IF YOU ARE SHOPPING FOR A COMMERCIAL SAFE, HERE’S WHAT YOU HAVE TO KNOW

If you have a commercial building, it’s essential that you protect whatever’s in your facility ~ the crucial documents, the irreplaceable valuables, and all the critical data of your business. For most businesses, a prime-quality commercial safe is a perfect way to do it.

When you start shopping, you’ll discover that there are many styles and types of safes. How do you decide what’s ideal for you? Before you buy, do your homework. Be sure to ask these questions.

1       Which safe lock is right for you?

There are many different sorts of safe locks, including the combination dial, electronic, redundant, and biometric.

2       How large does your safe have to be?

You could pile up every item you want to put in your safe, and then measure it. But the problem with that is, the safe you’ll need is likely much bigger than you first considered. Ask a professional what you ought to place inside your safe. Then, figure mathematically how much space you’ll need.

3       What’s the rough value of what you’ll be keeping in your safe?

The items’ value will influence the security level required. There are standard categories of safe classes, which play a big part in your insurance coverage, affecting potential insurance claims. Depending on the classification of the safe you choose, your insurance coverage increases. The safe’s class ~ from TL15 (approximately $150,000 in coverage) to TRTL60X6 (around $2 million or more in coverage) ~ is established by:

• time testing (how long it will take a safecracker to break in);
• area testing (how easy it is to get in the front door, or into the sides);
• torch resistance (the level of resistance to a thief’s torch); and
• tool resistance (the level of resistance to picking tools, carbide drills, hand tools, and electric or mechanical tools).

A TL15 rating means that the safe’s door can resist entry for a net assault time of 15 minutes total, with hand tools, picking tools, drills, electric or mechanical tools, grinders, or pressure devices. Business owners often prefer class TL30 or higher, that is, a safe that is time-tested to resist entry for a minimum of 30 minutes or more.

4       Do you desire fire protection?

Besides the standard classifications of commercial safes, there are also formal fire ratings. No safe is fully fireproof; but safes have various levels of fire resistance. They’re tested and certified according to how long they’re able to guard your valuables inside from destruction by fire. A fire rating of 1 hour or higher is ideal. During a fire, safes rated to protect paper stored inside cannot get any hotter than 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

A safe providing excellent fire protection along with major theft protection will have a steel door and steel walls, encased in a layer of composite material that’s as solid as concrete. There has to be a fire seal on the door, to block out most moisture from getting inside the safe, minimizing rust and corrosion. If a fire happens, the fire seal will expand, sealing out flames and smoke, and also preventing water from getting into the safe (because water is likely to be sprayed on the safe by a firefighter to extinguish the fire).

If you purchase a safe with a low-to-moderate fire resistance level, it actually gives minimal theft protection. If you want both fire resistance and theft protection, then get an outstanding-quality composite-fire safe, a burglar-fire safe, or a superior-security TL-rated fire safe.

5       What sort of safe should you have?

·         An office safe is a safe often used by retail businesses and restaurants. Bolted to the floor or freestanding, its fire rating is normally higher. This safe cannot be opened even if dropped repeatedly.

·         A depository safe (also referred to as a drop safe), is another one that’s popular with retailers and restaurant owners. You can drop cash, keys, receipts, and other small items into the safe through a small door at the top, which don’t allow access to the main safe compartment. You open the door by entering the right code.

·         An in-floor safe is hidden in concrete for exceptional security. One disadvantage is that it provides minimal fire protection, since it doesn’t have a fire board for dispersing heat. If you have to protect important papers or cash, get a freestanding composite-fire safe, a burglar-fire safe, or a top-security burglar-fire safe, which has a 1- to 2-hour fire rating. Anchor it correctly with bolts in your concrete floor.

·         A wall safe is very well hidden, because you can conceal it behind a picture frame. Nevertheless, a wall safe isn’t really your most secure choice, since it’s attached to the wall studs, which means it can be pried out by an experienced criminal. Take into consideration that this safe’s only fire protection is limited to the sheetrock in the wall.

·         A media or data safe is for effectively preserving your business information. It’s vital to shield your electronic devices from fire and theft. Computer drives, disks, and all other digital media are sensitive to variations in temperature, so choose a safe whose interior won’t go above 125 degrees Fahrenheit, or exceed 85 percent humidity.

