As with all home appliances and tools, your locks also need looking after from time to time. Here are the tips you need to follow to ensure that your locks remain in good working condition.

Locks are an integral part of your home and they are used more than a few times a day. Therefore, it is crucial that you maintain your locks regularly so that they remain in optimum working condition.

Locks have motorized mechanisms that need to be maintained just like any other appliance. The average life of a standard lock is about six years however if you don’t follow proper instructions to maintain your locks, they might wear out before the time.

Go through these effective tips to help maintain the locks of your doors so that you can use them for the maximum amount of time.

Your Door Must Be Properly Installed Door hinges
It is crucial that your door is installed perfectly so that your locks can work correctly. If a door is not installed properly, it creates stress on the bolt or latch of the door and causes damage. Check if the door is appropriately hung when the professionals are installing it. The space between the door and the frame must be proportionate on both sides.

If there are rub or skid marks on the floor that are caused by the dragging of the door along the ground, then it is evident the door is poorly aligned, which in turn will cause the misalignment of your locks.

Check the Hinges and Strike Plates
The position of the door is also dependent on the other hardware of the door such as the strike plates and hinges. The door may droop when the screws which are in the hinges are not big enough, which also works to avoid forced entry. Similarly, the deadbolt plates must also be attached to the wall frame with elongated screws.

The deadbolt and the dead-latch must be appropriately aligned in order to avoid having dysfunctional locks. You should make sure that the deadbolt is freely functioning when the door is not open and there is no need to pull, lift or push the door in order to use the lock.

Regularly Clean Your Locks
It is quite easy to clean your locks. You just need a cloth and soapy water to remove the dirt from the exteriors of the handle and the lock. Ensure that you are not using any hard chemicals to clean your locks as they can gradually damage the materials of the lock. Most locks come with a shielding cover that secures and protects the lock for years.

Lubricate the Locks
Generally, you need to oil your locks on a regular basis; however, it is also crucial that you don’t use petroleum-based products because they can deteriorate the lock more. The best choice would be graphite lubricants, Teflon and other kinds of dry lubricants as they are easier to use and work efficiently!

You just need to squirt the lubricant inside the keyway and then insert the key and move it repeatedly. If there’s any dirt, it will come out of the keyway; thus, making the lock-key system operates more smoothly. You can lubricate your locks at least once a year. You should also make sure that you remove the lockset from the door before using the oil if you want to do thorough lubrication.

Make Copies of the Original Keyspare keys
Your lock is sturdier than the keys and therefore, they wear out sooner compared to locks. You can have a duplicate key created from the original set and store it in a secure location. This precaution will assure you that there is a backup key when the original keys don’t work any longer.

Prevention and Removal of Rust
Apart from the tips mentioned above, it is crucial that you make certain your lock doesn’t rust. There are several tips to cure rust if it has formed on the locks; however, prevention is undoubtedly the best thing you can do to stop rust from forming in the first place. Here are some tried and tested tips that you can pursue in order to avoid rust forming on your locks:

Examine your locks to help you decide if rust has formed or is in the process of forming. If there’s any dirt in the keyway, insert the key and loosen the dirt so that the keyhole remains debris-free.
You can spray your locks with silicone sprays that are particularly used for maintaining locks. They work by forming a seal on the locks, thus preventing the formation of rust.
The easiest way to avoid rust formation is by cleaning your locks regularly by using suitable chemicals for doors and lock plates.
Treating Locks With Rust
It is a known fact that it is quite challenging to treat rust once it has formed. Rust causes chemical reactions that will deteriorate the metal on which the rust has formed. Rust can form on any type of metal lock that has been subjected to moisture for extended periods of time.

Most experts recommend the use of two types of lubricants to remove rust once it has formed. Dry lubricants contain graphite and it lets the inner mechanisms of the lock glide against each other, thus permitting a key to be effectively inserted and the lock opened. Another type of lubricant that helps in rust removal is a wet lubricant such as water displacement products.

When Should You Call BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY?
If you are facing problems with the locks in your home or office, it is best to call on a professional locksmith service. The reputed staff of locksmith companies is trained in every lock issue and can help you in no time! They will also let you know if your lock is rusted and needs a replacement or repair. In addition, if you need high-security locks, they will guide you and help you to enhance the security of your home.

Try your best to keep your locks working in the best condition; however, remember to get in touch with with BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH in case of emergencies!

