Daylight Savings Security Checklist 

The changing of the clocks this past weekend represents the near-end of winter and the beginning of longer and warmer days. With those warmer weather, sadly, also brings an increase in crime around the Dallas and Fort Worth area. 

The more often you are away from your home enjoying the weather, the more opportunity there is for burglars to break into empty houses. Below are some tips to ensure your home is fully secured ahead of the warmer months.

And don’t forget, 911 Locksmith and Security is the number one locksmith in Dallas, Texas and the number one locksmith in Fort Worth, Texas for all your security needs! 

1.) Change the Time on Your Security System 

This is especially important if you have one of those older security systems. You may need to manually go in and change the time on your alarm panel. While those newer systems will automatically update, older systems often do not. And unlike most of the devices in your home that have clocks, having the wrong time on your alarm system can do more than make you late if you do not change the time.

2.) Check and Test Life Safety Devices

As the days get longer, it is important to not forget about other reminders around the home such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Around this time every year, articles like this one from local news station, The Dallas Morning News, pop up to remind us to test the alarms in our homes and businesses. 

Testing your life safety devices can alert you to any issues with the alarms themselves, or their batteries. Additionally, you should change out any smoke or CO alarms that have reached their end-of-life date. For reference, smoke alarms should be changed every ten years and CO alarms should be changed every six.

3.) Double Check Door Closings and Locking Devices

As many of us know, the cold weather from the winter months can have a negative effect on many appliances and parts of your home or business. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice often wreak havoc on cars, roofs, and any appliances kept outdoors. However, people often let their door hardware deteriorate season after season without updating it or calling for repairs. Every spring, we encourage customers to ensure that their locks and doors operate smoothly. If any locks look “worse for wear” after the winter, have a locksmith replace it with an updated lock that will better secure the door.

Weather-weakened door frames also make burglars’ jobs easier. Calling a door company to have the issue inspected and fixed can help ensure that your security does not get compromised. 911 Locksmith & Security can ensure that the parts are installed properly and will work as effectively as possible. 

Additionally, our professional locksmiths can install high-quality locks that will better stand the test of time compared to a lock bought over-the-counter at the local hardware store.

4.) Install Environmental Security Devices

Here at 911 Locksmith & Security in Dallas and Fort Worth, we recommend our customers to add environmental security measures to their burglar alarm systems. These devices can inform customers of potential weather-related issues to save from a potential disaster. For example, flood sensors detect water and create an alert upon activation. Low temperature sensors do the same for dangerously cold conditions.

You can also install smart thermostats which allow you to control the temperature in your home remotely. These thermostats create alerts if the temperature goes above or below a customizable range in your home or business. 

5.) Set Security Measures in Place Before Vacationing

If you’re planning a vacation any time soon, families should take extra precautions to secure their empty homes. Some of these security measures do not take advanced preparation to complete. For example, exercising smart social media posting during vacation and updating your security system contact list are a few easy things to complete while on vacation. 

Another thing you could do, is install smart locks to allow house sitters or people you trust inside your home, key free. These are great because they can be programmed to only allow temporary access while you are gone and do not require you passing out a spare key. Here at 911 Locksmith & Security, we would love to help you install these and continue helping you stay as safe as possible with the warmer months ahead

911 Locksmith & Security is Here To Help!

911 Locksmith & Security is here to help you. We have a team of trained lock experts and professionals to assist you and attend to all your concerns. Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries regarding our automotive, commercial, and residential locksmith services in Dallas, Texas and residential locksmith services in Fort Worth, Texas. Give us a call today!