Here are some tips for keeping your home or business safe if you’re planning to be away for any amount of time.

Keeping Your Home Safe During Summer Vacations

Keeping your home safe while on vacation during the summer looks a little different than it does for businesses, which don’t have this predictable seasonality of vulnerability. But you can put preventative measures in place regardless to ensure your home is protected. After all, it’s what you’ll come home to and where you’ll spend the most time after you get back. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe during summer vacations:

• Secure doors and windows: All of them! Most people these days have security measures in place for doors, but they can always be improved. Many don’t think about the windows, however (and criminals know this).
• Use timers: For lighting and electronics, invest in a timer to turn them on and off at the schedule you desire. This gives the appearance of someone still living there.
• Install a video doorbell: If you don’t have one yet, now is the time to get one. You can remotely access, manage and even speak to visitors via a video doorbell.
• Stop mail and newspaper delivery: If mail or newspapers pile up, that signals that you aren’t at home. Schedule a gap in delivery, or ask a neighbor to collect them for you.
• Maintain your landscaping: Another indication of a home without residents is a lawn that gets overgrown or messy. Make sure you keep up your landscaping schedule.

Keeping Your Business Safe During Summer Trips

Business security has a different approach. You want to protect your building, inventory and resources, but thankfully you don’t have to worry about family safety as much. Here are some tips for keeping your business safe during summer trips:

• Upgrade your security system: If your security system doesn’t let you access it remotely or doesn’t give you a view of all accents points, it’s time to upgrade.
• Install video or voice intercoms: This can help you protect certain areas of your business while you’re away, even if you stay open. Examples include a room with safes or a space with important documents. 
• Maintain your grounds: Like the landscaping note above, make sure you still have janitorial and maintenance tasks completed while you’re away. Trash, dirt and other debris can tip off criminals that you’re gone.
• Don’t advertise closures in advance: This is a little tricky for businesses who have customers, but try not to post about business closures on social media far in advance (which gives criminals time to plan). If you have to post about it, do it the day of (or the day before) your trip.
• Ask neighboring businesses for help: Just as you can ask a neighbor to help watch your home, you can get to know fellow business owners in your area and ask them to do things like pick up mail/newspapers and watch for any shady activity.

If you’re interested in more advice for keeping your home or business safe during summer vacations, contact A-1 Locksmith today or stop by any of our DFW-area locations.

This can be a good thing and a bad thing when it comes to security. Let’s go over some ways to use your smartphone to your benefit and some tips to keep in mind for your smartphone and safety awareness.

How Phones Can Be Beneficial for Security

Your phone can be one of the most important tools for security in a pinch. After all, calling 911 is the first thing you should do if there is an emergency situation or anyone is in danger. But calling isn’t the only way phones can provide protection at home, on the go and at the office. Here are a few ways phones can be beneficial for safety and security:

• At home: technology has opened up a world of possibilities for your phone and home security. With access to an app, you can open or close your garage door, control the temperature and check in on security cameras remotely. Just a few taps and you can usually accomplish what you need to, even if you’re on vacation or a business trip.
• At the office: If you’re a business owner, a phone can be your master key for accessing doors and certain areas of your business (or simply monitoring them). Just as it does at home, a smartphone gives you more control over (and access to) your business.
• On the go: Sometimes, you can’t call 911 in an emergency. But your phone likely has an SOS-type app or way to communicate with emergency personnel without typing in the phone number. It would be wise to install one of these apps when there isn’t an emergency, so you have it ready if you have an automotive-related incident.

How Phones Can Be Harmful for Security

Phones can also work against you when it comes to your safety and security. For starters, phones have sensitive information that can be compromised physically or wirelessly. Be careful about the emails you engage with and the social media posts or websites you engage with, and these can be ways for hackers to steal important info. Always keep a lock on your screen if you’re out in public and keep a password activated at all times. You should even be careful about who can see your screen when you’re using it. Avoiding using sensitive apps like banking apps in public is another wise decision. 

Locksmiths and Security

If you’re concerned about home, business or automobile security, a locksmith can help. Maybe the best solution is installing a smart security system you can access with your phone. Or, it might be upgrading the locks in your facility. Whatever route you take, a security expert like a locksmith can provide exceptional advice you wouldn’t get on your own. 

