The Chicago Locksmith » Tom Howard

Schools Turn to Electric Locks

Tom Howard — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:15:40 +0000

Over the summer, Plainfield Disctrict 202 will outfit its 30 schools with electronic security systems as a safeguard against violent intruders.

With the new system, the principal or a worker in the office at one of the schools could press a button that would alert the entire building to go into lockdown mode. Fire doors would swing shut to cut off the intruder’s path, and police would be alerted.

After the Sandy Hook tragedy in December, alarm systems are a way to improve security and reassure parents. At $180,000, it is also a cheaper solution for the district.

Other Chicago-area schools are taking higher security measures as well, though none and extensive as those of District 202. Many are changing locks on doors so they can lock from the inside, others are installing panic buttons, cameras, and remote locks.

Unfortunately, many school districts don’t have the budget to get the most desired security systems, but it is good that these schools are taking a step toward ensuring the highest possible level of security for students.

If you are interested in an upgrade in lock or security technology for your office or commercial building, call Discount Locksmith today.

Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/plainfield/ct-met-plainfield-school-security-20130605-28,0,3883282.story

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Creative Guide to Hiding House Keys

Tom Howard — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 16:18:38 +0000

The key (see what I did there?) to keeping intruders out of the house is to stall them as long as possible, making their attempts to break in more obvious and time goes by. Hiding your house keys under the welcome mat may as well be a sign on the door saying, “Hello! Please come in and take all of our valuables!” In order to avoid that, try one of these creative tricks to catch potential intruders and keep your home safe.

1. Key vault: Key vaults are small, weatherproof boxes secured with a combination. Although a good thought, they dare potential burglars to break them open, and then break into your home. They are large and obvious targets, therefore making good decoys for intruders. Either put someone else’s house keys in the box (someone living across town who has your house keys in their vault) or just dummy keys that don’t unlock anything.

2. Keys on a wire: It is nearly impossible for a burglar to go unheard and unnoticed when having to retrieve a key from a ring of keys hanging where a door knocker would be (all keys but one should be dummies). Robbers will either have to waste time finding the right key, or waking neighbors with the clatter of keys. Hanging multiple keys from multiple rings will only amplify the sound and decrease the risk of the burglar getting away clean.

3. Dead key drop: You don’t necessarily have to put your keys in plain sight of an intruder. If you have an outdoor A/C unit, find an inconspicuous spot on it and stash the key there. It shouldn’t be somewhere where a standing person could see it, or anywhere within finger-swiping reach. Glue a magnet to the key and hang it from an interior surface of the unit.

4. Personal key protector: Affix a small pouch to your dog’s collar and keep your spare key in it. The dog runs around in the yard all day anyway, so put it to use! The keys are effectively guarded and your dog is given a sense of purpose.

5. Key Party: Fill a mason jar halfway with dummy keys, put the spare key in (a different colored one so you know which is the correct key, but not so differently colored that it is immediately noticeable), and then fill the rest with more dummies. Shake the jar to mix it all together, and it should take the potential intruders and yourself a significant amount of time to find the correct key – which is the whole point!

Courtesy of Gizmodo

http://gizmodo.com/how-to-hide-your-house-keys-in-plain-sight-510318178

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Locked Out No More!

Tom Howard — Sat, 25 May 2013 09:35:45 +0000

It’s a familiar situation for most, if not all drivers. You’re speeding to work, a meeting, a party or wherever you need to be in a hurry, and once parked, you’re in such a rush that the instant you close the (locked) door behind you your stomach drops. You slowly turn around, knowing what you’re about to find – your car keys, still in the ignition perhaps, or maybe sitting on the car seat, waiting patiently for you to pick them up and put them in your pocket.

No matter where or when this happens it’s a headache. You are either brave and try the coat hanger trick (has that ever worked for anyone?) or grit your teeth and make the embarrassing phone call to your parents, spouse or roommate to bring you the spare key – that is assuming you have one.

But what happens when you don’t have a spare key, or nobody is nearby to help you out, or maybe it’s the middle of the night and no one is picking up the phone? You now have a friend in Discount Locksmith! Regardless of what time it is, if you are in Chicago and locked out of your car, we can help you out. We have a 24 hour emergency mobile locksmith packed and ready to get you on your way as soon as possible.

We serve all of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, so put us in your speed dial! Call us at 773-735-1333 for the city, or 708-496-1333 for the greater Chicago suburbs.

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