Just because something is common practice doesn’t make it wise. For example, people used to believe that bathing was not about proper hygiene! While we’ve long since solidified the importance of a bathing routine, there are other practices today that won’t hold up under the scrutiny of future civilization.
Take hiding a spare key at your residence, for example.
Many people hide a spare key under a mat or in a fake rock at their homes. But is this a good idea in today’s technology-enriched world? Was it ever a good idea? As a professional locksmith company, we have our opinion on the matter.
A Tradition of Convenience
First, let’s briefly discuss why someone would hide a spare key at their residence. Homeowners have been doing this for years, hiding them under doormats, inside fake rocks and even beneath flower pots. This was a convenient practice in the event of getting locked out of the house, as an extra key was always close by. But this comes with risks as well.
The Security Risks
While many people have hidden a spare key without any consequences, there are more than a couple of problems here when it comes to your home’s security:
- Predictability: Burglars these days are well aware of the classic hiding spots. In fact, one of the first places they’ll check is under the doormat or in any obviously fake decor.
- Lack of innovation: There are more advanced solutions to the spare key, so not using today’s technology keeps your security in the past. This makes it easier for intruders to gain access to your home.
- Increased vulnerability: When you have a spare key close to an entry point, it makes your home a target. It’s difficult to have peace of mind when you know that unrestricted access to your home is just a found key away. This is even worse if you don’t have an alarm system.
Better Options
There are a few modern alternatives to the hidden spare key these days. Whether it’s a small or big change, however, upgrading the security of your home is always a wise strategy if you can budget for it. Here are some modern solutions to consider:
- Smart locks: These let you enter your home with a code, fingerprint or smartphone app instead of a physical key.
- Key safes: These are secure, combination-locked boxes that can be mounted outside your home, offering similar benefits as spare keys but without the risks.
- Home security systems: Modern systems include features like remote access, meaning you can unlock your doors using a smartphone app, even when you’re not home.
If you have any other questions about home security, don’t hesitate to call A-1 Locksmith or visit one of our Dallas-Fort Worth-area locations today.
