It is a crucial decision to leave your child home alone.
You want your children to be safe and secure when you are away, whether you go to work or visit the store down the street.
According to SafeKids Worldwide, 3.5 million children are hospitalized for wounds, burns, and poisoning, while approximately 20,000 children die in home accidents each year.
Over 40% of children are reportedly left home alone.
However, it is not feasible for you to accompany and keep an eye on your children every time, particularly if you are working parents. How can you ensure your children’s safety when you are not around? Don’t worry!
Here are some ways to ensure the safety of your little ones when you are not around.
Tell Your Kids Not to Open the Door for Strangers
You must teach the kids this simple yet important safety lesson, especially if they are not that mature. An unknown person could be the burglar watching for the right time to break into your house. As a result, you must teach your kids how to act when they interact with strangers approaching them at home. Tell them to…
Make sure that the window and door are locked.
Refuse a call from a stranger while also letting him know you are home. To make him aware of your presence, create noise and put on a light.
When a police officer knocks on the door during an emergency, first set the door chain.
If a stranger starts making threats or acts violently, call the police.
Be Careful About Their Social Media Posting:
75% of burglars reported in one survey that they use social media to determine if a homeowner is home.
According to the Pew Research Centre, more than 80% of children between the ages of 13 and 17 use social media.
To reduce the possibility of a break-in, it is obvious that your child shouldn’t tell anyone that they are home alone over Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media outlet.
Install home surveillance equipment:
Hidden home security cameras help you monitor via smartphone what your kids do or whether they are safe or not. Moreover, potential burglars are less likely to target houses that are under surveillance.
Keep Emergency Contact Information Nearby:
Provide your kids with some emergency contact numbers so they can call the right person for assistance. Besides, you can store a comprehensive list of emergency phone numbers in both your children’s and your cell phones. You can also display all the numbers in a visible place across your home.
Keep Harmful Objects Away:
Make sure your children cannot access unsafe goods. Store paints, knives, flammable liquids, medicines, and other items out of their reach or away from them.
Create Household Rules for Kids:
Creating a set of rules helps parents to teach their kids what conduct is acceptable and what is not. When kids are at home alone, this discipline is also helpful. Your child, for instance, can identify what he or she is not allowed to do while you are away. You can set the rules for using the TV, computer, video games, and other gadgets. Or you can keep them occupied with other activities.
Tell Them What to Do in Case of Fire:
According to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, children younger than 5 have made up 52% of the deaths of children younger than 16 in fires.
While removing fire dangers and combustible items from your house might lessen the risk, it’s crucial to provide your kids with fire rescue training so they can handle fire hazards when they are home alone.
For your children to have the best chance of surviving the house fire, you must develop a clear fire escape plan and practice it with them. Install fire extinguishers in your kitchen and other high-traffic areas of your house.
Teach Your Kids First Aid:
Kids who are familiar with basic first aid are more self-confident and less likely to sustain injuries in accidents. You may teach kids this crucial life lesson playfully and engagingly. Describe the purpose of the first aid kit and its contents.
Install Smart Locks:
It should have a robust locking system from locksmith Phoenix on your doors and windows. Apart from this, you can consider having digital locks which can enhance safety and give you peace of mind. For example, your kids only have to enter the code or scan their fingerprints on a digital lock to unlock the door. This means if they arrive home when no one is there, they can easily and safely unlock the main door.
Best thing?
A digital lock from Locksmith Phoenix is linked to your smartphone app, letting you remotely control who has access to your property.
Conclusion:
With these little things, you can ensure your kid’s safety at home in your absence. However, make sure you comply with your state’s law regarding home alone to avoid any legal trouble. You can enroll your kids in school programs, community centers, youth organizations, and sports clubs to minimize excessive home alone.
Ultimate Guide to Storm Door Lock, Latch and Handle Replacement
Having a broken or malfunctioning storm door lock can be a hassle, especially when you have to enter and exit your home multiple times a day. If you’re in need of a storm door lock replacement, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll provide an ultimate guide to replacing a storm door lock. We’ll explain the necessary steps and materials you’ll need for the job, as well as discuss the different types of locks and how to select the best one for your needs. By the end of this post, you’ll be an expert on storm door lock replacement and be ready to get the job done!
Replacing the Latch
Replacing the latch on your storm door is a simple process that can be done with just a few tools and a bit of know-how.
