Does your key get stuck in your deadbolt every single time you try and lock or unlock your door? You probably need to clean the lock out. Here is an easy DIY process to try before you go and replace your lock.

The Tools:

Screwdriver

Canned Air

WD-40 lubricant

Old Toothbrush

Step 1: Remove deadbolt

Use the screwdriver to remove your deadbolt from the door

Step 2: Canned Air

Use your canned air to clear the deadbolt of any dust or dirt that may accumulated. Make sure that no moisture from the canned air is left in the lock because this could cause rusting in the future.

Step 3: Toothbrush

Take a dry toothbrush and remove any grime that might me stuck on the deadbolt. Once again, never use any water when cleaning a lock because rust will most likely develop.

Step 4: WD-40 or similar silicon graphite lubricant

Once your lock is clear of dirt and dust apply your lubricant sparingly. It is important that the lock mechanisms all move smoothly but excess lubricant must be avoided. This can be applied to the key hole as well as the deadbolt.

Step 5: Reinstall

Your lock is now properly cleaned and lubricated so now you must reinstall your deadbolt. As you realign the gears and cylinders of the lock use your screwdriver to secure the deadbolt back into place.

If cleaning your deadbolt didn’t do the trick, contact Accurate Safe & Lock for further assistance.

Source: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-clean-your-deadbolt-lock/

WD-40 photo Source: http://adenwalla.net/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=2&products_id=208

Air Duster photo Source:

Toothbrush photo Source: http://toolmonger.com/2008/07/16/tips-toothbrushes-not-just-for-teeth/

Screwdriver photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Screw_Driver_display.jpg

The medals of the Games of the XXX Olympiad are under lock and key in the Tower of London.

The Tower of London is most notable for keeping the Crown jewels safe, and now Beefeaters, the Tower’s Yeomen Warders, will be guarding the medals.

“To the athletes competing to win these medals, they are as precious as the Crown jewels, so it is fitting that they should be stored for safe keeping in the same iconic location”, states Hugh Robertson, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics.

The medals feature a depiction of the Greek Goddess of Victory, Nike, on the front. On the back is the River Thames under the London 2012 logo. The design is a conception of artist David Watkins.

The front of the Paralympic medal has a section of one of Nike’s wing. On the back, is a depiction of the surface close to her heart. These were designed by jewelry artist Lin Cheung.

The 4,700 medals, gold, silver, and bronze, will be held in the tower until they are to be awarded to the Olympic champions.  The first gold medal was awarded to Yi Siling of China for the women’s 10-meter air rifle event (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/olympics-2012/olympics-2012-gold-medal-london-games-yi-siling-china-women-10-meter-air-rifle-article-1.1123842).

The eight tons of gold, silver, and bronze came from the mines in Salt Lake City in Utah, U.S. and Mongolia. They were produced by the mining company Rio Tinto.

“For an athlete, winning an Olympic or Paralympic medal represents the conclusion of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport”, states Seb Coe. He goes on to state that “the victory ceremonies then provide the moment they can truly celebrate their success.”

It is “great the London 2012 medals will be kept safe and secure” at the central London royal palace and fortress, says Coe.

If you wish to protect your valuables, but do not have the access to Beefeaters to do so for you, contact Accurate Safe and Lock for your security needs.  Call at 206-284-0151.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18677289

Image: http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61308000/jpg/_61308394_beefeater_medal_1000.jpg

Are you and your family going away on vacation soon? You’re probably busy packing, printing out boarding tickets and coordinating a ride to the airport but in all of the excitement of preparing for your vacation don’t forget to secure your house to prevent a home burglary while you’re out of town.  Locking your doors and windows are of course the best ways to ensure your house is safe, but there are a few areas of home security that often are forgotten about, so we have prepared a vacation checklist for you to use before your next trip:

Timers

position timers around your home to turn on radios and lights while you’re gone, this will give the impression that someone is home.

Cancel Appointments

While you’re on vacation cancel any home repair or maintenance; this will prevent individuals from knowing you are out of town. If you do decide to allow a trustworthy service person into your home do not leave a note on the front door, opt for an email or phone call that is more discrete. It is ok to continue your gardening service.

Spare Key

When going on vacation make sure to hide your spar key in a secrete spot, we suggest putting your key in tin foil and burying it in soil.

Exterior Lighting

If the entrance to your home is dark consider installing lighting with an infrared detector.

Landscaping

Big shrubs and trees can provide a great hiding spot for burglars, when landscaping keep this in consideration.

