Having a spare key is a great emergency backup, but improperly storing it can put your home at risk. Burglars are savvy and know where to search for hidden keys, so it’s important to store them in a secure, strategic place. This guide will outline various effective methods to secure your spare key and keep your home safe from break-ins.
Keep Spare Keys Safe by Avoiding Typical Hiding Spots
The key to protecting your spare key is to avoid the obvious hiding places. Common spots like under doormats or inside mailboxes are too predictable and easily targeted by burglars. Instead, consider less conventional locations that are still easy for you or someone you trust to access. By choosing creative hiding spots, you can prevent potential intruders from finding your key.
Keep Your Spare Key Secure in a Key Lockbox
A key lockbox offers excellent security for spare keys, as it is both weather-resistant and tamper-proof. These small containers are equipped with a combination lock or a digital keypad and can be discreetly mounted on your property. Only share the combination with trusted people. Many modern models include advanced features like remote code changes or mobile app monitoring, ensuring your spare key is both secure and accessible. Investing in a key lockbox is an ideal solution for those serious about key security.
Have a Trusted Neighbor or Friend Hold Your Spare Key
Instead of hiding your spare key in a traditional spot, give it to someone you trust, such as a close neighbor, friend, or family member. This eliminates the risk of burglars finding the key. Choose someone reliable and nearby, ensuring they can help you in emergencies. This option not only improves security but also offers quick access when you need it most.
Install Smart Locks to Boost Your Home’s Protection
Smart locks eliminate the need for spare keys by using digital codes, apps, or biometrics to unlock doors. This upgrade offers several advantages, including the ability to generate unique access codes for family, guests, or service personnel. You can easily issue and revoke temporary codes, and some smart locks even let you lock or unlock doors remotely using a mobile app. While they require an initial investment, smart locks offer enhanced convenience and security, reducing the risk of misplacing or having a spare key stolen.
Get Creative with Where You Hide Your Spare Key
Hiding a spare key can be tricky, but with some creative thinking, you can outsmart potential intruders:
Bury it: Store the key in a waterproof container and bury it in your yard, marking the spot with a unique rock or object.
Fake objects: Use decoy objects like a fake rock or garden gnome to hide your spare key, available in many home improvement stores.
Vents or drain pipes: Attach the key to a magnet or string and stash it in a vent or drain pipe. The location should be easily accessible but not easily spotted.
These inventive hiding spots make it more challenging for burglars to locate your spare key, while keeping it within reach for emergencies.
Update Your Spare Key Hiding Spot Frequently
If you hide your spare key outside, avoid keeping it in one place for too long. The more often it’s in the same spot, the more likely someone may notice. Rotating its location periodically helps to maintain security and decreases the likelihood of it being found.
Ensure You Can Identify Your Keys by Marking Them
When marking your spare keys, don’t include any personal information, such as your address or phone number. This can expose you to a security threat if the key is lost. Instead, opt for non-descriptive labels or keychains that help you identify the key without revealing sensitive details.
Keep Track of Your Spare Key with Bluetooth Technology
If you’re always losing track of your keys, a Bluetooth key tracker can be a lifesaver. These devices attach to your keyring and sync with a mobile app, helping you locate your keys through a map or a sound alert. Though a tracker won’t increase the security of your keys, it ensures you can find them quickly when misplaced. When used alongside other security measures, it’s a useful tool for managing your spare keys.
Create and Maintain an Inventory of Your Keys
Organize your spare keys by maintaining an up-to-date inventory of their locations and who has access to them. Regularly reviewing this list ensures that all keys are accounted for, reducing the risk of lost or forgotten keys falling into the wrong hands.
Enhance Security by Using Multiple Protection Methods
To ensure your spare keys are safe, combine multiple security measures. Use a lockbox for primary key storage and entrust a backup to a trusted neighbor. Additionally, consider upgrading to smart locks, which reduce the need for physical keys and add an extra layer of protection.
Securing your spare keys is an important step in ensuring your home’s protection and peace of mind. By avoiding predictable hiding spots, utilizing lockboxes, and considering smart locks, you can achieve the perfect mix of convenience and security.
By following these steps, you protect your home and feel confident that it’s secure from unauthorized access. Spare keys should offer convenience, not expose your home to risks. Invest in secure storage solutions today and protect your property and family for the years ahead.