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Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Monday, March 20, 2017
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCESS CONTROL: HOW TO LIMIT ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY EFFECTIVELY
What is Access Control, Exactly?
Whether you have residential, commercial, or automotive property, the principles of securing your property are the same. If you want to take proper security measures, then you should establish a trustworthy access control system. Nowadays, almost everything ~ from opening the car door and firing it up, to logging in to your computer, to entering a place of business, to unlocking your motel room ~ is somehow protected by access control. This means that only you, plus the people you authorize, will be able to gain access to your property.
Access control has three aspects:
1. Identification. An access control system is required for guarding your property from unauthorized access. You will control the movement of all the individuals who come in. Accordingly, the system you choose should enable you to prove, without a doubt, the identity of everyone who wants to come inside your property, or to enter any restricted area.
2. Authentication. After your system confirms a person’s identity, then that person will be allowed access to the building or to any highly sensitive area you’ve designated. There are numerous ways to accomplish authentication ~ from standard smart-card identification, passwords, passcodes, encryption keys, and other smart devices, to biometrics (such as a fingerprint or handprint).
3. Authorization. Based on a list of principles you establish for your property’s access control system, with proper identification and authentication, a person will ultimately be granted authorization to gain access.
Whether you have residential, commercial, or automotive property, the principles of securing your property are the same. If you want to take proper security measures, then you should establish a trustworthy access control system. Nowadays, almost everything ~ from opening the car door and firing it up, to logging in to your computer, to entering a place of business, to unlocking your motel room ~ is somehow protected by access control. This means that only you, plus the people you authorize, will be able to gain access to your property.
Access control has three aspects:
1. Identification. An access control system is required for guarding your property from unauthorized access. You will control the movement of all the individuals who come in. Accordingly, the system you choose should enable you to prove, without a doubt, the identity of everyone who wants to come inside your property, or to enter any restricted area.
2. Authentication. After your system confirms a person’s identity, then that person will be allowed access to the building or to any highly sensitive area you’ve designated. There are numerous ways to accomplish authentication ~ from standard smart-card identification, passwords, passcodes, encryption keys, and other smart devices, to biometrics (such as a fingerprint or handprint).
3. Authorization. Based on a list of principles you establish for your property’s access control system, with proper identification and authentication, a person will ultimately be granted authorization to gain access.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Secure Menifee Locksmith: Importance of Having a Gun Safe
Gun ownership seems to
be on the rise, and it is important that gun owners know that they have an
obligation to keep their weapons safe. Secure Menifee Locksmith knows that it
is important to keep the weapon protected which you might have to protect you.
A gun safe is a great option, and in some states, it’s even mandatory.
Regardless of why you have your weapon – whether you enjoy target shooting,
hunting, or perhaps just keep the weapon locked away in the event someone tries
to harm you – you need to take the appropriate measures to keep it out of the
wrong hands. A safe will help you to do this. Here, you will find information
on why you need to have a gun safe, whether you are in Menifee, CA or anywhere
else in the United States. You will also see some of the different types of gun
safes which are available mentioned, like personal pistol box handgun safes,
quick access gun safes, manual lock gun safes and more. Take a look now at some
of the reasons that it is important to have one of these in your home if you do
in fact keep a weapon at your property…
It’s the law
Depending on where you
live, you might have to have a safe installed at your property if you own a
gun. So, not only is it potentially the law, but often times you are legally
liable if there is a kid who is able to gain access to your weapon. It’s vital
to check laws and regulations.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Practical Ways to Secure Your Garage Door
If you use your garage to store things like gardening equipment, home electronics or appliances, lawn equipment and other valuables, it’s likely that you want to make sure they are safe and secure. Many people store valuables in their garage. There are also some people who use their garage as workspace, where they may also have valuables, such as computers, printers and other things that are of value to them. What if you have decided to use your garage as a home gym? You likely have started investing in good equipment to create your home gym. When you have a garage that is attached to your home, you have to consider the possibility of someone breaking into your garage with the possibility of getting something that might also be of value to them. Since many homeowners do not take precautions to secure their garage door, burglars know that they can often get what they want simply by breaking into their garage. They also know the ins and outs of how security systems operate and in which parts of your home a person will seldom connect the system. Unfortunately, the garage door is one of the most susceptible areas of your home to be compromised. Simply put, homeowners rarely secure their garage door like they would do their home doors and windows. At Secure Menifee Locksmith, we are here to tell you that you can avoid a garage break-in.
