There is a lot to think about, from a security perspective, in the city that never sleeps. As a cultural and financial hub of the world, New York City offers unique security challenges for businesses, residents and visitors. Having the right the right combination of everyday security features in place makes all the difference in simplifying and safeguarding your life:

Access Control Puts Security In Your Hands

Access control systems put every aspect of controlling your home in your hands. They can be integrated to work with wireless locks, intercoms, cloud-based cameras, thermostats and more, all from a single dashboard. Access control systems allow you to control who and when doors can be unlocked, no matter where you are. Entry to specific locations of your home can be narrowed down by person, day of the week, and time of day, using biometic or proximity devices.

Control and Convenience With Keyless Entry

The days of losing keys, forgetting to lock the door or having keys for pet-sitters, contractor or houseguests will soon be a thing of the past. Once a luxury only for the rich and famous, electronic door locks, also known as keyless entry systems or smart locks, can now grace the door to your home.

For NYC residents, especially those who make heavy use of on-demand deliveries, keyless entry systems provide remarkable control and convenience. Log records show the times and dates of all comings and goings of your home. So teenagers can’t sneak in after curfew and babysitters, dog walkers and cleaning people can be better monitored.

Keyless entry systems like Latch, are now being used at a range of properties, from East Village walk-ups to luxury doorman rentals. Another keyless entry provider, Kisi is turning its attention toward residences, with plans to roll out the system at a new 570-unit development on Staten Island.

Intercoms Help Intercept Uninvited Intruders 

In New York City, the intercom is your best friend. It saves you from having to run down to the lobby to let every appointment, delivery person, friend, worker or other visitor in that arrives. It can also be your first line defense against uninvited visitors or intruders. Many of today’s intercom systems have video capabilities, meaning homeowners can ask for identification to check and see if the person has the right credentials, has a parcel under his or her arm or is empty-handed malevolently looking in the window. Individuals should also think about hiring a professional locksmith to change any delicate locks around the house or consult a trusted security systems provider to leverage a silent alarm and round-the-clock monitoring.

Mailbox Security Protects Against Identity Theft

Whether an office, loft, condo, or apartment building, secure delivery of mail is essential to safeguarding confidential information.

There are a wide variety of mailbox solutions to meet both residential and commercial mail security requirements. This includes a variety of shapes and sizes for both indoor and outdoor use. Indoor building mailboxes are sold in individual units or groups to suit apartment buildings and offices. They are typically made of aluminum or steel and come in vertical or horizontal units. Freestanding mailboxes for outdoor use are designed to withstand heavy weather. They can be either column, post, or wall mount styles. The outdoor mailboxes we provide are large enough to accommodate different sized parcels and protect them from both tampering and bad weather conditions.

Among the latest “internet of things” are electronic letterboxes. With the advances of our digital world, they offer an ideal addition to an electronic access control system. Electronic letterboxes know when to expect your mail, notifies when it arrives and locks after delivery. Electric letterboxes can be opened using a fingerprint, code lock or electronic key. Using a companion app, users can check the status of their mail delivery, remotely lock or unlock the box and even dole out virtual keys to allow neighbors to pick up mail in the absence.

24/7 Protection For The City That never Sleeps

Innovations in digital technology and security make it possible for cities like New York to keep ahead of the curve. Advanced security providers like Paragon, turn these innovations into reality for residents, offices, apartment managers, retail businesses, developers, hospitals, schools and city facilities throughout the five boroughs and beyond. The best way to remain secure in the city that never sleeps is working with a qualified, locally trusted security provider. Combining locksmith services with a variety of advanced security solutions, such as access control, high security locks systems, surveillance cameras and alarms, can help create a holistic protection strategy. Paragon Security has been proudly serving customers all across the city including in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island for over 25 years. Don’t miss out on the experience of new locks and keys with the Paragon Security move-in special. Call today for more details 212.203.0821. 