The figures are tragic: since 1990, more than 600 children have lost their lives in an accidental car locking incident across the United States. Heat strokes, below zero temperatures that could cause hypothermia and the risk of children trying to drive the vehicle they are stuck in are the most common types of risks associated with leaving your children inside a locked car.
As a parent, it can be difficult not to get distracted given the large number of chores and responsibilities you have on your plate and mind on a 24/7 basis. Your struggle to take care of everything on your own can oftentimes fail, given the numerous bumps in the road thrown your way. The risk of accidentally locking your children in your car is part of this list of lurking perils. In fact, it is one of the most common types of accidents that involve children and cars and it happens more often than you might imagine.
To come to your help and prevent you from learning how to handle this type of emergency the hard way, here are a few useful tips to follow. Remember, if you are currently dealing with a lockout with your children stuck in your car, give us a call straight away and let us come to the rescue.
Don’t Let Your Car Keys Out Of Sight
Children, especially toddlers, tend to be extra curious about pretty much anything around them. This includes car keys, phones, prescription pills left unsupervised on the kitchen countertop and so on. Never drop the keys to your car whenever you can find a free spot in your house. Always place them inside your purse, in your pocket or on a tall shelf or hanger where your kids will not be able to easily reach them. It is not uncommon for kids to tamper with car locks or steal your keys in an attempt to get inside the car and pretend to drive, imitating your behavior. Because most of today’s modern cars feature auto locks, this only makes them more vulnerable to accidental lockouts.
Keep A Set Of Spare Keys Inside The House
If you should always carry your original car keys on you at all times or as often as you can, you are also advised to have a spare set of keys cut and stored somewhere safe inside the house. You could also leave your keys with one of your trusty neighbors and make sure you can access them in case of an emergency. A spare key will come a long way and help you prevent a tragedy while saving you precious time, energy and money. If you decide to keep your spare keys on you, use a different key ring and never keep them together with your original set or you will render them useless. For any spare key or key fob duplication needs, get in touch with the Get-Locksmith service. We handle all makes and models of vehicles and we can assist you on the spot.
Keep A Constant Eye On Your Kids
* This should go without saying and some parents might even feel slightly offended at the thought that someone might suggest they are not looking after their precious angels. This is not, by far, what we are implying.
* The problem here is that children tend to be extremely sneaky, quick to run and hide and basically do things they aren’t supposed to do, out of curiosity.
* If you are on the phone with someone important, running an errand with them in the car, or stressed out about something, you could slip your mind for a second and fail to notice your child has vanished.
* Going shopping for milk at the corner shop and leaving your child in the car for just a brief second is sometimes all it takes for a tragedy to happen.
* No matter how big of a rush you might be in, see that you always have your children right by your side. This is the golden rule that should help you steer clear from the dramatic car lockout incidents where kids are involved.
* Heat strokes are some of the greatest hazards you could be looking at in case your small one does get locked in your car. Children’s temperature rises at an extremely fast pace during a heat stroke, affecting critical internal organs and even leading to death. If the A/C is not left on inside the car, and there is no additional source of air ventilation, a child’s body temperature can easily rise to 90 degrees F in less than 60 minutes.
* Plus, a child that is locked inside the car is also likely to try to dry the vehicle, especially if the keys are left into the ignition as well. Car crashes, some more serious accidents, and body damage are all potential results of this type of behavior.
Periodically Inspect Your Car
Make sure you always know what condition your car is in – lock mechanisms, key fobs and lock on trunk included. The smallest vulnerability or glitch could easily lead to locks and ignition switches jamming, or accidental lockouts, keys breaking in the lock and the list goes on. Talk to BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY services for cars and schedule periodical inspection and maintenance work. This should give you more peace of mind, knowing a potential car or car lock malfunction is less likely to occur.
You should also make a habit out of always checking the interior of your car for any items you might have left behind – phone, keys, bags, laptop – as well as your children. A one-month baby sleeping quietly in the backseat and not making a peep may be more easy to ignore than you might imagine.

