Keeping Your Basement Secure: Four Home Security Features To Consider
When you think about home security, you might not think about the basement as much as the main living areas. However, the basement tends to be where some homeowners store a lot of items, from important paperwork to guns and ammunition. The basement can also be an easy point of entry for would-be thieves. Adding home security upgrades to the basement can be a great way to keep your valuables and your family safe. Here are some upgrades your residential locksmith service can help you implement.
Window Lock Upgrades
If your basement has windows that open to the outside, your locksmith can help with lock upgrades. This can mean changing the actual locks to models that are tamper-resistant. It can also mean adding burglar bars to the windows. Any burglar bars you choose should lock from the inside and be easy to open in the event of a fire or natural disaster. You may also want to add window wells outside each window to obscure them from view and make accessing the windows from the outside more difficult.
Upgrade The Entry Door
For homes with exterior entry doors to the basement, a door upgrade can be a great security option. Consider replacing a wood door with a metal one, and work with your locksmith to add a deadbolt and kick plate lock to help prevent break-ins. If your home only has an internal entrance, you may still want to consider an upgrade. This is particularly important if your basement doubles as a storm shelter during tornadoes, hurricanes, or other severe storms. Ensure the hinges on the door are reinforced and that the frame is sturdy enough to withstand heavy wear and tear.
Install Moisture Sensors
Basement can be prone to flooding, whether it's due to a sewage backup or a faulty washing machine. Adding moisture sensors near floor drains and appliances can alert you in the event that water begins entering the basement. This is critical if your main fuse or breaker box is located in the basement, as contact with water can pose serious shock and electrocution hazards. Work with your locksmith to install smart sensors in each area that's vulnerable to flooding, and connect the sensors to your mobile device so you can receive text alerts.
Secure Storage Vault
You can also add a secure storage vault to your basement to house weapons, jewelry, and other valuable items. This might consist of a large floor safe, or it might involve building a separate room with a vault-style entry door. Your locksmith can walk you through available options for safes and vaults, and he or she can also help you set up this new secure storage area to help ensure your items stay secure. Be sure to choose a safe with a fire rating to help prevent damage in the event of a fire.
Hire a company like A-A Lock & Alarm Inc for locksmith needs.