During these crazy times, it’s very important and potentially life-saving to regularly clean the surfaces around your home and/or workplace. It doesn’t do much good if you spend 20 seconds washing your hands to only re-contaminate them once more when you open the front door to grab a package, pick up your phone, or hop on a computer. These are examples of everyday activities that we all engage in, but we probably don’t stop to think about disinfecting those surfaces.

Did You Know…

The Coronavirus can last up to 7 days on certain surfaces? It’s scary but true. Depending on the types of surface material, if you don’t disinfect your surfaces regularly, COVID-19 could linger around your home, office, car, school, or other public places long after the initial contamination occurred. Neglecting to regularly disinfect surfaces, especially during a pandemic such as this one, can cause a serious threat. 

You should be mindful of the surfaces that are frequently touched. For example, doorknobs/handles, deadbolts, light switches, faucets, toilets, railings, handheld electronics/smart devices, computer mouse and keyboard, elevator buttons and desks or tabletops are all things that need to be cleaned regularly.  

Below is a list of how long the Coronavirus can last on different surface types:

Cloth/organic fibers ≈ 48hrs (2 days)

Brass/Copper ≈ 4hrs

Cardboard ≈ 24hrs

Glass ≈ 96hrs (4 days)

Paper/Tissue ≈ 3hrs 

Plastics ≈ 72hrs–168hrs (3–7 days) 

Paper Money ≈ 96hrs (4 days)

Wood ≈ 48hrs (2 days)

Stainless Steel ≈ 168hrs (7 days)

Integrity Locksmithing Havelock, Ontario

Integrity Locksmithing is a full-service, fully certified locksmith company. We offer a wide range of locksmith services to both residential and commercial customers. The owner, Randy Sayles, offers uniform cost-effective and professional lockout assistance. He also offers lock installation, and security solutions. In many cases, lock re-keying is the more affordable solution to having the locks changed in your home or business. Call Randy at 705-653-8834 or visit www.integritylocksmithing.ca to discuss your options today.

The post COVID-19: Practice Safety With All Surfaces appeared first on Integrity Locksmithing.

Severe weather can affect the security of your home. Follow these tips.

With so many intense and damaging storms coming at us from all directions today, it’s very important to make sure that your home and/or business are secure, both before and after severe weather. Of course, ensure the safety of everyone in your home or business first, then do an assessment of your property only when it is safe to do so. Here’s some tips to help you.

Ensure all door and window locks are operational, and secured

It can be easy to overlook an unlocked window or door, so taking the time to do this, especially after a storm is important. Locks can degrade over time or get damaged, which is why it is a good idea to have a locksmith help you out if you are uncertain. Also, locks (like deadbolts) are only as good as the surface that the lock touches. If your strike plate is loose, or your door is weak or rotted, it isn’t able to properly secure your property. You may also want to inspect and oil your hinges. If you find any metal flakes, that may be a sign of wear, or future breakage, so be sure to get it checked out.

Check your electronic locks and security systems

If you have a security system or lock that uses a battery backup, it is a good idea to ensure that the battery is charged or replaced, as they degrade over time, whether or not the electronics have switched to backup power. Replacing backup batteries based on voltage testing results and battery expiration dates is a good habit – and you can easily set a calendar reminder on your smartphone so you don’t overlook this when the battery’s expiration comes up. Double check your breaker box if you lost power to ensure that all your circuits/appliances are getting power. Consider a video doorbell as well for an added measure of security.

Ensure that only people you trust have keys to your home or business

If you find yourself in need of lending keys to friends or contractors, or worse – losing your keys, then re-keying your locks may be a good option for you. It’s always a smart idea to reassess who has access to your home or business. If you are not the first owner of your home, then it is likely that other keys to your home exist. And burglars know what a “hide-a-key” looks like and will likely look for a key stashed around your home, so keep in mind that even great hiding places for a spare key may not be worth the risk.

Take other simple measures, in addition to locks

Consider outdoor and landscape lighting (solar options save energy and work when the power is out).  Ensure that you have clear sight lines to/from your home’s access points. This may also require landscape pruning or modifications. Don’t forget your garage – ensure any doors are locked, and valuables aren’t visible through any windows (some tools and machinery can be pretty expensive). Lock down your wi-fi, and store valuables in a securely installed safe (bolted down). And if your home has any firearms, ensure they are safely and properly secured/stored. Also, consider home automation for timers on your lights, and smart locks for your doors. Wireless cameras are also a great deterrent and are increasingly affordable, and some allow for 2-way communication.