THANK YOU
Todd Theroux
Owner-Operator

Are you thinking of purchasing a safe to secure your valuables at home or at your business? If so, read on for some important considerations in evaluating the large selection of safes that are available in today’s market.
IS IT LARGE ENOUGH?
When you first purchase a safe, you may be thinking that you’ll need it for just a few things, maybe the savings that you have in cash, gold, or silver, or the treasured jewelry pieces that have been passed down through generations.
Over time, however, you may decide it’s a good idea to include other valuables in your safe. It’s a good idea to keep your important documents there, everything from your passports to your birth certificates, plus your marriage license, your kids’ immunization records, your will, the titles to your vehicles, and so many other documents that would require a great deal of time, effort, and money to replace.
In addition, as your family grows, you may want to start storing important collections and significant heirlooms in your safe, items you’ll want to protect now so you can pass them down to your children and grandchildren one day.
Before you purchase a home safe, then, figure out what will go in, both now and potentially in the future. Ask yourself, “Is this model large enough to hold ALL of the valuables that I want to protect from theft or damage?” Be sure to get a safe that will hold everything that matters to you.
HOW WILL IT HOLD UP IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE?
Safes have varying fire ratings. What consumers want to know is this: In the event of a fire, how well will my safe resist the heat and flames?
You want a safe that will hold up for as long as possible even if it’s engulfed in flames. The hope is that the fire will be put out as quickly as possible by firefighting personnel, but until then, your safe needs to withstand the fury of a raging fire.
Safes are put through a fire endurance test. They are then classified depending on how well they resist fire. For example, a Class E safe is known to resist a 1550 degrees Fahrenheit fire for 30 minutes, while a Class A safe resists a 2000 degrees Fahrenheit fire for 4 hours. There are other ways to measure fire resistance as well; check with your local locksmith or safe provider for more information on how different models hold up in a fire.
IS IT TAMPER-RESISTANT
This is one of the most important features you need to explore in depth. A safe must be tamper resistant to ensure your valuables do not fall into the wrong hands, whether it’s a burglar or your jealous cousin Lenny (or any other family member you want to keep away from your important stuff).
Tamper-resistant features may involve the types of locks used, the construction of the safe, and the level of difficulty in picking locks or deciphering codes. Ultimately, you want a heavy-duty, well-built, and extremely secure safe for the protection of your treasures and for your peace of mind!
WHAT OTHER SECURITY FEATURES DOES IT OFFER?
Other features and points to consider include the following:
* Water Resistance
* Lock Style And Type
* Warranty Type And Length
* Freestanding Or Mountable
* Battery-Operated Or Battery-Free
* Buoyancy (In Case You’re In A Flood)
* Affordability
Not all of these points will matter to you, but some will. The more you know about what’s available in terms of residential and commercial safes, the better you’ll be able to make the decision that’s right for you!

At Bayside Locksmith & Security we specialize in locksmith and security solutions. As part of our services, we can provide new or used home safes that are rugged, fire-resistant, and tamper-resistant.Whether you’re shopping for quality home safes or you’re looking for a sturdy commercial safe, we can help you.
What’s more, our locksmiths are adept at safe opening in case you need yours open but can’t remember the code, and we can provide other quality safe services including changing combinations or performing an electronic dial retrofit. For all your commercial and home safe needs, call us today!

Thank You For Your Business

Todd Theroux

Owner-Operator

Safes are heavy and require expertise when moving to prevent injury and damage. Improper safe moving or removal can cause damage to the safe, costing you more money in the end. Bayside Locksmith & Security is the go to afforable solution when you need a safe moved. We will have your safe moved securely, professionally, and free from damage. BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY is a solid choice when moving bulky items.

In some situations, a large safe isn’t attached to the wall or floor in any way, but is just placed on the ground. The locking mechanisms and thick door will keep potential thieves from taking anything out, but this will do you no good if they can easily pick it up and take it out, leaving themselves more time with the safe. When burglars break into a home, they are looking for the easiest targets, and won’t linger at a heavy safe.
Not only is your safe more protected because of its weight, but the elements that go inside it are heavy. It takes a lot of strength to be impenetrable. Just by the locking mechanisms, and tough exterior your safe has, the pounds really pack on.

Transporting your safe can be difficult. Before you order your safe, find a place for it in your home, and commit to keeping it there for the duration of your time in your home. As much as we try, things happen, and it may be necessary to have your safe moved. BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY has the resources you need to get the job done safely.

