In addition, some items may be better off in a safe deposit box in a bank instead of in your home safe. Of course, it’s up to you to determine what to keep in a home safe and what to store in a safety deposit box.

But here are 10 things you should consider keeping in your home safe:

1. Insurance documents. If your home suffers damage from a fire or other disaster, you’ll want to keep your insurance documents safe, so you know your coverage and have the right information to file a claim.
2. Personal documents. Passports, Social Security cards, and birth certificates can be a hassle to replace. But you may need access to them outside of banking hours, so it’s best to keep them at home.
3. Legal documents. If you’ve drawn up a living will, power of attorney or health care directive, it’s best to keep those forms close rather than at a bank, which might seal your safe deposit box upon your death.
4. Financial documents. It’s wise to hold onto certain financial documents, including tax returns, property records, brokerage statements and debt records. By keeping them in your home safe, you can prevent identity theft.
5. Prescription medications. Keeping potentially addictive medications in your safe can prevent abuse or overdose.
6. Cash. It’s always a good idea to keep some cash on hand in case of an emergency, especially if the area you live in is prone to natural disasters that can knock out bank and ATM networks.
7. Certain valuables. If you have jewelry, a coin collection or other valuable items that you want access to from time to time, you might prefer to keep it close rather than at a bank.
8. Guns. Your local bank may not allow firearms in its rental agreement. Even so, it’s best to keep your gun in a home safe if you want easy access or you want it for general home safety.
9. Old family photos. If you have any family photos that you want to keep but don’t display on your walls, your home safe will protect them from fire and water damage. It’s also recommended to scan them, so you have a digital copy.
10. Safe deposit box keys. If you choose to get a safe deposit box with your local bank, store your keys in your home safe to always remember where they are and to keep them safe from thieves.

As for things you should keep in a safe deposit box instead of in your home, here are four:

1. Valuable heirlooms. If you have family heirlooms or other valuable items that you don’t need regular access to, it might be better to keep them in a safe deposit box rather than a home safe.
2. Home inventory. Property insurance companies typically require that you keep an inventory of what you have in your home in case of a burglary or damage. By keeping this in a safe deposit box instead of a home safe, your list will be completely safe.
3. Certain important documents. While it’s good to have some documents in a home safe, you can keep others in a safe deposit box if you don’t need easy access to them. Unless you’re planning to sell your car soon, for instance, you likely don’t need to keep your vehicle titles at home.
4. Sensitive computer data. If you have a USB drive or external hard drive with sensitive information on it, it’s best to keep it in a safe-deposit box where it likely won’t be subject to intense heat, potential water damage or magnetic interference.

Visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. Notably, we sell safes where you can store firearms and your most prized possessions in the event that you are robbed. Thankfully, A1 Lock and Safe specializes in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. If you so much as suspect that someone could break into your home or office because your locks are faulty, let our Durham locksmiths know and we will replace your keys and locks for an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!

The post What to Keep in Your Safe | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

Many homeowners and business owners alike worry that smart locks can be hacked. And it’s true, though uncommon: smart locks can be hacked. Many AirBnB hosts have turned to using smart locks for their home so they don’t have to meet their guests to give them a key. But are there ways that you can prevent your smart lock from being hacked?

Ways smart locks can be hacked

The ways in which traditional key locks can be compromised are pretty straightforward. Thieves can pick, smash or otherwise destroy the locks to gain entry. If you leave your keys hidden in the yard or have multiple keys floating around, criminals could find them and let themselves right in.

With smart locks, you eliminate the vulnerability of physical keys, but you also open the door to hackers, so to speak. Here’s how:

