinkler head or drain cap, or even a deceptive outdoor socket cover.

5. Prevent Lockouts

If you get locked out, you may be tempted to break open a door or window if you need to get in quickly, which can leave your home vulnerable to future break-ins. While you should always call a locksmith if you find yourself locked out, the best ways to prevent lockouts in the first place are to always double-check for keys before leaving and making duplicate keys you can keep in a safe place.

 

If you’re ready to replace your locks, contact Richmond Hill Locksmith for assistance. Serving Bryan County, GA, this trusted locksmith offers installation services, as well as 24/7 lock-out assistance. See their full list of services online, or call (912) 727-3878 for assistance.