Our moving trucks are also equipped with lift gates to ease the transition, as well as electric and manual dollies to take the weight of your heavy safe. When it comes to safe moving, we want you to know you made the right choice in picking BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY

THANK YOU
Todd Theroux
Owner-Operator

When it comes to locks, odds are good you don’t think about your car’s locks until you find yourself locked out of your car. Take a moment and think about it; when was the last time you even physically unlocked your car? For most of us, that electronic transponder key means we simply click a button and tug the door open, no key turning needed. Still, as infrequently as we use the actual locks on a car, those locks can have a big impact on your car’s security as well as the function. Before you leave your broken lock in disrepair, take a few minutes to learn what you ought to pay attention to when it comes to your car locks.
Loose or Broken Car Locks
First and foremost, any lock that is visibly loose or broken is a bit like a flashing neon sign calling to car thieves. And, unfortunately, if you knowingly let a broken lock remain broken, odds are slim your insurance company will pay out anything to recompense you for the loss of your car or anything stolen from inside. Insurance companies will generally view this as owner negligence and, if something happens to your car, you’ll be on the hook for any repairs or replacement yourself. So, even if you have a key that sticks a bit in the lock or a lock that refuses to turn, even with the correct key, call your local auto locksmith to get it repaired rather than face greater damage or loss.
Re-Keying Car Locks
When you move into a new home, it’s pretty much impossible to know just how many keys are floating around out there for your home. The same thing goes for your car. Whether you bought it used from a dealership, purchased it for a wish and a prayer from a family member, or risked a deal on Craigslist, if your car has had any previous owners, odds are decent there may be other keys floating around out there. One simple way to cut down on the risk of break-ins or issues from those wandering keys is to have your locks and ignition re-keyed. As with your home, this process simply changes the tumbler settings without changing the hardware, so all you need is a new set of keys.

Car Key Issues
The other big reason many car owners need to have their car’s locks looked at is because they’ve lost or broken a key. Of course, just because you lost one, or even all of your keys, this doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need to get your locks re-keyed. A mobile locksmith can come to you and duplicate keys—yes, even transponder keys and electronic key fobs—as well as extract a broken key from the lock or ignition. Of course, if you think you remember where you lost your keys and it poses a potential theft opportunity, you may want to get your locks and ignition re-keyed anyway, just for an extra layer of security. Whatever, your struggle, don’t feel like your only option is to take your vehicle to the dealership and spend hours waiting for service. If the issue is with a lock, key, or the ignition, odds are good your local auto locksmith can help you out, and do so faster! This even includes popping your trunk, if you accidentally dropped your keys and shut them inside.
Whether you’ve broken a key, your ignition doesn’t want to turn easily, or anything in between, if you are concerned about your car’s locks, ignition, or keys, don’t waste your weekend waiting at the dealership for service. Call your local auto locksmith instead! At Bayside Locksmith & Security, we have the knowledge and experience to help you with all your auto locksmith needs, so call us today for locksmith help in Green Bay!

Thanks for your business!