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When it comes relocating, the process of moving is hard enough. Whether leasing a new apartment or purchasing a new brownstone, there are hundreds of little details to be taken care along the way. But before you know it, life will get back to normal. And when it does, you want the transition to the everyday use of your new home’s keys, locks, doors, and windows to be smooth, safe and hassle-free. Use this five-point move-in security check, from the experienced experts at Paragon, to make your move a security success:

1. LOCK CHECK

• LOCK CHANGE- This is a must-do for every landlord, tenant or homeowner. A properly locked door is your first line of defense against unwanted intruders, so it is essential to be proactive in replacing locks when moving to a new place. To mitigate the risk of unaccounted keys and to feel fully safe and secure in your new home, have all entry door locks changed by a qualified professional locksmith. This minor expense ensures proper installation and maximum protection to your family and your valuable belongings.
• KEYS-  Often times, apartment managers rotate old door locks between apartments with no regard to unreturned or missing keys. Even if your landlord says the locks have been changed, that does not necessarily mean they were replaced with new locks or that you are the only key holder. Don’t risk somebody being able to return to your apartment with an old key. Verify that your door locks are new, for peace of mind that you are the only keeper of the keys to your home.
• DEADBOLT- To reinforce the security of your new home, deadbolts should be used in conjunction with keyed entry locks on all exterior doors. Doorknob locks by themselves are not enough. Deadbolts add a layer of security by reinforcing your standard doorknob lock. It is always best to work with a certified locksmith expert to determine the grade and type of deadbolt that will best meet your needs.

To reinforce the security of your new home, deadbolts should be used in conjunction with keyed entry locks on all exterior doors. Doorknob locks by themselves are not enough. Deadbolts add a layer of security by reinforcing your standard doorknob lock. It is always best to work with a certified locksmith expert to determine the grade and type of deadbolt that will best meet your needs.

2. DOOR CHECK

The easiest way for an intruder to enter your house is through the door. All of your efforts to protect your home, including an electronic home security system, are useless if your entry door is not strong and secure. Having a good door system in place is key to providing adequate protection. When doors fail, it is usually in these three areas:

• DOOR TYPE- Check your door and door frame. A lot of homes in New York City have really old wood doors. They can be attractive, add a nice atmosphere to a home and look sturdy. However, they can also be experiencing wood rot, have lock problems and be an easy target for criminals. Entry doors should be solid core wood (at least 1 3/4″ thick) or metal wrapped. Your door should fit it’s frame tightly, with no more than 1/8″ clearance between the door and the frame. Check all wooden parts of the door and door frame, including the threshold, door jamb, and trim. Make sure there are no soft, spongy areas. With a wide range of residential doors from solid wood doors to steel security doors or metal calamine fire proof doors available nowadays, there is a door to meet every safety and security need for your new home.
• STRIKE PLATE- The strike plate is a metal plate affixed to the door jamb with a hole or holes for the bolt of the door. When the door is closed, the bolt extends into the hole in the strike plate and holds the door closed. A weak, failing or poorly installed strike plate can leave you at risk.  To check your strike plate, open the door and examine the strike plate for signs of disrepair. Look to see if the strike plate is securely fastened to the door jamb with four screws. If it is only secured with two screws, you want to upgrade to a four-screw strike plate. With this, you should use 3-inch screws to install, in order to bite all the way into the stud behind the door jamb.
• HINGES- The door hinge is what attaches the door to the frame. It is jointed and pivots as the door opens and closes. Door hinges are only as strong as the screws used to install them. To increase the security of your entry door, replace the standard 3/4″screw with 2″ to 3″ fully threaded screws. By using 2″ to 3″ fully threaded screws, you will  anchor the hinge into the sub-frame of your door, protecting you and your family from door kick-ins. Hinge pins that are exterior facing or exposed to the outside need immediate attention. If your entry door swings outward, check if your hinge pins are exposed. Intruders can remove the pins from the outside and gain entry by taking the door off the hinges. Ask a qualified security expert to examine your hinges and strike plates to ensure that you are fully secure.

