Shaun Parker investigates the various needs and requirements of people living life with a disability or loss of mobility due to illness, injury or old age. If you need disabled access then visit http://www.axess2.co.uk/
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Having access to buildings and public areas is vitally important for people with disabilities. Not being able to use the bathroom or enter a particular building can be one of the most frustrating aspects of being disabled. It is often very simple to make somewhere accessible for a disabled person and making the small steps toward making it possible is extremely important. Legislation is in place that makes providing disabled access in all public buildings and workplaces essential and increasingly the new build properties are built with disabled access.
It is very rare that a house comes prepared for disabled use. Most housing does not come with disabled access as standard so most people that are disabled have to go about making improvements to their homes on their own. As a result much of the work that is done to the home is bespoke and specific to the needs of the individual concerned. There are some initiatives in place that are designed to encourage developers to include basic disabled access features in new buildings. Things like zero-step entries and wide doors for wheelchair access make houses accessible for the majority of people and as a result more people can travel freely into people’s homes.
Great Britain is one of the best countries in the world for providing disabled access in the home. This is partly to do with legislation that has been passed by parliament. In 1999 a law was passed that detailed seven requirements for multifamily buildings which have more than four units. These seven requirements are:
1) There must be an accessible building entrance on an accessible route
2) The common and public use areas must be accessible to all
3) Wheelchair users must be able to use the doors
4) There must be a complete access route into and through the dwelling
5) Controls must be accessible. This includes thermostats, light switches, electrical outlets and environmental controls
6) Walls in the bathrooms must be reinforced so that they can cater for grab bars to be installed at a later date
7) The bathrooms and kitchens must be useable
The UK has a fairly advanced attitude to creating housing that is accessible for people with disabilities. Sadly the United States has not got such a stringent attitude to the problem. This is because the houses that Americans typically live in are not covered by the law. Most Americans live in single family homes that are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Fair Housing Act. The only houses covered and required to provide access are the government built housing areas which only accounts for a very small percentage of the total number of houses in the United States of America. This means that even new houses do not cater for disabled people and have very real accessibility issues. This means that even new houses face the problems that occur in old houses. It seems like this is in some way not making the most of the opportunity to make things accessible as standard.
Windows is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home security. For glass can be broken, it is harder to secure windows than doors. One of the most common areas for breaking in the home is through the windows. So you need to make sure they are secure. Thus window locks are popular options for people to make their houses secure. Choose appropriate locks is very important for home security.
The most common types of window locks are: sliding locks, window latches, padlocks, hook locks, keyed locks.
Install window locks that can be secured with a key. Talk to a representative at your local hardware store to find which lock works best with your type of window. You can buy a matched set of locks so you only need one key to operate all the window locks in your house.
Downstairs windows, being the most vulnerable, should definitely have solid window locks that remain locked all the time (barring sunny days when you’re at home and want some fresh air, of course). You should lock upstairs windows as well, though, when you are leaving the home.
Most windows have a sash lock, which locks the sash from moving up and down. You simply turn the lever, and it’s locked. The only problem with that is that an intruder can break a windowpane, reach in, unlock it, and they’re in the house. Also, small children can easily get these open, which is a safety concern.
Sliding windows should be secured with a pin and jam in the slide track to prevent the window from being slid open from the outside. You’ll still want to use a lock for added security.
The size and weight of the window you are securing will be a big factor is determining the size and strength of the window locks you use. For example, sash and casement windows will require a particular type of window lock because of the way they open. And keyed locks for windows are more discreet on a large picture window, for example, but are less convenient to operate because you must find the key every time you want to open the window.
Another consideration is the theft deterrent factor. While a large, visible lock may not be the look you’re going for, it also doesn?t look appealing to a burglar. If a thief approaches a window with a visible security measure in place, they are less likely to try to get in. Speed is of the essence for burglars so anything that slows them down gives you a higher level of security. They also won’t want the attention that would come from breaking a window. For extra security, window locks are available that prevent the window from being opened even if the glass is broken.