Integrity Locksmithing Havelock, Ontario

Integrity Locksmithing is a full-service, fully certified locksmith company. We offer a wide range of locksmith services to both residential and commercial customers. The owner, Randy Sayles, offers uniform cost-effective and professional lockout assistance. He also offers lock installation, and security solutions. In many cases, lock re-keying is the more affordable solution to having the locks changed in your home or business. Call Randy at 705-653-8834 or visit www.integritylocksmithing.ca to discuss your options today.

The post Securing Your Home Before and After Severe Weather appeared first on Integrity Locksmithing.

Thieves can Target your Garage as a means to Gain Access to your Home

When it comes to securing your home, the first steps that come to mind are usually installing locks on the doors and protecting the windows.  But what about the doors and windows to your garage?

The garage remains one of the most commonly overlooked areas of home security, which makes it the perfect target for intruders.

You may not think of your garage as being full of valuable objects worth stealing, but you would be surprised at the amount of thieves and intruders that break in every year to steal high quality power tools and bikes.

Because so many people overlook their garage when beefing up their home’s security, many burglars often take advantage of this vulnerability by breaking into the home through the garage.

Taking the time to identify the vulnerabilities of your garage doors and install proper locks can help you prevent tragic and costly break-ins.

Tips For Keeping Your Garage Secure

Keep the windows covered

The first and easiest thing you can do to reduce the risk of a break-in is to keep all of your windows covered. Uncovered windows invite prying eyes that want to get a look at what you’re keeping in your garage.

Even if you don’t have anything of value in there, intruders may be checking for a car in the garage to see if anyone is home before they break in. Cover all the windows with blinds or curtains to maintain better privacy for your garage and resist provoking closer attention from intruders. 

Install a deadbolt on the service door

The service door to your garage is a common entrance point for intruders as they are typically located in isolated areas not visible by the neighbors. Make sure you have a high quality deadbolt on your service door to prevent thieves from kicking or prying it open and gaining access to your home.  You can also use a reinforced strike plate to better secure the deadbolt.

In addition to securing the exterior service door, you should also secure the interior access door that leads into your house. A sturdy deadbolt lock will keep the rest of your home safe in the event that a burglar does manage to somehow break into your garage.

By keeping every access point to the garage secure, you eliminate any weak points and make a break-in that much more difficult.

Make your lights motion-activated

Many people don’t want to leave their exterior lights on all night for fear of annoying the neighbors or needlessly wasting energy. However, the cover of darkness is a major advantage to thieves looking to break into your garage.

Installing motion-activated lights outside of the main garage doors and service door will stop any potential thieves in their tracks.  This is also a great way to deter intruders when you’re out of town, as the sudden appearance of lights may lead them to think that what they thought was an empty house is actually occupied after all.

Integrity Locksmithing Havelock, Ontario

Integrity Locksmithing is a full-service, fully certified locksmith company. We offer a wide range of locksmith services to both residential and commercial customers. The owner, Randy Sayles, offers uniform cost-effective and professional lockout assistance. He also offers lock installation, and security solutions. In many cases, lock re-keying is the more affordable solution to having the locks changed in your home or business. Call Randy at 705-653-8834 or visit www.integritylocksmithing.ca to discuss your options today.

The post Is Your Garage At Risk Of A Break-In? appeared first on Integrity Locksmithing.

Businesses across the country are slowly beginning to reopen after nationwide closures due to COVID-19

Under stay-home orders, many businesses were forced to close or to reevaluate their business models in order to stay open. Restaurants shifted to curbside and takeout service, while many bars were forced to close their doors. Retail establishments shifted to online servicing and, in some cases, to curbside pickup.

As a business owner, you know the importance of keeping your staff and customer’s health protected. However, the safety of your assets is important, too. If your business is preparing to reopen, you may be considering how to reassess your security needs. In this blog, I’m offering tips for ensuring the safety of your employees and customers as you reopen in a new environment.

Safety and Security Tips for Businesses

You may already have a plan in place to address health concerns, including social distancing and hygiene practices. But what about the long-term safety needs and the security of your business establishment? Many people are reconsidering all of the ways they move about in the world, beyond just the way they shop or eat out.

Looking into the future, you may also consider upgrading your physical facilities to ensure adequate safety for your staff, your customers, and your inventory. Here are a few examples of ways to enhance security at your business location prior to reopening:

1. Eliminate or transition away from high-touch surfaces in your building

Research suggests that the COVID-19 virus can survive up to 24 hours on surfaces. Consider the high-touch surfaces in your business. Door knobs, buttons, light switches, bathroom sinks, and more could potentially harbour the virus. Regularly sanitizing these areas helps reduce the likelihood of spread, and you should plan to put procedures in place to do just that. But what if you could transition or eliminate these surfaces altogether?

