Home Safety & Security Tips

It’s been firmly established that we’re in the middle of a heatwave. What better time to dream of cool late summer breezes and open windows? But when we can open our windows again, don’t forget to keep security in mind. Often, a break-in is just too easy for criminals because the homeowner forgot to lock their doors and windows.

 

To protect your home and family, be sure your exterior doors, including the door between your garage and house, have ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt locks. ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, helps identify the quality and durability ofdoor security locks through a series of operational and security tests. It has identified three grades of locks. Each grade specifies minimum acceptable requirements for operation, key torque cycles, pull strength, impact resistance, and finish.

Grade 1 is the highest grade you can buy. Grade 1 deadbolts:

 

• Have been tested to 250,000 open/close cycles


• Have a bolt that projects 1 inch into the door frame


• Can withstand 10 hammer blows without giving way

 

Grade 1 deadbolt locks are resistant to just about anything a thief might use to get in, including lock picks, saws, crowbars, hammers, and kick ins.

For over 90 years, Schlage has built commercial grade quality into every product we make including electronic deadbolts, keyless door locks, and keypad door locks. Your security is our commitment. But remember, when cool breezes blow again, even the best locks in the world cannot substitute for caution and common sense. Fifty percent of unlawful entry is through unlocked doors and 51% of break-ins occur during daylight. Experts recommend keeping your doors locked 24/7.