CHINO FAST LOCKSMITH: IMPORTANCE OF PANIC BARS

Commercial property owners and property managers know that panic bars can be an essential part of the security measures for the property in question. Panic bars, also known as a crash bar or push bar, is a type of exit device commonly found on doors in commercial properties. These bars are often a spring-loaded metal bar that will open a door when pressed. These bars usually bar entry from anyone trying to enter the premises from the outside, yet they allow those inside the building a speedy exit if necessary. These type of bars are essential on emergency and fire exit doors. You can find them in hospitals, arenas, restaurants, bars and office buildings. The purpose of these bars is to allow quick exit to anyone who presses on the bar. So why are panic bars important for your business? Keep reading and we will explore the benefits of panic bars for your business.

Safety

This is the biggest benefit, and the initial reason panic bars were even created. In the early 1900’s, there was a large number of deaths due to fire. The inhabitants of buildings were unable to leave because certain doors were locked. The panic bar was created as a solution to that problem. Since their inception, the death rate for people trapped in fires in large public building has decreased. Panic bars allow quick exit to a large amount of people. These bars automatically unlock the door. This makes mass exits easy and quick. Also, panic bars allow for an easy exit, while still making the building secure from the outside. Generally the outside of these doors will remain locked to the outside world. So this provides an extra layer of safety to your building.

Security

There are a variety of panic bars available, some equipped with alarms. These alarms can be connected to your local police or fire station, and they will receive a notification of an emergency should these doors be used. You will commonly see these types of panic bars with red “emergency only” notifications on them. There are also panic bars that can sound an alarm within the building should they be pushed, alerting the other occupants of the building that there is a potential emergency situation, and that they should exit the building until they are cleared for reentry.

Variety

There is a wide range of panic bars on the market. As mentioned before, there are bars that come equipped with alarms. These type of panic bars are becoming increasingly popular. There are also vertical panic bars and cross bar types. Panic bars come at differing price points. This means no matter what your budget may be, you should be able to find a suitable panic bar to fit your budget.

Price

As previously mentioned, panic bars come at varying price points. Some panic bars can be had for as little as $100. If you have a large facility, you may need a number of panic bars installed. If you need multiple panic bars for your facility, please speak with your commercial locksmith. They may be able to offer you a volume discount, cutting down on the price even further.

Reduced Insurance Rates

If you are a building owner, or a property manager, you are always looking for ways to reduce your bottom line. If you own commercial property, it is generally an investment and you want to make as much profit on your investment as possible. However, as a commercial property owner, there are certain guidelines and criteria you must follow. Panic bars are a necessity for your building. They are a great way to increase building security. They also provide an added benefit – a possible decrease in your insurance rates. Just like the more security measures you put on your car, the more your premium reduces – the same holds true for your commercial property. When you have a commercial locksmith properly install a panic bar for you, this can lead to a reduction in your insurance premium. Any safety measure you install in your building will generally lead to a decrease in your premiums. So also consider things such as carbon monoxide detectors, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers to further reduce insurance costs.

Effective

Overall, panic bars are an effective solution. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has made panic bars mandatory for certain types of facilities. The fact that the government has mandated the use of panic bars points to how effective they are in the prevention of mass tragedies. The fast acting mechanism on panic bars allows for mass exits in a quick time frame. This works well for emergency evacuations, especially if your business will have a lot of people coming in and out.

Legal Compliance

Depending on your type of business, the size of your facility, or the amount of patrons that your business can fit – panic bars may be an essential addition. Make sure to check your local bylaws, as well as OSHA and fire regulations for your area. There are laws that govern certain minimum safety requirements for commercial businesses. You want to make sure you are in compliance with the law, and that your facility has all the required safety measures in place.

If you are the owner of commercial property, the safety and security of those who use your premises is your responsibility. While we hope that an emergency situation will never occur, we still have to plan for these circumstances. If your business will hold more than 50 people, fire regulations insist that panic bars be installed. That way occupants can get outside quickly, even if they are in a panic. Proper installation of panic bars is an essential part of your emergency evacuation plan. To discuss your options, call a licensed and insured commercial locksmith. If you are in the Chino, CA area, you can call the trusted professionals at Chino Fast Locksmith. Our team can guide you through your options, and help make sure your property is as safe and secure as possible.

Article source here: CHINO FAST LOCKSMITH: IMPORTANCE OF PANIC BARS

WHEN YOUR CAR KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION, HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

If you suddenly see that you can’t pull your car key out of the ignition, it’s definitely aggravating. It can even cause you to go into a panic, particularly if you’re in a hurry, or if it happens after hours. If your key just won’t budge, then you aren’t going anywhere. But don’t let it get you down. There are steps you can take to deal with this situation effectively.