If you have any security questions for your phone, home, automobile or business, call us at (972) 284-7500 today and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Let’s go over a few indicators that your door might need to be replaced and then cover the factors to consider in choosing your next commercial door.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Commercial Door

First, we’ll cover replacements/repairs before we move on to upgrade options and types of doors. If you’re unsure whether your commercial door needs to be replaced or repaired, check for any of the following warning signs:

• Difficulty opening or closing the door (e.g. it gets stuck)
• Signs of moisture by gaps or door windows
• A draft or breeze coming from the gaps
• Excessive damage (e.g. rot, large dents, cracks, etc.)

Choosing the Right Type of Door

Even if the doors in your facility are in good shape, they might not be the right type for your business needs. For starters, think about the door’s fire rating and other safety features. Would higher ratings make sense for your business? Next, think about the material the door is made from – aluminum, wood, glass and others are all options. Doors can also vary by function, so determine whether a revolving or sliding action would make sense. You have lots of options when it comes to commercial doors and consulting with a professional is a wise idea.

Don’t Forget About Extras

Make sure you also decide on any extras on or around the door. Lighting, for instance, can be overlooked. Proper lighting ensures the door is illuminated for easy access in the dark, as well as deterring potential criminals. Locks are another component you can upgrade, as there are smart locks, high-security locks and a variety of access options. (A master key system is a wise consideration here.) Other upgrades include push bars, panic hardware, top-jamb closers, voice/video screening and more, so make sure you know all the options available to you.

If you’re in need of commercial security solutions, A-1 Locksmith is here to help. Call (972) 284-7500 to discuss your needs today.

Let’s take a look at a few movies out there that can actually give you some great ideas for improving the security of your home, business or automobile.

     1. Home Alone (1990)

This classic movie is full of great security ideas (as well as a few we probably wouldn’t recommend). For example, you shouldn’t let anyone in your house without the proper credentials or ID. Many criminals will pose as professional service providers to enter your home, hoping you won’t look too closely at their vehicle, uniforms or identification. 

Another security improvement inspired by this movie is putting your lights on timers to make it appear like someone is at home. (No cardboard cutouts needed, however.) 

     2. Jurassic Park (1993)

Here’s a movie where we can learn from a security breach instead of an improvement. The plot involves an IT professional who is bribed by competitors to steal dinosaur samples, which involves all sorts of unrecommended security techniques (installed malware, disabled security systems, etc.). For commercial environments in particular, this shows the importance of keeping digital information secure and only giving security control to people you trust. A master key system, for example, could be a security improvement inspired by this movie.

     3. The Imitation Game (2014)

This film centered around a brilliant mathematician and early computers, but it also set the stage for modern cybersecurity measures and automated response. Thanks to the work of Alan Turin and his team, we can now enjoy things like monitored surveillance systems, doorbell cameras and fast responses from surveillance companies. 

     4. Fast & Furious Series

Lots of lessons can be learned from this uber-popular movie series. There are so many heists, capers, missions and explosions that it can make your head spin. But the series does center around cars and offers some valuable tips for automobile security. In particular, it shows the importance of locking doors and keeping valuables secure, even if the car is moving. But there are also reminders about the benefits of key fobs, alarm systems and other security add-ons.

     5. Any Horror Film

Want to learn what NOT to do? Watch your typical horror movie with characters who make poor decisions. These security improvements go back to the basics, stressing the importance of closing and locking doors behind you, checking for risks before entering an unknown space and calling emergency professionals if you’re in an unsafe situation. 

If you’re interested in additional security improvements you can make, contact A-1 Locksmith today at (972) 284-7500.

Here’s a list of all of our locations and the areas closest to them.

Addison/ Carrollton

• Address: 2001 Midway Rd. #110 Carrollton, TX 75006
• Phone: (972) 284-7585
• Reviews: 4.8 Stars – Based on 653 User Reviews

Located close to the Dallas North Tollway, this location is ideal for residents of Addison, Carrollton and Far North Dallas.

Greater Dallas / East Dallas

• Address: 1551 South Buckner Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
• Phone: (214) 884-4886
• Reviews: 4.8 Stars – Based on 560 User Reviews

Just off Buckner Boulevard, this A-1 Locksmith location is perfect for residents of the Greater Dallas area, which includes East Dallas, South Dallas, Buckner Terrace, Riverway Estates, the Piedmont Addition and more.

