Two Keyless Solutions for Letting Latchkey Kids into the House
Recent reports indicate the number of kids who spend time alone at home without parental supervision has dropped significantly since the 1990s when it was common to be latchkey kid. Still, with many parents working long hours or multiple jobs, there are many times when they can't be home to let their kids into the house after school. If you don't want to give your child a key to the house because you're concerned he or she may lose it, here are two keyless options that may serve your needs.
Smart Locks
You can do just about anything with an app these days, and using one to open your front door is no exception. Rather than a physical key, smart locks use an encrypted wireless or radio signal to engage or disengage the lock. This lets you control access to your home remotely, and that is an ideal solution for ensuring your kids can get inside when you're not there to let them in.
Smart locks have other benefits too. Typically, the app can be installed on multiple phones, so you don't have to worry about your kids losing a physical key. They can just open the door by deactivating the lock using the program. If they lose their phones, you can immediately invalidate the code to prevent others from using it to gain access. Some locks will let you program temporary keys for friends or family members who may be visiting, and almost all can be patched into your home's security system so you can see who is at the door before you open it.
Passcode Locks
The hardware for smart locks can cost quite a bit of money, and there is the ever-present risk of someone hacking the system. Therefore, a less expensive alternative is to install passcode locks.
These locks can be operated using a physical key or pin number, so all your child needs to do to get into the house is enter his or her passcode. These locks typically have storage space for multiple codes, letting each family member have their own pin and allowing you to make temporary passcodes for visitors. If your child forgets his or her pin or the number is accidentally shared with others, you can simply clear it out and create a new one.
For more information about these products or help with selecting the best keyless solution for your family, contact a locksmith in your area such as Arapahoe County Security Center Inc.