Todd Theroux

Owner-Operator

You may have seen it in movies — a super-rich Scientist opening a secure room with just his hand print. This type of futuristic security measure always seemed like something out of sci-fi, until now. Today, keyless entry devices are becoming more popular than ever. Shouldn’t you get on board with the technology?
Today’s keyless locks may not look like the stuff out of movies, but the technology is just the same. Think about the fingerprint unlock on your smartphone. Without the right touch, your smartphone won’t open, and neither can you download apps, make purchases, or access specific information. You likely already use this similar software on your phone. Why not use it for your business, too?
HOW DOES ACCESS CONTROL WORK?
If your business involves managing secure data, say, customer financial records, social security numbers, cash, etc., Access Control security systems are a needed option. These systems are implemented with your IT department and allow you to better manage and control what happens in secure areas of your building.
The Access Control system is relatively easy to install throughout your building. Whether you operate a small shop or a large corporate office, this type of security system can be implemented rather quickly and be put to use.
The system works with a series of locks of your choosing on doors throughout the building. You may choose to monitor only who enters and exits your shop, manage the comings and goings of particular secure spaces in your building, or monitor every entry and exit throughout the entire building.
When the system is installed, you’ll be able to choose the type of keyless entry you want to utilize for these spaces. You could opt for a simple badge-in entry for your employees. You could utilize a digital keypad with a passcode. Or, you could choose that movie-style entry with fingerprint locks.
HOW DOES KEYLESS ENTRY WORK?
If you’ve ever had to enter a secure space in an office using an employee badge, you already have a basic understanding of how keyless entry works. With Access Control security systems, an entire building can be secured through a single system with a single control. Anyone who needs access to a particular area, or even an entire building, will require a badge or password to be able to enter.
Keyless door locks eliminate the need for strict security at entrances while allowing you to track who enters secure areas at any time. Every badge or pass that you issue can contain a unique User ID that makes it easy to monitor comings and goings. This type of security structure is ideal for corporate offices and secure locations such as banks, government offices, and other private corporations.
With keyless entry, you can easily monitor employees and visitors’ access to your building. For instance, if the 3rd floor of your building is dedicated to Financial Records, you may only want to provide access to that floor for finance employees. You can efficiently manage access on every badge available in your business, and better secure that data.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACCESS CONTROL FOR MY BUSINESS?
Keyless entry makes security efficient and straightforward.
Some great benefits to your business include:
* Easily monitor entry and exit of employees and guests throughout your building
* Protect secure data such as customer information, Human Resources data, and cash
* Restrict access to secure areas without in-person monitoring
* Reduce employee theft by monitoring employee movements with their unique User ID
* Go beyond traditional security with 24/7 monitoring and protection
* Difficult to hack or reproduce
* Total user information control
* Provide custom entrance requirements for management levels – Administrator, Supervisor, and User
* Protection against power failure
HOW DO I SET UP ACCESS CONTROL FOR MY BUSINESS?
Getting set up with Access Control for your business is easy. We can conduct a consultation to learn more about your needs and provide you with a quote. From there, the locksmith can install the system, and teach you how to implement and manage the system.
At Bayside Locksmith & Security we are licensed and insured. We know the ins and outs of locksmith services in Wisconsin. We’re here to help you upgrade your business security system in a way that’s simple and efficient.
It’s easy to get started.
Call today!

Thanks,
Todd Theroux
Owner~Operator

Fun fact: you don’t have to be rich to burgled. Thieves don’t see other people who aren’t doing that well in Whitehall and think to themselves, “I should not steal from them.” It’s actually unlikely that thieves often think in those terms at all. So what should you even do about securing your property in a big city? How do you even start to approach thinking about how to protect your things when you’re still trying to figure out how to buy all the things you still want and need? Start small, and work up to it. Bayside Locksmith & Security  is here to help you analyze and tackle your security needs.

The Bottom Line
Home and window security sensors are essentially the baseline for home security overall. Most systems that you can invest in sensors come with a basic number of sensors and you can always add more if you feel the need. In most cases though, your home security representative will probably tell you how many you need. They’ll be able to take a walk through your home and around the outside to determine how thieves would think about your property and how you can combat that. They’ll let you know what windows are real worries and which ones can be skimped on until you feel the need to fill them in with sensors later to increase your safety measures. In general, they’ll recommend placing them on the bottom floor of your home. Chances are, if thieves are going to get in, they’ll try the bottom level entryways. Neighbor’s suspicions will be aroused if they glimpse some dude doing hardcore parkour to get up to the second story bedroom window, thus it’s unlikely they’ll reach for that. If the door or window should get breached when you’ve armed the alarm, the sensor will send a signal to the main control panel and sound the alarm. Before you purchase a set, explore your options as there are a variety of types and they all work slightly differently. Knowing how your window and door sensors works arms you to understand and be able to work the alarm itself.

How The Main Models Function
Generally, a door or window sensor comes in two pieces: one portion of the sensor attaches to the door or window itself, the other portion of the sensor is fixed onto the frame. Many times, regular adhesive is used to affix the sensors in place. They’ll be installed right next to each other, and when they’re separated, that sends the warning signal to your alarm control box. They do come in variations, as we mentioned previously. The two main varieties are wired and battery operated. Battery-powered sensors are very self-explanatory to install, and while wired sensors are much more complicated to install, they never run low on battery and unexpectedly sputter out. There are both light beam and magnetic sensors, and when either connection is severed, the alarm is triggered.

Thanks for your business,

Todd Theroux

Owner-Operator

Having a secure door lock is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and ever since Smart Locks came on to the market, there has been an ongoing debate about whether they are A) safe, and B) more secure than Traditional Locks. We are going to look at some of the pros and cons of smart and Traditional Locks, and see which comes out on top as the most secure.