• Password hijacking: Just like with all password-protected services and devices, anyone with the password can access it. If your smart lock system password isn’t strong, you make a hacker’s job easier to guess and use it. Once a hacker figures out your password, they have control over your door.
• Manufacturer vulnerabilities: Over the years, there have been cases in which manufacturer flaws and oversights have been shown to provide easy access to customers’ homes via smart locks. These include things such as storing customer passwords in plain text (i.e. making them easy for anyone who accesses their system to read and steal) and failing to include sufficient software to prevent other methods hackers use, such as decompiling APK (Android Package Kit) files, device spoofing (essentially device identity theft) and replay attacks (akin to digital eavesdropping). Without the right protections in place, hackers could be able to access your account and potentially your home.
• Phone theft: Because smart locks are controlled via an app, if your smartphone is stolen, criminals may then be able to open the app and unlock your home. Know that some smart locks open if the phone is detected nearby (even if the phone is locked), so if a thief has your phone and shows up on your doorstep, it could automatically open and grant them access.
• Lock removal: Just like with traditional locks, thieves with tools can physically tamper with, remove and destroy smart locks all together.

How to prevent hacking for your smart lock

There are some ways to lower the risk of a smart lock getting hacked:

• Protect your password: Choose a unique password for each of your smart locks that isn’t easy to guess (1234, anyone?). Once you choose them, make sure to change them frequently and don’t give them to anyone you don’t implicitly trust.
• Update software frequently: Manufacturers are constantly trying to outsmart criminals and will frequently release software updates. Always download them as soon as they’re available.
• Consider an alternative electronic lock: While all smart locks are electric, there are electric locks that aren’t smart—meaning they don’t operate over Bluetooth or W-Fi. Some operate via a keypad, while others grant access with a key fob or access card. These “dumb” electric locks still provide the convenience of keyless entry, but they eliminate hacking risks.

The post Can Smart Locks Be Hacked? | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

Are you going out of town for the holiday weekend, but you’re worried about the protection of your home while you’re away? While break-ins and burglaries can be common, there are several easy steps you can take to avoid worrying about the safety of your home.

First, make sure that your home is protected with good quality locks. Having an effective deadbolt may sound like common sense, but this is an excellent place to start when ensuring the protection of your home. There are many options to choose from when deciding on a door lock. If you’ve had problems with break-ins in the past, you might consider replacing your deadbolt if you haven’t already.

Next, make sure to lock your windows. Many burglars find easy access into homes through unlocked doors and windows. Again, this may sound like a no-brainer, but check that each window is locked and secured before heading out of town.

Another great way to protect your home while you’re away is to make it seem like you never left. Leave lights on timers, have neighbors pick up packages and your mail, and make sure that your yard is maintained. Investing in a security system that automatically turns on lights while you’re away could also be beneficial. This way, any potential intruders may think twice about attempting to break in.

Consider other points of entry into your home: garages, cellar doors, window air conditioner units, and so on. These spots may be weak points that a potential intruder could easily break into. You may consider unplugging your garage door opener while you’re gone to avoid this risk. As for cellar doors and other entry ways that you use infrequently, it’s best to lock these spaces with a padlock from the inside. When it comes to protecting spaces like window air conditioner units, it’s a good idea to use a Charlie bar (a locking metal bar) so that if a break-in occurs, at least the broken glass will attract attention.

Finally, consider installing a security system for your home. Not only could seeing a security system sign persuade a potential trespasser against entering your home, it can also give you peace of mind while you’re away.

These are only a few ideas to keep your home protected while you’re away, but they could possibly stop a break-in from happening. At A1 Lock and Safe, we want you to feel safe and secure at home. For all of your locksmith needs in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC, give us a call at A1 Lock and Safe.

The post Not Home for the Holiday Weekend? | Locksmiths | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

