Remaining Safe with a Monitored Security System

When you are proactive about your security, you do what you can to avoid experiencing a break-in. A home security system is sure to give you peace-of-mind. However, it would give you a greater sense of security when it is being monitored. The monitoring service will provide you with maximum level of security. Having a monitoring service is very effective in protecting your valuables and this is why there are so many of them being offered today. There was a time when all you had to was lock the door behind you and buy a dog, to protect your home. Security systems are less expensive than they were just five years ago. This means that there is a security system perfect for you and your budget. They are offered in many different sizes and at various prices. Even the person with the most modest budget has a home security system.

The security systems that you are able to choose from offer various types of features. Some include monitoring service and then there are some, which do not. You must decide for yourself, which one will work best for you. At Racine Locksmith in Racine, WI, we find that those who have a security system along with the monitor service; tend to avoid break-ins more often. In addition to being most effective, they also offer you the ability to also receive notification as soon as an incident has occurred. You’re able to receive a higher level of security than you will with a standard security system. The standard system will alert you to an intrusion but will not notify the proper authorities of an intrusion. A monitored alarm system is attached to the alarm system and will alert the appropriate authorities that there is an intrusion. With the monitoring service, they may also be able to see inside your home and see exactly who is inside your home. You have the advantage of having another set of eyes looking after your home when you are not around. You’re generally able to receive around the clock monitoring so that your home is protected 24-hours a day.

In order for the monitoring system to be effective, there must be a good stream of communication between your homes system and the monitoring service. This information should seamlessly be transmitted without any interference. When you are looking for a monitoring service, you should check review websites to find out which security provider or monitoring service is doing the best job in addressing the needs of their customers. There should always be someone at the helm of the central control panel, which is where they monitor your homes security system. This panel relays all of the relevant information to the security company or monitoring service. With this information, they will know who needs to be notified, the homeowner, police department or fire department. Control panels are connected to a surveillance camera, motion detector or some other type of sensors. They can be attached to your doors and your windows. Using a monitoring service means that every inch of your home can be professionally monitored. With the information feed to the monitoring system, you’re able to reach maximum security.

Monitoring Services and Surveillance Cameras

The surveillance camera is a second set of eyes for many homeowners. It is impossible for you to be at two places at the same time and this is why it is a good idea to have a surveillance camera. You’re able to see what is going on inside your home at any time of the day or night. The surveillance cameras used with monitoring services are wired or wireless, IP or Analog. It can easily be added to your existing security system. With a surveillance camera, you have the advantage of knowing who is in your home whether you are or home or away.

Monitoring Services and Motion Sensors

In order to detect unauthorized activity around the exterior of your home, sensors will be strategically laid out. Whenever an intruder approaches your home, as long as the security system is on, the sensors will detect the movement and alert the security service monitoring your home. You can also have sensors placed around your doors and windows. This is best especially since these are the areas that an intruder will gain access inside your home. Sensors prove to be most useful when they work in conjunction with your existing security. The way sensors are used today, due to advances in technology, prove far more effective than in the past. That is why we highly encourage you to consider having sensors installed around your home. The reed switch and magnet enable the electricity to come through one power source. When they are separated, the information is transmitted to the control panel that eventually sends the information to the monitoring company.

How You Remain Safe

The response time of the authorities that have been notified is important to your ability to remain safe. This is especially true when it comes to monitoring a hospital, and other large establishments. They need the right monitoring service in order to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner. This is what makes some monitoring services better than others, their response time. The time it takes for someone to respond could be a life or death situation.

The reason that we’ve seen so many advances with monitoring services is because of the need to respond more efficiently to emergency situations. This is also one of the many reasons we continue to see advances in technology. By relying on the services of a monitoring service, you will likely be able to hold on to your precious valuables. You’re also more likely to receive the help that you need even faster when you have your security system connected to a monitoring service. The two options that you have for monitoring is through a 3^rd party monitoring service or self-monitored service. Consult with a professional local locksmith in Racine about the differences.

WHEN TO REPLACE LOCKS

At first it seems like a “no brainer” – you replace your locks if you need to! But then it hits you. Just when do you need to? Here at Racine Locksmith we are often asked whether a lock replacement is needed or if a simple rekey will do. Our answer is always the same and always accurate; that depends on your lock and on your needs.