West Dallas / North Dallas

• Address: 2685 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, TX 75229
• Phone: (214) 363-0400
• Reviews: 4.8 Stars – Based on 1,041 User Reviews

Closest to Interstate 35W, our West Dallas location serves North Dallas residents, as well as those close to Dallas Love Field.

Frisco / Prosper

• Address: 3031 Preston Rd #200 Frisco, TX 75034
• Phone: (972) 284-7525
• Reviews: 4.9 Stars – Based on 1513 User Reviews

On the north end of DFW? Located in Stonebriar Mall, this A-1 Locksmith facility serves Frisco, Prosper, Little Elm, Hackberry and surrounding communities.

Plano / Allen

• Address: 1100 West Parker Road Plano, TX 75075
• Phone: (972) 284-7522
• Reviews: 4.9 Stars – Based on 1647 User Reviews

Our Plano location is within close proximity to Allen, Parker, Murphy and other communities on the northeast side of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Arlington

• Address: 1715 South Cooper Street Arlington, TX 76010
• Phone: (817) 701-4475
• Reviews: 4.9 Stars – Based on 680 User Reviews

Centrally located in DFW, this location is perfect for residents of Arlington, Pantego, Irving, Grand Prairie and Euless.

Colleyville / Southlake

• Address: 5600 Colleyville Blvd. Suite A Colleyville, TX 76034
• Phone: (817) 701-4450
• Reviews: 4.8 Stars – Based on 366 User Reviews

Southlake and Colleyville residents will appreciate this location, as will those living in Trophy Club, Roanoke, Keller and Flower Mound.

Fort Worth

• Address: 5408 S Hulen St Fort Worth, TX 76132
• Phone: (817) 701-4485
• Reviews: 4.8 Stars – Based on 753 User Reviews

Close to Downtown Fort Worth? This is the A-1 Locksmith location for you.

Carrollton

• Address: 2508 Highlander Way Suite 230 Carrollton, TX 75006
• Phone: (972) 341-5440

Our Carrollton location is our headquarters and is easy to reach from Coppell, Addison and other close towns.

Downtown Dallas / Design District

• Address: 1622 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
• Phone: (214) 866-6350
• Reviews: 4.8 Stars – Based on 224 User Reviews

If you’re in the hustle and bustle of Downtown Dallas (or the nearby Design District), this location is convenient and accessible. 

Park Cities

• Address: 4506 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75225, USA
• Phone: (214) 691-6161
• Reviews: 4.8 Stars – Based on 448 User Reviews

Also on the Dallas North Tollway, this location has Highland Park, Lower Greenville and Northeast Dallas neighborhoods in its vicinity.

Garland

• Address: 2218 S. Jupiter Rd #101-B, Garland, TX 75041
• Phone: (972) 526-0287
• Reviews: 4.9 Stars – Based on 416 User Reviews

Garland, Zacha Junction, Rowlett and Lake Highlands citizens will find our Garland location convenient.

Irving

• Address: 1335 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75061, USA
• Phone: (972) 526-0299
• Reviews: 4.7 Stars – Based on 156 User Reviews

Also centrally located, our Irving location is ideal for residents of Grand Prairie, Irving and Las Colinas. (It’s also convenient before or after trips to DFW International Airport.)

Mesquite

• Address: 3201 Interstate 30, Suite K-1 Mesquite, TX 75150
• Phone: (972) 526-0283
• Reviews: 4.9 Stars – Based on 75 User Reviews

Mesquite, Forney, Balch Springs and Sunnyvale are the neighborhoods that will find our Mesquite location ideal.

McKinney

• Address: 4550 Eldorado Pkwy #106 McKinney, TX 75070
• Phone: (972) 578-5180
• Reviews: 4.9 Stars – Based on 773 User Reviews

Melissa, Anna and Princeton are some of the close communities to our McKinney location.

North McKinney

• Address: 1912 University Business Drive #409 McKinney, TX 75071
• Phone: (972) 984-1009
• Reviews: 4.9 Stars – Based on 773 User Reviews

We also have a location in North McKinney, for those who live even further north in DFW.

The Colony

• Address: 5201 S Colony Blvd #160 The Colony, TX 75056
• Phone: (972) 284-7590

Whether you’re in The Colony or Hebron, this location is convenient to this fast-growing suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth.

