3 Tips on Burglary Deterrence by Locksmith Bradford

July 17, 2019 by 1 Comment

A home burglary is costly and unsettling. You can prevent this loss and trauma, by applying these locksmith Bradford security enhancement tips below in your home

The deadbolt did bring a marked decrease in burglaries since its advent in the 60s. These crimes, however, are still uncomfortably common. As a locksmith in Bradford, I have noticed that a large number of these crimes are not forced entries. Sometimes all a burglar needs to do to access your home is crawl in almost as if you left them the front door key. To protect your house you do not need to build a suburban Fort Knox.

You just need to address the common security issues that most property owners and renters neglect. If you are familiar with the most common ways of home protection, you are halfway there.  When a home is burglarized, the loss of property is hurtful and costly. However, some of the stolen items are replaceable.

The high costs of break-ins

The most pervasive loss, nevertheless, is the loss of sense of security and peace you had in your house before the break-in. It can become mentally draining and stressful to live with the fear of a recurrence. There are also the insurance and police reports to address.

As per police data, most burglaries happen around the holidays between November till January. Most of them also occur during the day when everyone is away. Below are some of the best ways of not only controlling access to your home but maintaining your property as well to deter burglars.

The best burglary prevention tips from locksmith Bradford

  1. Lock up
    As obvious as this tip is, the neglect of it is the cause of easy, walk-in crimes. You have probably left home for work, only to come home later to find the door open. When in a hurry it is easy to forget to close that window or lock the door. Security experts say 23% of all break-ins occur through your first-floor windows.  A more substantial part of the burglaries, 34% to be precise, however, happen through the front door. Besides double-checking on the thumb latch and deadbolt locks, ensure that they are also solid. If they are too old, or lack maintenance, invest in robust and pick resistant locks. 
  2. Get a live-in furry friend
    Locksmith Bradford also recommends an alarm system. An 80 pound Bordeaux Mastiff can make a perfect living alarm and friend. While a sophisticated thief will get around an electronic alarm system, a dog is more unpredictable. The burglar might hesitate to get into the house because they do not if the dog will bite or not. Most burglars, therefore, avoid a home with a dog.  You will also be doing a good deed if you adopt from a pet shelter. You should keep it in mind, however, that a dog has its cost and responsibilities, but it pays back with love and security. Alternatively, a wireless alarm kit is much better than nothing at all.
  3. Hide your valuables
    Being a locksmith Bradford, I have to respond to my clients immediately after they discover a break in. Most are usually looking for enhanced door locks. At times all you need to do to keep these thieves out is to hide your valuables better. If your 60-inch flat screen TV is visible from the sidewalk, someone will want it. Use curtains for privacy. Hide the gifts during the holiday season to lower the temptation of a break in.

While this is not a comprehensive list, it is a start to a safer home. Try these tips, and you will not be sorry.

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Detecting Plumbing Issues that Call for an Emergency Plumber near Me

July 17, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Picture coming home to a flooded house, or flushing the toilet but then everything begins to rise slowly. There is nothing pleasant about such situations, and all you can do is dial an emergency plumber near me. 

What’s worse is that the signs of the impending disaster were probably there, but you were ignorant of the implications that the funny sounds, the rusted pipes, or weird odors would have.

7 Signs of Situations that Needs an Emergency Plumber near Me

Here are a few things you should never ignore.

1) Unpleasant smell

If there is the slightest hint of sewage or sulfur odor in your house, you should not expect it to go away. It only gets worse. The smell could be a sign of sewage backup, broken vents, or leaking pipes. Contact a plumber to investigate the problem.

2) Change in the speed of water as it drains

You do not have to wait until you have stagnant water on your kitchen or bathroom sinks before calling an emergency plumber near me. As soon as you notice slow draining, contact your plumber. 

3) Change in water pressure

A drop in the water pressure could be a sign of black sludge buildup in the faucet. Cleaning the aerator should solve the problem. If it doesn’t, you could be having a case of a broken pipe or water leakage in the water system.  A plumber can fix it.

4) A gurgling noise

A clogged drain can cause your toilet, dishwasher, or laundry to make gurgling noises as you use it. It could create a backup. Turn the water off and get a professional to fix it ASAP.