There are so many factors involved in deciding whether to change your locks out, or make do with the ones have, and just rekey them. Hopefully this post will help clarify these two very different locksmith services so that you will know which is best for you, if ever needed!

What lock replacement is

Lock replacement is just that; the old lock is removed and an entirely different one is put in its place. This is sometimes called a change out and is NOT a rekey service which is totally different. For the most part rekeys are less expensive and can be done in place of lock replacement for many tasks. When a lock is rekeyed, the inside pins and springs are changed but the lock itself is left in place. When a lock is replaced, the entire piece is removed and replaced with a different lock altogether. In both rekeys and replacements, you will need new keys as the older original ones will no longer work.

If you need help deciding which service is best for your needs, the best advice is to call a local Racine, WI locksmith. The full service shops offer rekeys and replacements for home, auto and business needs and they can also help you decide which service is best for you at the moment. 

Automotive lock replacement

Most lock replacement for cars is almost always the result of damage. The old locks may have been broken into by a car thief and whether they actually stole the car or just damaged the locks in the process, the end result is the same; you need new locks! These locks can include door, ignition switch, trunk, glove compartment and even console locks.

Sometimes, auto locks are upgraded as in the case of adding a keyless entry system. Many autos are bought and resold in the local market and sometimes the new owners want locks replaced because of previous owner damage or new owner upgrades. Police and estate auctions also provide owners with a change to replace or upgrade their auto locks for added security and performance.

Lock replacement at home

Much like car lock replacement, home locks need changing if they are damaged by crime, weather, age, wear or accident. Can you imagine coming home from a nice dinner out and seeing your front door lock in shambles from an attempted break-in? You need your door lock and you need it NOW! Otherwise, how can you sleep tonight, knowing that your home is virtually unprotected? How can you go to your job in the morning with no adequate lock on your door? You need lock replacement on the double!

Here’s another scenario. Let’s say one of your kids has a key to the home and loses it at school. You have the option of giving him another copy but what if someone finds his key and uses it to get inside your home? You could rekey the locks and that would solve the problem OR you could take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade your locks to stronger, better ones. Some of these amazing locks include bump proof locks and high security hardware. 

Commercial lock replacement

Businesses change locks regularly and with good reason. They may change hands when sold and the new owners may want a fresh start with brand new locks. Better key control is another reason to replace your locks and even though you can achieve this with rekeying, you can also upgrade to higher quality, stronger locks at the same time. Business owners have a lot invested in their companies. From ice cream shops to hospitals, local companies are the lifeblood of the economy and keeping staff, customers, and inventory safe is vital to not only surviving but also thriving in today’s tough economic climate. Business locks can included on front and back doors, as well as on doors to offices, storerooms, restrooms, closets, server rooms, break rooms and more. Add to that locks on desks, file cabinets, lock boxes, mailboxes, safes and vaults and you can see why having so many locking devices and striving for better security can lead to periodic lock replacement.

There are thousands of local businesses in the Racine, WI metro area and each one is unique and has different security needs and wants. These firms can range from home-based businesses and mom and pop stores, to national chains and international firms. Our town has car dealers, laundromats, fine dining, home builders, book stores, fast food, storage facilities, home improvement, furniture stores, apartment rentals, grocery outlets, pharmacies, cafes, roofers, plumbers, chiropractors, dentists, travel agents, private schools and thousands more. Whether owned individually or through corporations, these companies must all provide adequate security and protection for workers, vendors and customers alike and usually this is done by making use of the best lock hardware and technology that the business can afford.

Is lock replacement for you?

Only you can answer that! There are many things to consider. Our advice is to read this post again, and then make a call to a local Racine, WI locksmith shop to discuss your many options. Most full service lock and key firms offer automotive, residential, commercial and emergency services that include both rekey service and lock replacement. Get some ideas and some free price quotes. If your situation is urgent, be sure to take advantage of fast response, 24-hour emergency service so that you and your love ones and close associates are always protected. Weigh the pros, cons and options and see if lock replacement is right for you at this time.