The Residence on Marine – West Vancouver

The Residences on Marine is being developed by Atti group and will be a boutique mid-rise building. Located at 1327 Marine Drive in West Vancouver, the Residence on Marine is centrally located at the entrance to the Ambleside community of West Vancouver, featuring Ambleside Park and Beach, as well all the shops and services along Marine Drive including its popular Farmers Market on the weekends.

The Residences on Marine will provide its homeowners to the best of the North Shore and Vancouver. With single-level living, featuring modern, open floor plans, attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship.

To be kept up to date with this development and many more like it, register with us today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is not an offering for sale. No such offering can be made without a disclosure statement. E.&O.E.

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Crest by Adera- North Vancouver

Crest is Lonsdale newest development being built by Adera, the multi-disciplined organization known for creating homes with West Coast style. Crest is located in the heart of North Vancouver Lonsdale corridor on the corner of 8th and Lonsdale at 150 East 8th Street.

Crest will include 178 one, two and three bedroom homes (including 17 townhomes) with underground parking over two buildings all designed in a West coast modern design and architecture that Adera has become well-known for. Some homes will feature Private roof top patio, stunning views of the north shore mountains and and downtown Vancouver

 

Building amenities include a bike room, guest suite, party room, fitness studio, billiards room and much more. In addition to great condos, the location offers easy accessibility to golf, local parks, restaurants and other entertainment sites, too.

To stay up to date with this development and many others like it, register with us today!

 

 

 

 

E. & O. E. This is not an offering for sale. An offering for sale may only be made after filing a Disclosure Statement

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Southgate City – Burnaby

Back in 2011, developer Ledingham McAllister bought the old Safeway distribution centre and dairy plant with an ambitious vision in mind. It isn’t often that a fully masterplanned development like Southgate City comes to a major city like Burnaby. This new condo development will become an integral part of the skyline in South Burnaby. As envisioned, Southgate City will include up to 20 condo towers of between 24 and 46 storeys in height, and a variety of low- and mid-rise buildings, all of which combined will consist of about 6,400 residential housing units that will support a population of 20,000 people. The pedestrian- and public-transit oriented development is planned around a five-acre central park that will serve as the Southgate City’s core feature.

The 60-acre development also includes numerous smaller parks, creek-side greenways and open areas, all of which are designed to help foster interconnection between all of its residential and commercial elements. This planned interconnectedness also includes easy access to the rest of Burnaby, and greater Vancouver, via road upgrade connections, pedestrian/bicycling paths, and its proximity to the Edmonds Skyway Station. Proposed commercial ventures include a gourmet grocer, cafés, community shops and restaurants. A new community centre is also included in the plans. The final result will be a stunning community developed from the ground up.

Southgate City will rapidly become one of the most exciting places to live in all of the lower mainland.

With the first building, Precedence, starting sales soon; home buyers will have the opportunity to secure their view of what will become the definition of master planning. Residents will be able to wake up and look out to the green space, fountains, and inviting public spaces. Driving to the hottest restaurants and shops will be a thing of the past with the best that Burnaby has to offer just steps away.

What sets Southgate City apart from other developments is the attention to detail put into every aspect of the design. There are plenty of new condo developments to see in Burnaby and surrounding areas but few, if any, offer the total and complete lifestyle that Southgate City will offer. A new community centre is just one part of the plan that aims to provide residents with a superior living experience in the heart of South Burnaby.

This will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting, inspirational, and popular new condo developments in Burnaby and the entire lower mainland. Stay tuned for more news and developments about Southgate City as construction moves ahead.

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This is not an offering for sale. No such offering can be made without a disclosure statement. E.&O.E.

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High-Security Door Locks: How To Choose The Best Brand

When you are looking to choose between the many high-security door locks on the market, it pays to know which brands are worth considering. There may be stand out products from otherwise low-quality companies, but if you want to sure that you are getting worthwhile protection from your locks, there are some things you need to know. Most people don’t care about security, but if you are not among the majority, it is time to look into everything you need for the best high-security door locks.

Traits of High-Security Door Locks

When you are looking at the variety of products that claim to be high-security door locks, it is important to be able to know the difference in protection between them all. This is more complicated than choosing the best lock at home depot. You will be looking at high-security locks and trying to figure out which has the characteristics you cannot live without.

You do not need a lock that has everything listed below, but the more traits they have, the better security they are going to offer. You can also use this information to find lock models that excel even though they might be from an otherwise mid-tier company. Just be sure that your high-security door locks have some of the following aspects:

1. Lock Cylinder Complexity

When you are looking at the complexity of a door lock cylinder, you are trying to figure out how difficult it would be for a criminal to understand. The more difficult the internal makeup of the lock, the less chance you have of a criminal being able to make a bump key type device, impression the lock, or even pick it open.

All locks can be picked, but you do not want anyone who tries to be able to successfully open your lock. The more complex the lock cylinder is, the fewer people will even try to overcome your security covertly or surreptitiously. If you are looking for something that is strictly a keypad door lock, you will not need to worry about the lock cylinder of your high-security door locks.

2. Metal Content

How hardy a lock is, relies heavily on the amount of metal it uses in its composition. Because a part of the door needs to be removed so that the door lock can installed. This requires holes to be bored and cross-bored, leaving the door vulnerable around the lock hardware. There are products detailed in the best ways to secure a door that can add metal content, but you most likely want high-security door locks that come with some basic level of protection.

You can often tell the metal content of a lock by holding it in your hand. A heavy lock is a lock that does not use wide gaps or plastic components to reduce cost. When a company makes a lock with empty space or with components molded out of plastic, this ultimately costs you security. High-security door locks should have strong and heavy metal. And they should use a lot of it.

3. Bolt Strength

Besides the metal content of the lock, you also need the bolt of your deadbolt to be able to withstand as much force as possible. High-security door locks will have hardened steel bolts that withstand bludgeoning attacks (kicks, battering rams, sledge hammers, shoulder strikes, etc.) used against the door. Without strength, these attacks would bend or snap a bolt severely enough that it fails.

High-security door locks with strong bolts will also be resistant to cutting attacks. Criminals will not be able to use a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to damage the bolt enough to open the door. This is a less common attack than bludgeoning, but if it is a risk you are concerned about, your bolt should be cut resistant.

4. Drill Protection

Unlike a locksmith, who only drill locks out of necessity, many unscrupulous characters learn how to drill locks open because it is fast, and seems to work universally. But a criminal who encounters high-security door locks with anti-drill precautions will find their tried and true method of entry does not get them past these locks.

There are two main points that you want your high-security door locks to protect from drills. These are the set screws and the shear line. Both of these areas can be protected with hardened steel ball-bearings. Sometimes there will be anti-drill plates that rotate to protect from someone drilling the shear line, but these are the points that need to be addressed.