5) Wet or colored spots 

Leakage in your water line could cause wet or brown spots on your ceiling, wall, or floor. You can confirm if it is leakage and not someone who accidentally spilled water by checking the meter. If it moves when no water is in use, you have a plumbing problem.

6) Smell of gas

The scent in gas is meant to alert you in case there is a leak. No matter how faint, it is dangerous and could cause an explosion or injury. First, call your gas company and have them shut off your meter. Then contact a plumber to investigate and fix the source of the leak.

7) Sound of water running

A running water sound within your walls when no one is using the water is a sign of hidden leaks that could lead to severe damage and a large water bill.  Contact an emergency plumber.

Important tips

When you detect any of these problems, turn off the main water supply. 

Plan regular maintenance with your plumbing company; it reduces your chances of facing an emergency. 

Unless you are confident of what you are doing, don’t try to fix the problem. It could lead to a worse situation

 

Watch out for leaking gas and funny odors. Be keen about a change in water pressure, speed of water draining, or sudden wet spots on the floor, walls, and ceilings. 

Keep an ear out for gurgling or water running through the pipes. And always be quick to contact an emergency plumber near me.

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The Latest & Greatest Home Security Features Your System Needs

June 18, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Rapid advancements in technology within just the past few years have revolutionized home security. Today, the latest security tech is engineered to maximize both safety and user convenience. Advanced camera features like 4K ultra HD resolution, 4X optical zoom, built-in microphones and color night vision are able to provide better surveillance and collect more evidence. Meanwhile, wire-free connections and smart home technology give you easier accessibility to all the features that keep you safe.

If you want to leverage cutting-edge technology to increase the security of your home without sacrificing simplicity, here are the latest and greatest features your system should have.

1. 4K Ultra HD Resolution With 8 MP Image Sensors

4k ultra HD security cameras with 8 megapixel image sensors produce footage with a crisp 4K resolution. You can discern details with striking clarity, even when you zoom in. Lorex Nocturnal camera systems utilize 8.51 MP image sensors from Sony, and their equipment is known for being user-friendly and easy to install.

2. Color Night Vision

Color night vision is one of the newest features to hit the security camera market. Cameras with color night vision use powerful image sensors that are excellent at absorbing ambient light. This allows the cameras to record in color in low-light conditions, capturing more details in the dark than ever before. And with digital noise reduction (DNR) technology, noise is filtered out and footage comes out crisp even when there is little light.

3. 4X Optical Zoom

Another must-have feature is 4x optical zoom, which allows you to view an isolated area four times closer to maximize detail. The zoom is controlled remotely, so you can customize your field of view to magnify people or objects at a distance.

4. Listen-In Audio Feature

With built-in microphones, the latest security cameras deliver footage complete with audio. Not only does this provide more evidence about what’s going on in the footage, but it picks up on voices and other noises taking place out of the camera’s view. Some home security camera systems even have a two-way talk feature so you can let people (and pets) know you’re keeping tabs on the house while away. If you have smart locks on your doors, you can even speak with a visitor or service provider at your door and choose whether you’re going to let them in.

5. Thermal Imaging Technology

Thermal imaging cameras enrich your security camera system by detecting heat signatures from people and objects obstructed by walls, plants, rainfall or poor lighting. The camera starts recording when triggered by heat, producing images through contrasts in temperature. They’re more accurate than motion detectors, because only moving heat sets them off, instead of any moving object.

6. Wire-Free Security System

Gone are the days when your home security system depended on the integrity of a wire that could easily be cut by a burglar. Wire-free security camera systems are not only safer, but also easier to install, relocate and access. You won’t have to access cable lines, and can set it up yourself by following straightforward instructions.

Next-Generation Technology for Sophisticated Security

With the latest upgrades in the world of security technology, surveillance and evidence can’t be compromised by weather conditions, lighting or cable lines. The result? Homeowners get more security coverage for their family and police departments can better identify criminals. When you invest in top-of-the-line equipment, you get more monitoring, but with fewer false alarms.

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3 Tips to Design the Ultimate Kid’s Room

June 17, 2019 by 1 Comment

Give your kids a room they can be proud of by adding design features that bring out their personal style. You can encourage creativity and curiosity in kids with fun features that make their playroom or bedroom just as educational as the classroom. And when you ensure their safety every step of the way, you can sit back and relax while they enjoy playing on their own or with siblings and friends in their stylish sanctuary. Check out these top tips for designing the ultimate kid’s room.