If you want to feel more secure, you should install a window alarm for your home and it will sounds you when the window is opened. For more information about home security products, please visit: http://www.security2020.com
Ava is a part-time writer, researcher and web developer for home security matters. Visit www.security2020.com to learn more about this subject (Home Security).
Historically, locksmiths actually made the entire lock, working for hours hand cutting screws and doing much file-work. Today, the rise of cheap mass production means that this is no longer true, and, though a few expert locksmiths are also engineers and capable of sophisticated repairs and renovation work, the vast majority of locks are repaired by swapping of parts or like-for-like replacement, or upgraded to modern mass-production items. Until more recently, safes and strongboxes were the exception to this, and to this day large vaults are custom designed and built at great cost, as the cost of this is lower than the very limited scope for mass production would allow, and the risk of a copy being obtained and defeated as practice is removed. Although fitting of keys to replace lost keys to automobiles and homes and the changing of keys for homes and businesses to maintain security are still an important part of locksmithing, locksmiths today are primarily involved in the installation of higher quality lock-sets and the design, implementation and management of keying and key control systems. Most locksmiths also do electronic lock servicing, such as making keys for transponder-equipped vehicles and the implementation and application of access control systems protecting individuals and assets for many large institutions. In terms of physical security, a locksmith’s work frequently involves making a determination of the level of risk to an individual or institution and then recommending and implementing appropriate combinations of equipment and policies to create “security layers” which exceed the reasonable gain to an intruder or attacker. The more different security layers are implemented, the more the requirement for additional skills and knowledge and tools to defeat them all. But because each layer comes at an expense to the customer, the application of appropriate levels without exceeding reasonable costs to the customer is often very important and requires a skilled and knowledgeable locksmith to determine.
HOW TO KNOW???
In the general case, a lock will not keep out an absolutely determined intruder with unlimited resources, skills, knowledge and time. However, even a minimal lock can delay a typical intruder for a time, and the disturbance generated in circumventing a high-quality lock, for example by breaking windows or doors, can deter many attackers, causing them to direct their attacks against weaker targets.
When combined with secure containers, or document destruction systems, or electronic access or alarm systems, locks can provide much higher levels of security. Some locksmiths possess these skills, and others form business relationships with companies or individuals with these specialties.
AMPM Locksmiths goal is to provide you with quick efficient services with not only competitive prices but most importantly provide exceptional customer service. AMPM Locksmith technicians are not only knowledgeable within all residential services, but are all licensed, insured and bonded. All these services are available to you 365 days a year 24 hours a day.
Dec/09
14
Real Estate Values Worried About Falling Prices Get Lock in Value Equity!
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Lock
You may not be familiar with the term lock in value equity but it is the perfect solution for home owners who are worried that real estate values will fall. Here we will look at home these contracts work and how they can protect the value of your home.
Lock in value equity is not a new concept; it has been available to high net worth individuals and corporation for years – but is only now being made available to smaller investors and individual retail home owners.
How does it Work?
Lock in value equity does exactly what the name implies ? it locks in the value of a home at a set level when the contract is signed.
The level that the equity is locked in at is the price that the homeowner is guaranteed to receive as a minimum – even if the market value of his house declines during the life of the option and is less.
The grantor of the lock in value equity contract gives the homeowner the right to sell their property to the company and the company is bound to buy the property off them for this amount.
The homeowner is therefore protected from falling prices in real estate beyond the lock in value. Of course real estate prices may rise as well however the homeowner doesn?t lose out ? Why?
Because he has the right to sell at the lock in value but is not obligated to do so and if prices rise (should he choose to sell) he can sell to another buyer at the prevailing market value.
These contracts above all give peace of mind:
They protect against real estate value falls but don?t restrict any upside.
There available for a small fee and can protect for up to 10 years. With the real estate market falling and with the possibility values could fall further, these options are more popular than ever.
So if you are worried about the future direction of real estate prices, you may want to consider lock in value equity contracts as a means of protecting yourself and the value of one of your biggest assets – your home.