5. Key Control

You do not want anyone with limited access to your property to be able to copy a key without your knowledge. The best you can do is invest in high-security door locks that have patented keyways. This makes the access to key blanks much more restricted.

Of course, you will still need to know the proper way to hide your spare keys, so that you do not lose control of your keys. But besides that, there are ways around getting patented key blanks, and ways to cut them without the authorization of the lock’s owner. What you have to understand is that you will be significantly more protected against this type of risk.

6. Bypass Resistance

Even some of the best high-security door locks can be bypassed with certain additions to the locks. And seemingly high-security locks can have bypasses discovered and end up only providing the illusion of security. A great example of this is the thumbturn bypass for certain high-security euro cylinder locks.

Bypasses are not the same picking or bumping a lock. They are simpler methods of entry, and they bypass the lock cylinder’s complexity in favor of exploiting some other type of weakness. Be sure to look up if the high-security lock you are considering has a bypass. Some older products from even the best brands have exploits that have been solved by newer iterations. Other brands have introduced weaknesses by updating the lock and creating an issue while only trying to hold onto a patent.

Price Considerations For High-Security Door Locks

• In the security field, you get what you pay for.
• Higher costs are what lead to more secure locks.
• With certain brands, you are paying more for the name than for the manufacturing factors that necessitate higher costs.
• Certain locks have prices that are only associated with one aspect of high-security and will use lock cylinders from lower quality companies to offset certain material costs.
• Look at the specs of your lock to find out what you are really paying for.
• The two biggest factors for higher prices are the metal content (how much is used and what type of metal it is) and the complexity of the lock core.
• When a security brand has a product with a high cost and none, or less, high-security traits than another similarly priced product, this is a good indication that it is not worth the advertised cost.
• If you are not planning to install the lock itself, you have to factor in the cost of changing locks.

Best Brands For High-Security Door Locks

In this section, I just want to highlight some of the best brands to purchase from when you are looking for high-security door locks. These are certainly not all of the manufacturers that make high-security door locks, but they do provide the top quality contenders for best door locks.

These are not simply the most trusted door lock brands, they might not have a reputation that most people know about. But when it comes to security, these companies are above the rest. Steer clear of the brands that security experts universally detest, and get something that can actually considered to be among the best high-security door locks.

1. Abloy

Abloy makes the finest disk detainer locks on the market today. They make some of the best lock products and their Protec2 model still remains unpicked. The physical strength of their locks is pretty universal among the highest level available.

With hardened steel and solid construction for their high-security door locks, they are going to also be protected against drilling, prying, and cutting. Though Assa Abloy is the parent company of many of the prominent lock brands, their Abloy imprint is one of the best for high-security locks.

Buy Recommended Abloy Lock on Amazon

2. Mul-T-Lock

A very popular company for high-security door locks is the Mul-T-Lock brand. They are innovative in their pin tumbler designs and sidebar systems, while also excelling in the structural security of their locks.

Their high-security locks take into account their most vulnerable drill points and go beyond the call of duty for the cutting and prying resistance of their bolts. With something like the Mul-T-Lock Hercular, you are going to receive some the highest security possible in a lock.

Buy Recommended Mul-T-Lock on Amazon

3. EVVA

The EVVA lock company specializes in creating a vast array of high-security door locks. They vary in quality, but as a general rule, EVVA produces better high-security locks than most other companies. They excel most with the internal complexity of their locks and use innovative and unexpected methods within their lock cylinders.

One of their best high-security locks is the MCS model, which is more popular in its euro cylinder model than its rim cylinder equivalent. This lock is one of the few high-security locks that makes use of magnetic locking components. These locks are less about physical attack resistance and made more with internal security in mind. They are not physically insecure, but that is not the point they excel at.

Buy Recommended EVVA Lock on Amazon

4. Medeco

A very solid brand for high-security locks is Medeco. You will often see at least their lock cylinders being used along with the common types of commercial door locks. If you are looking for a Medeco deadbolt, a Medeco mortise cylinder, or what have you, they have quite the selection. The glory of Medeco is that they are relatively accessible to purchase and offer a good base level of protection.

It is not the best internal complexity or the strongest physical construction, but in terms of price, they are more affordable and do offer significantly better protection as a lock brand with their overall catalog of products. This company has had some issues in the past, but they have listened to the experts and improved their new products.

Buy Recommended Medeco Lock on Amazon

5. BiLock

The BiLock deadbolt is consistently featured among the top of most people’s list of high-security products. The reason that BiLock is such a good high-security lock brand is because it uses the same key system throughout its products. It is a high-security cylinder that will not be easy for most pickers to overcome.

When you choose a BiLock for your door, you are getting a unique key that very few people will be able to duplicate. You also get a keyway that many will not be able to interact with, as it uses a sidebar system and not simply two sets of pin tumblers. Metal content will vary, but you can rely on a quality lock core.

Buy Recommended BiLock on Amazon

Tips For Upgrading To High-Security Door Locks

• Considerations for residential doors and commercial doors differ rather greatly.
• You need locks that fit with your existing door (ex: euro cylinder locks will need a differently prepared door than a door prepared for a mortise lock).
• You should complete a risk assessment to find what aspects of a high-security lock that you should focus on most.
• High-security door locks are deadbolts. If you are relying on keyed door knobs, you are using the wrong locks.
• There are ways to increase the security of your existing locks, and depending on your circumstances you might be able to rekey your locks instead of replacing them.
• In the case of apartment security, you need to check what you are allowed to change about the previously installed security.

Verdict

There is no one best lock brand or one best high-security lock. There are only things that you should think about to find the best lock for your needs. Your lock is not where all of your security comes from. You still need to worry about perimeter security and the security of your door overall. But with this information, all you need to do is ask yourself what matters most to you in a lock, and then install the best high-security door locks for you.

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Main & Twentieth by Landa Global in Vancouver

Main & Twentieth is a collection of 42 boutique one bedroom, two bedroom, and loft homes with stylish interiors, open layouts, generous outdoor spaces, and a beautiful, lush central courtyard. Located at the corner of Main St & E 20th Ave, Main & Twentieth is surrounded by all the eclectic shops, restaurants, schools, transit and diverse community resources that Main Street has to offer.

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Park Hill in Langley

PARK HILL is a new community coming soon to Langley’s Willoughby neighbourhood, located off 68th Ave and 201 St, in a peaceful residential neighbourhood giving you room to breathe. This boutique collection of 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes and contemporary 1, 2 & 3 bedroom condos is located in a quiet residential area nestled against 1,200 acres of lush parkland and community trails. Park Hill has two phases of development. Phase I is over 80% sold and moving quickly. Register now to have our team contact you with details about our remaining inventory, and for priority access to Phase II.

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I Lost My House Keys! Should I Change My Locks?

