But all employees should know the basics about what to do in an emergency situation, whether it’s a fire, robbery or even something simple like getting locked out of the business.

If your staff members don’t know what to do in the latter situation, it’s probably because you didn’t train them or have a plan in place. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Here’s why your business needs a commercial lockout plan (and how to go about implementing one).

Why Your Business Needs a Commercial Lockout Plan

Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges, but one issue that often gets overlooked is a commercial lockout. Imagine your employees standing outside, unable to access the building and missing valuable work hours, disrupting your operations in the process. It’s a scenario no business owner wants to face, but it’s one that can easily be prevented.

Here are four of the biggest reasons why your business needs a commercial lockout plan:

1. Minimize downtime: Time is money. Lockouts lead to significant downtime, which not only affects productivity, but your bottom line as well. Employees need tasks to complete if they are going to be productive, and they can’t do it if they’re just standing around, waiting for help to arrive.
2. Maintain security: A commercial lockout is also a potential security hazard. Employees who are locked out may attempt to force entry, leading to damaged locks or doors and increasing the risk of a security breach. Or, any potential criminals who witness the lockout may identify your business as a current or future target.
3. Ensure safety: Locked-out employees are compromised employees, especially if the lockout occurs late at night or in an area with high crime rates. At the very least, ensure your staff has a safe place to wait in the event of a lockout.
4. Boost employee confidence: Simply knowing there’s a plan in place for an unexpected situation can boost someone’s morale and confidence in the person who designed it. This shows you’re proactive and care about your employees’ wellbeing in addition to the smooth operation of your business.

How to Implement a Commercial Lockout Plan

Now you know why a commercial lockout plan is important. But how do you actually implement one? This is also a step-by-step process, and one that we can help, as Dallas-Fort Worth’s leading locksmithing and security company.

Here are our recommendations for implementing a commercial lockout plan:

1. Assess your current security measures: start by identifying potential weak points that could lead to a lockout. Are your locks old or prone to malfunction? Do you have a reliable system for managing keys? When was the last time you conducted a thorough assessment? All of these are needed to understand what changes might be necessary.
2. Develop a key management system: business owners need to be organized, especially when it comes to keys. This includes knowing who has what keys, how many copies exist and where they are stored. Consider implementing a sign-in/sign-out procedure for keys and regularly audit the process to ensure compliance.
3. Install keyless entry systems: one of the best ways to prevent lockouts is to invest in modern access control systems that feature keyless entry. This can look like key cards, biometric scanners or digital keypads. A commercial locksmith can help you find and install the best one, enhancing your security in the process.
4. Create a lockout response plan: develop an outline that you can use to train employees, including emergency contacts, access procedures and safety protocols. Be specific, clear and make sure it’s easily understandable.
5. Distribute and train: make sure all employees are trained on how to follow the procedures you develop. This training should be part of the onboarding process for new hires and revisited regularly with current staff. Conducting a drill every now and then wouldn’t hurt to ensure everyone is familiar with the steps they need to take.

Other Preparations to Consider

There are a few other ways you can better protect yourself from a commercial lockout beyond having a plan. For starters, parting with a reliable locksmith is crucial. A-1 Locksmith, for example, offers emergency services to ensure you’re never left in a bind. We can also help replace your locks or upgrade you to a master key system.

Regular maintenance is another key preparation, as locks and security systems must be kept up with and updated regularly. Check them routinely to ensure everything is in working order. Also, have a backup solution in case anything is inoperable, such as a spare key in a secure location, or a lockbox with a code that only a few employees know about. Finally, effective communication is one of the best ways you can prepare your employees.

Don’t get caught off guard by a commercial lockout. With proper preparation like the tips outlined in this guide, you can prevent one from happening in the first place. To schedule a consultation with A-1 Locksmith so we can assess your current risk and recommend upgrades, stop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations today or give us a call.

Sound familiar? When it comes to protecting your business assets, though, you might not be sure where to start, or how to make improvements. Are there locksmith services you should consider? Let’s take a closer look at five services that you should consider for your “baby.”

1. High-Security Locks

Standard locks may not be providing enough security for your business. A-1 Locksmith offers high-security lock installation to fortify your doors and entry points against unauthorized access. After all, high-security locks usually include features such as advanced key control, drill resistance and pick resistance, making them extremely difficult to breach.