The Right Type of Garage Door
If you want to make sure no one breaks into your garage, it is important that you select a good durable garage door. A good, strong and sturdy garage door would be one that is made from steel and one that rolls up. These offer you a great deal of durability and are cost-effective.
The Right Type of Garage Door
If you want to make sure no one breaks into your garage, it is important that you select a good durable garage door. A good, strong and sturdy garage door would be one that is made from steel and one that rolls up. These offer you a great deal of durability and are cost-effective.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
BENEFITS OF HOME SAFE
Home safes are NOT just for the super wealthy. You don’t
have to be a money mogul in order to enjoy keeping your valuables in a safe and
secure place that locks. Here at Secure Menifee Locksmith we often get calls
for safe installations for local businesses and many times customers call us
for home safes, as well. Read on and see how having a safe at home can be one
of the smartest things you do to protect your cash and valuables.
Not just for the rich
Our Menifee, CA community is hardly Beverly Hills and we
don’t try to be. Yet, a good number of local residences already have safes in
them. This is because residential safes are perfect for keeping your valuables
secure from uninvited intruders, nosy neighbors, pesky relatives and anyone
else that has no business with seeing or having access to your property.
You can put just about anything you want inside your home
safe. Many of our customers use safes to secure cash, art, guns, insurance
policies, flash drives, warranties, passports, stock certificates, special
photographs, jewelry, tax returns, property titles, real estate appraisals, key
codes and combination lists, old letters, private correspondence, and anything
else that you deem of value. Keeping your valuables in your home safe not only
protects them from theft, it also protects them from fire, wind, dust, rain and
moisture. Let’s break down some of these and see how you can use your
residential safe to make your life more secure.
Money
Money can be a lot of things. Any form of hard currency
counts as money. This can be cash, coins, IOU’s, credit cards, debit cards,
gift cards, foreign currency, etc. The amount in your safe is totally up to you
and will probably fluctuate from time to time. You’ve heard the term “save for
a rainy day?” well this is one smart way to do that. On hand money can be so
useful. If you are a “prepper” you’ll want to have some cash on hand anyway. If
not, you’ll get peace of mind in knowing that you always have fast access to
money when you need it WITHOUT making a trip to the ATM or having to stand in
line at the bank only to ASK for some currency that is really already yours.
Money on hand is great for emergencies or last minute expenses.
These can include medical needs, pet emergencies, funeral expenses, fast
business deals, charity donations, real estate transactions, gifts, auto
repairs, dental needs, fast food tips, and a dozens of other uses.
Guns
Wait! Aren’t guns supposed to be in gun safes? Don’t worry
about what you call it; a place where you can securely keep a weapon is all
that matters. Now, if you have a large arsenal of firearms and ammunition, you
are of course better off with a real gun cabinet but for a pistol, handgun or
something of that size, a regular home safe is perfect. The main point is this;
don’t leave a loaded weapon within easy reach in your Menifee, CA home!
Accidental shootings, domestic violence, home invasions and other incidents
happen all too often because of haphazard gun treatment in the residence.
Jewelry in your safe
Right away people read or hear this and think of women’s
jewelry. They think bracelets, rings, diamonds and other jewels that adorn
ladies. In truth though, jewelry for both sexes is what we are talking about.
It’s not a gender “thing” as men also have watches, rings and other items of
value that are worth protecting. Some of our Secure Menifee Locksmith customers
buy estate jewelry at auctions and store their purchases in their home safes.
Others have heirloom jewelry that has been bequeathed to them from family
members. They have no intention of selling these items but they also want to
keep them in a secure place where they can see and have access to them anytime
they like.