Take it from someone who has been in the same boat as you, losing your house keys can be a challenging ordeal. However, the fact that losing your house keys can be challenging does not mean that the fallout is impossible to handle. What is the fallout of losing your house keys you might ask? Well, there are a couple of scenarios that every homeowner will have to take into consideration. Once you have a grasp on the effects of losing your house key, you will have a better approach to answering the question about whether or not you should change your locks.

The main fallout of lost house keys is security related. Your house keys are the gateway to your home, and losing this restricts your access, while potentially giving someone unfettered access to your home. It is for this reason that many homeowners ask about changing locks as a result of lost house keys.

Why should you change your locks?

Door locks are paired with their respective keys. So if you’ve lost your house keys, some aspect of your locks will have to change to compensate for this loss. A key determines the way access is granted or barred to your home. Homeowners should be aware of this fact when they are dealing with their lost keys. There is no law stating you should change your locks if you’ve lost house keys, but neglecting to do leaves your home security up to chance, and that’s not a safe bet. Changing your locks is the easiest way of negating any vulnerabilities that could stem from lost house keys.

When people talk about changing locks, they often assume the entire lockset has to be replaced. However, changing locks can apply to rekeying locks as well. The process of rekeying allows old locks to be retrofitted to work with a new key. Rekeying a lock means that homeowners will have a new key to use on their lock while simultaneously negating all previously working keys. In effect, a key aspect of the lock has been changed without doing away with the entire lock body.

Arriving at the final answer to the question about whether or not you should change your locks, depends on multiple factors. These factors range from how your house keys were lost, to the amount of money that you are willing to spend on changing your door locks because of your lost house keys. I will take the time to walk you through a series of questions that will help you arrive at your answer. Homeowners should always ask themselves these questions when trying to figure out if their locks should be changed because of lost house keys.

1. How did I lose my keys?

A homeowners decision to change their locks is often greatly influenced by the manner in which they lose their house keys. There is always a shroud of uncertainty that surrounds lost items. For the most part, this uncertainty stems from not knowing if you misplaced your keys or if they were stolen. Your course of action will differ depending on the status of your keys.

If your house keys were stolen, then the security and safety of your home should be prioritized as you consider changing your locks. On the other hand, if you happened to misplace your keys, there is a very slim chance that burglars will find your lost house key and trace it back to your home. In this instance, you can resort to other solutions that will not involve changing your locks. However, if your security is on the line you should absolutely change your door locks. If you believe your lost house keys were stolen, then there is a valid cause for concern.

Even if your lost keys were not stolen, you should be concerned if your lost house keys are accompanied by some other identifier. Keychains are widely used in many homes, and some homeowners place ID cards on a keychain, alongside their keys. If you lose your house keys as part of a keychain that has another identifying feature, you should change your locks to negate old keys. It is unlikely that someone will track you down to break into your house, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

2. Did I lose a master key?

Homeowners should change their locks if the lost house key is a master key. Ideally, this should be done regardless of whether your house keys were lost because of theft or because of your own negligence. A basic understanding of master key systems helps to explain this. Master keys can be used to open up multiple locks. Essentially, a group of locks can be keyed in a manner that allows one master key to open each of them. However, each lock will still retain its individual key, and none of these individual keys will be able to open any other locks.

Losing the master key to your house can jeopardize the entire foundation of your home security and ignoring this is a risk you cannot take. If anyone gains access to your master key, they have access to every door that the key controls. In this instance, you will have the option to either rekey your locks or have them replaced. Unfortunately, you do not have the option of ignoring this scenario because of the security drawback is too great.

3. Do I have any budgetary restrictions?

A budget always has to be considered when you are making any changes to aspects of your home. The amount of money that a homeowner is willing to spend is a key factor in determining whether your locks should be changed because of lost house keys. Before I continue to talk more about budgets and budget restrictions, I would say that homeowners should try not prioritize cost over security. I know this can be hard to do, but if your security becomes secondary, it can leave you more vulnerable in the long run. For most homeowners, the final cost of a service will influence their decision, regardless of what other people have said.

The cost to change locks and the cost to rekey a lock vary a great deal, and complete lock changes tend to be the more expensive option. Now, it is safe to say that there are no right or wrong choices when it comes to changing your locks after losing house keys, but sometimes it might be better to replace a lock than it is to rekey and vice versa. For instance, if you need already need to upgrade your locks, it would make sense to have them changed rather than rekeyed.

For homeowners who might be restricted by a budget, I would advise that you have your locks rekeyed if you lose your house keys. If this is not the case, then take the time to consider the benefits you will reap from changing your door locks and upgrading.

4. Did I lose a spare key?

Spare keys come in handy when you least expect them, and I always say that everyone needs a spare car key or a spare house key, even if they think they don’t. However, if you lose your spare house keys, you shouldn’t sweat it too much. I do not believe that losing your spare house keys warrants making any changes to your door locks. The only time I think you need to worry about lost spare house keys is if you believe them to be stolen. There are other cost effective solutions that homeowners can take advantage of in lieu of changing their locks because they lost a set of spare house keys. Some of these solutions include cutting a new key or rekeying any lock that was paired with the spare key. Each of these solutions is much cheaper than having a locksmith change your locks and install new locks.

5. Which locks do I currently have installed?

Looking out for security upgrade opportunities is always a good idea, and sometimes the best time to do this is when you have lost your house keys. Think of it is a blank slate that gives you the chance to reassess different aspects of your home. In this light, losing your key might actually be a blessing in disguise.

If you currently have high-security locks installed, then I would caution against changing your locks. You can rekey them and also look into methods that help fortify your physical security, but changing a solid bet like high-security locks would be unwise. On the other hand, if you do not have secure locks in place, it would be best to have new locks installed that cater to this need. Essentially, you will be killing two birds with one stone. By installing new locks, you do away with the dangers that losing your house key presented and you increase you overall home security at the same time.

6. Have I lost my house keys before?

I know that this might seem like an odd question to ask, but I assure that it is relevant. If you have lost your house keys in the past, I think that you should consider changing your door locks. In this case, when I say change I do not mean rekey. There are some homeowners who lose things rather frequently and house keys are a prevalent feature on this list. If you have the unfortunate habit of frequently losing your house keys, you should consider changing your locks to something that accommodates keyless entry. This usually means that you will have to enlist the help of a locksmith for a smart lock installation.

Keyless entry options will greatly reduce the possibility of your house key being lost. In addition to increased convenience, keyless entry options like smart locks help increase monitoring and accessibility. There are a myriad of locks that homeowners can choose from, and some of the best front door locks are smart locks.

If homeowners want to change their locks to smart locks to prevent the possibility of losing their house keys, they should take the time to understand the true definition of smart locks and see if this is the right choice for them. Conversely, instead of investing in smart locks, you can get multiple sets of spare keys to help you when you need them.

