Families with small children should always instruct them as to the importance of taking home security – as it relates to front door locks and keys – highly seriously. In this blog entry, the residential locksmith experts here at 505 Locksmith Albuquerque will provide detail as to whether duplicate keys should be given to children, or whether spare keys should be hidden away from their hands and eyes.
Children and House Key Security
Maturity can range and vary between children of the same age. Some children are very absent minded and prone to spaciness, even when they get older. However, some other children, after being given explicit instruction, can handle security protocols with great reverence. You as a parent understand your children best of all – so first, consider their ability to handle responsibilities. Ask yourself if your children regularly lose important items, and if they can always replace a spare key into its hidden area directly after using it. Depending on how you answer the above questions, you might need to stress the importance of never losing a spare key, while even practicing, alongside your child, the proper procedure for using and putting away a spare key.
Do your children use a house key on a daily basis?
Another important factor to consider when deciding to give your children a spare key is whether they regularly return to an empty house, or if someone is there to let them in. Regular access and usage of a spare key can be considered a security risk, as burglars often scope out homes for a few days before a break-in, searching for clues as to where spare keys may be hidden. If your child comes home at the same time every single day and retrieves a spare key, say, under a mat, this may constitute a security and safety risk if a burglar scoping out your property notices it. Spare keys, ideally, should only be used on occasional circumstances. However, if your child is regularly coming home alone, and has demonstrated serious responsibility, you may opt to give them a key of their own.
Keyless Entry Benefits
With modern technology, spare keys are no longer an absolute requirement. For families with children, installation of a keyless entry smart lock system offers its own unique benefits. With keyless entry, children can memorize a specific code, or unlock your home via their smartphones, rather than having to resort to using a mechanical key to gain entry into your home. There are tons of customizable options when it comes to smart home technology, and the keyless entry system installation experts here at 505 Locksmith can assist you in the installation of a broad range of smart home / keyless entry systems that will perfectly suit your unique security and budgetary needs.