At Keyway Lock Service, we know that while the holidays are a time for joy and excitement — they can also be quite stressful. Don’t let these common lock and security issues derail your holiday season.
Weather-related Problems
Like any other hardware, your door locks will eventually break down with everyday wear and tear. In winter, especially, cold and ice can impact your locks.
Frozen Locks
Keyway Lock Service is your go-to lock service in the DMV, and as anyone on the East Coast knows, winter can often bring snow and freezing rain. When temperatures drop below freezing, the moisture that has accumulated in your cylinder lock will turn to ice, blocking the keyway and preventing your access.
Brittle Keys and Stiff Mechanisms
Extreme cold can make your metal keys quite brittle. Additionally, cold temperatures can make the metal in your lock mechanism contract. Combined, these weather-related issues can lead to broken keys and jammed locks.
What to Do
Be proactive before a large winter weather event by making lock maintenance part of your preparedness routine. Applying a powdered graphite or a silicone-based spray to lock cylinders before freezing cold hits will prevent moisture/ice-related issues. You should keep de-icing fluid at hand, rather than stored away, as you may need it this time of year. Avoid WD-40 as that can accumulate dirt, causing even more lock problems.
Holiday Distraction Issues
We all know the holidays can be an extremely busy and stressful time. When rushed and distracted, we all make mistakes, which can include many to do with locks and keys.
Lock-outs
The holiday season is a prime time to deal with a lock-out. Not only are we running around trying to complete holiday errands, it can also be cold outside! This can rush the process even more, making us more likely to lock ourselves out of our homes or cars.
Lost Keys
Even if you are not ultimately locked-out, losing keys, including transponder keys and key cards, can be frustrating and a security issue. With the rush of the holiday season, and the many errands or visits you may be on, it’s more likely to misplace your items this time of year.
What to Do
Call a trusted locksmith, like Keyway Lock Service for your lock-out and security needs. We provide mobile service, and are always ready to come to you, with all the tools we need to get you back on track. We can easily change or rekey your locks and reprogram your lost keys so that you can have peace of mind after something goes missing.
Break-ins and Thefts
Have a trusted locksmith, like Keyway Lock Service, do a home security evaluation before you leave town for the holidays.
Unfortunately, while generally a joyful time, the holidays can heighten security issues, like break-ins and thefts.
Break-ins
Many of us travel over the holiday season, which leaves our homes unattended. It can be hard to remember to employ basic security tips during this busy time, but without them, you can leave your home and belongings vulnerable.
Package Thefts
Who doesn’t have multiple packages arriving (almost daily!) once December begins? While online shopping has cut down on frantic holiday shopping trips, issues persist with purchasing around the holidays since package thefts increase during this time of year.
What to Do
Following Keyway’s security tips for apartments and homes can help you avoid falling victim to a break-in while out of town. Among other tips, we recommend installing a doorbell camera to monitor your home. This is also a beneficial tool to deterring package theft. Not only will the perpetrators maybe think twice when seeing they will be filmed, you can also tell if a package has been delivered during the day and let a neighbor know to pick it up for you if you won’t be home to get it soon.
No matter what the season, Keyway is here to help. With over four decades of experience in the DMV region, we know how to meet your security needs. Make us your first call if you need help combatting these common holiday lock and key issues.
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CALL NOW: 703-739-7777
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