2. Access Control Systems

If you’re concerned about unauthorized access (both internally and externally), an access control system is worth considering. We specialize in installing and maintaining these systems, which allow you to manage employee access using electronic key cards, biometric recognition or keypad entry. This not only enhances security, but also makes it easier to monitor and track employee activity. 

3. Master Keys

Can employees hear you coming a mile away because of your giant key ring? You might need a master key system. With a master key, you can access all areas of your business while employees have access only to the areas relevant to their roles. Say goodbye to numerous keys and hello to convenient authorized access for your business.

4. Commercial Safes

Don’t forget about critical documents, cash and other valuable assets related to your business. (Not everything is digital yet!) A-1 Locksmith can help you choose the right type of safe for your business needs. From fireproof safes to burglary-resistant options, a good cash or deposit safe ensures that your sensitive materials are protected against both physical threats and unforeseen disasters.

5. Emergency Lockouts

Nothing disrupts a business like, well, having to shut down. Whether you’re locked out or have an emergency security situation, you need a locksmith you can trust. A-1 Locksmith’s emergency lockout service provides prompt assistance to help you regain access to your premises quickly and reduce downtime.

Dallas-Fort Worth business owners like yourself deserve peace of mind for the business you worked so hard to create (and work hard on managing). A-1 Locksmith is here to cater to your unique commercial locksmith needs, whether on the list above or something else. Contact us at 972-284-7500 with any questions today!

Being environmentally conscious is arguably the biggest concern for businesses and corporations these days. But accessibility is right on its heels. While commercial businesses have different needs and resources depending on their size, accessibility is something every business owner can improve.

After all, ADA compliance and other requirements are top of mind whenever there’s an audit, but what about the rest of the time? Are you doing your best to ensure your business is accessible to all? Let’s discuss 10 accessibility improvements ideas you should consider.

1. Upgrade Equipment

For starters, you may have an older building that needs to be retrofitted with accessibility equipment, structures and/or technology. Think things like guardrails on stairs and walkways, benches with room for wheelchairs and elevators. The equipment you need to upgrade depends on your specific building and industry, but if you can perform an accessibility audit, it will be easier to identify what needs to go, what needs to be added and what needs to change.

2. Remove Obstacles

Are there any walkways, stairs or other areas that aren’t accessible by people of all abilities? It’s important to keep hallways, walking paths, entrances and exits free from clutter and other obstacles. Here are a few examples of components other businesses have installed to remove obstacles from their commercial business buildings:

• Stair lifts
• Walking ramps
• Transfer poles

3. Update Your Website

Accessibility isn’t just limited to your physical space. More and more companies these days are updating their websites to maintain compliance with accessibility standards and avoid potential legal fees, fines or lawsuits. The most forward-thinking businesses are making changes now before more direct consequences are on the table. To improve your commercial business website’s accessibility, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Post an accessibility statement. (Here is one tool you can use to create one.)
• Make sure all images have alt text that describes what is in the image.
• Make sure color contrasts properly to assist people with low and impaired vision.
• Add captions to any audio snippets and videos on your website.
• Make sure you optimize your website for SEO, proper structure and easy navigation.

4. Prioritize Entrances and Parking Lots

A first impression makes a difference and it starts with the parking lot and/or entrance to your building. If someone is unable to enter your facility without help, that’s a problem. Make sure there are handicapped spaces that are easily accessible to the building (and that the paint and any signage are visible and not worn down), as well as ensuring there is a ramp option in front of the building if there are any stairs. 

5. Ensure You Have Lots of Signage

Disabilities extend beyond the ability to walk or not. There are those with special needs related to vision, hearing loss and other issues. Ensure all of your customers or tenants can easily find where they need to go. That could mean arrows pointing in the direction to walk, signs leading to restrooms or clearly labeled areas that are restricted to employees.

6. Don’t Forget About Bathrooms

Bathrooms are an area where accessibility is especially needed. Whether your facilities have showers or not, toilets can be difficult to navigate without things like support bars, larger stalls that accommodate wheelchairs and baby-changing stations. Transfer aids like support poles with built-in grips are one example of how you can make bathrooms more accommodating. A button that opens bathroom doors is also a wise investment.

7. Look Up!

If your abilities aren’t limited, you may not think about certain everyday things that may be more difficult for others. One of those things is when needed items, buttons or areas are too high up for someone in a wheelchair to reach. If you’re a retail space, for example, you want your customers to have access to everything on display. Elevator buttons, door buttons and other equipment should also be accessible.