If you’re looking for a reliable locksmith in DFW, look no further than A-1 Locksmith. We’d love to earn your business and show you why we’re the best in the industry.

Read on to discover why a DIY re-entry might not be a good idea.

Consequences of DIY Re-Entry

There are certain things that are totally fine to do when you’re locked out of your home, such as looking for a spare key, calling friends or family and contacting an insurance company, a locksmith or the authorities. But what you shouldn’t do is attempt a DIY re-entry that involves property damage.

Breaking your window, for example, might seem like the easiest solution, but it comes with several negative consequences:

• Damage: Obviously, you’re damaging your property in this situation, which you’ll need to repair later (costing time and money). Some people break doors and hinges, but windows are where it gets problematic.
• Injuries: Why are windows a bigger issue? Because when you’re dealing with broken glass, the risks go up exponentially. You can cut your arms, hands or wrists, potentially severing an artery in the process. Do you want to risk that?
• Security: When you create a new access point, you’re not just creating a new opening for yourself. As long as the window is broken or the door is unhinged, thieves will have an easier opportunity to take advantage of you and loot your property.
• Legal: Finally, the police may be involved if a neighbor or passerby sees you breaking into your own house. Even if you’re the rightful homeowner and can prove it, you might be looking at an arrest and/or other legal issues.

Benefits Of Partnering with a Local Locksmith Instead

Home security is so important to many of us, which is why partnering with a local locksmith is so valuable if you’re ever locked out of your home (or vehicle). In addition to solving the issue with minimal damage, injury, security and legal risks, you enjoy the peace of mind knowing a professional is just a phone call away. 

Of course, you should contact the authorities if anyone’s safety is compromised, but a local locksmith can handle emergency services like this with ease. You’ll be paying for a DIY re-entry anyway, so why not put that money toward a solution with less damage and stress instead?

If you’re interested in more security tips like these, contact us today at (972) 284-7500.

Let’s go over these risks in more detail and explain why they’re problematic, then go over some security tips to follow when you’re posting anything online. 

The Biggest Security Risks of Posting Online

As alluded to above, vacation posts are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to divulging sensitive information online. This is because criminals know there isn’t anyone at home. Also, many people don’t know that the visibility of their posts may be set to public, meaning anyone with a computer can see them. Even if you only have friends connected to your social media accounts, their accounts can be compromised and your information shared. (On a related note, keeping your lawn maintained is a wise idea to prevent the appearance of being on vacation.)

The second-biggest security risk of online posts has to do with your profile. Many users include information they really shouldn’t, such as addresses, cities or places of employment. If something is personal don’t include it in your profile information and make your profile private, if possible. And don’t update your profile section to say you’re on vacation, either!

Best Practices for Posting Online

There are other risks, of course, but if you follow best practices for posting online, you’ll minimize the risk of your safety and security being compromised. Here are a few examples of best practices to follow when posting online:

• Avoid posting from the airport, as your location can potentially be tracked.
• Try not to share photos of your vacation until after you get back.
• Don’t allude to trips during the most popular travel days or seasons.
• Resist urges to share your location online in general (or where you’re headed).
• Avoid posting about events, especially if they involve children.
• Don’t post details about what car you drive, what school your children attend and any other information you wouldn’t want a stranger knowing.

If you’re interested in additional security tips like the ones we’ve outlined in this blog post, contact A-1 Locksmith today at (972) 284-7500.

Do you qualify for any security-related tax breaks? Let’s go over five of the most common ones and see if you qualify.

1. Car Tracking Services

Many insurance companies will offer a discount if you have a stolen vehicle recovery system installed, but you can use this to your advantage during tax season if your employer doesn’t reimburse you for it. This applies to company vehicles and vehicles you use for company purposes, such as delivering products. If it’s a professional expense that isn’t reimbursed, there’s a good chance it’s a tax break. 

2. Home Office Security Improvements

Any security improvements you make to your home office can also be written off and you get more of a break if the improvements are exclusive to your home office. So if you buy and install a security camera in your home office, it’s a tax break. As would reinforcing windows in your home office or installing locks on the doors.

3. Whole-Home Security Improvements

You can also write off certain improvements to other areas of your home, if they impact the security of your entire home including your home office. For example, if your home office takes up 20 percent of the square footage of your home, you can write off 20 percent of expenses that impact the whole home. A surveillance system and new locks on the fence gate both qualify for at least a small percentage of security expenses you can write off.