1. Lock the doors and windows. Locking up might seem too obvious to mention, but an estimated 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Windows are also weak points, so keep them closed and locked, even on the upper floors. A clever burglar can still access them, and an open window anywhere in the house might let in animals, rain or wind.
2. Clear out the mailbox. Mail piling up is a tip-off that no one’s home. Have a trusted neighbor, friend or house-sitter collect your mail and keep it safely out of sight. Alternatively, you can request a temporary mail hold or mail forwarding through USPS.com. If you subscribe to any newspapers or subscription boxes, pause your delivery.
3. Use lights to create the illusion that someone’s home. Darkness is another trademark of an empty house — it also allows thieves to sneak in undetected. Nix that vulnerability by leaving a few lights on. Better yet, use motion detector lights to illuminate any intruders, or opt for smart lighting so you can set the lights to a timer and control them remotely.
4. Keep the yard maintained. Unless you have an extremely low-care yard, the lawn or garden will definitely need attention if you’re gone long enough. Make sure your landscaping professional continues working in your absence, and if you don’t have one, ask a neighbor or hire temporary help. If you live in a wintry climate, consider snow removal as well.
5. Leave a car in the driveway. Former burglars have reported that a vehicle in the driveway is a major deterrent in scoping out potential targets, because it almost always means that someone is home. Leave your (locked) car where people can see it, or see if a neighbor wants to park there.
6. Hide or lock up valuables. Easy-to-grab expensive items are extremely alluring to criminals. Conceal and secure the high-value items in both your home and garage. Lock up the most important things in a household safe. Remember that many thieves don’t draw the line at stealing physical goods — they also want to steal your identity. Lock up social security cards, financial information and any personal identification that you’re not bringing with you.
7. Don’t broadcast your plans online. Don’t post about your vacation on social media until after you return (and make sure your kids don’t either). By sharing travel plans, you’re advertising that your house will be empty. You can never be completely sure who sees that information, especially if you have many followers or a public profile.
8. Get your security system ready. If you have a home security system or security cameras, make them obvious to potential intruders. Cameras should be conspicuous so they can see and be seen. Post home security signs and decals prominently. If you don’t have a system, fake signs might be better than nothing. Also, make sure the security system and any automated devices you have are programmed correctly for your absence. If you have a professionally monitored system, inform the company that you’re going away. Make sure cameras, smoke detectors and any other components are on and in good working order, and that your smart home devices are programmed appropriately.
9. Adjust the thermostat. Adjust the thermostat to prevent the HVAC system from needlessly heating or cooling empty rooms. Programmable smart thermostats make this a lot easier, and you can remotely adjust them to comfortable temperatures for when you get back.
10. Prevent water damage. Some experts recommend turning off the house’s main water supply valve to prevent possible water damage from leaky pipes. This is a viable option if you live in a moderate climate and the house will be empty, but if you live in a cold area, or someone will be checking in while you’re gone, you probably want to leave the water on.

Visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. Notably, we sell safes where you can store firearms and your most prized possessions in the event that you are robbed. Thankfully, A1 Lock and Safe specializes in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. If you so much as suspect that someone could break into your home or office because your locks are faulty, let our Durham locksmiths know and we will replace your keys and locks for an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!

The post 10 Ways to Protect Your Home | Locksmiths | Chapel Hill NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

If you think your lock has been picked, visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. Notably, we sell safes where you can store firearms and your most prized possessions in the event that you are robbed. Thankfully, A1 Lock and Safe specializes in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. If you so much as suspect that someone could break into your home or office because your locks are faulty, let our Durham locksmiths know and we will replace your keys and locks for an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!

If you believe your lock has been tampered with, remain calm and assess the situation. Find specific evidence that supports your belief. Look at locks, windows, door frames, and other entries. There are three common ways that burglars attempt getting through locks:

1. With brute force: if an intruder tries to gain entry into your home with brute force, you’ll know. Your locks may be bashed in, windows may be broken, or doors may be kicked down. Some other less obvious signs might also point to an attempted break in though, including bent deadbolts or latches or warped doors or door frames. If you notice that your key is harder to turn than usual, this could mean that someone has attempted to bump or pick your lock.
2. By bumping: an intruder may file down the teeth of a key into several points like a saw. This is called a “bump key.” Intruders may insert the key all the way into the compatible keyhole and withdraw it with one click. Then, they hit it abruptly with a blunt object, withdraw one click again, and repeat. Once all the lock tumblers have all caught, the intruder can then turn the key and open the door. Unfortunately for home and business owners, this method of intrusion leaves little trace. However, if you see fresh nicks around the edges of the keyhole or shiny metal edges around your lock that look like they’ve been hit recently, you may be the victim of a bumping attempt.
3. By picking: this is when a person uses small tools to turn the lock, plus a pick to rake the pin tumblers. Locks may be picked with something like a flat screwdriver or a dental pick. Once the tumblers catch, the lock turns easily. This type of break in takes more time and expertise than bumping, but it’s even gentler, therefore it is more unlikely that you’d notice a picking attempt on your lock. However, sometimes picks and shims wiggle around on the inside of your lock, and when they do so, they can cut into the edges and leave marks. If you notice tiny scratch marks around the keyhole – finer than from a key – this may be a sign of an attempted picking of your lock.