Traditional Locks
When we talk about ‘Traditional’ locks, we are referring to the typical locks you see on pretty much every door; Yale, GreenLeaf, Matsterbuilt, etc. These are the locks that you know already, and will most likely have on your door. These locks need a physical key to open them.

Smart Locks
When we talk about ‘Smart’ locks we are referring to a lock that is controlled by your phone, or another devise such as a fob. These locks use either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and not a physical key to unlock your door.

Door Lock Security
This one is the biggy. Which lock is actually more secure? The one big issue facing Smart Locks is that anything that is connected to the internet can be vulnerable to hacking. So if you install a Smart Lock for your home, there is a chance someone could break in by hacking the lock. This is one fundamental flaw that affects all Smart Locks.
With Traditional Locks it’s hard to give an overview of safety because they are all different and many factors have to be taken into consideration. However, we will just look at common locks that you will find on your front door as there are vulnerable to picking.
Traditional front door locks are susceptible to breaks in; arguably just as much as or even more so than a Smart Lock. An experienced burglar can snap a lock and gain entry to your house in seconds. You can invest in an anti-snapping lock, but this is still vulnerable to ‘picking’.  You can get high security locks that are anti-snap and anti-pick.
When deciding which the most secure lock is for you home, you need to think about whether it’s more likely an intruder will pick your lock, or hack it. Statistics show us that burglary is a crime of opportunity, so it’s not likely an intruder will have pre planned to hack into your smart door lock. As discussed, Smart Locks often run off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi so there is always a chance this will fail, potentially leaving your home vulnerable.
There is a lot of debate about which lock is the most secure lock for your home. Both have the strengths and weaknesses.  So, comparing them on secureness might not make you decided one way or another. It’s the other factors that might make up your mind.

Convenience

This is an area where Smart Locks definitely come out on top. The ability to let someone into your home from miles away is great. Especially if you have children that tend to misplace their keys during the school day. In this day and age, people are generally never without their phones, so it’s a good way to ensure you are never locked out.
With Traditional Locks, if you want to grant someone access to your home while you are not in, you would have to trust them with a key, or leave on under the mat (which we strongly advise against). These can both cause security issues, as it’s an open invitation to any burglar who finds it and you trust someone not to lose the key. Having a Traditional Lock also means that if you lose your key or lock yourself out, whomever else has a key would need to physically come to your location to let you in.
However, a phone running out of battery, having no internet access or something disrupting the Bluetooth means that you could be locked out of a Smart Lock. Most Smart Locks do have a key override for this reason, but you may feel this defeats the object of having a smart door lock, a physical key is never going to run out of battery or lose connection.

Smart lock vs traditional lock cost

Generally speaking, Smart Locks are more expensive than Traditional Locks and this could be a big factor in your decision. So we will run through some general prices and what you get for your money. (This is not taking in the account the cost of hiring a locksmith to fit/replace your locks). Depending on what door you have the cost for a new lock will cost.
There is no denying that Smart Locks are more expensive than Traditional Locks. You have to think whether or not the extra cost is worth it, but you get all the benefits; lock and unlock your house from anywhere, send friends and family virtual keys and receive notifications about whose entering and leaving.
Smart Locks will use the same mechanisms as Traditional Locks, so really you are paying extra for convenience. If you wanted to pay extra for home security, you might be better off investing in an entire smart home system that includes cameras, motion detectors and an alarm system.

Thanks for Support,
Todd Theroux
Owner-Operator

What You Need to Know to Choose the Best Monitoring Plan

 
Installing a home security system is essential in order for you to protect your home, family, and valuable possessions. Having a home security system installed affords you the peace of mind you need in order to live without fear for your home’s safety.

However one of the most important things you need to consider when installing a home security system is the type of monitoring plan you wish to have. Here are a few things you should know when you’re trying to find the best monitoring plan for your home security system.

What is Monitoring?
To put it simply, monitoring refers to the way in which your home security system communicates with a device or center which monitors the information it is receiving. Essentially, a monitoring center processes the information to determine what action or steps need to be taken in the event of a security breach.

Types of Monitoring
When it comes to monitoring for home security systems there are generally two different types of monitoring methods: personal and professional. Personal monitoring is very rare and is usually carried out when you’ve purchased and installed a lower grade home security system. This type of monitoring involves all of the information from the home security system being redirected to you directly. That means you have to keep a vigilant eye on what is happening in your home in order to keep on top of things.