8. Ask a Professional

If you’re still not sure where to make improvements at your commercial business, it might be a wise idea to seek out a third party’s opinion. A commercial locksmith and security company

is a good option here, as they can perform an audit of your facility to identify both security and safety issues related to accessibility. Even if you don’t address everything they find, at least you’ll know what needs to improve and can add it to your list for the immediate future.

9. Train Employees on Accessibility Importance

You don’t want your business or an employee showing up on social media or the news because they treated an ability-challenged person poorly or without respect. Accessibility knowledge is just as important as physical accessibility improvements. Train your employees to watch for visitors who need help and identify any accessibility issues that need to be addressed.

10. Ask Your Customers Questions

Another great idea is to ask your customers for suggestions on how to improve your facility and make it more accessible and enjoyable to visit. You might be surprised at the suggestions from both guests with disabilities and those without. Try not to get offended, but take their advice and suggestions to heart and use it as an opportunity to improve and do right by people.

If you’re interested in more accessibility and security improvement ideas for your commercial business, stop by any of our DFW-area locations today to browse our selection and ask questions. Or, give us a call at (972) 284-7500 today!

It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about baking or commercial security. For the latter, it can be difficult to tell what is adequate and what isn’t. In today’s article, we cover a few commonly overlooked areas in a typical security audit and how to determine whether your facility would pass a commercial security inspection or not.

Entry Points

First and foremost, make sure any entry and exit points are covered. This is where thieves will check first and they love it when you make things easy for them. Make sure all doors close and lock properly, but also check other elements of your doors are in working order, such as hinges, frames and even the door material itself. The solution that provides the most peace of mind for commercial businesses, however, is a master key system where you control access to every room in your facility (including who has control of what area). 

Windows

Next, something typically close to entry points: windows. Making sure your windows close and lock properly is another item that should be on your commercial security checklist, as well as checking the hinges and overall stability. Do all of your windows have screens? This is important whether the window is broken intentionally or not. There are other security upgrades you can place on your window, from commercial security systems with night visibility to motion tracking.

Storage Spaces

If your business has a warehouse, storage area, attic or basement, these are all areas that could attract criminals due to the fact they’re:

• Typically out of sight or with poor lighting
• Where the safe and valuables are commonly stored
• In areas with minimal foot traffic and customers
• Not well maintained and prone to excess wear/compromise

Basically, if there’s an area you don’t think about often (or at all), it’s a good idea to do a security check and make sure it isn’t the most vulnerable area of your facility.

Any Poorly Lit Area

Finally, do a sweep to make sure you have proper lighting, as any area in your commercial facility can be a security risk if it hides illegal activity. (Especially if said area is visible from the storefront or street.) Stairwells, clutter, boxes and anything that causes a shadow is a vulnerable area to check, as are bathrooms and any room with a public access point. At the end of the day, if you’re doing a regular audit or walkthrough, it will be easier to identify potential issues.

If you’d like to get professional feedback on your business security, contact A-1 Locksmith today at 972-284-7500.

Let’s discuss why it’s important to add your security system to your building’s regular maintenance repertoire.

Seeing What You Need To See

First, revisit why you got your security system in the first place. Wasn’t it to monitor every area of your business? If your cameras are out, there are blind spots or the entire security system is down, your business is at risk. These are after-the-fact problems, however. To prevent them from happening in the first place, it’s important to be proactive.

We recommend regularly scheduling security system inspections and audits for any signs of trouble (e.g. loose wires, blank screens, etc.) and be sure to take both internal and external criminal activities into account. Also, make sure you have enough cameras and that they capture vulnerable areas like the entrance, exit and security or safe room. 

Monitoring Irregularities

Second, routine security system maintenance ensures there is a quick response for any irregularities or concerning behavior. By regularly maintaining and inspecting your security system, you can quickly find out if any cameras are not functioning, if they’ve been tampered with and if there are any gaps in the feed. These are all warning signs that indicate you either need to upgrade your security system, maintain them more regularly or have another security issue. (The latest security systems will let you monitor them remotely adding convenience to routine recording auditing.) 

A Professional’s Opinion

Lastly, a discussion with a professional locksmith / security expert can give you more confidence about the security system maintenance your business requires. Even better, you can get a commercial security inspection to more thoroughly and accurately diagnose your security system (and building security in general). 

