What does “security” mean to you? Is it an iron gate along the edge of your yard, a set of premium locks, or maybe an alarm system and cameras? Perhaps even a Doberman who sleeps at the foot of your bed? While all these things provide some level of safety, our overall definition of “security” could use a few revisions.
Security is not the purchase of a gadget, a safe or a lock; True security is a product of addressing all the risk factors between you (your stuff and yourself) and those who wish to exploit those risk factors to obtain what is yours. Risk factors are things such as weak windows, builder grade door locks, hollow or unreinforced doors, sliding patio doors; anything an intruder might consider an opportunity. It is incredibly important to your security and safety to address each risk factor thoroughly.
Think of security in terms of layers. The more the better! Intruders must weigh the benefit of obtaining access to you and your stuff against the time and effort they must spend breaching each layer of security in between. As such, you must also weigh the cost of each layer against the value of what you aim to protect. For example, keeping your reading glasses in a $5,000 safe would be overkill (and more than a little outlandish), but storing your heirloom jewelry in a sock drawer or toy-like safe is not enough to keep it out of the hands of thieves. The application of appropriate levels of security without exceeding reasonable costs to the customer is often very important and requires a skilled and knowledgeable locksmith to determine.
Your premises, whether commercial or residential, share similar characteristics: An outer layer comprised of doors, walls, windows, etc., a layer of open or common areas like living rooms, lobbies, and hallways, and private areas such as bedrooms, offices, and other areas where sensitive material is stored.
Windows, doors, vents and any exterior access points comprise the outer layer. Arguably, this is the most important layer of security, and one in which you should consider investing the most. All exterior doors should be equipped with, at the very least, a good quality and properly installed deadbolt lock. You might also consider a touchpad type deadbolt that will allow you to program an access code.
Windows (including decorative door glass) should be replaced with hurricane rated windows, or existing windows reinforced with applied polycarbonate film, or with a rigid polycarbonate 1/8” panels overlay.
Often overlooked exterior access points are vents and ducts. A good rule of thumb is to secure any duct large enough for a small child to crawl through. If you are unsure how, we can advise you of several ways to do this.
The next layer of securing your premises is to address the common areas such as lobbies, living rooms, hallways, etc. Securing these areas can be tough due to the necessity of through-traffic by family or employees. One option is to install an alarm system that is partially armed while premises is occupied, and fully armed when vacant.
If an intruder has breached the previous layers of defense, his or her next objective is likely to access private areas such as bedrooms, offices, or anywhere else the intruder presumes to find valuables. To address this layer, don’t store your treasured items in a predictable haunt such as a jewelry box or your sock drawer. Invest in a good quality safe for such items instead.
Safes aren’t just for jewels and neatly cinched bags of money, either. Use a fire rated safe to store important documents such as insurance policies, deeds, and your children’s birth certificates. For firearms owners, a gun safe is a must. Whatever your cache, we can recommend the best make and model of safe to protect it.
Your safety and security are our concern. Please call us at 303-444-4407. We’ll be glad to discuss with you a broad range of security options that will suit your needs and provide invaluable peace of mind. Isn’t that what security is all about anyway?
Established in 1979, City Lock is a full service locksmith serving Boulder and surrounding areas.