·         A high-security safe will include a significant number of barriers to prevent drilling. Additional locking mechanisms will deploy if a robber attempts to force open the safe. A maximum security level costs a lot more, but depending on your circumstances ~ if you have a jewelry store, for example ~ then it’s smart to keep the heart of your business well secured.

6       Ultimately, how do you choose the right safe for you?

There are so many points to consider before you purchase your commercial safe ~ much more than what we’ve already discussed. Where you decide to place your safe is central, too. To keep from getting scammed, do your research, gathering your information only from reliable sources. If you’re located in Dorchester, Massachusetts, then hire a staff mobile professional safe technician of a legitimate company such as Dorchester Locksmith.

Residential Property Security – What You Need

It is vital to keep your home safe. Your home isn’t just where you go to sleep at night. It’s where you live – it’s where you watch holiday movies, cook meals, watch your children grow up, plant gardens, relax and so much more. The place that you spend such a great deal of time needs to be safe and secure. Even when you aren’t there, you want to know that you’ll be able to return home, whenever that time might be, to a safe house which was untouched by any unwanted persons. Perhaps you leave your pet during the day while you are at work, and the thought of anything happening to them absolutely terrifies you. 

The team at Dorchester Locksmith has received many phone calls from customers in the Dorchester, MA area looking for better ways to protect their homes. Because of the amount of calls they get with locals voicing concerns, they have decided to put together this blog in an effort to help people all over the place protect their valuable property. Some of these tips could also be applied to business properties. Have a look at the ways that professionals recommend that you properly secure your residential property. You are sure to find ways that you might not have previously put much thought into. Hopefully this post makes you see just how important and convenient some of these solutions happen to be. 

1. When it comes to keeping your home safe, first and foremost, you need locks. The thing to pay attention to is not just having locks, but having locks that are in great condition. There are all sorts of manufacturers out there which make great products. Most are very-long lasting, but if you live in an area which is prone to severe weather conditions, your locks might end up wearing out a lot faster than a person living in a more mild climate. Check into new locks if yours seem to be showing signs of discoloration or wear and tear – look at names like Medeco, Yale, Mul-T-Lock, Kwikset and more!
2. Make sure you don’t only have locks installed on your front door but also on your patio door, garage door and any other entry ways to your property. Many are opting to go keyless nowadays – you can use a code that only you know to get into your property, and when you have friends or family visiting, you can share the code with them.
3. Intercom systems are another way to provide additional security at your home. If you want to be able to communicate with anyone coming onto your property, an intercom system is something to consider. This is a great solution for those with larger homes, those with challenges that limit them from being able to see who is coming to their door, and those who just want an effective way of communication.
4. Deadbolts are a way to add security to your home. You have different options, like single cylinder and double cylinder deadbolts to choose from. All of them provide an extra barrier that prevents criminals from being able to gain access to your property.
5. Safes are another effective way to add security in your home. You don’t want children to be able to reach your weapons. And you certainly don’t want to leave expensive jewelry out in the open if you have contractors or other people coming into your home. A safe can keep these items out of plain sight, while also protecting them because you can get water proof and fire resistant options.
6. Another form of security that you might consider for your home is to have duplicate copies of your key made. The fact is, people end up getting locked out because they do have locks that are very sturdy. This is a good thing. But it is bad if a homeowner is unable to get into their own house. Having a copy of your key made ensures that you will be able to avoid wiggling through a small, unsafe space to get in. It will ensure that you won’t have to break open a window or smash the glass on your front door.
7. Rekey your locks for better home protection. Whether you lost a key or bought a home that was listed on the market and accessed by people like contractors and realtors, it is important that you replace the locks when necessary or rekey them when that appears to be the best option. An expert will be able to tell you the best route to take, but sometimes it is less expensive to have the locks rekeyed. Ask an expert if this is a safe option for your specific situation.

If you are thinking that you need better protection for your home, then it is likely that this is in fact the case. Dorchester, Massachusetts locals are welcome to call Dorchester Locksmith for any additional assistance. This team, and any team of locksmith experts that is local to you, should be able to answer your questions when you take advantage of a consultation. In most cases, the consultation should be free, as the lock and security provider will be eager to share any information with you. 