Documents
Documents in your home safe? Isn’t that what file cabinets
are for? Yes and no. File cabinet locks are very low-level and provide minimal
protection. They do serve the purpose of keeping your files locked away and not
easily accessed but for more valued items; a home safe is head and shoulders a
better choice! Like money, it’s up to you to decide what document items should
be secured in your home safe. We recommend hard or impossible to replace items
like birth certificates, passports, appraisals, stock certificates, licenses,
awards, bonds, valued letters, foreign currency, key codes, car titles, tax
returns and anything else that you really want to secure.
Miscellaneous items
These can be literally anything! It’s your home safe; what
do you want to keep secure in it? You can add flash drives, old photographs,
letters, diplomas, software licenses, art, bank books, credit reports and
hundreds of other items.
Be discreet
Will having a safe at your home make you a target for
burglary or home invasion? That’s up to you. Our Menifee, CA locksmiths always
recommend discretion. You shouldn’t be bragging about your possessions anyway
and the fewer people that know about your safe and its contents; the better. We
also recommend that you keep your home safe in a not-so-obvious place at your
home. You don’t need to camouflage it but you also don’t need to display it in
a prominent place for all to see, either.
Where to buy your
safe
You can buy safes pretty much anywhere in town. Most of your
major retailers carry them. These include national chains like Wal-Mart,
Target, Sears, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Best Buy. Store like these are good for
seeing your potential purchase in person. Remember though; the sales help is
usually part-time, minimum wage assistance so don’t count on getting many
answers to your questions.
Safe stores are more specialized but can be expensive as
they outsource installation, repair and maintenance tasks to area locksmiths.
Why not go directly to the source and call your favorite Menifee, CA residential
locksmith shop?
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
ARE YOU HAVING IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!
When you cannot start your car, there are many reasons it could be happening. One likelihood is that your automobile has a malfunctioning ignition switch. If so, then investigate further. A worn-out ignition can actually become a hazard, so don’t ignore it. In some cases, you will be able to discover the nature of the issue yourself.
Possible Causes for Ignition Problems
There may be too much wear and tear. If so, your car key will grow increasingly ineffective, and stop working altogether in the end. If so, the key must be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes, to make sure it’s correctly cut and completely functional.
One typical reason ignitions fail is that they’re defective from the beginning. Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you are still under warranty, the dealership will replace your ignition cylinder. If you’re no longer under warranty, then it’s time for you to hire a dependable automotive locksmith specialist.
Did you put the wrong key in the ignition switch? If it went all the way in, don’t try pulling it out! You could cause irreparable damage. Call a locksmith right away.
The battery might be drained. When you start up your car, the ignition coil takes its power from the battery, sending it to the sparkplugs. This ignites the fuel so the car will start up. If you ever have to turn the engine over too many times to get it started, you could drain your battery until there isn’t any power left.
Did you break the car key off, or is there any other object lodged inside the lock mechanism? Don’t attempt to handle this yourself! Contact a trusty automotive locksmith expert instead. Otherwise, you might wield irreparable damage. Normally, any foreign object such as a broken key can easily be removed by a professional automotive locksmith, without having to replace the entire ignition switch.
Take a look at your dashboard lights. Natural wear and tear on your vehicle can eventually lead to ignition switch failure, especially in older model cars. If your ignition switch is malfunctioning, you may not be hearing any clicks from the main relay, which fires it up. If you’re stalling out, check your dashboard lights. Turn the key to position 2, and if the charge light, oil light, brake light, and other warning lights don’t turn on, then something is wrong. You can also test the ignition switch’s integrity: When you get the car key to the “start” position, as soon as it begins to start up, let go of the key, and then let it snap back to the “on” position. If your warning lights turn off as the switch snaps back, then the switch is definitely bad.
Your ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on your car key, can get worn out. Your ignition switch will malfunction if it gets gummed up with dirt and grime. Individual wafer replacement, or good old cleaning, will be your best bet. You shouldn’t have to pay for a complete ignition replacement.
Is your ignition switch overheating? You might have a short in your system. If your ignition switch is overly hot to the touch, then the problem is probably in the electrical system. Because the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where the wires are connected can overheat, which could melt the insulating base. If it indeed does get fried, your vehicle will jerk violently, and certainly won’t start.