3. WINDOW CHECK

• WINDOW LOCKS– Window locks keep intruders from gaining easy access to your residence, especially if your window is on the ground level. Treat all windows as potential entry points, and make sure all window locks are working properly. One of the best burglar deterrents when it comes to windows is a hefty window lock that is visible from the outside. Window pin locks are a simple, affordable yet highly effective burglar deterrent.
• WINDOW ALARMS- From a simple window sensor alarm to full-service dynamic home protection, there are a variety of window alarms on the market today.  In the city, window sensors are an essential part of your new home security. A window sensor alarm installs onto the window and detects when a window is opened or broken. When triggered, it sounds a warning alarm that alerts those inside and intimates the burglar into fleeing.
• CHILD SAFETY BARS- Children have an eager desire to explore their surroundings. This curiosity can lead to dangerous situations like leaning against a weak window screen or too far out a window to look outside. Child safety bars keep children safe from unexpected window falls and give parents peace of mind that a tragic window fall will not occur in their home.
• FIRE ESCAPES- Exterior fire escapes can be lifesavers during an emergency. But they also provide burglars with easy access to upper-level windows and balconies. The best and safest way to secure your fire escape, lower level or top level windows is with FDNY approved window gates. Burglars usually look for the quickest and easiest access. Window gates, security bars, and child guard security devices are key to window security because even if the glass of the window is broken, the window gate still prevents criminals from gaining access. Your window gates should be installed with quick release mechanisms that open from inside your home for emergency exit to your fire escape, in case of fire.

4. ALARM CHECK

• ALARM SYSTEM-  If you are lucky enough to have an alarm system in your new place, change the access codes and contact the alarm service to notify them of your occupancy. If not,  this could be the single most important investment to make in your new home. Studies show that homes without security systems are three times more likely to be broken into. And aside from 24hour a day monitoring, most insurance carriers offer discounts to home owners with alarm systems installed. While keeping burglars at bay is the foundation, security systems can be easily expanded—adding motion detectors, additional door or window contacts, temperature monitors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire protection.
• FIRE/SMOKE ALARM- Upon move-in, locate and inspect all fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for dust and lint build up that can hinder sensors. Replace the batteries and test to ensure they are functioning. Use Daylights Savings as a reminder to retest all alarms.  If you are in the market to purchase new, do your homework. Innovations in home security have evolved in recent years to include fire alarms that detect heat rather than smoke and motion sensors that can distinguish between a human intruder and a pet.

5. SAFE CHECK

• SAFE- A safe can be the last line of defense to protect your most valuable and irreplaceable possessions. Items such as jewelry, cash, firearms, and sensitive documents can be locked away in a fireproof case. Safes come in all sizes and range in price from under $100 to thousands of dollars. Find a safe that fits your budget and needs, and talk to your landlord about bolting it to a floor or wall, so a burglar can’t pick it up and take it. While a safe can’t guarantee the absolute protection of your property, it can be effective at hiding items from thieves who are just looking to grab valuables in plain sight and escape quickly.

As a densely populated metropolitan environment, New York City features a variety of high-rise buildings, condos, brownstones, townhouses, and multi-resident homes. It’s important to seek a qualified, locally trusted security provider to assist in changing  the locks and establishing a solid foundation of home protection specific to the unique security challenges of  your building or community. Paragon Security has been proudly serving customers all across New York City including in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island for over 25 years. Don’t miss out on the experience of new locks and keys with the Paragon Security move-in special. Call today for more details 212.203.0821.

Nowadays, security is everybody’s concern. Our families, coworkers, and clients count on us to provide a secure environment to go about the daily routine of our busy lives. One of the most important components, yet often overlooked features in our day to day security are doors. Opening, closing, locking, unlocking, answering, buzzing and knocking are just a few of the interactions we have each day with doors. This familiarity with the doors in our lives can fade their importance into the background, taking them for granted. Show your door some love and reinforce its security with these easy solutions:

Know Your Door

Does your door show it’s age? Doors exposed to wind, rain and extreme temperatures can become warped over time. This can create major security problems, especially if the door does not open and close properly. What condition is your door hardware in? Good quality metal door hardware offer fine design and superior strength for further security applications. Be certain that your door seals, hinges, knobs and handles are of the highest production level. Having a good door in place is key to providing adequate safety. If time has compromised your door’s ability to function properly, it may be time to replace.