You can ask about deadbolts, intercom systems, master keys, safes, garage door locks, front door locks, patio locks, rekeying locks and a whole lot more. You can ask about the many different options that you have in relation to safes. There are so many solutions out there that you can take advantage of to enjoy a safe and secure home. It is important that you take that step and talk with an expert, or at the very least, continue to do your own research so you can stay up to date as to what is available to you! 

Keep in mind that you should hire an expert for home security that provides you with pricing information upfront, licensing information and insurance details if you ask for them.

Most Popular Residential Garage Doors

Choosing the right type of garage door can be challenging. If you’re not familiar with the various types of residential doors it can be even more challenging. When you’re in the market for a new garage door, it will help to know which type of options you have and what you should look for when you’re in the market for a new garage door. At Dorchester Locksmith, we always consult with our clients prior to installing their new garage door. One of the things that we explain to our clients is the need to make sure that their garage door is a good fit for the style of home they have. When you have a door installed, it is best if the door represents the style of home that you have. Your lovely house could go unnoticed if you have an unattractive or unkept garage door. When you are looking for a new garage door, make sure that it meets your needs. There are some specific factors that you should keep in mind, which will be discussed with you prior to installation. However before we even discuss your needs and preferences, we feel that it is important to know the type of residential garage doors that are available to you.

When selecting a garage door, you should keep in mind certain factors, such as, cost, weather and maintenance. With so many doors to choose from, we thought we’d start by telling you the most popular types of residential garage doors that we install:

Fiberglass Doors

This type of door is popular due to its resistance to most extreme temperatures. The fiberglass garage door is the most durable of the various types of residential garage doors that are available to you. It is well insulated and helps to lower your heating and cooling bills. These types of doors tend to last longer and come in a variety of styles and designs.

Wood Doors

Wood doors are popular but they can also be very expensive. The material is costly and it takes great skill to work with wood. Despite the higher price tag of a wood door, many people feel that it is well worth the added expense to have a wood door. The wood door will certainly stand out because it is also the most attractive of all of the various types of residential doors; this alone could push up the price tag. Wood doors also provide homeowners with a more modern looking garage door.

Metal Doors

These types of doors are generally used in areas where there is high wind. This is because they are durable doors that are not easily damaged by the weather. It is one of the more practical options of garage doors in Dorchester.

Aluminum Doors

Compared to the steel door, aluminums doors are often much lighter in weight, which makes the opening feature easier. Since the opening mechanism lasts longer, you don’t have to spend as much on the maintenance of an aluminum garage door. One of the biggest advantages of an aluminum door is the fact that they are recyclable.

You may not know what you can expect when you buy a specific type of garage door but since we’ve outlined some of the benefits of the most popular garage doors, at least you now you know what you can expect. We would always suggest that you familiarize yourself with as many of the garage door types as possible before making a final decision. Just consider that fact that a garage door is a major investment for most homeowners. It isn’t something that you want to turn around and replace 2 years from now or even 5. This is why we would suggest that you take your time to gather enough information about the various types of residential garage doors. Doing so will enable you to make a well-informed decision about the type of garage door to have installed. 

Why Have Your Door Replaced

The most common reasons people replace their garage doors is due to the appearance of their existing door and damages that it may have incurred. The door may be dated, rusted, scratched, warped, cracked and just unappealing due to the age of the door. If the home is detracting from the appearance of your house, it is a good idea to go ahead and invest in a new garage door. If you have backed into your garage one too many times, you may experience problems with your rollers, springs, track, opener and other equipment that helps to operate the door of your garage. When you experience damage to your door, you also put yourself in harms way. The door can then become a serious safety hazard. You should definitely seek the services of a professional garage door service to have a new garage door installed if there is serious damage to your door.

Continuing to have one problem after the next fixed and patched is only prolonging the inevitable, the need to purchase a new garage door. Don’t take unnecessary chances with the safety and security of your family. Instead, start doing your research and make sure you know what is most important to you in terms of what your garage door can offer to you. The worst thing you can do is base your needs on that of someone else. Just because you’ve noticed a neighbor with a certain type of door doesn’t mean that this is the same type of door that you should have. What might be important to them might not be important to you and vice-versa. You may notice a neighbor with a very attractive door and think that it would look nice on your home. However, what we would suggest that you do is find out what type of door it is and consult with us further to determine if this type of door will be best suited for your needs. You can get exactly what you want with a little forethought before having your new garage door installed.