Commercial locksmiths have the training and experience to identify issues that might go unnoticed by you and your staff. They are also aware of the latest security equipment, standards and features you can benefit from just by obtaining this expert consultation. Whatever you do, at least give your security system a once-over to replace any cameras or parts that need it—or to see if a new security system is in order. 

If you’d like additional security tips specific to your business including the aforementioned comprehensive security inspections, contact A-1 Locksmith today!

Here are some door maintenance tips and how to identify signs of trouble.

Think Beyond the Door

You want to think about the door itself, sure, but when considering maintenance for your business’ doors, think about the areas around the doors as well. Is there any clutter or decorations getting in the way of the door when it opens or closes? Keep the area clear and consider installing bumpers if the door is hitting anything when opened. (This will also extend the life of both the doors and your building walls.)

Insulate and Seal

Factory insulations and seals wear down over time, so make sure they are replaced regularly, as wind and weather can wear down your door over time. If your doors are properly sealed, it will reduce energy costs and extend the life of the door. Furthermore, all other components on the door (such as hinges, locks and so forth) need to be properly lubricated and maintained.

Upgrade the Doors, If Necessary

Some doors are beyond maintenance and need to be replaced. Or, they were never good enough in the first place. Make sure you have a high-quality door so there is less maintenance involved and it better protects your business from weather and intruders. This is especially important for the access points of your business that are the most vulnerable (or receive the most traffic on a daily basis). 

Get A Professional’s Opinion

Finally, it’s a good idea to get a professional’s eye on your business’ doors on a regular basis. Scheduling regular professional door maintenance is the best option, but at the very least get your doors inspected on an annual basis to maintain compliance and identify any potential security issues. A professional commercial locksmith will be able to tell you which doors are good, which need to be tuned up, which need to be repaired and which need to be replaced.

If you’re interested in more ways to improve the security of your business, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.

Let’s take a look at these questions and others as we cover commercial locksmith advice you’ll want to know.

Advice for Keys

Make sure you know where all copies of your business’ keys are at all times. Compromised or missing keys can be a big security risk and key duplication for businesses is a small precaution you can take to ensure none of your entry points are compromised. You might also want to invest in a master key system that features advanced technology and lets you customize access for each employee—and each room in your commercial business.

Advice for Locks

Are all of your locks in good condition and up to date? Do you have locks everywhere they’re needed? Do they have the features you desire, like conveniences such as thumbprint or combination entry? Whether it’s time to repair or replace your locks, doing so can bring several tremendous security advantages to your business and give you peace of mind.

Advice for Doors/Windows

Most burglars enter homes and businesses through open windows and doors, so make sure all of your entry points are properly secured. Especially vulnerable areas might be ideal for high-security locks and there are doors available with extra security features like a thicker design and more advanced locks compared to traditional deadbolts. Also, ensuring there is proper lighting at these entry points can ward off all but the most brave criminals.

Advice for Passwords

If you keep the password for your computer, security system, safe or other security solution written down, you might want to rethink where you’re storing it. Or, better yet, keep only hints of your password where only you can reference them. Phone apps, wallets and safes are better solutions for storing passwords than drawers or sticky notes.

Advice for Cameras

Finally, invest in a good security system if you haven’t already. Make sure there are cameras in the parking lot, at entry points and anywhere else in your business that is vulnerable or stores high-value items. Business security systems and camera options these days are plentiful and affordable, so there’s no excuse to not take this extra precaution.

If you’re interested in more commercial locksmith advice, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today for a consultation.

If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely debated whether or not you should replace traditional locks with electronic ones. Smart devices make all of our lives easier, but when it comes to commercial locks, are they any better for your business than traditional locks? Let’s take a look at both sides of this debate.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Locks

Just because a lock is traditional in design and function doesn’t mean it lacks security. High-security locks can be resistant to picking and bumping, but still maintain that familiar look and function. Many business owners prefer traditional locks over electronic locks and that’s perfectly fine. It mainly depends on whether you want extra control over when, how and where people access your building (or an area of it). Here are some of the pros and cons of traditional locks.

Pros of traditional locks:

• Straightforward and easy to use
• Trusted by the industry for years
• More affordable than smart locks

Cons of traditional locks:

• Basic types can be picked or bumped
• No extra functions or technology
• Only one-or-two entry methods

Pros and Cons of Electronic Locks

Some business owners prefer the conveniences and additional features of electronic/smart locks, however. While no lock is perfect, these types of commercial locks definitely have their advantages. Electronic locks can vary in quality and security level, though (just like traditional locks). Here are some of the pros and cons of electronic locks.