4. Unreimbursed Business Expenses

If you have a security-related expense that your employer won’t cover, you can potentially write it off on your taxes. For example, if you have a business trip and you want to secure your luggage with a new lock that your employer won’t cover, it could qualify for a small tax break. Or, you could write off a portion of your internet service if you use it for monitoring a company vehicle. These unreimbursed business expenses can add up over time.

5. Unused Budgetary Considerations

Finally, while it’s not necessarily a tax break, the end of the year is a good time for making business improvements in general. Whether you own a business or lead a specific department, maximizing your budget will ensure you can expect the same amount next year. If you have room in your budget for security improvements, now is the time to make them.

We’re not CPAs and encourage you to talk with a financial advisor on your specific tax handling for security-related purchases. Whether your security improvement qualifies for a tax break or not, if you’re looking to enhance the security of your home or office, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.

While the term has expanded a bit, the need for security for these individuals hasn’t. If you have other people living in a building you own or manage, it’s important to ensure that you and your residents are protected. Put simply, a good security camera system is a must. Let’s discuss some reasons why this is the case.

You May Manage the Property Remotely

More and more landlords these days manage properties remotely. Thanks to technology and advancements in security camera system technology, it’s easier than ever. A downside of not managing a property in an area where you live, however, is a lack of physical access to the property. So if a window was left unlocked, a garage door was left open or another security issue is unaddressed, there’s no way you would know about it unless a neighbor or friend noticed it, or you had a security camera system installed.

Buildings Look More Vulnerable Without Them

Part of the reason you install a security system is to deter all but the bravest would-be criminals. Many can tell when you’re using a security sticker as a bluff and will look for physical cameras instead. By making your system visible (but not prominent), you can increase the secure look of your buildings.

Unoccupied Spaces Are Inevitable

All landlords deal with unoccupied spaces and lapses in the calendar where there are no residents in the home you’re renting out. When that happens, the home is empty. Without a security system, you won’t be able to keep an eye on the building, let alone be able to tell whether its access points are compromised or what’s going on. (And yes, thieves like to target unoccupied spaces.)

You Give Residents (and Yourself) Peace of Mind

Finally, security cameras can give you and your guests peace of mind knowing vulnerable areas (and the property in general) are being monitored. You don’t want to violate resident privacy, of course, but you can balance security and convenience for everyone involved if you approach security system installation and placement properly.

If you’re interested in a new security camera system, contact us today or stop by any of our area A-1 Locksmith locations in DFW today.

If you’re looking for ways to make your garage safer, here are four areas to focus on:

1. Lighting

First, make sure the garage has appropriate lighting. Thieves love hiding in the dark and when an access point to a home is poorly lit, it makes their ability to hide that much easier. Install appropriate lighting on the garage door, but also in the rest of the garage (especially near any other doors). 

A good route to take would be with motion-activated lighting, which will only go off when there is activity in or near the garage. Other lighting options that can beef up your garage security include flood lights and smart lighting.

2. Cameras

Adding the ability to monitor your garage and record activity isn’t a bad idea, either. Many homeowners choose to put a spotlight camera above their garage so they have a good view of the garage entrance and the entrance to the home itself. Adding another camera inside the garage is a good choice as well. Since many video cameras these days are smartphone-compatible, you can check in on your garage at any time.

3. Remote

Ask any security expert about leaving garage remotes on the visor of your vehicle and they’ll tell you it’s a bad idea. Thieves know you keep your garage remote there and can treat it basically like a free key to your home if a thief accesses your vehicle while it’s out. Instead, consider investing in a garage motor that is compatible with a smartphone app. That way, you can keep your garage access on your person and you remove a potentially vulnerable area of your home. Some cars offer built-in garage remotes and if your car has this feature we recommend ditching your traditional garage remote and using it. 

4. Access

Finally, think about all the access points in the garage. Many homes have a side access door in the garage and nearly all have a home access door from the garage. The latter is especially important to secure, as it directly impacts your safety, so make sure your locks are installed and working properly. Additional options for beefing up your access security in your garage include lock rekeying, lock repair, lock replacement and more. Not sure what to do? A locksmith can give you advice.

If you’re interested in more residential security insights, contact us today or visit any one of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations.