Home Security 101: keys to hiding your key
It is something that we are all guilty of, even though home alarm and insurance companies recommend against it
. It is ingrained in our DNA, something that our parents did, that we as children did and now, as we amass valuable property and purchase homes, continue to do under the false pretense that no harm could possibly come of it. It is hiding our front door key, and more often than not it is right under the doormat or next to a flowerpot on your front porch.
Lets face it; it is something that we never think about. We carry our home keys with us almost everywhere we go, like our wallets. If for some reason we forget them, lose them and find ourselves locked out of our homes, we simply reach above the doorframe to find that spare key. The problem, unfortunately, is that hiding a copy of the front door key that close to the house - and in that obvious of a location - is basically just an invitation for thieves to come right in.
Just look at the statistics. More often than not, a burglar will go through the front door in order to gain access to your home. Whether using tools, picking the lock or simply kicking the door in, data shows that the front door is the primary point of entry. Which is why when beefing up home security, it is recommended to purchase and install strong, durable locks. Home alarm systems are a great way to deter thieves, but a strong lock could be the deciding factor between robbers actually entering a home. So, why would you leave an extra emergency key in such an easily accessible place when there are a bunch of great alternatives?
First of all, a general rule is to never hide a key within 15 feet of the actual door that it opens. Sure, beneath the front steps sounds like a great location to hide that duplicate, but if it is found in such close vicinity to the front door, it will be assumed that it opens that specific lock. Also, make sure that an emergency key is designated as an emergency key, nothing more. The more people neighbors and strangers passing by see you get that extra key, the more likely they will know where the hiding place is located. It should only be used if absolutely necessary, as in you are contemplating breaking a window to get in and are more than ready to deal with the police since your home alarm system would contact them, thinking that a burglary was taking place.
With regards to good hiding places, the best thing to do is simply walk around the perimeter of the home to find unique places. For example, with a little heavy duty Velcro you can hide the key under or around the AC unit behind the house or even within the gutter. Of course, make sure to place the key on the upper part of the gutter not the bottom - to avoid heavy rains washing it away. Other possible locations are the areas under the siding of the house where small gaps usually exist or under a few inches of rocks nearby. If the latter is chosen, it is recommended to hide the key in a small plastic bag to avoid corrosion due to the weather.
Also, if you have trustworthy neighbors, hiding that spare key on their property is a great option. That way, if a thief finds the key, they will interpret it to unlock your neighbors front door and not yours.
Keeping a spare key in a safe place is not only important; it is essential. Although many people recommend against having a duplicate key, it is something that people will always do. Regardless of where you hide the extra key, it is necessary to understand that home security can be easily compromised if the duplicate is found.
Home Security 101: keys to hiding your key
By: Oswald Melman
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