Common Reasons You’re in this Mess

• Maybe your vehicle isn’t in park. Even if the gearshift looks like it’s in park, the shift lock solenoid, or another mechanism, could require replacement.
• The battery may be dead. With most modern vehicles, if your battery dies, your key can become stuck inside the ignition.
• There could be internal damage.Inside the ignition cylinder, a tumbler can become jammed up so that the springs won’t push the key back out.
• If your key has broken off inside the lock cylinder, then it certainly isn’t coming out.
• The column lock mechanism (the anti-theft device) might be failing. If so, you won’t be able to get your key out.
• It may be that the sensor in the transmission isn’t sending the right signal to the column lock, making your key stick.
• There could be a slight bit of grime or a minute object on the key, which is catching inside the mechanism.
• Perhaps your key is slightly bent or otherwise damaged somehow.
• There’s a good possibility that your wheel lock cylinder is worn out, and requires replacement.
• Possibly, there’s a cable is loose (either behind the ignition or in the dashboard) so it will probably need replacing.
• Did you force the key into the lock?It might be difficult to remove because it’s sitting inside the mechanism at a slightly wrong angle.
• The transmission could be failing, meaning you can’t put your car in park. You should be able to pull the key out after you cycle the transmission several times.
• Did you put the wrong key into the ignition cylinder?Maybe you presumed it was the correct key, but now it’s too late: You can’t get it out.

These are the most probable possibilities. Before trying any of the measures we list here below, first, put your parking brake on! You don’t want your automobile to roll away while you are trying to pull the key out!

Try These Solutions

1. Look at the key’s position.On the ignition switch, see if your car key is still in the locked position. As your ignition cylinder starts to wear out, you may observe that it becomes easier to turn the key past the right position. This is especially true if the key has been connected to a bunch of keys and trinkets on your key chain, because the increased pressure on the cylinder that results eventually causes extra wear and tear. Insert the key, and then, ever so slightly, rotate it forward. In all probability, this should lock your ignition into the correct position, and you’ll finally be able to extract the key.

2. Inspect your steering wheel.Your steering wheel can sometimes lock. If this occurs, the ignition switch will keep the car key locked in one position until the steering system comes unlocked. Don’t yank on the key! Instead, be gentle:

• First, see whether you can get any movement at all from the steering wheel. Place your left hand on the steering wheel as you verysoftly rotate the key forward.
• Now, verygently move the steering wheel to one side, and listen for a click.
• If you don’t hear one, then verycarefully turn the wheel the other direction.
• At the moment you hear the click, try removing the key.

If you do successfully pull your key out, you’ll know that the issue involves pressure coming from the steering wheel.

3. Is your battery dead?Does your dashboard illuminate when your transponder key is in the “on” position? Depending on your car’s make and model, a dead battery will prevent you from getting the transponder key out, since its chip won’t be accurately identified by your automobile’s computerized theft-deterrent system. Charging or replacing the battery is the easy solution.

4. Check the park position. Your shifter has to be locked into park for you to be able to remove your car key. Sometimes, your vehicle won’t correctly lock into the park position. If you’re still able to move the gearshift lever out of park after you shut off the engine, then your linkage may need adjustment; or, it may be simply worn out and require replacement.

5. Lubricate your car key. Spray a small amount of electrical cleaner between the ignition and the key. Be tremendously careful.Leave your car doors open while you do the following, so you won’t suffer from the fumes: Add a very tiny spray of silicone, or a drop or two of liquid graphite. Be sure to avoid any open flame or spark! And, don’t drip onto the upholstery. You might have to lubricate a second time.Next, turn the key ever so slightly, by exerting only minimum pressure. All this should make it possible for you to pull the key out at last.

After All This, Is Your Key Still Stuck?

Don’t waste your valuable time worrying. Hire a locksmith professional with the skill, know how, and experience necessary to painstakingly inspect your vehicle’s ignition switch, battery, gearshift lever, and so on. A reputable expert automotive locksmith will be capable of ascertaining the cause behind the problem and finding the best solution. You’ll soon be on your way again. If you’re stranded anywhere in Chino, California, consider the aptly named Chino Fast Locksmith, whose automotive locksmith specialists on staff are ready 24/7 to come to the rescue.

