PANIC BARS – THEIR IMPORTANCE IN COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

Have you been thinking of adding panic bars to your commercial store or building? Maybe you are interested in them because you’ve heard good things about them. Or, you might be required by your fire code or property manager to have them installed. Either way, you are in for a pleasant surprise; panic bars have many advantages and benefits with no obvious drawbacks. Here in Racine, WI many hundreds of local businesses and institutional locations use them with great success. Read on and see how installing panic bars at your firm may be a good thing!

What are panic bars?

We’ve all seen and used them; some people just didn’t know their name! Panic bars are also called push bars, crash bars and exit devices. This is because they are horizontal, spring loaded bars attached to back doors that allow users to push on them and simultaneously unlock and open the door without any hassle or effort at all. Panic bars are all over town; in fact, Racine Locksmith has installed many of them. You can find (and use) these panic bars in movie theaters, restaurants, retail stores, schools, hotels, churches, public libraries, clinics, hospitals, office buildings, fine dining, fast food, car repair shops and thousands more. They are in such use because they work and they keep people safe and moving along without having to stop, unlock the door, turn a knob and fight incoming traffic. If you’ll notice; panic bars are always installed on one-way doors. This is by design. People can’t exit safely or rapidly if they are dodging folks coming the other way. In almost all cases, the outside of the door with the panic bar on the inside does not have a door knob! It may have a lock on it but no handle or knob to grasp or turn. This is so that people leaving have one easy thing to do; lean on the panic bar and walk out the door!

Much like buying a new car and suddenly noticing the same make and model everywhere you look, you’ll start to notice panic bars wherever you go. This is a good thing; you’ll appreciate this useful tool and the numerous lives it has saved over the years.

Why the word:“panic?”

Do you know why it is illegal to yell “fire” in a crowded theater? Of course you do; people would panic and stampede each other in an effort to get out the door…but what about when this really happens? The problem may be a fire or a water leak. It could be a person acting deranged or an armed assailant. Anytime people feel the need to leave in a hurry there can be problems evacuating the premises. Panic bars help them do this faster, easier, and with less steps involved. 

Do I have to have them?

Maybe you do. Sometimes having panic bars installed is a requirement according to building or fire codes. To be sure, check with your fire department, property manager, architect or builder of your development. Each locale is different and you’ll want to be sure. 

Do panic bars ever break down?

Anything mechanical will malfunction eventually. Panic bars are no different. They can become jammed or stuck in the locked or unlocked position. If this happens, it may prevent you from closing your doors for the night as it will be hard to “lock up” with your back door unable to lock. There are some useful remedies that can help you fix the problem yourself or you can contact your commercial locksmith in Racine of choice and they can unlock your panic bar so that it is usable and safe to use once more. Be sure and save your owner’s manual and model number in case you want to do your own servicing.

Where can you buy panic bars?

You can purchase panic bars online or in local stores. You can have your builder or local contractor install them for you or you can buy from them, as well. Our recommendation is that you buy from a commercial locksmith and have them do the installation and service if, it is ever needed. Panic bars are a vital part of your building and should be treated as an integral part of your business equipment. As such it is worth the investment in quality materials and service and in many cases, you can write off purchase, service, installation and care as a tax expense. Be sure to check with your tax professional for the details and documentation needed.

A commercial locksmith will have better access to a greater number of panic bar brands and models, and will be able to provide on-site installation as well as 24-hour emergency care for it if and when it is needed.

You can also purchase your panic bars from local home improvement stores, hardware stores and from national chains like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, and Ace Hardware. The problem with doing all of this yourself is that you are having to shop, investigate, install and maintain your panic bars, all on your own. As a business owner or operator, your time is better spent actually running your company and increasing sales or service and not doing mundane, do-it-yourself projects that you are not specialized in.

When questions arise…

As with anything new, questions will come up. Another drawback to adding panic bars on your own is that you virtually have no one to answer them for you. Sure, you can ask around but are the answers truthful and accurate? Why not use a commercial locksmith and have fast and honest answers to your panic bar questions and problems at a moment’s notice? For instance, you cannot install a deadbolt lock in addition to a panic bar. Panic bars are meant to be opened quickly and easily and having to work a deadbolt lock in addition can be against building codes and a safety hazard. Your locksmith will be able to advise you on issues and questions like these anytime they arise.

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It’s difficult to find an affordable but reliable locksmith. Racine Locksmith is what you have been searching for all along. Call us to hear about our amazing rates at (262) 806-0001. We offer many types of services and we can come to you in or around Racine. We want to make locksmith services accessible to everyone. We will never charge you ridiculous prices. That’s our pledge to you. Enjoy the services of licensed and insured locksmiths for the best rates throughout Racine.