7. Do I have a set of spare keys?

As I briefly explained earlier, spare keys come in handy when you least expect them. Lost house keys usually equate to being locked out of your house and one of the quickest solutions to this problem is making use of spare keys. A set of spare keys will help you gain access to your home, which solves the first part of the problem. However, spare keys do not cater to the danger that made you wonder if you need to change your locks. Homeowners ask this question because they know that there is a slim chance that a lost house key could make them vulnerable.

Spare keys help you regain access, but they do not help you stay secure. If you are able to regain access to your home, do not grow complacent and think that everything is fine and dandy. There is still a key unaccounted for that could grant someone access to your home. The questions we walked through above should help you choose the perfect solution. Ideally, you should rekey your locks, or replace them. If you are absolutely certain no one will get a hold of your missing key, then the lock can remain as is.

Verdict

As you can see, there is no clear cut answer to the question about changing your locks after you’ve lost house keys. Homeowners will have to weigh several different factors in order to determine which course of action will be best for them in terms of security, convenience, and cost. I hope that by now most readers understand the importance of security, so I hope you try and make this a priority as much as possible.

Should you change your locks after you’ve lost house keys? In most cases, you should. Take the time to understand the nature of your situation. Which type of key did you lose? Do you have a budget to consider? All of these questions will come to bear when you are considering changing your locks, and the answers to these individual questions will shape your decision and your home security.

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Chelsea Mews by London Meridian Properties in North Vancouver

Chelsea Mews is located in a prime area of North Vancouver with views of Lions Gate Bridge. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, it’s just steps away from public transportation and Norgate Park, plus our homeowners will only be 10 minutes from transit connections that will whisk them to the heart of downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park. Chelsea Mews is also conveniently situated within a 10-minute radius of many attractions and neighborhood amenities such as Park Royal Shopping Centre, Capilano Mall, Grouse Mountain ski resort, Save-on-Foods, and Steve Nash Fitness World.

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How To Fortify Your Home For The End Of Days

A lot of the home security tips on the topic of deterring thieves, and generally increasing your security, are devised for this world. But when the world is ending, you are going to need security that is much better than what you can get away with nowadays. There is a lot that goes into security during a doomsday scenario, but today we will be focusing on fortifying your home.

Proper Security Mindset

When the world is coming to an end, it is time to get your priorities straight, and your house in order. It is important that you stop thinking of security as if law and order were influential factors in keeping you safe.

With the world ending, the only order you have, you create. And that order has to start with protection. You cannot dictate the way things are going to be unless you can protect the status quo. Without being able to defend what you create there will be no lasting order.

The only law that matters when civilization has crumbled is that if you aren’t protecting what you have, you are just keeping it safe for the person strong enough to take it from you. Even if you are using the lifesaving tips to survive doomsday, what good is holding on when everything has been taken from you.

Make sure that everyone in your network has the proper mental state of mind. It is very important that there are no weak links in the chain. Anyone who is unable to comprehend the way the world has changed should be watched with extreme scrutiny. And you must make sure your kids are not compromising the security you put in place.

There is no such thing as perfect security, but that is no excuse to give up on making your security better. It is true that every lock can be picked, and nothing is 100% secure, but you still need the intention to protect yourself. Always work to improve your security, because, during the end of the world, others will always be working to undermine your security.

What are the risks?

Proper home security during times of apparent peace and civility relies on assessing a home’s risk. This becomes even more important when the threats are more prevalent. The chance of help arriving is diminished to a point of unlikeliness, bordering on impossibility. And every threat may be the thing that destroys everything you have.

Knowing what you need to protect against allows you to focus on the most pressing issues. You can also use this information to prioritize your home security planning. Thinking about risk allows you to fight off crippling cases of paranoia by getting you to consider the mundane and unspectacular risks along with the more readily thought about concerns.

Hazardous Environments

One of the more unglamorous risks that you need to be aware of during an end of days scenario is your climate. The climate influences weather and the weather influences the most likely type of disasters. End of days scenarios can lead to all types of climate changing results. The end of days might also be as the result of climate changing factors.

But even neglected infrastructure can fail to hold the weather or natural process at bay. A good example of this are dams, which when neglected can break and lead to catastrophic flooding. Clearing out brush will no longer be handled by the state, and will likely cause wildfires in areas where the inhabitants have not grown up anticipating them.

In cases where specific disasters are a clear and ever present risk, your home fortifications also need to take into account the ease of egress. A fortified home becomes a hazard in it of itself when you cannot escape it during an emergency. You should also have ways to anticipate the likelihood of disaster (measure rainfall, check of the accumulation of dried foliage in wooded areas, etc.), that way you can be aware when the risk is more prescient.

Nuclear fallout as a result of war or fallout as the result of a neglected power plant can change the toxicity of soil, air, and water. This will limit mobility and resources. But it will also require that your home fortifications take into account exposure and leakage of hazardous substances. Rooms in a home might need to be left empty for the purpose of air locks. Even the lock on your front door might be letting in too much-poisoned air.

Home Invasions

When most people think about fortifying their home for the end of days, they imagine the grand battles or claustrophobic standoffs with raiding parties. It is true that there will be those that exist in the new world only by taking from others. The biggest concern with this risk will be in the way of destructive entry.

Very few end of days scenarios end in a Mad Max style dystopia with super muscle car rat rods and explosives. And there would not be much you could do to defend your home against those particular things. But chances are you will not need to worry about those risks.

More often than not you will have to worry about ramming, cutting, and prying attacks being made against the fortifications of your home. If cars are still functioning, they can be used to assist ramming and prying attacks to open even the sturdiest gates and doors. But you will buy yourself time to respond to such things by improving the strength of your home’s exterior facing boundaries.

More than likely, desperate people will only have the tools they can carry on their person. This means you certainly want security that can stand up to kicks, but it would also be good to have security that was resistant to hammers, bolt cutters, and other destructive entry tools. You will also want to layer security so you can fall back without exposing yourself to the full force of danger.

Resource Theft

Besides removing the physical threat to the residents to your home, you also have to worry about burglars. People who are just after the things that you have, and are often looking to avoid a confrontation. They are not looking to steal anything by force, they are just looking to take without conflict.

For this reason, it is important that you do not rely too heavily on firearms as your primary security. Guns are a great means of personal protection when society has fallen apart, but they do not offer fortification to your home when you are not there. An opportunistic criminal can avoid a firefight if they can get in and out of your home while you are away.

To prevent theft, you need security that you can walk away from. This could include creating booby traps (which is not an option during times of law and order), but you might not want to go down that ethical road. Even having booby traps that capture instead of maiming or killing, will raise the issue of what to do with the people you catch.

It may seem like the proper security mindset would be to kill anyone who takes your stuff, but this can create unnecessary enemies. Being the crazy old man that everyone knows not to mess with is certainly an approach to security, but it is difficult to maintain in a world filled with desperation. It is better to have security devices that people cannot easily defeat than to try to deter anyone from trying to defeat them. Let people fail and give up on their own.