Aluminum doors are the strongest doors on the market today. Both storm and screen doors are available with aluminum construction. They are six times stronger than steel doors and impervious to rust for a maintenance free lifetime. For contractors and developers, or for home or business owners considering a new high-quality door, consider aluminum.

Double It Up

For added protection, consider installing a security door. They provide safety with elegance for the exterior of your home or business. A security door is a second, sturdy metal storm/hurricane-type door with its own deadbolt and reinforcement. Security doors allow you to open the regular door for fresh air or to talk to someone, but still have a locked, secure door between you and the outside. It also provides a very difficult barrier for unwanted guests or potential intruders.

Let The Light In

There is no need to sacrifice sunlight and beautiful views for a secure home or business. Glass doors provide safety features just as doors made from other materials. Residential glass security doors are best made with shatter resistant laminated safety glass in a steel or aluminum frame. For commercial doors, bullet resistant glass made from acrylic polycarbonate and glass-clad polycarbonate are available.

Can It Stand The Heat?

The importance of fire alarms and sprinklers is well known. But how resistant to fire is your door? There are a full range of external and internal fire resistant and fireproof doors available. These doors are tested and authorized by the Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc. (U.L.), In addition to fire door installation, doors can be reinforced with the installation of release mechanisms which will allow doors to shut automatically at the sound of the fire alarm. Typically left open, in a fire scenario, this will ensure that fireproof doors automatically shut, and prevent the expansion of fire throughout the premises.

Lock It Up

Great locks make great neighbors! Doors & All entrances, including service doors and gates, should have high security locks. A lock’s security level is determined by its ability to withstand tampering, which reduces break-in attempts. Characteristics found in high-security locks are heavy mechanisms, and keyway resistance to tools or improper keys. These heavy-duty locks are usually equipped with auto locking mechanisms with magnetic locking solutions.

High-security locks contain a patented key control system, which means that the keys can only be duplicated by an authorized dealer. Paragon Security is authorized to match and confirm keys in case you need copies. Choose from a variety of high-security locks, such as deadbolts, cylinders, or padlocks.

Always Know Who Is At The Door

Knowing who is at your door is no luxury. For New Yorkers it’s a NECESSITY! Even when you’re not at home, Digital Door Viewers keep you protected and in control. Video intercoms work with a mounted or fixed door hole camera and an LCD display for viewing. There are models built for either indoor or outdoor use. Select a video intercom for another means of identifying your visitor – for extra added security. Video surveillance camera systems utilize closed-circuit television (CCTV) or IP technology. Strategically placed video cameras transmit signals to centralized monitors for viewing. Be sure to choose a CCTV system that meet the security requirements of New York City commercial and residential buildings.

Raise The Bar

For extra protection while home or at night you can use security bars that either wedge against the door usually under the handle or a jammer that slides into place preventing the door from opening. On sliding doors it’s always recommended to place a bar behind the slider or/and install pin locks to prevent the door from opening.

With a wide range of commercial and residential doors from steel security doors to metal calamine fire proof doors, solid wooden doors of all species, iron doors, aluminum doors and store front installation, there is a door available to meet every safety and security need. Choosing the right door requires expert advice. Do not hesitate to reach out to a security specialist for complimentary advice on making the right choice.

For Additional Information On Doors:
Commercial and Residential Doors
Door Manufacturers

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Life is unpredictable. You need to expect the unexpected. The same holds true with having a locksmith on speed dial in your back pocket. You never know when you’ll find yourself stuck, locked out in the cold. With Paragon Security NY as your emergency locksmith, you’ll have help available with a 24/7 locksmith.

Think about that time when you came home late from a party and you lost your house key. It was twenty degrees out and you were freezing! You couldn’t ask your neighbors for help and didn’t have a store or any place nearby you could go to look up an emergency locksmith. You ended up sleeping in your car.

Things happen. You could lock your keys in your car at any time of day, and there’s no guarantee that it will be during business hours. That’s where a 24/7 locksmith can save the day. If you ever have the misfortune of a break-in, you want to make your home secure so you can attempt to go to sleep at night. Paragon Security NY always has an expert locksmith on call, ready to go to work for you, day or night. You can trust Paragon.

