Winter Is Coming: 3 Ways to Avoid Security Problems In Cold Weather

The main problem with seasons? You have to think about them ahead of time. For example, if you want your lawn to maintain its health throughout the summer, you have to care for it in the spring. The same goes for winter. If you want your vehicle, home or even your physique to last through the cold-weather months, you need to prepare them before the temperature drops.

While we’re on the topic, you might be surprised to know that the colder months come with their own set of security-related problems for your home. House locks can freeze. Keys can snap. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can avoid these situations from happening. Let’s take a look at three of them.

Problem #1: Frozen Locks

This happens when either the door or lock is stuck in ice. If you don’t handle it correctly, you can permanently damage the door or lock. One way to get the lock working again is to use a hair dryer to melt the ice around the door opening. To prevent this from happening in the first place, however, you may want to ensure your house doesn’t have any ventilation issues or gaps in the door opening. It may also be time to install new locks.

Problem #2: Broken Keys

This problem can particularly catch you off-guard. You insert your key into the lock (usually the front door), turn and it snaps. The cold weather can make keys more brittle, especially for keys that are older. This is problematic for both the key (which you now have to replace) and the lock (if the key is stuck inside). You can remove broken keys from locks by either using a small pair of tweezers or by taking out the locks.

If the key is stubborn or you don’t feel confident trying to remove it, it might be time to call a professional locksmith. He or she will have the tools necessary to easily remove the key. They can also help with key duplication, even if the broken key was your only set. Either way, ensuring you have new keys (and a duplicate set of them) can help prevent this problem in the future.

Problem #3: Locked Out of the Home

Winter is one of the worst times to be locked out of your house, due to the harsh temperatures. Installing a new lock, such as a smart lock, can help you avoid situations like this. You can also give your neighbor, friend or family member a duplicate set of keys. Finally, a locksmith can help you get back into your home or suggest preventive measures.