1. Perimeter Precautions

Guarding your perimeter is your first line of defense. Before the main structure of your home can be threatened, there should be a primary level of defense to discourage any potential raids.

When the world ends, some people will reach a level of desperation where nothing will discourage them from attempting to take what you have. For this reason, it is important that your perimeter precautions are constructed to make you aware of someone near your property.

You need to be considering overall defense. Which has to do with how likely your security is to hold up to the likely threats of your new reality. How well does your boundary deter less desperate scavengers? And if someone is trying to overcome your security, how will you know and respond?

Your primary areas of concern are:

Fences and Walls

The material that makes up your fences and walls will largely determine how they are attacked. Chain link fence is likely to be cut, whereas brick walls are more likely to be scaled. For that reason, it will make more sense to use barbed wire on a brick wall than a chain link fence. The stronger your walls the less chance they will be broken to allow for unexpected entry points.

If you go for the strength of a wall, you are likely to lose the visibility of the surroundings. But if there is a tree line or other natural cover beyond your perimeter, visibility will not be worth much. A fence that does not provide visibility will provide the worst of both a fence and a wall. It is best to choose strength or visibility so that you can get something instead of nothing.

Securing Gates

You should also make perimeter boundaries that are stronger than your gate security. Think of your gate as your hostility funnel. You want this to be the point that everyone wants to use to attack your home. If you can channel the focus of anyone looking to raid your property, you have a better chance of looking in the right direction when there is an issue. Built-in weakness do not need to be weak, necessarily.

Gates need to obviously be weaker than other options. If there is no obvious point of weakness to you, then it will be found by others. When you make the points that are likely to fail, you can control the way they fail so that the damage of that failure can be reduced. And that is preferable to the failure you cannot anticipate. Also, your gate is how you will enter and exit the property, so that determines your ease of egress during an emergency.

Properly Using Open Spaces

Space means you can see the threat before it gets to you, whether it is between your outer wall and the main structure of your home, or you have no wall, and instead, rely on vast plains of flat land. Space gives a buffer of time. The more space between your perimeter and your home, the more time you give yourself to discover the problem and react.

Open spaces are also good for mobility. You might need to escape or get around the threat. Having distance between yourself and a threat works to provide a fair bit of protection. Cars and escape vehicles may need room to turn around if they are also used for other purposes (scavenging, tilling the soil, moving supplies, etc.). This space also should give you a clear line of sight so raiders cannot cover their approach.

2. Exterior Structure Protection

If someone defeats your perimeter security, they still have your home’s fortifications to contend with. And these exterior protections will be to prevent entry into the structure of your home. Someone may try to smoke you out of your fortress, but you want that to be their only option.

As long as no one can enter the home, you can plan to bunker down with your supplies, air filtration, gas masks, and weaponry. A war of attrition can only be won by the party that has the steadiest access to resources. So unless you have incurred the wrath of the local warlord, chances are you will be the most prepared to wait out your attackers.

A door is a preferred way for anyone to enter a home. It is meant for entry, which means you do not need to make yourself vulnerable by entering through it. Though windows can be broken and there are ways to make openings of opportunity, they are less desirable than a door. But both are vulnerable.

Your primary areas of concern are:

Door Security

I have talked about the ways to improve the security of your front door many times before. It comes down to using longer set screws for your door hinges and strike plates, but this will not be enough protection when the world as you know it ends. You will need to use even more security. For example, barricades will need to be thicker and should secure the door from more than across the center (securing the base of the doorframe being ideal).

Though low-level raider might have only their boots or a makeshift battering ram, others might use shotguns for breaching. For that reason, doors should have metal plating, and take a note from the methods you would use to make a bulletproof car. Similar to a bulletproof car, the weight will need to be offset in order to maintain functionality.

Window Protection

I often recommend the use of security film for windows, but during the end times, bars and metal slats will be more ideal. Drop shields on the inside of the home are good for the times where you are inside during an attack, or when you get the chance to lock up the home before heading out, but bars provide a good general deterrent as well.

Security on the inside and security on the outside is the type of layering that you want. And you may want to consider removing most, if not all, windows. Something like sliding glass door security might work well during the safest time humanity has ever known, but when that crumbles, consider turning that entry point into a bulletproof wall.

Using the Proper Locks

The answer for the types of locks you should use is not so straightforward. The easy answer is that you want a lot of them. But that is not ideal for evacuation or even key control. Sure, you might be able to rekey your locks (if you have the right training and materials), but it would still not be ideal to have to use one key in five or so locks, as this will lead to issues with ingress (and egress if you are using double sided deadbolts).

Be sure that you have the best door locks possible, as it is unlikely that you will be able to make the world’s most secure lock yourself after society has largely collapsed into inescapable chaos. Take a note from some of the wildest security plans in existence, and try to get a network of bolts that secure like vault doors.

One key to open a litany of securing lengths of metal. Chances are you will not need to worry about lock picking, but just in case you can stock up on high-security door locks and even high-security padlocks (which can be moved from location to location).

3. Interior Door Security

Even with the best security, it is still possible that your home will be breached. But your fortifications do not need to end outside of the home. Once someone gets inside, there need to be additional layers of protection. Raiders are sure to want more than you are willing to give them. And in the worst cases, they will want you and anyone else in the home.

There should be rooms that you can retreat to. Depending on how you want to construct your security, these can be means of escape or panic rooms. You should also take pains to protect the things that are most important to your survival.

All of your important valuables need to be locked away inside your fortress. Your home can still remain a fortress or be rebuilt if you can survive long enough to fix what is broken. Your security only ever fails when you die. And death will be waiting around every corner when the world ends.

Your primary areas of concern are:

Escape Hatches

Rooms meant for escape need to lead to areas that do not telegraph their obvious existence. A great example of this would be a tunnel that leads to a trap door in the middle of a forest. If the hatch is only ever used to escape certain death, you can be sure that the exit/entrance is inconspicuous as dirt and plants are likely to be covering it.

If you use this hatch often, or anyone finds out about it, you risk being cut off at the pass or having your emergency exit be the way someone will break in. Any exit can be used as an entrance. But if you have a tunnel, you could implement a maze that obscures the correct path. Though you will run the risk of getting lost yourself.

Panic Rooms

There is always the chance that you want to keep fighting. And a panic room for the end of days should not be a place where you wait for death. It should be a safe location that allows you to be protected as you unleash your final preparations. When you fall back to this room, you are in dire straits. It is time for you to let loose your final effort to survive.

Panic rooms need stockpiles for extended stays and the same level of security you had on your exterior doors. Because although you might have an endgame protocol, you may need some time to prepare. In fact, it should not be easy to prepare, or else you run the risk of using it when you don’t need to or before the most ideal time.

Stockpiles and Caches

If you have a panic room, this is the perfect place to keep a stockpile, though it should not be your only one. In fact, you should have stockpiles in several locations, some of which are not in your home. But for this article, we will stick to the fortifications for your home. And your caches should be the most secure rooms in the home.

