Back‑to‑School Security: Lock in Peace of Mind
Whether you’re rushing off to work or after-school activities, it’s critical to make sure your home remains a secure haven. Especially during back-to-school season when your home not only becomes quieter, but more vulnerable.
Here are reasons why upgrading your entry locks matters now more than ever, what to look for, and how to easily verify your hardware meets top-notch standards.
Why Security Should Top Your Back‑to‑School Checklist
- Unoccupied homes attract opportunists: With you and your children gone for most of the day; homes can appear deserted. This increased visibility makes well-secured entry points essential.
- Rushing routines can leave doors unsecured: Morning mayhem means packing backpacks, straggling siblings, and forgotten lunches. An overlooked unlocked door is an open invitation.
- Valuables are left vulnerable: From electronics to keys and cash, unsecured homes make for easy prey. A robust lock is your first defense.
What to Look for: BHMA-Certified® Locks
Each BHMA-certified product is rigorously tested and rated across three key categories:
- Security: Tested for resistance to force, torque, and entry attempts. Guards against break-ins when home is empty.
- Durability: Endures repeated use and wear (up to 1 million cycles) and withstands dozens of daily openings during school days.
- Finish: Resists weather, corrosion, UV and salt spray while keeping hardware looking and working like new through the school year.
Ratings use simple tiers: Good (C), Better (B), and Best (A) – so you can select based on your situation.
Bolt Up: How to Assess and Choose the Right Lock for Your Family
- Inspect and test your current lock: Look for rust, mounting issues, jammed mechanisms, or misaligned strike plates. Ensure the latch and deadbolt extend fully and latch securely.
- Measure door specs accurately: Thickness, backset (distance from edge to center), and strike plate size are crucial to guarantee a correct fit.
- Look for BHMA Certified® label and rating combination: Front entry doors should aim for at least Security A or B, Durability B, and Finish B or A, especially for exposed doors.
- Install properly and align precisely: Use tips like the lipstick trick shared in our previous blogs to line up latch and jamb holes.
Bonus Tips: Layer Up Your Defense
Here are security measures you can combine in addition to a strong lockset:
- Motion-sensor lighting near entries
- Smart doorbells or exterior cameras
- Avoid hiding spare keys, use a secure lockbox instead
- Lock all windows before heading out
- Re-key if keys are lost or shared
Back‑to‑school is a perfect time to evaluate home entry points. A BHMA Certified® lock provides proven security, resilience, and polish just when life gets busy. Inspect what you have, identify weak spots, and choose certified hardware that aligns with your daily routine and safety needs.