The first step is to locate the latch. Most latches are located on the lower half of the door, but depending on the model, they may be placed higher up. Once you’ve located it, you’ll need to remove the screws or bolts holding it in place.
Once the latch has been removed, you’ll need to inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If the latch is in good condition, simply reinstall it using the screws or bolts you removed. If it’s damaged or worn, you’ll need to purchase a new latch and install it in its place.
Before installing the new latch, check that it’s compatible with the door and make sure that all of the parts are included. Place the latch in its proper position and tighten the screws or bolts securely.
Test the latch to make sure it works properly before securing it in place. With a few simple steps, you can have your storm door latch replaced and ready to use!
Replacing the Lock
If the lock on your storm door is broken, you may need to replace it. Replacing the lock on your storm door is an easy job that anyone with basic DIY skills can do. Here’s how to replace the lock on your storm door:
First, remove the screws that secure the strike plate to the door frame. Carefully remove the strike plate and set it aside.
Next, remove the screws that hold the lock in place and carefully remove the lock from the door. Take a close look at the existing lock to ensure you are purchasing the correct type and size of replacement lock.
When you have the replacement lock, slide it into place in the door. Secure the new lock with screws and replace the strike plate as well.
Finally, test the lock to make sure it functions correctly. If the lock does not work properly, adjust the screws or strike plate until it functions properly.
By following these steps, you will easily be able to replace the lock on your storm door. Be sure to check that all screws are securely tightened before testing the lock. If you have any questions about this process, consult a professional locksmith for further assistance.
Replacing the Handle
Replacing the handle on your storm door can be a tricky endeavor. Before you begin, be sure to have the right tools and materials handy. You’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver, new door handle, and new screws.
To replace the handle:
Start by using a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws that secure the handle in place.
Remove the handle from the door.
Take the new handle and line it up with the pre-drilled holes in the door.
Secure it with the two screws you removed earlier. Make sure the handle is firmly in place before moving onto the next step.
Once you have the handle in place, test it out to make sure it works properly. If not, adjust the screws until it works properly.
And there you have it – your storm door now has a new handle. Replacing the handle is a relatively simple task, but make sure to take your time and follow all steps carefully to ensure that you get it right the first time.
Make Sure to Call a Professional Locksmith If DIY Things Don’t Work
Replacing a storm door lock can be tricky and it’s important to make sure that the job is done correctly and safely. If you feel that the process is beyond your capabilities or if the replacement parts seem complicated, then it is advisable to contact a professional locksmith for assistance.
A locksmith will have the experience and expertise needed to make sure that your storm door lock is properly replaced.
They can also provide helpful advice on different types of locks and how to ensure that your home is safe and secure. At AZ Locksmith, we offer professional locksmith services that are available 24*7.
Our team of experienced and certified locksmiths is equipped with the latest tools and technology to solve any type of lock problem quickly and efficiently. From traditional lock installation to complex digital lock systems, our technicians can handle any job.
Particularly in winter, it’s not uncommon for a door lock to become frozen. Whether in your home or car, it can be quite inconvenient and upsetting.
Fortunately, there are some simple solutions. These tips should help you with a freezing door lock without breaking your key or mechanism.
Spray De-Icing Solution
A spray de-icing solution is a safe and effective way to unfreeze your front door lock. Most de-icers contain the organic molecule ethylene glycol, which lowers the freezing point of water and makes it easier to melt away the ice.
It’s also easy to use; spray it onto the frozen handle or frame and wait a few minutes for the ice to melt. It’s also a good idea to apply it before the weather gets too cold, as moisture can easily find its way into locks and freeze them up.
One of the more annoying winter problems is having your front door lock freeze up. It’s not as dangerous as other icy issues, but it still ranks among the most frustrating when your keys don’t work, and you must leave the house!
Petroleum Jelly
When your front door lock is frozen, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, you can apply a number of techniques for defrosting it. One of them is using petroleum jelly. It is a water-protective lubricant that can thaw frozen locks.
It can also help keep you warm in cold weather and prevent chafing, which occurs when skin rubs against another part of your body or clothing.
This can lead to rashes and broken skin.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer has become an essential part of everyday life for many. Unlike water and soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can kill germs on contact, making it effective against coronaviruses, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that cause illness. Choosing the right product, applying it correctly and using it consistently can help you protect yourself from disease.
But not all alcohol-based hand sanitizer is created equal, and some contain ingredients that could be toxic when rubbed into the skin, such as methanol (wood alcohol). Before purchasing any product, look for an FDA warning label that states it does not contain methanol. The Food and Drug Administration has a database you can search to find out whether your bottle of hand sanitizer contains methanol.