Your transponder key may not be working right. Usually, this means that its computer chip has lost its programming. You can get your existing transponder key reprogrammed; or, you can ask a professional to duplicate the existing cuts to program a whole new key. This precise task needs to be carried out by a reliable expert automotive locksmith.
Has there been a failed attempt to steal your automobile? What often happens in this case is that an amateur car thief will mess up your ignition switch and steering column. If so, you need to replace the entire ignition assembly.
Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
• the car key comes out, even if the car’s still running
• you’re observing car battery problems
• you may see higher auto emissions or increased fuel consumption
• you cannot even put the key in the ignition at all
• the steering wheel sometimes sticks, or even becomes immovable
• your vehicle might be prone to stalling while idling
Check the Status
When you stick the car key in the ignition switch and turn it, typically there are 3 status positions:
1. In the “off” status position, no power is transmitted to the engine or the system.
2. In the “on” status position, the dashboard lights turn on, but the engine is still off.
3. In the “start” status position, you exert full key pressure, and that’s when the engine fires up.
DIY
If you want to replace the ignition switch yourself, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing. It’s not an easy undertaking, particularly with newer vehicles, because they generally include anti-theft devices. Removing or replacing your ignition switch without taking the correct safety precautions, and without using the proper tools, will easily render your car inoperable! The electrical current running through the system can actually cause bodily harm. Therefore, keep all metallic objects away from the electrical wires. Before you can install a new ignition switch, the process involves removing the wiring harness that’s connected to the ignition switch, taking out the steering column, disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, and so forth. So unless you’re a mechanic, it’s better to hire a professional. If you’re located anywhere in Menifee, California, it’s a good idea to hire a professional automotive locksmith specialist, such as the mobile technicians on staff at Secure Menifee Locksmith.
Possible Causes for Ignition Problems
There may be too much wear and tear. If so, your car key will grow increasingly ineffective, and stop working altogether in the end. If so, the key must be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes, to make sure it’s correctly cut and completely functional.
One typical reason ignitions fail is that they’re defective from the beginning. Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you are still under warranty, the dealership will replace your ignition cylinder. If you’re no longer under warranty, then it’s time for you to hire a dependable automotive locksmith specialist.
Did you put the wrong key in the ignition switch? If it went all the way in, don’t try pulling it out! You could cause irreparable damage. Call a locksmith right away.
The battery might be drained. When you start up your car, the ignition coil takes its power from the battery, sending it to the sparkplugs. This ignites the fuel so the car will start up. If you ever have to turn the engine over too many times to get it started, you could drain your battery until there isn’t any power left.
Did you break the car key off, or is there any other object lodged inside the lock mechanism? Don’t attempt to handle this yourself! Contact a trusty automotive locksmith expert instead. Otherwise, you might wield irreparable damage. Normally, any foreign object such as a broken key can easily be removed by a professional automotive locksmith, without having to replace the entire ignition switch.
Take a look at your dashboard lights. Natural wear and tear on your vehicle can eventually lead to ignition switch failure, especially in older model cars. If your ignition switch is malfunctioning, you may not be hearing any clicks from the main relay, which fires it up. If you’re stalling out, check your dashboard lights. Turn the key to position 2, and if the charge light, oil light, brake light, and other warning lights don’t turn on, then something is wrong. You can also test the ignition switch’s integrity: When you get the car key to the “start” position, as soon as it begins to start up, let go of the key, and then let it snap back to the “on” position. If your warning lights turn off as the switch snaps back, then the switch is definitely bad.
Your ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on your car key, can get worn out. Your ignition switch will malfunction if it gets gummed up with dirt and grime. Individual wafer replacement, or good old cleaning, will be your best bet. You shouldn’t have to pay for a complete ignition replacement.
Is your ignition switch overheating? You might have a short in your system. If your ignition switch is overly hot to the touch, then the problem is probably in the electrical system. Because the ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where the wires are connected can overheat, which could melt the insulating base. If it indeed does get fried, your vehicle will jerk violently, and certainly won’t start.