Pros of electronic locks:

• Video and audio options
• Control who has access to certain areas
• Also control time of day for access
• Option to get alerts on your smartphone
• Several entry method options (keypad, passcode, key fob, fingerprint, etc.)

Cons of electronic locks:

• More expensive than traditional locks
• Has the potential to be hacked
• Possible interruptions in wireless connection
• Can lose power due to a failure or drained battery

Whether you’re interested in upgrading to electronic locks at your business or you want to maintain or repair your traditional locks, A-1 Locksmith is here for you. Give us a call at (972) 284-7500 to discuss your needs.

If you own a business, however, it can be extremely beneficial to learn more terms related to commercial lock repair. What is a lock cylinder, for example? What are bump-proof locks all about? What does it really mean to “rekey” a building? Here are five common commercial lock repair terms that you might not know, along with their definitions.

1. Lock Cylinder

This is a pretty basic term that describes the entry point for the key in any lock — well, any lock that takes keys, of course. Lock cylinders have pins, which, when aligned by inserting the key, work to secure the lock and open it. The lock cylinder is housed in something called “lock housing.” But, basically, the lock cylinder is the main component of any key lock.

2. Rekeying

You might already know that rekeying involves making new keys for a lock. More specifically, rekeying is the process of making the lock cylinder (as mentioned above) work with a new key. How does this work, exactly? It’s all about the pins. A commercial rekeying locksmith will replace old pins with new pins that featuring a different length and go with different keys. The old key will no longer work with a rekeyed lock because the pins have been changed.

3. Bump-Proof Locks

We’ve written on the topic of “bump-proof locks” before, but in case you didn’t know, “bumping” is a technique that thieves use to bypass a lock without the need for advanced tools. It’s becoming more and more popular, which is why experts in the locksmithing industry developed bump-proof locks to combat it. These locks feature a high-security design that cannot be picked or bumped open.

4. Keyway

The “keyway” is basically how your key is cut — specifically, how the shaft of the key is cut. The keyway determines whether or not a key is compatible with a lock. Keyways can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from lock to lock. There are interchangeable keyways and those that are not. It’s best to consult with a commercial locksmith if you’re having trouble with finding out which keys are compatible with which locks at your facility.

5. DND

Here’s an easy one: DND means “do not duplicate.” If this is on a key, it means the owner did not want someone to make another copy of the key. Although, this is mostly a warning for locksmiths and doesn’t guarantee the key won’t be duplicated. You can, however, design certain keys with today’s technology so that it’s not possible to duplicate them.

If you’re in need of commercial lock services, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.

Today, we’re going to cover the latter scenario. By having a commercial rekeying company install “bump-proof” locks, you can avoid becoming the latest victim of this technique.

What Is ‘Bumping?’

First, a little more about what “bumping” is exactly and how burglars use it. They say that bumping is so easy, a child could do it — about 9 out of every 10 locks in American houses are susceptible to it. But it wasn’t always that way. Bumping originated as a technique that allowed locksmiths to access locks when they didn’t have a key. It involves taking a specially cut “bump key,” inserting it into the keyhole and using a screwdriver or other similar object to “bump” or tap the key until the pins align and the lock opens. There’s a little technique involved, but thanks to the Internet, more and more thieves are learning about it and using it.

What Are ‘Bump-Proof’ Locks?

Fortunately, just as bumping has increased, so has the rise of “bump-proof” locks. These types of locks prevent the bumping process by adding a secondary locking system on the side of the key that prevents access from a single “bump key.” To get specific, while bumping aligns the pins in a keyhole by the key user jumping the shear line and using a little torque, bump-proof locks involves lifting and rotating additional pins that a bump key can’t open. Put simply, these locks go a long way toward increasing the safety of your home.

Installing ‘Bump-Proof’ Locks

As with many household projects, you can try to find a YouTube video and install bump-proof locks yourself. Or, you could trust a local locksmithing company to do it right the first time. We’re talking about your home’s security, however. Do you really want to trust the safety of your family and belongings to a DIY project? Professional locksmiths like the team at A-1 Locksmith have years of experience changing out locks, safes, security systems and more. Furthermore, they’re licensed to operate as professional locksmiths and take customer satisfaction very seriously.

We’re here to help you better understand bumping and your options for avoiding it. Call us today at 972-284-7500 to discuss installing high-security locks in your home.