Warm Breath
A frozen lock can be a pain – especially when hurrying to leave the house or get into your car. But thankfully, there are plenty of quick and easy solutions out there to help you navigate this frustrating situation.
One of the best ways to defrost your front door lock is with your warm breath. This should thaw the lockout in no time. However, you should not apply the flames of a lighter or match to the lock as it will likely damage it instead of unfreezing it.
Hair Dryer
A hairdryer is an answer if you’re looking for the fastest way to thaw your frozen lock. They’re designed to be light, small and safe to use.
You can plug one into your house or car, hold it six inches away from the frozen handle, and wave it back and forth until the ice melts. This method might require an extension cord to reach the door, so make sure you have one available.
Modern hair dryers are safe because they have temperature cutoff switches that prevent the heating coil from getting too hot. These switches also prevent the device from causing an electric shock. When your front door lock is frozen, a locksmith can be very helpful in resolving the issue. Here are some of how a locksmith can help:
Thawing the lock: A locksmith can use specialized tools to thaw the frozen lock. They may use a heat gun or a de-icer spray to melt the ice and snow, causing the lock to freeze.
Repairing the lock: If the lock is damaged due to the freeze, a locksmith can repair or replace the lock. They can also check to see if any other issues with the lock could be causing it to freeze.
Lubricating the lock: A locksmith can apply lubricant to the lock to prevent it from freezing again. They may also recommend a specific type of lubricant that will work best for your lock.
Providing advice: A locksmith can advise you on how to prevent your lock from freezing in the future. They may recommend using a locking cover or keeping the lock lubricated during winter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a frozen front door lock can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation during cold weather. However, there are several steps you can take to safely and effectively thaw the lock and prevent it from freezing in the future.
These steps ensure that your front door lock remains functional and secure, even during the coldest winter weather. If you encounter any difficulties or need assistance with thawing a frozen lock, contact a professional locksmith for help.
AZ locksmith comprises a team of professionals and can benefit when your front door lock is frozen. They can help you return home and ensure your lock functions properly.
An expert phoenix locksmith has the idea and determination to handle different situations with efficiency. The job is surely more than driving a pick inside the gap for opening the lock. They have the exact strategy and the instruments to handle the situation. Here are some of the best strategies that the Phoenix locksmiths use for delivering good assistance.
Access the health of the lock
When you contact a locksmith in Scottsdale, they will visit the location and check the state of the lock first. The grubby locks are the ones that are harder to pick. Besides, the old and unused locks create great trouble for the locksmith. Generally, tumblers use pins of equal lengths to ensure that the lock won’t open without the right key. This greatly impacts the way the lock can be picked. Besides, the climate also can have a great impact. For instance, the spring has a fluctuating response. After considering all the factors, the locksmith you have hired will come up with the plan to help you out in the situation.
Raking the lock to open it
Herein raking means the methods the phoenix locksmith use for checking the bolt. The locksmith might make use of grease in some instances to slide rake pick into the bolt. It is a pressure device that is used formally to fit the key. But the professional will out light tension before moving ahead to a complex technique. By putting some pressure, one can make the lock springs weak and open them easily.
Cleaning
The locksmith in Scottsdale makes use of different techniques to deliver the right assistance. When the raking technique does not work, cleaning is yet another option. Scouring is used to push the pin and drive it back over the greater parts. The strategy allows the users to find which pin to set first again. The locksmith will put a light tension and then slowly increase when none of the pins work. He will continue applying pressure while holding the pick at variable areas to try different techniques to open the lock.
Shaking
Generally, the unpractised locksmiths in Scottsdale find the shaking method the easiest. Simply jiggling can help get the desired results. The expert will set a stick in the lock and shake it forcefully. Once the locksmith feels the work is done, he will stop and begin with another step. Again he will use different levels of pressure to open the lock.
Contact good professional
There are multiple strategies Phoenix locksmith makes use of to deliver results. But given how complicated some instances can be, you must hire an expert who can fulfill your requirement well. Arizona Locksmith is the one you can trust to hire the best expert. We have experienced professionals who will reach the destination on time and provide good assistance. Our professionals will come up with the right plan and will offer fast results. So when the need for a phoenix locksmith arises, do not hesitate to contact us. For sure our services will be satisfactory for you.
