Protect Your Residential Keys

Were you the first person to have that set of keys in your home or apartment? If not, then who was the last person to have them? And what did that last person do with those keys when they moved? Some of the best security measures we can take are often the most obvious ones we lose sight of. Most keys can be duplicated at local hardware stores because anyone can purchase the blank – or an uncut key. Asking your locksmith to stamp “Do Not Duplicate” on the key is meaningless if the distribution of blanks is not strictly controlled by the manufacturer. Who had access to that key the “Real Estate Lock Box” before we purchased our new home?

The purpose of a Key Management Policy is to help protect the life, property, and security of your home and all its occupants. By creating a Key Management Policy, it shall serve as the framework by which all keys will be managed, issued, duplicated, stored, controlled, returned, replaced, and accounted for.  Take on the responsibility of becoming your own Key Control Authority (“KCA”).

The “KCA” comprises the person or persons, that have the ability to adopt, administer, and enforce your families Key Management Policy. This policy shall apply to all home keys including those to all garages, barns, sheds, vehicles, padlocks, lockers, safes, etc. This Policy seeks to establish a recorded chain of accountability and access for all family members. When properly enforced, your key control policy seeks to implement a proper key control process and then preserve it by restoring security in a timely manner whenever key control has been threatened or compromised.

When working with a reputable locksmith, provide them with a list of individuals who are authorized to purchase duplicate keys for your home. The locksmith should have a system of verifying identification and recording the details of every key they cut. When selecting a locksmith, ask them to show you how they ensure that only authorized individuals receive keys.

Once you have established a proper Key Control Policy, it will be unlikely that an “Outsider” will ever get the opportunity to keep a key that was given to them and avoid them from simply walking right through your front door.

Frank Santamorena discusses how to safely store your spare key.

Related Content:
Practical Ways to Prevent Home Invasion
Protect Your Valuables from Home Burglary
Home Security Begins Before Intruders Enter 

• Tweet