Physical security measures are protocols designed to protect buildings and equipment from unwelcome visitors and damage, making an essential component of antiterrorism level 1 training. Understanding what constitutes physical security measures for homes is vitally important; in particular, knowing what does not count as physical protection measures is frequently asked of homeowners.
Hiding a key outside
Maintaining a spare key on your property can be a lifesaver in an emergency, but it poses a potential security threat if not placed carefully. To ensure it stays out of thieves’ reach, select an inconspicuous hiding place that burglars won’t quickly discover and is difficult for thieves to gain entry. Here are a few innovative ideas on where and how you should store it outside:
An ingenious solution for concealing spare house keys is using an artificial rock as a clever hiding spot. To make it appear more authentic, paint it to blend in with its surroundings – this will protect you and your family from accidentally being locked out while protecting your keys from children or animals who might otherwise come after them.
Another good option for protecting personal items is the lockbox, a small container that can only be opened by punching in its code. These lock boxes can usually be attached to walls and concealed from view from below – you may even find ones designed to resemble sprinkler heads or rocks!
If you trust one of your neighbors, they may be willing to keep hold of your spare key in case of emergency. It is best to get their permission first to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
Try hiding your key behind a door knocker or inside a wind chime – these methods may work, but to maintain effectiveness, they must change regularly so any would-be thieves do not learn your pattern and take notice.
Some people use their mailboxes to conceal an extra house key; however, this practice should be avoided due to being an easy target for thieves looking for easy prey. Furthermore, retrieving the key quickly may prove challenging using this method; more creative and unique ways, such as birdhouses or spray foaming it into a form resembling dog poop, may work more effectively for hiding spare keys outdoors.
Confirming that a cleaning company is reliable and licensed
If you plan on hiring a cleaning service provider to work in your home, confirm they are insured and bonded. Insurance protects them should one of their workers become injured while on-site cleaning, while bonds guarantee payment if any property is stolen or broken while performing services at your residence. You can make this easy check by asking to see their bonding and insurance credentials.
Changing locks to ensure essential control
Moving into a new home involves many important tasks, from unpacking to setting up utilities and notifying the post office of your change of address. One of the most essential is changing locks as soon as you receive keys – otherwise, you risk allowing previous owners and their friends access your property without your knowledge! There are many reasons for changing locks at once.
Rekeying locks is often more cost-effective than replacing them, as it involves altering their internal configuration to accommodate new keys without necessitating complete replacement of all waves. Rekeying is also used to create master critical systems in which one key operates multiple locks; however, it may be less effective as a theft deterrent because it cannot prevent unauthorized key duplication and theft deterrence.
Change locks if you have given out copies of your key to former tenants, roommates, or coworkers – this will revoke their ability to gain entry and ensure only you control who can enter. It can also help if your alarm system already features coded access by providing only those with the correct code to open doors.
If you are worried about the security of your property, hiring a professional locksmith to install new locks may provide added peace of mind and protect against unwelcome entry. In addition, more advanced locking solutions such as deadbolts or smart locks may further increase protection and bolster security.
Protecting your family is paramount, and home security measures are pivotal. This blog from KeyMe discusses the advantages and drawbacks of changing locks as part of a comprehensive home security strategy concerning the process, cost considerations, and more. Use this knowledge to make intelligent decisions regarding changing locks that best serve your security needs while shielding your home against unwanted intruders.