Make it Fun

Planning a room that’s fun to be in is your best bet for ensuring this kid-friendly space gets plenty of use. Ask your child about his or her favorite colors or characters, or find inspiration in a beloved toy when coming up with a design scheme for the room. Bright colors give the space a lively feeling. Rather than just painting the walls one color, consider fun details such as stripes, removable wall stickers, or glow-in-the-dark paint.

To encourage lots of creative play, give kids a cozy rug where they can sit on the floor and enjoy their toys and games. A child-sized art station is another popular feature. Consider setting up a small easel with an oversized pad of art paper and cups filled with crayons, markers, or colored pencils.

Make it Educational

Image via Flickr by Martha W McQuade

Give your child a boost of brain power by making the playroom or bedroom an educational space. Set up a desk where they can work on homework after school. Consider facing the desk into the room so kids don’t feel like they’re boxed in when working on these tasks.

Tap into his or her interests when choosing décor for the room. Kids fascinated by exotic places can learn from large maps hung on the wall or a cool globe set up on their dresser. You can hang photos of adorable creatures for kids who love animals or paint constellations on the ceiling for those who love astronomy. 

Create a cozy reading nook with shelves for favorite books and a comfy chair or beanbag to lounge on. Consider creating a chart where kids can proudly list all the books they’ve read or track how many pages they read per day.

Make it Safe

While playing and learning make any kid’s room more fun, it’s critical to make sure the space is safe for them to enjoy. Cover electrical outlets, and make sure cords for blinds are kept out of reach. Make sure all furniture is secured to the wall in case little ones attempt to climb it. Install mesh or metal guards over the windows.

Besides following these child-proofing suggestions, parents should make sure the space doesn’t trigger allergies or respiratory issues. A child’s room should be free of allergens and have a good flow of AC or heat. To make sure your child’s room is well-ventilated, schedule an HVAC inspection and inquire about installing an air purifier in your home.

Create happy memories for your children by giving them a comfortable, fun, and safe place to play at home. Use these tips to design a kid’s room they’re sure to love.

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5 Pieces of Home Technology to Invest in ASAP

May 28, 2019 by 2 Comments

 

 

Technology continues to exceed our expectations, making our lives more convenient than ever imagined. These are a few of the best home technologies that are sure to make your home life easier.

Home/Office Automation

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Image via Flickr by mikemacmarketing

With all the available convenient home technological devices, it’s important to have a good home/office automatic system. Pairing these devices with Amazon Alexa or Google Home can make it easier than ever to remotely control your household. Home/office automation devices can order food for you, purchase items from Amazon, and even provide you with expected weather conditions.

Smart Thermostat

The temperature in your home affects your comfort levels, your sleep quality, and the money in your wallet. Adjusting your thermostat to automatically drop a few degrees as you and your family prepare for bed can give you a better night of sleep in the colder months. It can also significantly decrease your home utility costs. A smart thermostat also gives you the opportunity to control your temperature settings when you’re away from the house. If the house is unoccupied for many hours during the day, you can drop the temperature and then increase it on your way home.

Smart Coffee

Coffee fuels the start of the day for many people. What if you could wake up and have a warm cup of coffee waiting for you? With a smart coffee maker, you can. You simply set your wake time, and the coffee maker will begin brewing before you even get up. With a convenient smart coffee maker, you won’t risk having to skip your morning cup of coffee due to lack of time. Some smart coffee makers give you the ability to adjust brew strength and the number of cups desired.

Smart Plug

You rushed out the door only to wonder if you turned off the coffee maker. We’ve all been there, with that nagging sense of concern that affects the rest of the day. With a smart plug, you can remotely access any electronic device that’s connected to it. Not only do you have the ability to see if you were forgetful, but you can also turn off these devices from your smartphone. This can alleviate concerns, enabling you to focus on your workday or your travels away from home.

Video Doorbell

For some reason, it seems like visitors always come at the most inconvenient of times. Your neighbor’s kid wants to sell you something while you’re in the middle of making dinner. The delivery guy drops off your expensive package while you are at work, leaving it exposed to the neighborhood. With a video doorbell, you no longer have to worry about inconvenient visits. You can access the video feed right from your smartphone, even choosing to communicate with the visitor. You also don’t have to worry about lost packages because you can view the delivery process.