Panic bars; their importance in commercial properties

Every business operator should know about panic bars and how they can affect your Dorchester, MA business. Like any modern business tool, they have benefits and possible drawbacks, but after reading this post, you’ll know better if they are right for your firm or not.

Panic bars aka push bars

You might know panic bars under another name; push bars. They are also known as crash bars, and exit devices; all the same thing. Here at Dorchester Locksmith we’ve heard them called all of the above at one time or another but these different names all stand for those horizontal metal bars on exit doors that you’ve seen and used hundreds of times. In fact, we bet that you’ve used them so much that you hardly notice them at all or how or why they work so well!

Panic bars have been around since the turn of the century; they were designed for people to exit buildings easier and faster. They work so well and so efficiently that many commercial buildings must have them according to building codes and review board regulations.

With panic bars you don’t have to unlock a door, turn the knob and then open the door to go through it and exit the building. You simply push the bar which simultaneously unlocks the door and opens it and leave!

Panic bars everywhere!

Now you’ll notice panic bars everywhere you go in Dorchester, MA or wherever else you may be. Notice how simple they are to use and how effortlessly the public makes use of them. They are always installed on exit doors that swing out and that are locked from the outside. Notice that there are no door knobs on the outside or inside; only the push/panic bar to handily use when leaving.

You can find (and use) panic bars in movie theaters, restaurants, shopping malls, office buildings, government buildings, car dealerships, hospitals, club houses, warehouses, storage rentals, pet stores, home improvement stores, retirement homes, fast food locations and thousands more! Some panic bars open into hallways that lead to other panic bars as in the case of mall shop back doors leading to an interior hallway and then outside.

Are panic bars a requirement?

They can be! If you are a business leasing your store or building, you probably already have one or more panic bars already. If so, leave them in! They not only work well, they are probably required by the codes and enforcement as well as the fire department. If you are building a commercial location from scratch, be sure to check with your local authorities to see if panic bars are a requirement. Even if they are not; seriously consider using them!

Panic bars work; they just do!

Sure, panic bars offer safety and convenience to those exiting the building but they also offer something else that’s important; better crowd control. If your shoppers or clients have to exit in a hurry, panic bars allow them to do that without the hassles involved in two way traffic through a door with locks and knobs and handles. Emergency drills using panic bars always show dramatic improvement in crowd flow and control. During actual fires, medical emergencies or other events that need fast evacuation panic bars have proven over and over to save lives and prevent further deaths or injuries. This is especially important when there are possible terrorist threats or armed gunmen that can trigger a literal stampede out of the premises.

Let’s talk price

It always seems to come down to money so Dorchester Locksmith wanted to include this section on costs and items to look out for. Like any other commodity, panic bar materials and prices can vary from one dealer or manufacturer to another. You can buy panic bars online and from home improvement stores, contractors, commercial locksmiths, local builders, real estate developers and even from property rehabbers. As always, check around for the best prices and don’t forget to ask about labor charges, warranties and installation fees. Don’t forget volume discounts; you may get one if you need multiple panic bars installed so don’t forget to ask about it. Try and get all price quotes and installation estimates in writing and get several for the best deals.

Taxes and insurance

If you add panic bars to your commercial location you might just qualify for a tax break. It is after all, an upgrade to your business and property and since it is built-in it qualifies as an improvement to the real estate. We are not tax experts here so be sure to check with your own tax professionals about how to do this. You might also qualify for lower insurance premiums as major carriers often offer lower rates for having panic bars installed since they are such reliable safety features. Insurance regulators understand that having panic bars installed reduces injury, death, lawsuits and insurance claims for all involved.

Sometimes they stick

Once in a while panic bars get stuck. This may be when in the locked or unlocked position, but when you are trying to close your store for the night and go home, it’s a problem that you don’t want to have. If you are into do-it-yourself solutions you might try and make your own adjustments. In fact there are many videos online that offer help in doing this. The problem is that depending on the brand and panic bar model involved the online tips may be outdated or ineffective. Besides, as a business person isn’t your time worth more than that? Every local firm needs access to 24-hour commercial locksmith service from a licensed, bonded and insured shop. You can call Dorchester Locksmith or a trusted technician that you’ve used before but we recommend dealing with professionals. You’ll get the repair done faster and have peace of mind in knowing that the job was done correctly and by trained and skilled experts. Besides, save the repair receipt and give it to your accountant later!