We have gathered a list of the top locksmiths in the Phoenix, AZ area. Here are our top 3 picks for you! Going with any of these will not let you down and you will be satisfied with your service. Our rankings are based on Yelp, Google and other review sources from around the web.
1. Arizona Locksmith
Arizona Locksmith is a leading locksmith and security company in Phoenix, Arizona for over a decade. We are family owned and operated and have been the first choice many local residents call if they’re ever locked out of their home, business or car. Our team of professional locksmiths in Phoenix are confident we’ll get your job completed in no time. We have locksmith techs that are located throughout Maricopa County to quickly respond to calls in any city.
Arizona Locksmith has stellar Google and Yelp reviews and it shows that the company has a reputation as the best locksmith in the Phoenix AZ area!
“We had to call them late at night in a pinch. Ben was fantastic from both the customer service standpoint and the expertise one: quick to respond, friendly, and efficient. Would recommend highly.”
“Outstanding. Tom went above and beyond. Locked myself out of my home office on a Sunday and while he was onsite took advantage of his expertise and changed 4 other locks on the property.”
2. Phoenix Locksmith on Call
Phoenix Locksmith on Call is a medium sized family owned and operated locksmith business in Phoenix Arizona. For the last 5 years we have been helping people just like you with all of their locksmith needs. We are dedicated to the Phoenix and valley area residents and always offer exceptional value for our locksmith services.
“CJ was a big help and was really nice! Great company with great service! Will definitely be calling them again if I need a locksmith!”
3. University Lock & Security
Complete home security system company and locksmith serving Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, Peoria and Glendale Arizona. Trust us to install and monitor your commercial or residential alarm system. We can include security cameras, remote monitoring, key pad access and many other advanced home security features in your project. We are also available to replace locks on homes and apartments if your keys have been stolen or if you need to re-key doors on a rental property. At our offices in Tempe, we make all kinds of keys and also sell floor safes. Keys, cameras, safes, and alarm systems are all part of a comprehensive home security system.
As a business owner, you have a number of responsibilities that keep the company successful. You meet with partners, suppliers, angry customers, and other parties to ensure your business stays in good report. You also oversee processes within your company so that each product or service you provide meets quality and safety requirements.
However, one of your most important responsibilities involves keeping your business secure from intruders and/or anyone who could possibly steal from or destroy property of your business. After all, you have access to your employees’, partners’, and customers’ sensitive information, and you want to ensure no one steals that data. You also have valuable equipment and products-and you may even have cash on hand.
To keep all your assets secure, you have to adopt safety policies like rekeying your locks when necessary. Below, you will find a list of six situations that require you to rekey your locks.
1. You or One of Your Employees Lost a Key
If anyone loses a key outside your office or near your premises, that key becomes a security risk. Instruct your workers to report missing keys immediately. If you do not retrieve the key, change the locks around your property as soon as you can. Even if no one ever picks up that lost key, you do not want to risk your company’s security on the assumption that nobody will use it to break in.
2. You Just Bought a New Building
You built or bought a brand new building so you would not have to make your company fit into a pre-used space. However, even though this building has only had locks and keys for a short while, those keys may have unknown copies floating around. Realtors and construction crews need their own keys, and they may have lent those keys to anyone. Err on the side of caution. Have a locksmith rekey the building’s locks before you bring anything valuable inside.
3. You Just Bought a Pre-Owned Building
Pre-owned buildings have even more key problems than their newer counterparts. After all, previous occupants could have made key copies for family members, friends, suppliers, or employees. Any one of those people could use their key to enter your office and do as they please.
Rekey your locks and simplify your life. When you rekey, you have total control over who has a key and who doesn’t, especially if you take advantage of modern technologies like electronic signatures within your keys.
4. You Fired or Let Go Someone Who Vowed Retribution
Even if you tried to deal with this employee as fairly as possible, he or she may still harbor hostile feelings towards your company. Additionally, even if a disgruntled employee does not break in, he or she may give their keys to someone who will. Thus, if you suspect that a previous employee could harm your company, rekey the locks.
5. Someone Broke Into Your Office
Perhaps your office has already experienced a break in. Although the intruder may have entered through a window or an unlocked door, you cannot assume that your locks are still secure. That intruder may have picked up a spare key on his or her way out.
When any of the above scenarios apply to your business, get in touch with a reliable locksmith company in your area. Locksmiths can help you keep your office secure no matter how many disgruntled employees or other threats you encounter.