• Remove doorknobs. If you can, consider replacing traditional doorknobs with simple push/pull entries or hook knobs. You may even replace your doors entirely to eliminate the need to touch doors with your hands.
• Implement keyless entry. Rather than use master keys for employee entrances, consider a touch-free entry point instead. Using key cards and knobless doors, you can help eliminate a common high-touch surface.
• Use standalone card readers. While most major retail establishments use standalone card readers, many others may rely on built-in readers on the POS. Eliminate the need for person-to-person contact on debit and credit cards by choosing a card reader. At offices, similar card readers can be used to auto-unlock doors.

2. Ensure your insurance coverage is reinstated

In an effort to help businesses cope with closures due to shelter-in-place, many insurance companies offered temporary assistance. Your coverage may have impacted. Keep your inventory and your building safe by addressing any changes to your policies prior to reopening. This is a great time to negotiate pricing or additional coverage on your plan as well.

3. Examine your alarm or security system

Especially for businesses that offer products for sale, you may consider amplifying security when you reopen. In a new retail world where safety is at the top of everyone’s mind, ask how your business can be better protected. Some security aspects to consider include:

• Camera systems. Does your building have indoor or outdoor cameras? If not, you may consider installing them. Key areas include entries, the POS, and around highly valuable inventory.
• Panic devices. In the event of a break-in or other emergency, how safe would you and your staff feel? Consider installing or upgrading your exit devices, mortise locks, and alarm panic devices where applicable. If devices have not been in use for some time, it’s worth testing them out to ensure they still work as expected.
• Forced entry resistance. The best way to defend against break-ins is with a great offense. High security devices can help keep your facility protected.
• Replace locks. As you prepare to reopen, consider setting a clean slate by enhancing locks throughout your facility. This can help provide an additional layer of peace of mind for you, your staff, and your patrons.

4. Retrain your employees on safety measures

If employees have been away from the office for some time, it’s normal for them to lapse on regular security precautions. Everyone’s minds are preoccupied with mitigating risks of COVID-19. Support your employees and help give them peace of mind as they return to work by providing adequate training. Take the time to retrain your employees on regular safety measures including the handling of registers and high-priced goods, as well as interpersonal safety. If you plan to change locks or replace high-touch surfaces, make your employees aware of what has changed, and why.

5. Conduct a cybersecurity audit

Hackers may take advantage of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. If your business operates digitally in any function, conduct a vulnerability scan to identify areas where improvements are needed. This is especially true if your employees are working remotely. Some of the biggest areas of concern are email, and shared drives or files. Discourage employees from using their own devices for work projects and require additional layers of security for work files where possible.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared for a safe and secure return to work. Health security isn’t the only area to address as you prepare your reopening strategy. Keeping your building and inventory safe is critical, too. If you need help with tasks such as replacing locks, doors, and other security items, get in touch with Integrity Locksmithing. Give me a call at 705-653-8834 today and I’d be happy to assist you.

Integrity Locksmithing Havelock, Ontario

Integrity Locksmithing is a full-service, fully certified locksmith company. We offer a wide range of locksmith services to both residential and commercial customers. The owner, Randy Sayles, offers uniform cost-effective and professional lockout assistance. He also offers lock installation, and security solutions. In many cases, lock re-keying is the more affordable solution to having the locks changed in your home or business. Call Randy at 705-653-8834 or visit www.integritylocksmithing.ca to discuss your options today.

The post Reopening Your Business Safely and Securely appeared first on Integrity Locksmithing.

Keeping your business secure is a big responsibility, and one that must be taken very seriously. Rekeying business locks is an important part of this.

If you run a business of any size, you know that you will tend to accumulate many locks for your doors, security systems, filing cabinets, and plenty more. All or most of those locks are opened or accessed with a key, and those keys can sometimes be regularly used by several people associated with your business.

Changing or rekeying business locks whenever somebody has access to your keys is obviously not possible, not to mention very inefficient, particularly if your business is larger. So how do you decide when your workplace ought to rekey its locks?

My Advice For Rekeying Business Locks: Frequency

If there’s no urgent threat for your business, it’s nevertheless a very good idea to start rekeying business locks with a bit of consistency. I always recommend erring on the side of caution, because I’ve seen many times that simple, innocent mistakes can easily grow to be serious safety threats.