Your transponder key may not be working right. Usually, this means that its computer chip has lost its programming. You can get your existing transponder key reprogrammed; or, you can ask a professional to duplicate the existing cuts to program a whole new key. This precise task needs to be carried out by a reliable expert automotive locksmith.
Has there been a failed attempt to steal your automobile? What often happens in this case is that an amateur car thief will mess up your ignition switch and steering column. If so, you need to replace the entire ignition assembly.
Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
• the car key comes out, even if the car’s still running
• you’re observing car battery problems
• you may see higher auto emissions or increased fuel consumption
• you cannot even put the key in the ignition at all
• the steering wheel sometimes sticks, or even becomes immovable
• your vehicle might be prone to stalling while idling
Check the Status
When you stick the car key in the ignition switch and turn it, typically there are 3 status positions:
1. In the “off” status position, no power is transmitted to the engine or the system.
2. In the “on” status position, the dashboard lights turn on, but the engine is still off.
3. In the “start” status position, you exert full key pressure, and that’s when the engine fires up.
DIY
If you want to replace the ignition switch yourself, make sure you know exactly what you’re doing. It’s not an easy undertaking, particularly with newer vehicles, because they generally include anti-theft devices. Removing or replacing your ignition switch without taking the correct safety precautions, and without using the proper tools, will easily render your car inoperable! The electrical current running through the system can actually cause bodily harm. Therefore, keep all metallic objects away from the electrical wires. Before you can install a new ignition switch, the process involves removing the wiring harness that’s connected to the ignition switch, taking out the steering column, disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, and so forth. So unless you’re a mechanic, it’s better to hire a professional. If you’re located anywhere in Menifee, California, it’s a good idea to hire a professional automotive locksmith specialist, such as the mobile technicians on staff at Secure Menifee Locksmith.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Secure Menifee Locksmith: What To Do In Different Lockout Situations
The team at Secure Menifee Locksmith knows just how worrying
it is to get locked out. That’s because it’s a problem they have seen many
times before. For this reason, they have been kind enough to put together a
list of ideas that would be useful to anyone who ends up misplacing their key,
or otherwise just being unable to get into their property. Often times, people
don’t realize in their moment of stress that one of their doors is actually
accessible. One of the first things a locksmith might tell you to do is check
another door. If you’re locked out of your vehicle, they might have you check
the back doors. If you are locked out of your home, they might gently remind
you to check the patio or garage door. Often times, the situation isn’t this
simple, unfortunately. Have a look at the tips provided by one of the best lock
and security providers around – these will be useful to you whether you are in
Menifee, CA or anywhere else.
- If you are locked out of your house, ask yourself if a neighbor or family member might have a spare key. It is easy when our minds become filled with anxiety to forget little details. If you made a copy of your house key and gave it to a neighbor, friend or family member, make sure to reach out to them if possible. This could save you the cost of needing to have a locksmith come out to get you back in.
- If you are locked out of your vehicle, be sure to get to a safe place. Maybe you just left a local mall or office, and the sun is going down. It might not be the safest thing for you to hang out in a parking lot. If you have the option, go back inside to the place that you were, before you realized you couldn’t get into your car. If you’re in a parking lot that doesn’t feel safe, and you don’t have the option to go inside somewhere, consider calling a police officer or even a security guard to come wait with you. Try to stay in a well-lit area. These are just basics to ensure your protection. No matter where you happen to live in the country, it is always important to exhibit caution.
- Locked out of your house late at night? Keep in mind some of the tips in point number two. Be sure to get to a safe place, whether that means asking to wait inside your neighbor’s home, or even going back inside of your vehicle. If needed, call a police officer so you have someone to make you feel safer.
- Whether you are unable to get into the house or vehicle, or even a commercial property, avoid breaking a window. Sure, this might seem like the logical next step, especially if you are in a rush to get somewhere. Using your fist to break glass could end up causing physical injury. Using some sort of tool to break open a window will leave you having to deal with shattered glass, which can also cause personal injury. In addition to potentially hurting yourself, you will also be left with damaged property. Do the math – it would almost certainly be less expensive to call in a local locksmith to have them deal with the lockout, than to have to pay to replace broken glass or go to a doctor because you have glass pieces stuck in your hand.
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