Alarm

Make sure to set your alarm when going out of town and to post a sticker or sign that informs unwanted visitors that you are protected by an alarm company.

Store all Valuables

When going out of town make sure that any valuables are not in clear sight, try moving them to another room or store them in a safe.

Hold the Mail

When going on vacation hold the mail, this will prevent mail from piling up in your mailbox and affirming that you are not home. This includes your newspaper and any packages you may be expecting.

Taking these preventative measures will allow you to spend more time relaxing while on vacation and less time worrying about the security of your home. Start preparing your home a week before you leave to ensure enough time to make the designated changes.

For any questions about door and lock safety don’t hesitate to visit or call Accurate Safe & Lock: 206-284-0151

Sources:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/security/home-security-tips.htm

It is better to be safe than sorry in the off chance that there is a fire in your home. When the unthinkable happens you will want to be prepared. Here are 7 things to keep locked in your fireproof safe.

1.Current insurance policies and agent contact info

In the event of a fire you will need this information right away.

2.Identification Cards

This includes your passports, original birth certificates, and social security cards. These can be a hassle to replace.

3. Medical Information

This could include a list of family doctors, prescriptions, and pharmacy contacts for your regular medications, etc.

4. Backups of your computer

This could include CDs, a USB drive, or an external hard drive containing your important computer files and pictures.

5.Safety deposit keys

You may need these in case you store something in it that you will need in an emergency. They can also be difficult to replace.

6.Important financial and billing information

These could include investments, retirement plans, bank accounts, bills and due dates, and respective contact info. In the event of a fire, you will not want the added stress of having to recover this information or fall behind in your bills.

7.Important legal documents

This could include powers of attorney, wills, health care proxies, and other documents that may even be irreplaceable.

Fires can be a scary thing to think about, but being prepared can make all of the difference. For all of your safe needs, visit Accurate Safe & Lock Co. in Seattle, WA.

Source: http://www.legalzoom.com/tips-trends/prevention-safety/10-things-you-must-keep

Burglary & Break-Ins

Have you recently moved into a new home? While there is a lot to do after purchasing a new home it is important to replace the locks in your new home to prevent problems in the future. Previous home owners are required to give up all keys to the new owners; however, many have multiple sets of keys and not all keys may be accounted for. New home owners should take preventative measures and purchase new set of locks for their home to ensure no neighbors, existing homeowners, or strangers have a key to access your home. When replacing your locks don’t forget doors that may go unused, such as a garage entrance or basement; those are susceptible spots for a home burglary.

The legal dictionary defines home burglary as:

The crime of breaking and entering into a structure for the purpose of committing a crime. No great force is needed (pushing open a door or slipping through an open window is sufficient) if the entry is unauthorized. Contrary to common belief, a burglary is not necessarily for theft. It can apply to any crime, such as assault or sexual harassment, whether the intended criminal act is committed or not.

An article posted by the Crime Doctor states, “According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15.4 seconds” and the average burglar enters and leaves a home within six minutes, or less. While burglary can have multiple outcomes, the result is a feeling of insecurity and discomfort that a stranger has entered your home without permission.

Beyond the Deadbolt

We have collected a few tips to ensure the safety of your family in your home:

1. Lock all Doors and Windows

Having secure locks doesn’t mean much if you forgot to use them. We’ve all gone to bed with a door open or a first floor window ajar, however 23% of break-ins occur through first floor windows. Ensuring your house is secured will prevent easy entry.

2.Get a Dog

A dog is one of the best alarm systems on the market and can be affordable through adoption; that said, only bring home a dog if you’re willing to care for it. Dogs are great protectors because they are vocal, have the ability to bite and will even attack a burglar.

3. Utilize your Gardening to Guard

There are a few simple gardening tricks to ward off burglars, for instance choose thorny or prickly bushes under windows or opt for gravel pathways to alert you or your dog of an unwanted visitor. It is also important to have a well-lit yard.

4. Hide your Valuables

Make sure to strategically place your valuable items away from windows and doors, to ensure passer-byers cannot see your items.

5. Be Smart about Status Updates

When going on vacation do not post on your social media sites that you will be out of town; if you must, post a status once you have returned.

We hope you have found these tips helpful, after all we have seen our fair share of home invasions and want to give our customers some of the information we have acquired through experience. Remember if you have any questions or concerns about your locks, contact Accurate Safe & Lock by phone or visit our website.

Sources:

http://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-prevent-home-burglary-house-break-in http://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-prevent-home-burglary-house-break-in

http://crimedoctor.com/