You do not want anyone stealing what you are hoarding, because food, water, weapons, ammunition, etc., are all you have to keep you alive. Losing what you have, could mean losing your life due to exposure, dehydration, starvation, etc. Make sure this room is locked up when you are not home.

Within the room, use additional precautions such as safes or lockboxes so that if someone gets inside they cannot get their hands on all of your valuables so easily. If these stockpiles can be hidden, that is ideal. Better yet, it will fortify your supplies by hiding the safes that are in your hidden caches.

Conclusion

In order to get your home ready for the apocalypse, you need to get your mind prepared to think in a way that allows you to do what is necessary to survive. With that mindset, take a hard look at what is most likely to put your home at risk. Once you know your risks, you can begin to think about the three main concerns with home security for the end of days. No matter if mutants, killers, and monsters are attacking your home, you can still protect yourself and your loved ones.

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Park House on Cambie Corridor

Park House is a new development with two 6-story buildings in the Cambie Corridor location. Between Winona Park and Langara Golf Course in South Cambie neighborhood. Marine Gateway, Oakridge Centre, and a future proposed Canada Line station are just steps away. Park House will offers 86 condominiums 1-3 bedrooms. It will raise the bar for luxury with Italian kitchens, featuring Miele and Gaggenau appliances, hotel-inspired interiors.

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6 Types Of Door Locks Commonly Used On Residential Properties

You will be hard pressed to find a residential property that does not utilize door locks in any capacity. If you ever find a residential space like that, it is either that its occupants do not care about security, or that they simply exist in a utopia that everyone else has yet to discover. Door locks are an essential part of any residential space, and they are part of the building blocks for safety and security.

Most people are aware of this, but not many are knowledgeable when it comes to door lock types. Selecting the appropriate door lock from available door lock types is important. The reason is simple, some locks work better in one situation than they do in others. A basic understanding of residential door lock types will help homeowners and property managers choose the best locks to use at all times. Let’s begin!

1. Deadbolts

Deadbolts are arguably one of the most popular door lock types, and they are widely used in many residential properties. Due to their popularity, they are also a common fixture in commercial spaces. A majority of homeowners should be familiar with the single cylinder deadbolt, which can be considered a subset of door lock types. However, there are multiple types of deadbolts that can each be used in some capacity within a residential setting. As far as door lock types go, the deadbolt is mostly used to secure exterior doors. There is no law against using deadbolts inside of your home, but there are other door lock types which are better suited for this task (but we’ll address those later on). Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that a deadbolt does not utilise spring loaded mechanisms to work the bolt, hence the term “dead”. We will revisit this later on in the article.

The main reason why deadbolts are among the popular door lock types is that they are some of the most secure locks that you will ever come across. However, not every deadbolt is built the same, which is why there is a grading system that gives you an idea of how much force your deadbolt can withstand. The main types of deadbolts that exist are the single cylinder deadbolt and the double cylinder deadbolt. The relevant difference between these two deadbolt door lock types is that the single cylinder has a keyed cylinder on one side of the door, whereas the double cylinder makes use of a keyed cylinder on both sides of the door.

Single cylinder locks are far more prevalent, but some homeowners opt to use double cylinder deadbolts for the added security benefit. Remember how earlier I pointed out that some locks are better suited in some locations than others? There are homeowners who realize that a double cylinder could possibly limit your chances of escape in an emergency, so instead, they opt to place extra layers of security around their single cylinder deadbolt.

In lieu of using a double or single cylinder deadbolt, some prefer to go with a jimmy proof deadbolt. This particular door lock type is commonly found in apartment buildings or as a fixture on double doors. I would not be surprised if you’d never heard of a jimmy proof deadbolt, most people haven’t, but I guarantee that you have come across one at some point. It is one of the more humble and unassuming door lock types. The unique construction of this deadbolt positions it to offer better security by negating jimmying as a bypass method. The lock is a surface-mounted lock that is kept secure by the strike and by the body of the lock as well. Although this makes the lock more resistant to jimmying, it does not make it impervious to other attacks.

2. Door Knob Locks

If you had to find a door knob in the next thirty seconds, you would probably know where to look. If you couldn’t reach the door knob in the allotted time, you would still know exactly where it was and how to get there. Door knob locks are easy to find, and they are mostly used for interior purposes. There are probably some door knobs installed on an exterior door somewhere, but whoever did that has the wrong idea (explanation to come). Among door lock types, the door knob might be the closest thing that is synonymous with interior use.

Knob locks are not ideal for exclusive external use, due to their limited amount of security. Unlike deadbolts, door knobs buckle easily under the exertion of force. The simple process of banging on a door knob with a hammer could destroy it. Once the knob itself is compromised, whoever did so will have very easy access to the lock cylinder that is housed within the knob. Now, forgive me while I amend my earlier statement. Door knob locks can be used on external doors, but only as long as they are paired with deadbolts that reinforce their security. However, if there is a solitary door knob on an exterior door, then it is most likely not there for security purposes.

These locks are more ideal for interior use. Entry door knobs allow for easy passage from room to room within your house, and they also do not pose a threat when it comes to emergency egress. It is important to be cognizant of the way a door knob works in comparison to other door lock types because this will help you determine the best places to install them. Learning about the potential vulnerabilities of your locks will aid you in making the right selection of door lock types that will keep your residential property secure.

3. Cylindrical Lever Locks

Similar to deadbolts, cylindrical lever locks are widely used in both residential and commercial settings, but people tend to interact with them more in commercial spaces. I believe that the reason behind this is the fact that cylindrical lever locks have to compete with door knob locks for space within the home, but there might be other factors at play.

Comparing the two locks, it would seem that a cylindrical lever lock is the easiest to operate between the two door lock types. The structure of the lock itself lends to easier and more efficient ingress and egress. Regardless of this, most people use door knobs inside their homes instead of cylindrical lever locks, but with that being said it is still a common door lock type for residential properties.

Although lever locks are suited for residential use, they are not the ideal solution for exterior doors that provide access to your home. There are many other door lock types that work well for exterior use, so forego using cylindrical lever locks. The main reason I say this is because there is a very high chance that your lever locks can be attacked and bypassed without putting up much of a fight. Similar to the door knobs discussed above, the handles of lever locks can be targeted and used as a potential access point with which to compromise the lock.

4. Mortise Locks

Mortise locksets are similar to cylindrical lever locks, in that they are more widely used in commercial properties, although they are also common fixtures in many homes. I should point out that there are many door lock types that crossover between residential and commercial use. Most of the homeowners who have mortise locksets either went out of their way to get them or the lockset was already installed on their doors. It is often the case that older homes have mortise locksets, and some owners choose to continue to maintain these locks instead of having a locksmith install new locks. There is nothing wrong with this because there are a lot of benefits that can be reaped from using a mortise lockset.