OR MORE ON PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY VALUE
For More FREE info on lock in value equity and fill details of our service visit our website at: http://www.live-grip.com
Dec/09
12
All You Need To Know About Locksmith North Hollywood
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Transponder
It goes without saying that safety and security issues are very important issues in our life. We never think of making any kind of compromise with them. So we take all the requisite measure to be on the safe side and one such measure without which all the security and safety measures turn out to be of no use is none but the lock system. Whether it is the home, office, schools, restaurants, car and the like, what people actually depend on is the lock system. This is one of the reasons why people feel the requirement of the locksmith service in their life. If you to feel the need of locksmith service in your life and residing in North Hollywood, you need not go anywhere but Locksmith North Hollywood.
You must be aware of fact that when you are not at your office or home, it is the lock system which protects your assets both at home and office. So, if the lock system used at your home or office is better, all the valuable and belongings of yours would be fully safe and secured. So, for the better security of your valuables and belongings, you had better leave security and safety concern up to the Locksmith North Hollywood. Locksmith North Hollywood has been in the filed of locksmith services for many years. And owing to their long experience under their belt, the technicians of the Locksmith North Hollywood can serve you with high quality locksmith service and products in a better way.
Fingerprint door locks are just another example of how our society has evolved into the technological era so quickly. These kinds of locks are great for protecting your office, building, or even your home. But before purchasing any, you probably have similar questions as many others do.
1. Are they affordable?
Because of how technological these locks are, a common question is how expensive they are. A few years ago you would only find fingerprint door locks at CEO?s homes and celebrity homes because of the outrageous prices. That has completely changed now though. Any home can find an affordable lock and have it installed for a reasonable price.
2. How do you open the door?
Every fingerprint door lock is different, but a majority of them have three ways you can go about opening the door: mechanical key override, keypad-code, and fingerprint reader. The fingerprint reader is the most common one for households because of the many uses it will receive. The keypad is best for houses and offices that will have a one time entrance from visitors. And lastly, the mechanical key override is for in case of an emergency or dead battery.
3. How reliable are they?
A few years ago, they were just getting tested out and were truly not that reliable for the amount people were paying for them. However, a lot has been learned over the past few years and now they are extremely reliable. You would be surprised at how they never jam up, almost always open on the first finger scan, and the battery generally lasts an entire year.
4. How secure are they?
Fingerprint door locks give you added security when compared to the typical padlock or deadbolt. With these locks, there is a specialized key override as oppose to a key slot. This makes it impossible to pick the lock, which eliminates burglars from entering your home through the doors.
5. How many fingerprints can the lock hold?
This is often a concern among households who want their kids to be able to get in. And amazingly, a fingerprint door lock can hold at least 75 fingerprints. The installation is quick and easy, and generally requires admin fingerprints to be entered in first. Only the admin fingerprints can add or delete fingerprints in the future.
Getting fingerprint door locks for your home, office, or building is a good idea. It can increase the safety of your home and free you of losing your keys all the time. And with technology continuing to advance, they have become affordable and extremely reliable.
Ron McBride writes about all home security.
For more articles and resources on Home Security related topics, Home Security Equipment and Security Systems visit his site at: http://www.homesecuritystore.com
Dec/09
10
About How Much Does It Cost To Have A Locksmith Drill Through Your Lock To Get Into Your Apt?
2 Comments | Posted by admin in Locksmith
Left my keys inside my apartment and had no choice but call a locksmith. Too many pins so he could not pick it so he had to use a drill. I want to see how much I was overcharged. I’m in the N.East US. Thx.
I’m locked inside my apartment (I’ve unocked the door but the knob still won’ turn) and the only thing I can think to do is call an emergency locksmith. But does anyone know about how much this can cost?
A True Story About A Very Good Lock
I was headed out for some country photography and stopped by my friends farm to see if he wanted to go along. As I pulled into the yard, I saw him working on his shed. He told me he just put a fifteen dollar lock on his shed to protect the stuff inside. I looked at the lock, yes he did buy a very nice lock. I told him that was a very strong lock, but I could get in his shed in less than thirty seconds with that lock on there. In disbelief he denied my ability to do so, ? then finally said ?okay Sergeant (in reference to my carrier), don?t just tell me, ? you?re the loss prevention expert, show me. I?m telling you to educate me. Go ahead and actually do it.?
