Living on campus offers students the opportunity to pursue their education while enjoying the fun of getting involved with activities, social events, and school functions. While colleges and universities prioritize the safety of their students, it’s important to take additional precautions to ensure that you are well protected. Dorm room security in Fairfax, VA, for example, is an important consideration. By following a few key tips, you can significantly improve your safety on campus:
Keep doors and windows closed and locked: One of the most important things you can do to protect your dorm room to keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Whether you’re leaving for the day or you’re just going to the communal bathroom, your dorm room should always be protected. People who are looking to grab valuables and make a quick exit from a dorm are much less likely to bother with a door or window that’s been locked.
Secure your valuables: A break-in is a terrible experience no matter what’s taken by an intruder, but there are certain valuables that you should take extra precautions to protect. Invest in a lockbox or safe that you can use to store items of value, including money, private documents, jewelry or electronics. Hide this lockbox in a closet or under your bed to keep it as far out of sight as possible.
Get insured: In the event that you lose your possessions in a burglary, fire or other disasters, you need to have some security that you will be compensated for what you’ve lost. Investing in insurance for your possessions gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re protected. If any of the items under your insurance policy are stolen, you will be able to get the value of those items back from your insurer.
Keep track of your valuables: You should maintain a list of the valuable items and assets you’re keeping in your dorm room so that you can keep track of things more effectively. Sometimes, people don’t even realize that they’ve been robbed until days, weeks or even months after the incident. By keeping a log and checking on your possessions regularly, you will know as soon as something goes missing so that you can promptly file a report after a theft.
Maintain your privacy: You should avoid sharing too much private information about your schedule online. Potential intruders could get information about your schedule via social media and use it to break into your dorm room when you’re away.
Dorm room security in Fairfax, VA
For more advice about dorm room security in Fairfax, VA, reach out to the team of experts at Artie’s Lock and Key. Since 1975, we have been proud to provide our customers with exceptional locksmithing services and security products. We provide commercial, residential and automotive locksmith services so you can feel confident you’re getting the assistance you need from an experienced and knowledgeable team. Reach out to us today to find out more about everything we have to offer and to request an appointment with a member of our team.
One of your highest priorities as a homeowner is the security of your property, and to ensure that your home is as safe and protected as possible, you need to invest in reliable locks. Locks keep your home secure whether you’re inside or not, and they can deter potential intruders. While traditional locks are often very effective forms of home protection, advancements in technology have improved homeowner safety and security even more. Read on to find out more about a few of the most popular types of smart home locks in Fairfax, VA:
Schlage Sense: The Schlage Sense is a smart lock device that alerts you to forced entry or burglary attempts. This lock features the most secure deadbolt available on the market, and it automatically detects entry using its keypad or its built-in key. This lock is popular for its security, strength, and durability. It’s a good option for people who are concerned about home security but aren’t interested in investing in a CCTV system.
Ring: The Ring doorbell offers homeowners a technologically-integrated system that they can use to greet guests, coordinate deliveries and deter intruders. This system integrates with a CCTV system, enabling homeowners to remotely see any activity that’s happening in front of their door. This system is straightforward enough for homeowners to install on their own, and it offers exceptional durability, including rain resistance.
iSmart Alarm: An iSmart Alarm provides homeowners with automatic motion sensor technology that alerts them in the event of an entry attempt or trespass. You can customize the scheduling of this device based on your family’s needs for the most accurate monitoring and notification functionalities.
Nest: A lot of homeowners have Nest thermostats to control energy use for heating and cooling, but Nest also offers home security devices that can be integrated with other smart home technology. Nest Cam offers users high-quality video that you can watch remotely from your smartphone. Nest also offers two-way voice chat, enabling you to communicate with people in your home from anywhere as long as you have access to your smart phone.
Choosing the right option
Every homeowner is different, and what works for someone else might not be the right option for you. To find the smart home locks in Fairfax, VA that will work best for your particular needs, you should consult a local locksmith. They will be able to walk you through all of your different options to help you find the one that’s right for your household’s needs and budget.
Get help with smart home locks in Fairfax, VA
Learn more about smart home locks in Fairfax, VA and schedule installation service by contacting the team of experts at Artie’s Lock and Key. For decades, our team has been dedicated to delivering exceptional locksmith services, including mobile locksmithing for commercial and residential clients alike. Regardless of what your particular needs may be, our team is here to assist you with expert services and high-quality security products. Get started with a service quote by giving us a call today!
When you use local home, office and automotive services, you’re supporting small businesses and your community. It’s a way to give back while getting something you need in return. For example, your need for a new lock replacement can support the surrounding economy. And needing new locks installed or help with a home or car lockout can be stressful when you don’t know who you can trust. Locksmiths advise against trying to pick locks without the right tools, especially if your knowledge is lacking.
Do you need to call an expert locksmith for help? Consider choosing a small, established business for the job. The following are the top six benefits of hiring a local locksmith in Fairfax, VA:
Known in the community: Whether you’re looking for a residential, commercial or automotive locksmith, the key to getting good service is working with a trusted business in your community. Because of reports of fraud and scams within the lock repair industry, steer clear of door-to-door locksmith service providers. Your best bet is to contact lock professionals who are known and respected in your community.
Proven skills and experience: When you hire an established local locksmith who is known within your community, it’s easy to find people who can confirm the company’s lock repair skills and experience. Get recommendations from people you trust, then check companies out online to verify licenses, credentials and experience.