Make your life a little easier by introducing these technological devices into your household. You may have always wanted your own personal assistant, and many of these devices can offer you the same advantages.

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4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Travels

May 22, 2019 by Leave a Comment

If you’re like many homeowners, you plan to travel during the holidays. You’ve got your flight tickets, and you made the hotel reservations, but did you really plan to leave your house unattended? While you may think that locking up and setting an alarm will do the trick, there are some things to consider before you board the plane. Discover these four ways to prepare your home for the busy holiday season.

If you plan to be gone this holiday season, consider enlisting the neighbors. If there’s a teen in the area, pay them a few bucks to bring in any late arriving packages, water the plants, and rotate the lighting. Studies show that keeping a single lamp on day and night is a red flag to burglars. Instruct them to alternate which lights are on and off, and which shades to draw each visit.

Have your house sitter come over during evening hours when many are arriving home from work, and at varying times during the day, so a watchful burglar never feels certain your house is empty. Also, leave your travel plans and contact information with a trusted neighbor in the event of an emergency.

Unplug Small Appliances

Vampire appliances use electricity even when they’re turned off. The Department of Energy reports that these small electronics account for 10 percent of the average home’s energy use. Unplug all TVs, sound systems, computers, and your internet routers. Use power strips in your home office to make life easier, and turn them all off with a single switch.

Head to the kitchen and avoid a breakdown while you’re away by unplugging the coffee maker, toaster, and the microwave. Flip the breaker on large appliances like the dishwasher and washing machines to save electricity and protect your home from the risk of fire.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat not only lets you monitor the temperature in your home but also lets you control it. Needlessly running the furnace while you’re away is an added expense.

What if an unexpected cold snap comes through? Relax on your travels, and remotely set your thermostat to a temperature that protects your plants, pets, and keeps your pipes from freezing. Your programmable thermostat can also prepare for your return home, and ensure that the house is toasty warm when you arrive or nice and cool, depending on your climate.

Tidy Up the Kitchen

Before you pack up the car or head to the airport, spend a few minutes in the kitchen. Dispose of any food that may spoil before you return from your holiday vacation, such as meat and milk products. Take out the trash, and run a half-cup of vinegar and some water down your garbage disposal for a fresh, clean-smelling kitchen when you return.

The holiday season is often hectic, and traveling during this time can be stressful. By taking advantage of these four ways to prepare your home for holiday travels, you can relax and join your family and friends in celebrating the reason for the season.

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What to Look For in a Mattress and What to Avoid

May 22, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Buying a new mattress can be daunting. It’s important to remember that this is a long term investment that will pay for itself with the right diligence. Here are some tips to help you find the right mattress for you without causing a headache.

best mattress

How do you Sleep?

What seems like an irrelevant question should be at the very core of your quest for a new mattress. How you sleep, on your side, on your back or stomach, defines what material you need. If you experience back and neck pains, it could be that your current mattress isn’t properly supporting you for how you sleep, where others have experienced a wonderful night’s sleep on the same model.

This is because of how the mattress responds to the pressure, curvature and heat of your body. Memory foam mattresses are renowned for their ability to mold to the shape of your body, but if you are a restless sleeper this can be a problem.

Check Online Reviews

Reviews are your best tool for finding a great quality product. Find reviews with similar needs to your own; a restless side sleeper’s review may not be relevant to a peaceful stomach sleeper. Click here for the best rated reviews taking into account many factors to find the best brands.

It’s also worth noting that only a customer can tell you honestly if they’re happy with their purchase. It might be that the product degrades after a year into a much lower quality version, or if there was trouble with deliveries. Companies will go to great lengths to prevent bad reviews so a sharp eye is needed to find the best retailers.

Misleading Information

Some brands claim to have qualities such as high-density memory foam when in reality only the top layer is what they claim. This can severely affect the lifespan and comfort of the mattress. Another tactic used by brands is to claim their product is “made in the USA” when they are only assembled in America from materials shipped from China. This is important as it can tell you the quality of the materials used and if they’ve been treated with harsh chemicals and perfumes. For such an important part of your life, it’s worth taking a little extra time to dig deep and find out where the mattress really comes from.