If your attention slips and something happens during that time, nothing can be done because you were the monitoring center so to speak. It was your responsibility to identify a threat and report it to the relevant authorities.

As you can see, this type of monitoring is very cumbersome on the home owner and can prove to be grossly ineffective in most cases.

The other recommended method of monitoring is professional. This means that the alarm company is the one keeping a tab on all the signals that your house is emitting. If there is a security breach or threat, the alarm company will inform the relevant authorities and help will be sent to your home right away. Alarm companies pride themselves on having fast response times which is what makes them so attractive to customers. The faster the response time, the less likely it is that you and your family will incur serious harm, damage, or losses.

Things to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Monitoring Plan
With respect to monitoring plans, they are typically divided into two broad categories: basic and advanced/interactive. The two different plans differ in how much control you are afforded. The general features of the two plans are outlined below.

Basic Monitoring Plans
If you’ve just gotten a home security system, basic monitoring packages are a great way to start out. This is especially true in today’s day and age because now, the more advanced packages require smartphone and tablet use. If you don’t have a smart phone, basic monitoring is perfect for you.

Advanced and Interactive Plans
These plans are a little bit more complex and give you the chance to be more involve with the monitoring process. If you want to be kept in the loop with everything that’s happening in and around your home, these sorts of monitoring plans keep you updated via your smartphone or tablet. You can expect to get texts and alerts as to the status of your home, remote access to various home security features, as well as access to the cameras and sensors if there are any.

What to Expect from any Monitoring Plan
Generally, all monitoring plans have certain key features. Some of these include:

24/7 monitoring and surveillance of your property for everything from break-ins to the state of the environment. This means that your monitoring system is also keeping an eye out for things like excess carbon monoxide, water levels, and smoke.
Primary contacts – These are generally two numbers which the alarm company calls first in the event of a security breach or problem.
Secondary contacts – If they can’t get in touch with your primary contacts, the company will attempt to get in touch with your secondary contacts. You can give up to five numbers as secondary contacts.
Cellular connection – This is the means by which your alarm system forms a connection to the monitoring service. It uses cellular connections as opposed to landlines which aren’t very reliable. A landline can be cut by a burglar to try to cut you off from protection. Cellular connections don’t require wires and are therefore a more reliable way to connect to your monitoring service.

How to Choose Which Monitoring Plan is Best for you
Choosing which monitoring plan is best for you involves a consideration of your personal preferences and circumstances. For instance, are you looking to have more control over what’s happening inside your home when you’re not around or are you comfortable with giving that responsibility solely to the monitoring service?

There are certain cases and situations in which a more interactive/advanced system would be more effective. These include:

When your kids are at home alone
If you’re going on vacation and want to keep tabs on the house
If your elderly parents are living with you and you want to monitor them
In these cases, being able to see and know what’s happening at home while you’re away is very beneficial.

As you can see, what monitoring plan you end up choosing largely depend upon what degree of control you want over the surveillance of your home. If you’re looking to be more involved, an advanced plan is best for you; if not, you can easily settle for a basic plan.

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Choose the Professional. Choose Bayside Locksmith & Security

Happy Holidays!

Todd Theroux

Owner-Operator

Say you own a business, and your business has an office. Your office has employees that come and go, with some turnover. You want to believe that once an employee leaves, there are no hard feelings and your office is secure. Still, you often change passwords on the computers and change access to the phone systems. After all, you are a business owner in the days when even the White House can get hacked. Yet often, you do not think to change the locks on the door until several years of employee turnover.

The Problem

Without replacing locks often, you are leaving your physical office vulnerable to break ins. Unless you have security keys, a general office key can be duplicated easily. Therefore, even if your employee turns in the key upon leaving, you have no way of knowing if the key has been duplicated. If the employee left on bad terms , you risk retribution in  the form of theft, vandalism, or worse.

The Solution

There are several solutions for this problem. First, you can choose to change the locks on your office building every single time an employee leaves the company. This may become very costly; however, it may save you peace of mind.

The more cost-effective option is to purchase security locks for your office building. Security locks ensure that keys cannot be duplicated at a general hardware store. These keys can only be replaced by the original locksmith who installed the lock. That way, when your employee turns in their key and leaves for the last time, you know it has not been duplicated, and business can return to normal. 

To learn more about security keys for your office, contact BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY

THANKS

Todd Theroux,

Owner-Operator