I asked if he was sure he wouldn?t get mad if he had to fix something after the demonstration. He insisted it was okay and wanted the demonstration. I went to my truck and came back with just a standard 8 inch side cutters. He saw the tool of my choice and then started shaking his head back and forth in disbelief with a big smile on his face.
I put myself in front of the door and put the tool in place. Then with all the strength in my shoulders and arms, I squeezed. Within five or six seconds a sharp loud crack was heard through the yard. I stepped away from the door as his new lock fell to the grass. As the shed doors started to swing open I said ?well lets see, if I were a criminal I guess I?d have two riding mowers, two push mowers and some weed eater machines.?
My friends jaw was hanging down on the ground as he looked down at his lock laying in the grass. It wasn?t securing his door anymore. It laid there on the ground, still brand new, still a very good lock, ? and untouched by me or my tool of choice. That?s right, untouched.
It wasn?t the lock I defeated, it was the cheap and cheesy hasp he put it on.
I told him to jump in the truck and I?ll take him to a store where we can buy a hasp that will be a match for his new lock.
He just stood there for a few seconds and then said in sincerity ?okay, but take another look at my shed. After we replace the hasp, ? is there any other way to get in.? I looked at him saying ?I don?t have to look again, ? I know there is another way in.
Do you want me to get my cordless and show you??
He got a surprised look and said ?how can you get in with a cordless??
I pushed the doors shut and showed him this is a old wooden shed with old school barn type hinges. (he nodded as I had his full attention) I went on to show him in the old days this is all you needed, but not now days.
These hinges were held on with large Phillips screws that face the outside. He understood and asked how to stop that from happening. I told him that while we?re getting the new hasp, ? we can also replace these phillips screws with carriage bolts that can?t be unscrewed from the outside.
My friend was all for this. He yelled to his wife who was playing with the kids to watch things because we?re going to the store.
If you really value something make sure it?s secured correctly.
Dec/09
8
The Wonderful News About Local Locksmith Services in Houston
0 Comments | Posted by admin in Locksmith
Houston is a glorious city, but like other major urban area in the US, criminal activity is a serious issue. The law enforcement agencies can help in the battle against crime, but it is the residents themselves who must take the initiative to protect their homes and automobiles against property crime, because, quite frankly, no one else is going to do it for them.
People living in the Houston area can take many practical measures to protect their assets, and to that end, Houston local locksmith services are extremely useful. Locksmiths in the Houston vicinity can provide invaluable services, as well as advise local residents on the measures that can be taken in order to keep criminals at bay. Property criminals prefer easy targets. Therefore, they probably won?t bother with a property where basic measures have been taken in order to secure it. Instead, they will prefer to prey on an unprotected property.
Houston local locksmiths can fit basic as well as sophisticated security solutions. An example of an ordinary measure is installing improved locks on entries and windows. A more advanced solution is fitting access control systems and alarms, as well as cameras.
The ever-delightful Houston local locksmiths can also teach the residents of this great Texan city how to safeguard their properties and automobiles. Some local Houston locksmiths have mentioned that if they had a dollar for every time they reminded local residents to keep windows locked, and to avoid hiding keys in flower pots, they would be able to take early retirement. And even within the property, there are preferred locations for storing valuable items such as the family jewels.
The great thing about Houston local locksmith services is that they are provided by tradesmen who are available 24 hours a day. Some companies, such as Available Locksmith, are able to have a tradesman at a client?s premises in thirty minutes. Now that?s what I call incredible service! The last thing you want in the event that you are locked out of your property is to have to wait around for hours for a locksmith to show up.
Locksmith can also help customers who have locked themselves out of their vehicles or properties. And before you try and break into your own automobile, remember that your inexperience might cost you dearly at the garage. Better let a professional local locksmith open your vehicle for you.
No one wants to be affected by property crime, and people do not intentionally lock themselves out of their automobiles and homes. Nevertheless, these things happen, and that is why it?s great to know that local locksmith services can help us feel secure.
John is a writer for Compucall. For more information, please visit www.availablelocksmithinc.com.