Look for Guarantees and Warranties

One good indicator as to whether a product is genuine or not is the quality of the warranty; if a manufacturer claims their mattress will leave you happy for ten years, they could just be trying to win you over, but if they offer a 10 year replacement guarantee then they must have incredible confidence in their product. On the other hand, if a m

attress looks great on paper but only offers a 6-month replacement warranty then it’s quite possible they don’t expect the product to retain its quality after the warranty is over.

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Cost Effective Home Makeover Tips You Should Know

March 26, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Doing a home makeover is not a big deal. What you need is an excellent plan which contains some creative and innovative tips. In fact, you don’t need a lot of money to have a home makeover. Here are ten cost effective home makeover tips which you should know;

 

Repaint

Repainting is the least inexpensive method to do a home makeover. When you repaint your home, it will definitely look more attractive and beautiful.

 

Don’t just paint your walls only. You should also repaint your shelves, cabinets and dressers. Also, make sure that you choose the correct color combination. As asserted by Country Living, it is wise to look out for the latest color and interior design trends.

 

Install Advanced Home Security Systems

 

You should have advanced home security systems. A reliable security system will keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe.  

 

There is a common myth which states that advanced home security systems are expensive. Worry not – you can find some affordable security systems if you deal with the right security companies.

 

Perhaps you already have a home security system. If so, you should scan it and see whether it is still functioning properly. If not, then you should replace it with a new one.

 

If you just have a simple security system, you can swap it with a more advanced one. If you own an advanced home security system, you will eliminate all possible attacks of burglars and thieves.

 

Install Beadboard Ceiling

 

Beadboard ceiling is cheap. What’s more – it is a great tool which you can use to totally revamp your home décor!

 

If you install beadboard ceiling, your house will look more attractive, sleek and elegant. What you need to do is to buy beadboard from a local hardware vendor, then install it yourself.

 

After buying the beadboard, you should measure and make it proportionate to the size of your house. Then you just fit it in. However, if this process looks to be difficult to you, you can hire a local handy man to do the fixing for you at a small fee.

 

Use Artisanal Homewares

 

You should always strive to purchase homewares which appear unique and attractive.  This will make your home to have a new look.

 

Avoid purchasing homewares from large store chains. Homewares from these chains are usually generic and expensive. However, you should take your time to look out for specific artisans who design homewares. Most artisanal homewares are cheap and attractive.

 

Have A Focal Point

 

One of the most cost effective ways to remodel your home is to create a focal point. A focal point should be the main center of attraction in your home.

 

For instance; if the television is your main focal point, you should surround it with some of your most fashionable and stylish home décor. You should also place your major decorations around the television.

 

Use Themes Frequently

 

Each part of your home should adhere to a specific theme. You can do this by using matching patterns, accessories and color schemes.  

 

Moreover, you should not randomly hang your family photos and artworks on the walls. However, you should create galleries which all adhere to a specific and distinct theme. You will have to be really creative in designing these themes.

 

Make Your Accessories to Be More Stylish

 

Purchasing new accessories is not cost effective. To do a complete home makeover, you can just choose to update your existing home accessories. For instance; you can change your pillow covers. Or polish your worn out decorative items.

 

Improve On Your Flooring

 

Maybe your floor appears to be hideous and ugly. According to Business Today, an old dull floor can make your home to look gloomy and deplorable.

 

So, you should improve on your flooring. Installing new flooring is a costly affair; but there are cheaper alternatives to get rid of an ugly hideous floor.

 

Just buy a patterned carpet or rug and place it on your floor. You can also look out for artisanal rugs from online stores.

 

Add More Storage Space in Your Kitchen

Another ingenious way to have a home makeover is to increase your kitchen storage space. You should always aim to have more storage space especially if your kitchen appears to be cluttered.

 

You can increase your kitchen’s storage space by adding more racks, shelves and cabinets. Just make an appointment with a local carpenter and instruct him on your storage needs.

 

Moreover, you should install open shelves in preference to closed shelves. Open shelves offer a lot of flexibility in placing and retrieving items. Also, you can use open shelves to display some of your beautiful and valuable home décor.

 

Conclusion

 

You are not obligated to implement all of these tips. Even if you implement just one of these tips, your home will definitely be the point of envy of all your friends, neighbors and relatives.

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