Avoid ruining your locks: Trying to fix a jammed or broken lock yourself can cause more damage, and therefore more expense. For example, let’s say one of your car’s locks or the ignition is a little wonky. Fiddling with it can damage the keyhole to the point where the entire mechanism needs to be replaced. Instead, simply spend a little money on professional locksmith services and avoid additional damage.
Quick response time: One the main benefits of hiring a local locksmith is fast response time. Whether you are in need of a new key or new locks, someone who is not too far away can get to your location quickly. A fast response and service means you won’t be waiting around for hours for someone to arrive or have to take off a full day off work.
Help in emergency situations: Along the same lines as responding quickly, local locksmiths are your best bet in emergency lockout situations. Locked your keys inside your car? Returned home to realize you don’t have your house keys? No matter if it’s day or night, call a local locksmith to come save you.
Get replacement keys fast: Losing your keys is a drag. You can look everywhere for them, but know you might have to come to the understanding that they may be gone forever. If you’ve lost your house keys and changing the locks is not in the cards, have a locksmith make replacement keys for you. This service also comes in handy when you need spare keys made for your home or car.
If you want to hire a reliable local locksmith in Fairfax, VA, look no further than Artie’s Lock and Key. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule service!
Like many people in the United States, you look at owning a home as a key part of the American dream. Sure, renting a house or apartment does have perks—because your landlord is responsible for most of the maintenance and repairs, all you need to do is call him or her when something needs to be fixed. But as the owner of a home, you’re the ruler of your domain. This gives you the power to do things like paint the walls whatever color you want, hang pictures without needing permission to drive nails into the wall and put actual effort into the home upgrades you want.
Before settling in and making your new home your own, for the sake of safety, look into new lock replacement in Fairfax, VA. Change those locks whether you purchased a brand-new home or an existing structure. Let’s talk about a few things every new homeowner should consider doing to secure their property upon moving in, including changing the locks:
Get homeowner’s insurance: Homeowner’s insurance is different from renter’s insurance. At this stage in homeownership, you will need to look into new home, property, flood, fire or earthquake insurance. It’s okay if you aren’t sure what types of coverage you need to sign up for. Simply call your insurance company and talk it out with a representative.
Create an emergency contact list: One of the first things you should do is make a new emergency contact list to keep on the side of your refrigerator (or somewhere easily accessible). Look up the phone numbers for county services and emergency response in your new town—including the police, animal control and utility companies (water, power, sewer, cable). Even a list of non-emergency numbers can be good to have on hand. Also, add personal emergency contacts of close family and friends who live nearby.
Assess the home security system: If your new home has a home security system, activate it before your move-in date. If it doesn’t have a security system, seriously consider installing one.
Change the locks on an older home: The thing about buying a previously lived-in home is that there’s no way to know how many spare keys are out there. The previous owner may have kept one as a keepsake, or neglected to gather up all the keys from friends, family members, neighbors, and household helpers. Your options range from lock rekeying to installing an electronic keyless entry system and traditional new lock replacement in Fairfax, VA.
Change the locks on a new build: Even if you invested in brand-new home construction, don’t assume you possess the only copies of the keys. Others, such as construction crews and contractors, are likely to have keys. With this in mind, the safest thing to do is replace all the “brand-new” locks with different new locks for which no one else has keys.
Congratulations on your new home, and welcome to the neighborhood! From rekeying the locks on your new home to performing new lock replacement in Fairfax, VA, the team at Artie’s Lock and Key has you covered. Call us today and let us know what we can do for you!
If you’ve ever misplaced your car key or locked the keys inside your car, you know the panicked feeling that quickly sets in. The good news is that there are several relatively simple methods you can try to unlock your car door without the key. This post from your favorite automotive locksmith in Fairfax, VA will cover a few of those methods that may be able to get you out of a sticky situation:
Shoestring: If your car door has a lock that unlocks by pulling up, you can use your shoestring to unlock it. Make a loop in the middle of your shoestring and thread it through the space where the car door meets the exterior. Once the loop is in the car, hook it around the lock and pull upwards. It’s as easy as that!
Coat hanger: A wire coat hanger can be hard to come by if you’re locked out of your vehicle. But if you can find one, it’s a handy tool to unlock any lock. Untwist the hanger and slip it in the window through the weatherstripping. It may take some time and fiddling around, but you should eventually be able to open the door.
Rod and screwdriver: If you have a Phillips head screwdriver and a steel rod, you can open up any car door. Simply pry open the car door using the screwdriver and stick the metal rod in the door and press the lock button. Keep in mind that this method can damage the door, so be extra careful when doing so!
Slim Jim: A Slim Jim isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s also a useful tool for opening doors without a key! Slide the metal tool into the car door the same way you would with a coat hanger, and pull up on the locking mechanism. It’s an effective method, assuming you have such a tool lying around somewhere.
Plastic strip: Instead of scraping up your car door using metal objects, you may be able to unlock the door using a piece of plastic. In addition to being less harsh on your paint job, plastic is easier to bend and wedge inside your car door.
Tennis ball: Whether or not this method works is highly debated. However, it is an interesting concept! Take a tennis ball and drill a small hole into it. Then, place the tennis ball on the lock with the hole on top of the keyhole and push down. The pressure from the tennis ball should (in theory) force the car to unlock!
Call a professional: Instead of trying all of the steps mentioned above, just call a locksmith the moment you realize you’re locked out! Calling a locksmith from the get-go can save you from a lot of frustration, and can ensure that you get on with your day as fast as possible.
Don’t trust anyone else but Artie’s Lock and Key the next time you lock yourself out of your vehicle! In addition to being a reliable automotive locksmith in Fairfax, VA, we also offer locksmith services for your home and business. Give us a call today to find out what we can do for you!