Learning more about mortise locks will provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the way mortise locks work and how they are used. A mortise lock generally consists of intricate hardware that is mounted in the door. Some of the key parts of the mortise lock are the threaded lock cylinder and the cam (which engages the lock and allows the latch to be retracted). One of the factors that have helped fuel their popularity of their years is the strength of the lock itself.

Although Grade 1 deadbolts are renowned for their strength among door lock types, mortise locks are equally as revered, and considered to be some of the most reliable locks available. Mortise locks are also commonly found in apartment complexes, similar to the jimmy proof deadbolt that we discussed earlier. The presence of these locks usually denotes that security is at the forefront of the user’s mind.

5. Euro Cylinder Locks

As the name suggests, Euro Cylinder Locks are door lock types that are more frequently used in Europe, and other countries, than they are in America. You can still find euro cylinder locks around if you look hard enough, but you will probably not find them being used as the primary lock on any exterior door. In most cases, euro profile cylinders can be used to secure patio doors, or even used as a door lock solution for interior double doors. The features of a euro cylinder lock are the primary reason why they are not suited for exterior doors. A euro cylinder lock body is easily prone to damage, and wear and tear over extended periods of time. The construction of the lock does not lend itself to security, and the standard lock bodies can be easily snapped, which will leave your home exposed.

Of course, there are still some people who believe that a lock is a good option for their homes because they have other priorities other than security. I will say that even though the construction of the lock does not make it more secure, it does make it much easier to install and use. Euro cylinder locks are self-contained devices which makes their installation process far easier than with other locks. However, learning more about door lock types should show you that just because a lock is easy to install doesn’t always make it the right option for your home.

6. Electronic Locks and Smart Locks

Electronic locks are also commonly used for residential properties, and this goes for both homes and apartment complexes. Many people often group smart locks and electronic locks together, but doing so would be incorrect. You are right to think that smart locks are electronic locks, but not every electronic lock is a smart lock. There is a fine line between the two, but knowing where to tread is a fairly easy task, and one that will aid you in choosing the right door lock types. Using electronic locks or smart locks on a residential property is mostly done when there is an inherent need for better access control, or simply if a resident wants to install a lock that appears to be more efficient.

The true definition of a smart lock shows that a smart lock has to receive a specific set of instructions from an authorized device in order for it to be locked and unlocked. These instructions are usually transmitted wirelessly, and they adhere to wireless communication protocols. Electronic locks do not depend on wireless communication for the lock to be engaged, they merely depend on the assistance of an electric current to be locked or unlocked.

It is crucial that any homeowner who is considering installing electronic locks in their home understand the way these locks work, as well as the vulnerabilities that they have. Doing so will ensure that they are adequately prepared to combat these vulnerabilities should they ever arise. For instance, you do not want to install electronic locks that will compromise your home security during a power outage. It should also be noted that electronic locks and smart locks incorporate the traditional structures of many of the locks that have been discussed above. For instance, there are electronic locks (and smart locks) that make use of deadbolts, mortise locksets, and even euro cylinders. However, due to their unique features, these locks have to be grouped on their own.

Honorable Mentions

The door lock types that we took a look at up above are not the only door lock types that are available for residential use. There are some locks that are not viewed as traditional door lock types, but that I believe should be given an honorable mention because they are still useful in residential spaces.

1. Padlocks

Padlocks have been discussed at length several different times on this blog. Ralph took the time to dive into the history of padlocks, as well as compile a list of the best padlocks of all time. Due to the nature of padlocks, people often overlook them when they are deciding on door lock types. Padlocks have a plethora of uses, and the fact that they are portable makes them appealing to many homeowners.

These locks are often used as auxiliary add ons that are meant to increase the security of a measure that is already in place. However, padlocks can be used on their own or in conjunction with other locks to yield many security benefits. Even though padlocks have evolved greatly over time, they have still maintained their integrity as dependable locks. Padlocks can be used to secure garage doors and chains that are used to lock sliding doors. Although they are not installed on doors like traditional door lock types, they shouldn’t be ignored.

2. Cam Locks

Cam locks are not door lock types that are used to guard your camera, although that would be a nifty little lock. These locks are very common in residential spaces, but they are not used on entry doors so they are often dismissed as door lock types. Cam locks are easy to spot in a home. They are commonly found securing kitchen cabinets or file cabinets and drawers that are used in home offices. Also, you can find these locks being used to secure mailboxes. Cam locks are door lock types that are used to secure doors, just not the traditional entry doors that you might have thought of.

A cam lock works in conjunction with a tailpiece, in order to operate the lock. In comparison to other door lock types and their security levels, cam locks are on the lower rung of things, but they are still very handy in the way they are used. Essentially, as long as you are not storing items that should be kept in a security safe in your cabinet at home, then cam locks are totally suitable.

Final Thoughts

There are many more door lock types that we did not take a look at today, after all, the world of locks is vast and diverse. The key thing that I want you to be aware of today is that there are many options at your disposal when it comes to door lock types. This might sound like a good thing, but it increases the chances of you selecting the wrong door lock types. If you walk away with anything today, let it be the fact that a proper understanding of your lock and research into the way it works, will help you select the best door lock types for your residential property.

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Warehouse Security: Choosing The Right Warehouse Locks

When most people consider warehouse security, their mind goes straight to things like security guards and security cameras. And there is nothing wrong with those methods of protection, but they require human beings to act in order to be effective. Therefore they active security. They need active human beings to stop an issue once it is detected. Think of a warehouse lock as passive security, which protects a given location or item without the need for human intervention.

Because a warehouse lock only needs to be properly installed in order to deliver its full security potential, they are incredibly helpful when you are implementing your warehouse security measures. Sure a warehouse lock can benefit from a security camera or a guard, but without people on staff at the location, your locks are still working to maintain your warehouse security. But in order to get the most out of your warehouse locks, you need to know how to choose the right device for your warehouse security needs. Here is what you should consider.

Basic Warehouse Lock Characteristics

1. Metal Content

How strong a lock is, has to do mainly with the type of metal used to construct the various parts of the lock. The most important parts of the lock to have strong metal are the exterior housing, bolt(s), shackle, and the other parts of lock that will be targeted. You want the metal to be hardened, and for any set screws and other drill points to be covered. As destructive entry is likely the most obvious concern for your warehouse security, you want a warehouse lock with strong metal composition.

Certain mass produced locks that you will find in the lock section of a Home Depot will have softer metal, such as brass and even plastic, used to construct portions of the lock that need stronger resistance to forced entry methods. When a warehouse lock claims to use hardened steel, do not take the claim at face value. Alloys vary in the steel used for locks. At this time, boron carbide is one of the best available examples of strong metal content for warehouse locks.

2. Cylinder Complexity

If you are at all concerned with the threats of covert or surreptitious entry overwhelming your warehouse security, you will want a lock that has greater internal complexity. The most basic form of warehouse lock that has cylinder complexity would be something with security pins. Even a pin tumbler lock with security pins will have some level of bump key resistance.