In general, a business owner should budget for rekeying their locks somewhere in the neighbourhood of between every six months to two years. You can base your choice on a few factors, like the turnover rate of employees who have keys (and whether they leave on good terms of course). Also how difficult the keys are to duplicate (for example, are they special, higher security type keys), and ultimately the cost to potentially replace stolen equipment, etc. Basically, the more these factors present protection threats the more regularly you should be rekeying your locks.

Times When The Need For Rekeying Business Locks Is Immediate

There are, of course conditions where rekeying business locks is unexpected and also vital. Some examples may include:

• Someone that you do not want to have access to your business may already possess a key

• A person has just left the business and could be seen as a risk to security

• If there has just been a break-in to your business

• Whenever you have any sense that there’s a potential threat to you, your business or employees, rekeying your locks must be your number one priority

Think About Business Security Everyday

In addition to rekeying business locks to ensure more secure doors and locks, it is also a good idea to be mindful of other security precautions, such as adequate outside lighting, possibly set to motion detection, and also variable indoor lighting which is set to random timers. In addition to more secure hardware and equipment, better habits can go a long way to prevent criminals targeting your business.

Is it time to start rekeying business locks at your company? Contact Randy Sayles at Integrity Locksmithing for a consultation, pricing and installation services.

Integrity Locksmithing Havelock, Ontario

Integrity Locksmithing is a full-service, fully certified locksmith company. We offer a wide range of locksmith services to both residential and commercial customers. The owner, Randy Sayles, offers uniform cost-effective and professional lockout assistance. He also offers lock installation, and security solutions. In many cases, lock re-keying is the more affordable solution to having the locks changed in your home or business. Call Randy at 705-653-8834 or visit www.integritylocksmithing.ca to discuss your options today.

The post Rekeying Business Locks: How Frequently Should This Be Done? appeared first on Integrity Locksmithing.

What is a Fire Department Lock Box and Why do I Need One?

A Fire Department Lock Box is a small, hardened steel vault that’s easily mounted to the exterior of a commercial building. The box contains a set of keys for that building, and allows our local Fire Department efficient access after hours when the building is unattended. This greatly diminishes the necessity to cause damage from forcible entry.

Fire Department Lock Box systems are designed to help Fire Departments and local businesses work together to preserve both lives and property while eliminating the need for F.D. personnel to maintain and carry large key rings with countless keys on them for many local commercial buildings.

Many Fire Services across the country rely on a Lock Box System to enter property quickly and safely during an emergency response. The F.D. Lock Box device is purchased and mounted near the main building entrance by the property owner. Also, much larger commercial buildings will benefit from multiple Boxes.

What are the Main Benefits of Having a Fire Department Lock Box System Installed on My Business?

• Lock Box System provides immediate emergency access in case of fire, medical or any other type of emergency
• Quick and easy Fire Department entry decreases the potential damage to the building caused by a fire
• It allows the firefighters to enter the building when the building’s owner and/or occupants are unable to open the door for them
• Helps to reduce firefighter injury from forcible entry
• Increases the Fire Department’s level of efficiency
• Any undamaged doors can be safely re-secured after the emergency is over, without calling a building owner or manager or a private security company for re-keying or a new door installation
• Most important, it prevents costly forced entry damage to a commercial building, and in most cases, the cost of the box and its installation is recovered the very first time that the system is used

Here are Some Good Examples of Commercial Buildings for which a Fire Department Lock Box would be Beneficial:

• Hospitals, nursing homes and multi-story buildings like apartment buildings and/or condominiums
• Commercial, Industrial, Warehouse and other buildings where around the clock staffing and security is simply not available
• Buildings that are constructed in a manner such that Fire Department forced entry, if required, would be difficult or result in a lot of damage to the property
• Commercial buildings that have a fairly high frequency of emergency response incidents and where the occupants of those buildings may be put in danger due to a delayed access by the F.D.
• Commercial or Industrial buildings that feature a monitored fire alarm and fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers

Are you interested in getting a Fire Department Lock Box Program started for your local business community? Contact Randy Sayles at Integrity Locksmithing for a consultation, pricing and installation services.

Integrity Locksmithing Havelock, Ontario

Integrity Locksmithing is a full-service, fully certified locksmith company. We offer a wide range of locksmith services to both residential and commercial customers. The owner, Randy Sayles, offers uniform cost-effective and professional lockout assistance. He also offers lock installation, and security solutions. In many cases, lock re-keying is the more affordable solution to having the locks changed in your home or business. Call Randy at 705-653-8834 or visit www.integritylocksmithing.ca to discuss your options today.

The post Fire Department Lock Box Program for Local Businesses appeared first on Integrity Locksmithing.