All Security Locks

* The first thing you should do when moving into a new home is change the locks to all external doors.  No matter how nice the previous owners/tenants were, you have no idea who they may have given keys to over the years.  Start fresh and secure.


* If you have moved into an older home, remember that antiqued, original locks may look quaint, but they are no match for the security of more modern locking systems.  Ask your All Security consultant for options that will combine up-to-date strength with a more old-fashioned look that will blend in with your traditional property.


* All doors should be lockable from both sides, preferably with a deadlock system that requires a key.


* Install a chain lock on your front door to give you added security when speaking to a visitor; you can open the door enough to have one to one communication, but the person cannot gain access to your home without your consent.

* Never give out a key to contractors or visitors that will operate all your locks.  If your home has been fitted with a “one key fits all” system, change the locks on one door that will give access to non-family members so that you will only have to re-key one door if needs be, not your entire house.  Also, be careful who you give your alarm codes to, and if you do have a multi-user access situation, consider upgrading to an alarm system that allows you to give each individual their own code so as to monitor their use and deny access to problem individuals without having to reset the entire system.


* Keypads are also a good alternative to traditional locks in the multi-user situation, and in the event of having to deny access to one or more user, changing the codes is infinitely quicker and easier than changing all the locks.  This option also avoids the inevitability of one user compromising the security of your property by losing a key.


* Combination keyless locks can also be used within the home to bar access to certain rooms more securely than with a traditional lock and key.


* Doors adjacent to windows require special precautions to keep your property secure, as intruders can reach locks on these doors by breaking the window glass and reaching in.  Make sure each door lock that could be reached from a window is equipped with a captive key lock dead bolt system with a removable thumb latch. Remember that dead bolts can be a fire hazard, though, so make certain each and every dead bolt lock in your home has a removable key on the inside cylinder when you are home.  Keep the lock bolted on both sides and remove the key from the door when you are away from your property.


* All windows should be fitted with locks or at least secondary security devices which will prevent them from being opened far enough for an intruder to crawl through (but that can be disabled from the inside to allow emergency exit).


* Get in the habit of locking all doors and windows whenever you leave the house, however briefly you intend to be gone.


* If you are the type of person who often misplaces your keys, there are now various solutions to your problem.  Secrete a spare key in a combination or key lockbox on your property, and/or with a trusted neighbor, or invest in a key chain that is equipped with a radio transmitter that will allow you to locate lost keys by sound, or you could go more hi-tech and install keyless fingerprint locksgm

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