The decision on whether to have your locksmith install a mortise, deadbolt or key-less lock is an individual one. It is important to know the benefits of each type of lock to determine which makes the most sense for your particular situation. There are advantages to each type of lock, and a NYC locksmith can help you determine which choice makes sense for your building.

A mortise lock requires more work on installation than other locks. This lock includes a pocket that is cut into the door where the lock is fitted. They are generally found in older buildings, although they are becoming more popular in upscale new constructions.

A deadbolt lock adds an extra layer of security to doors. The door cannot be unlocked without rotating the lock in the cylinder. This makes it more secure than a traditional spring bolt lock, and deadbolts are often added as a second lock on doors with a spring bolt lock.

The fact that key-less locks don’t require a key is only one of the reasons they are so convenient. Rentals and businesses with key-less locks can have the code changed quickly and easily at any time, which is much more straightforward, and less confrontational, than collecting keys from individuals who no longer need access to the building. Key-less locks are available with deadbolt and mortise fittings.

Regardless of your home security needs, Paragon Security NY can meet them all. Their 24 hour locksmiths are available to change and upgrade your door locks and security systems at any time. Give them a call to discuss your needs, and they will be happy to provide you with  top-notch professional security services at any time.

In this day in age, homeowners cannot be too careful when it comes to home security and keeping their family safe. Installing a key-less entry deadbolt is just one of the many ways you can help ensure your home and all who reside in it our kept safe.

There are many reasons why you should consider a key-less entry deadbolt for your home. These reasons include:

• Security – Using a key less deadbolt makes your home harder for burglars to break into, which in turn keeps your family safer than if you had a normal deadbolt installed.
• Convenience – With a key less deadbolt, you avoid the hassle of losing your keys and don’t have to worry about being locked outside with no one back in.
• Safety – Since keyless doors don’t require a key to enter the home you don’t have to worry about them getting stolen.
• Multiple Users – Normal deadbolts require multiple keys for every person living in the home. With a key less deadbolt, anyone with the code or fingerprint added to the system can enter the home freely.
• Now that you know some of the benefits that key less deadbolts offer, you can decide if they are the right option for you, your family and your home.

For more information about how you can keep your family safe, contact Paragon Security NY. Paragon Security NY has been providing high quality and affordable home security products, installation and repairs in New York since 1988.

You don’t need to install a new door, or even a doorknob if you want a better lock for you home. All it really takes is a good lock cylinder, and a locksmith can help you out.

The quality of your lock is, for the most part, dictated by the cylinder within. Modern locks have long been built with cylinders installed within the system. As a result, a locksmith can get into the lock, remove the cylinder and replace it with a high-quality solution relatively easily. This allows you to upgrade your lock without necessarily having to make a major investment.

While you can make a basic lock upgrade with just a bit of help from a locksmith, you may also want to look into more expansive options for lock services. One key consideration is a combination of dead bolts and similar secondary locks that reinforces the system and makes it less dependent on a standard locking device.

Reinforcing the door is another option. Even the strongest locks may not help you if the frame around the door is relatively weak. Reinforcing the door can provide a vital layer of protection that, when combined with an upgraded cylinder and new dead bolt, could provide a vital layer of protection.

Fraudulent locksmiths are a major threat to your home's security and your bank account. They are especially problematic in large urban areas, like New York City, where a disreputable businesses can hide in the anonymity of a dense population. There are a few ways to spot a locksmith you shouldn't trust.

One of the first things to do is look at the pricing model. Don't trust a locksmith that can't tell you, clearly and simply, how much a project will cost. Hiding fees is a favorite pastime for fraudulent locksmiths, and you can often pick out a service provider to avoid based on a poor cost setup or unclear estimate.

Reading reviews from multiple sites.  You can't trust the internet, not when it comes to choosing a company that will help you protect your house. Any company can pay just about anybody to make them sound good on a review site. However, few companies can manufacture a good enough web presence across multiple review sites and specialty reference pages. If you want to find a locksmith you can trust, check a diverse range of web locations and look for variety, not just an organization that has five or six five-star reviews and little else.

Finding a locksmith you can trust is imperative to protecting your home, and some good research can go a long way toward getting you there.