While You Wait for Help to Arrive

• Lock your car manually with a spare key, to keep your vehicle secure.
• If possible, put your key in the lock position so you won’t run down the battery.

Article source here: WHEN YOUR CAR KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION, HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Making Sure Your Apartment Home is Secure

Some people feel as though living in an apartment complex somehow means they are more secure than if they lived in a home. At Chino Fast Locksmith we are here to tell you that this isn’t necessarily true. Just like any living situation, you have to take certain measures to ensure that your home is safe and secure. Since we often handle a lot of the lock changes and rekeying of apartment complexes, we can tell you from experience that there are often other factors that a tenant should consider in order to keep safe.

What to Consider Prior to Moving In

• Replace Locks– It is the responsibility of the maintenance department to change every lock once someone has moved out. In some cases they will only rotate locks between apartments. This is not good enough and will not always prevent a home break-in. The person with the key can still use it on whichever door the lock has been moved to. Before you take up occupancy in an apartment, ask that the locks us completely replaced with a new lock, even if you have to purchase it on your own. You don’t want to take any unnecessary chances with your safety and security so insist on having the existing lock changed with a new lock not a redistributed lock.
• Evaluate the Locks on Windows–This isn’t always something that people think to do and this is why we feel that it is necessary to mention it in this article. Windows, especially if on the ground level, should be checked to see if the locks are durable enough to keep out an intruder. Windows are an effective entryway for a would-be burglar and should be given the same consideration as a door. The locks of your window can be compromised the same as the locks on your door. If you have existing locks on your window that do not appear to be durable enough to withstand a break-in, replace them before moving in.
• Ask & Research Crime in the Area- The crime information is not readily offered to potential tenants. This is something that a concerned person would have to inquire about before signing on the dotted line. If you do not feel as though the leasing office has been forthright, you can always go to the local police department and ask for a report of the crime in the area. There are also helpful websites that have this information posted, such as, CrimeMapping.com and CrimeReports.com.
• Evaluate the Maintenance of Property- If you take a look around the property, not just the apartment that you will occupy but the interior and exterior of the building, you may notice some things that indicate a lack of interest from the landlord. These things might include cracked drywall, broken windows or water stains. If they are not making sure that the basic maintenance needs of the property are being met, it is highly unlikely that they will be concerned about the safety and security of its tenants.
• Evaluate the Interior and Exterior Lighting- Since a burglar will often do their business in dark areas, it is important that there is sufficient lighting to divert a would-be burglar. You should check the walkways, parking lot, stairways, entrances, laundry facility, mail area and elevators to make sure the lighting is acceptable. This means that there are fewer places for an intruder to hideout.
• Make Sure Secure Entrance- It is a good idea to move into a building that gives tenants the capability of controlling who comes in and out. This means that the person coming in must first identify who they are before entry is allowed. The only way that this is possible is for the building to be equipped with a system that enables the visitor to enter a code; provided by tenant, or they must enter a code to call the tenant for approved entry. A callbox helps to minimize break-ins, solicitors and loitering.
• Is There a Peephole- This is a feature that enables you to see who is at your door. Opening your door without knowing exactly who it is can prove fatal. If you’re apartment doesn’t already have a peephole, ask management how you can go about having one installed. We would never suggest that you move into an apartment without a peephole.

 What to Consider After Moving In

• Install deadbolt locks– Most homeowners know that a deadbolt lock is the most durable type of lock that you can have. This is why it is a good idea to have one installed alongside the locks that are already on your door.
• Secure Sliding Door-It is true that having a balcony or patio adds light into your apartment. It is also one of the methods used to gain entry into apartments. If you have a sliding glass door, secure it with a bar lock or by placing a pole on the track of the door to prevent intrusion.
• Invest in Good Window Coverings-You don’t want to advertise to everyone outside that you have a brand new 60” Smart tv. If this is true, it is necessary to invest in good blinds or curtains that you cannot see through. It also serves to protect you if you live alone. An intruder might be more prone to target someone who lives alone than if they do not know how many are living in the apartment.
• Get Renters Insurance-Having renters insurance gives you peace-of-mind. If your valuables are stolen or damaged by a natural disaster, you will receive monetary compensation for them. Even though your landlord will likely have insurance, this doesn’t protect your personal assets, such as jewelry. Renters insurance also protects you if another tenant’s property is damaged due to a burst pipe in your apartment.

It is up to each individual to do their part in making sure that they remain safe and protect their belongings. Heeding the advice outlined above will surely aid you in doing so.

Article source here: Making Sure Your Apartment Home is Secure