Of course, there are more situations when it might be smart to change your locks. If you have any doubts at all, we think it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home, your office building, your loved ones, and/or your prized possessions. At A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina, we want to make you feel as safe as possible. Contact us today to get started!

The post Has Your Lock Been Picked? | Locksmiths | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.

Now is the time of year when many families leave town for an extended amount of time. Although the pandemic complicates our plans, people may be leaving the country to visit family or take an extended vacation. Regardless of your situation, if you’re leaving your home for longer than a few days, do you want to ensure the safety of your home? Of course you do! It’s not fun to leave home and be worried about all your prized possessions. Here are ten tips to make sure your home is protected while you’re away:

1. Lock the doors and windows. Locking up might seem too obvious to mention, but an estimated 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Windows are also weak points, so keep them closed and locked, even on the upper floors. A clever burglar can still access them, and an open window anywhere in the house might let in animals, rain or wind.
2. Clear out the mailbox. Mail piling up is a tip-off that no one’s home. Have a trusted neighbor, friend or house-sitter collect your mail and keep it safely out of sight. Alternatively, you can request a temporary mail hold or mail forwarding through USPS.com. If you subscribe to any newspapers or subscription boxes, pause your delivery.
3. Use lights to create the illusion that someone’s home. Darkness is another trademark of an empty house — it also allows thieves to sneak in undetected. Nix that vulnerability by leaving a few lights on. Better yet, use motion detector lights to illuminate any intruders, or opt for smart lighting so you can set the lights to a timer and control them remotely.
4. Keep the yard maintained. Unless you have an extremely low-care yard, the lawn or garden will definitely need attention if you’re gone long enough. Make sure your landscaping professional continues working in your absence, and if you don’t have one, ask a neighbor or hire temporary help. If you live in a wintry climate, consider snow removal as well.
5. Leave a car in the driveway. Former burglars have reported that a vehicle in the driveway is a major deterrent in scoping out potential targets, because it almost always means that someone is home. Leave your (locked) car where people can see it, or see if a neighbor wants to park there.
6. Hide or lock up valuables. Easy-to-grab expensive items are extremely alluring to criminals. Conceal and secure the high-value items in both your home and garage. Lock up the most important things in a household safe. Remember that many thieves don’t draw the line at stealing physical goods — they also want to steal your identity. Lock up social security cards, financial information and any personal identification that you’re not bringing with you.
7. Don’t broadcast your plans online. Don’t post about your vacation on social media until after you return (and make sure your kids don’t either). By sharing travel plans, you’re advertising that your house will be empty. You can never be completely sure who sees that information, especially if you have many followers or a public profile.
8. Get your security system ready. If you have a home security system or security cameras, make them obvious to potential intruders. Cameras should be conspicuous so they can see and be seen. Post home security signs and decals prominently. If you don’t have a system, fake signs might be better than nothing. Also, make sure the security system and any automated devices you have are programmed correctly for your absence. If you have a professionally monitored system, inform the company that you’re going away. Make sure cameras, smoke detectors and any other components are on and in good working order, and that your smart home devices are programmed appropriately.
9. Adjust the thermostat. Adjust the thermostat to prevent the HVAC system from needlessly heating or cooling empty rooms. Programmable smart thermostats make this a lot easier, and you can remotely adjust them to comfortable temperatures for when you get back.
10. Prevent water damage. Some experts recommend turning off the house’s main water supply valve to prevent possible water damage from leaky pipes. This is a viable option if you live in a moderate climate and the house will be empty, but if you live in a cold area, or someone will be checking in while you’re gone, you probably want to leave the water on.

The post More Tips for Protecting Your Home | Locksmiths | Durham NC appeared first on A1 Lock and Safe of North Carolina.