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Here’s what to do when you’re having ignition cylinder problems

Nobody wants their car to break down on them during the day – or worse, in the later hours of the evening.

We understand how frustrating ignition cylinder problems can get. You might simply need to get a key extracted, but your troubles could also be a reflection of more complicated issues. 

That’s why our lock and key experts are taking the time to explain what to do in such an unfortunate situation. Here are a few quick tips that will help you deal with faulty ignition cylinders in the best possible manner. 

Understanding the common signs

You need to diagnose your issues before deciding on your course of action. Of course, some ignition cylinder problems are not as clear-cut as they seem – but here are some common signs to keep an eye on: 

Keys getting stuck into the ignition

A very common occurrence, and often the sign of wearing and age. This is something that can’t be avoided: over time, your ignition’s inner components are going to become worn out from the continuous amount of stress it endures on a regular basis. Heavy keyrings can speed up the process, by the way, so avoid these as much as possible. Eventually, the ignition will lose its malleability, ultimately catching and binding the key in the process. If not replaced accordingly, this ignition fault could lead to low electrical contact – and at some point you’ll be unable to operate your vehicle. 

Before you call a locksmith in Racine, however, make sure that your key isn’t lodged inside because the steering wheel is in lock position. Move the wheel from side to side to see if that releases the key from the cylinder. It’s also good to check for signs of rust and damage in the ignition itself. If all else fails, get in touch with an auto lock and key expert. 

A failing engine  

If your engine fails as you’re driving, it could indicate that your ignition switch is faulty. As we previously alluded, corrosion can cause low contact in the ignition – and subsequently a loss of voltage. There is no DIY fix for this, so get in touch with a locksmith right away. 

Problems powering on the vehicle 

While ignition wear and tear tends to be the most common cause for this, you shouldn’t rule out other glitches. If your vehicle has a transponder system, for example, it could well be that your key needs to be re-programmed. But then again, a worn out ignition cylinder can mean that the key will only respond to certain positions, or will simply not power up the car altogether. Because this is quite a tricky distinction to make, you’re probably best at leaving the diagnosis to a qualified professional. 

You can’t get the car to start at all 

Again, this could be a sign of various issues – flat batteries, faulty sensors, and malfunctioning ignition switches to name a few. Tell an automotive locksmith your suspicions and ask for an inspection. This will be the only way to truly identify which component is rendering your vehicle inoperable. 

The car powers on, the engine cranks – but you can’t move 

This tends to be more common in a malfunctioning theft protection device, but there are instances where it could be indicative of a faulty ignition. Check if your anti-theft lights are flashing – if that proves to be the case, you’ll need to get your key reprogrammed to transmit the right signals. Otherwise, you’ll need to ask a locksmith to check your ignition cylinder and your fuel facing system, as the latter can lead to similar car operating issues. 

Did you notice a trend in our suggestions? Then let’s focus on how to hire the best locksmith to address your ignition cylinder problems. 

Hiring a reliable automotive lock and key expert

You should be able to trust that an auto locksmith in your area will bring you great value for money. Reputable companies will have all the right equipment, training and tools to provide you with cost-efficient security solutions. Their help seldom costs several thousands of dollars, many businesses won’t charge you for initial price quotes, and local operators are often around 24/7 in case of emergencies. 

Just remember that not all locksmiths are created equal. Some might exclusively focus on automotive services, others might specialize in residential or commercial solutions, and many opt to provide a fully-inclusive set of options. If in doubt, ask the locksmith what services they offer to their customers. 

Recommendations will help you find a credible business in your location. However, if you can’t get names from people you know and trust, online reviews from sites like Angie’s List can help too. Also, good professionals will not balk at the idea of providing you with a list of client references in the area – nor will they get defensive about disclosing crucial information like license and insurance details. If you have the time to spare, checking whether the company has had any complaints filed against them through the Better Business Bureau can help too. 

We can’t emphasize the importance of hiring local enough. Not only will locksmiths from elsewhere charge you extra for mileage, but ensuring that the business you’re talking with has a verifiable reputation will help you in the long run. Be wary of businesses with sketchy addresses or contact details, and never pay full price upfront. Make sure to consult with the locksmith business before hiring them and get a full cost breakdown of the services you are looking for.   

If you’re based in Racine, WI, consider getting in touch with our licensed and insured professionals. Racine Locksmith is a locally-based operation who covers all aspects of automotive security. We’re able to help with your ignition cylinder issues, as well as providing round-the-clock assistance for emergency matters. Get in touch with our crew, schedule a free consultation, and we’ll go from there. 

It doesn’t matter where you’re based – without proper planning, ignition cylinder troubles are likely to cause a lot of stress. So, make sure to follow our tips and get in touch with a reliable automotive locksmith professional in your area as soon as you experience any kind of issues. 

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.