When you are looking for greater cylinder complexity, you can take a look at alternative lock types. But be aware that even things that may seem like they are high-security, such as disk determiner locks, tubular locks, cruciform locks, etc., have particular vulnerabilities. But every lock can be picked. It is just that some locks are unlikely to be picked by burglars and criminals.

3. Key Blank Accessibility

When key control is a large concern for your warehouse security, you want to be able to limit the accessibility of the key blanks for your warehouse locks. With most common locks, a key can be duplicated with just a simple trip the hardware store. Even if you have gone through all of the trouble to stamp each key issued to an employee with a “DO NOT DUPLICATE” mark, the key can still be copied.

The way to stop anyone who gets their hands on a key from making a copy, unbeknownst to the warehouse management or warehouse security staff, is to invest in a warehouse lock that has a patented key. Most of the companies that make the best door locks will have patented keyways. This is not a foolproof solution, and people can still get their hands on patent breaker keys and the like, but it will take a lot of knowledge, skill, and time. The more of any of those things you require from criminals, the less likely they are to ever target you.

Types of Warehouse Locks

1. Padlocks

For perimeter warehouse security, sometimes gates and warehouse docking stations will require the use of padlocks. Depending on the value of what your locks are protecting, you might want to invest in one of the best padlocks in the world. The specific things you want to consider about your padlocks is that no matter how strong they are, they still need to be secured to a strong hasp or chain.

If your warehouse lock is stronger than what it is being secured to, the lock will be ignored, and the criminal will attack the weakest part of your warehouse security. You want to have a reliable set of structures, similar to what you need for something like bicycle security, so the padlock can have a strong shackle and strong lock body that is at the same level as the other materials. It is unlikely that you will use padlocks beyond your perimeter security.

2. Door Handles

Keyed or locking door handles/knobs are mainly used for interior doors. If you are using warehouse locks that are part of a door handle, you should accompany this lock with a deadbolt. Door handle locks do not offer much in the way of warehouse security because the lock cylinders control a spring-loaded latch. These locks can be defeated by the credit card method or by another type of feeler gauge. Door handle hardware and their lock cylinders are less likely to be targeted because most criminals will focus on depressing the spring-loaded latch.

Go to your warehouse lock and while the door is ajar, lock the door handle. You can press down on the metal latch and see that even while in the locked position, the latch will depress. No matter which way the door installed, a slim material can be used to fit between the door and the frame to depress the latch. Just make sure that you fix your door handles so they are working properly. A malfunctioning door handle can give the appearance of functionality while undermining the security of your other warehouse locks.

3. Deadbolts

The main lock that a door will use for any building is a deadbolt. Warehouse security will rely very heavily on deadbolts much like any other structure. And because destructive entry is the most likely method a criminal will use to attack your warehouse locks, how much force your deadbolt can take gravely affects the success of your warehouse security. For any exterior door, you want to install a deadbolt. And if there are any doors that are being relied on for security, they should use at least one deadbolt.

Find out if you are using the right lock for your door, then make sure you have enough locks on the door. But more locks does not necessarily mean a stronger door. You need a strong door, or much like the concerns for padlocks, what the warehouse lock is secured to will fail before the lock itself. When you are considering deadbolts for your warehouse security, be sure that you have put in the time and resources to improve the strength of your door.

Warehouse Security Concerns

1. Employee Theft

Most of the warehouse security that centers around employee theft are based on documentation and surveillance. If you are going down this avenue with your warehouse security, be sure you know some facts about using security cameras. In a workplace setting, it takes more than just having the best security cameras in order to discourage theft, discover it, and not violate the law in the process. I would put forth that a reliance on surveillance does not solve this warehouse security concern, and this is where locks come into play.

The main consideration for a warehouse lock that is intended to halt employee theft is cylinder complexity and key blank accessibility, as unlawful covert entry is most likely. Using something like a master key system, you can restrict the access that your employees have to certain parts of the warehouse. Utilize warehouse locks that can control where workers can go. Keeping staff in the areas that are relevant to their work allows you to lower your exposure to the risk of employee theft and zero in on the culprit(s) if there ever is an issue.

2. External Theft

When you look at the facts of who is stealing from businesses, the threat of external theft may not seem all that pressing. However, depending on your industry, location, and other extenuating factors your warehouse may be under this type of threat. You should not confuse statistics with your own anecdotal reality. So if this is a concern, the aspect of your warehouse locks that you should focus on is physical construction.

This includes using a warehouse lock that has strong metal content, but you should also make sure that the intervals of the lock are strong. You do not want to use a lock that seems hardy, but is really only giving you the illusion of security. In this case, we are talking about susceptibility to bypass methods. These are covert forms of entry that require very little skill. Mainly they require the knowledge that the bypass exists, and from there, anyone can use them to undermine your warehouse security.

3. Disasters

Depending on the daily operations, location, and dealings of a specific warehouse, there may be specific hazards that your location may face. These could be based on chemical spills, fires, floods, earthquakes, etc. But other than that, you might also need to think about the threat of an armed attacker. In the era of terrorism, no industry is safe from the threats of terrorist activity.

You need some form of risk assessment in order to determine your threats, but when it comes to your warehouse locks the focus should be on the ease of egress. You need locks to be set up so people can quickly evacuate the warehouse in the event of a disaster. In pretty much any dangerous situation, it will be preferable to be able to leave the warehouse. For that reason, your warehouse security needs to protect people by not keeping staff in the building. Let the good people leave while you are keeping the other people out.

Warehouse Safety Tips

• Don’t focus on active warehouse security, such as cameras and security guards, to the exclusion of warehouse locks (passive security).
• You need a mixture of passive and active warehouse security.
• Make sure locks are strong, internally complex, and protected by patents.
• Know what lock to use from the available options.
• Consider what type of threats you are trying to curb with each warehouse lock.

Conclusion

Warehouse security is more than just which warehouse lock you use. But which warehouse lock you choose does matter. There are many facets to warehouse security that have nothing to do with warehouse locks. But you cannot use that to underestimate just how much a good warehouse lock matters to overall warehouse security. Make the proper investments based on the characteristics of the good lock. Use the right lock for each warehouse security situation, and do that by knowing what you should be concerned about. Once you have done all of that, you will have no trouble navigating all of the options for warehouse locks.

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The Residences by Polygon at UBC Nobel Park

The Residences by Polygon at Nobel Park offer convenient everyday living amid an environment of academic excellence. Embedded in the award-winning masterplanned community of Wesbrook Village, this collection of contemporary apartment residences and concrete family townhomes is surrounded by green spaces, large playgrounds and a tree-lined greenway for the enjoyment of residents. Just down the street, the village square is animated by a growing mix of restaurants, boutique shops and services offering everyday conveniences.

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