A. Burgess Locksmith, INC.

10/23/2026

Have questions about car keys, home locks or door hardware for your business?

We’ve updated our website with more information about what we do—from rekeying and lock repair to automotive diagnostics and module programming. You can also meet our team, find shop hours and directions, and send us a service request.

Take a look:
https://aburgesslocksmith.com

A. Burgess Locksmith
604 W Hwy 50, O’Fallon
Monday–Friday, 8–5
618-975-7453

Call now to connect with business.

10/22/2026

# # 🥶 A Little Fall Preparation Can Prevent a BIG Winter Repair Bill!

As temperatures begin dropping here in the Midwest, here's a simple homeowner reminder that could save you thousands of dollars in water damage.

**🚰 DON'T FORGET YOUR OUTDOOR FAUCETS!**

Many homeowners don't realize that leaving a garden hose connected to an outdoor faucet during freezing temperatures can cause serious damage, even if the home has *frost-free* faucets.

**Here's why:**

When a garden hose remains attached, water can become trapped inside the faucet assembly. As temperatures fall below freezing, that trapped water expands and can actually split the plumbing inside your exterior wall.

The scary part? You might not even know there's a problem until the next time you turn on that faucet. Water can begin leaking inside the wall, basement, or crawl space, potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage.

# # # 🏠 A Few Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before Winter:

✅ **Disconnect all garden hoses.** Don't just turn off the faucet. Remove the hose completely so the faucet can drain properly.

✅ **Drain outdoor faucets when applicable.** If your home has interior shutoff valves for outdoor faucets, shut them off and drain the lines according to the plumbing system's design.

✅ **Check exposed plumbing.** Pipes in unheated garages, crawl spaces, and other cold areas may need additional protection.

✅ **Locate your main water shutoff valve.** Every homeowner should know where it is and how to operate it. In a plumbing emergency, knowing how to quickly shut off the water can make an enormous difference.

✅ **Inspect your outdoor faucets.** Look for dripping, loose connections, or signs of previous freeze damage.

# # # 💡 DID YOU KNOW?

A frost-free outdoor faucet isn't necessarily freeze-proof!

These faucets are designed to shut off the water farther inside the home, away from freezing outdoor temperatures. But when a hose or attachment prevents the faucet from draining, water can remain trapped and freeze anyway.

**And here's one more tip:** If you discover a frozen pipe, never use an open flame or torch to thaw it. Use safe warming methods or contact a licensed plumber.

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🍂 **Homeownership comes with plenty of expenses. Preventable repairs shouldn't have to be one of them!**

Take 10 minutes this weekend to walk around your home and prepare your outdoor plumbing for winter.

Sometimes the smallest maintenance tasks prevent the biggest headaches.

**Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy your weekend!**

*A friendly seasonal homeowner reminder from A. Burgess Locksmith.*

10/16/2026

10/16/2026

🚪 A LOCK SHOULD KEEP INTRUDERS OUT—WITHOUT TRAPPING PEOPLE INSIDE.

Life safety codes help ensure people can get out during a fire or other emergency. Your door hardware plays an important part.

🔑 THE PROBLEM WITH DOUBLE-CYLINDER DEADBOLTS

These locks require a key on BOTH sides of the door. If the door is locked, anyone trying to leave must find a key first.

Now imagine doing that with smoke filling the room, the lights out, or people rushing toward the exit.

Exit doors generally must open from the inside without a key or special knowledge. Although limited code exceptions exist, a double-cylinder deadbolt can create a serious escape hazard when locked while people are inside.

🖐️ WHY PUSH BARS ARE REQUIRED ON CERTAIN DOORS

Panic hardware lets someone release the latch by pushing the bar. There’s no key to find or k**b to turn, helping people exit quickly under stress.

It’s required on certain doors based on the building’s use, occupant load, and applicable codes—commonly in assembly spaces, schools, and some hazardous areas.

⚠️ DON’T DEFEAT YOUR EXIT HARDWARE

Adding a chain, padlock, or extra deadbolt can stop a push bar from doing its job. An exit sign above the door doesn’t help if people can’t open it.

Security and safe escape need to work together.

A. Burgess Locksmith can help evaluate your door hardware and recommend options that support both.

Requirements vary by occupancy, adopted codes, and local amendments. Your local fire marshal or building official determines what is required for your property.

10/14/2026

🏘️ LANDLORDS: SIMPLIFY YOUR LOCKS AND YOUR NEXT TENANT TURNOVER.

A practical setup for rental properties is a non-locking passage k**b paired with an interchangeable-core (I/C) deadbolt.

Why skip the locking k**b? A passage k**b can’t accidentally be locked before someone pulls the door shut. The deadbolt handles the security, with fewer locks and keys to manage.

🔑 ONE MASTER KEY FOR YOUR PROPERTIES
A properly designed master key system lets each tenant’s key operate their assigned locks, while the landlord’s master key operates all locks included in the system. No more sorting through a large ring of keys!

🛡️ CONTROL WHO CAN MAKE COPIES
Pair the system with a restricted or patent-protected keyway to help prevent unauthorized duplication. Interchangeable cores alone don’t control copies—the key system you choose matters.

🔄 NEW TENANT? SWAP THE CORE IN MINUTES.
With a separate control key and a prepared replacement core, you can change the deadbolt’s keying without taking the lock apart or replacing the entire deadbolt. Issue the new tenant keys, and the previous tenant’s keys no longer work. Properly prepared cores can keep your existing landlord master key working, too.

Less hassle at turnover. Better key control. Simpler property management.

Contact A. Burgess Locksmith to discuss a system for your rental properties.

10/13/2026

🔐 **YOUR KEYS ARE INSIDE. BUT IS THEIR SIGNAL?**

Does your car unlock and start while your key stays in your pocket? On susceptible vehicles, thieves can use a **relay attack** to make the car think your key is nearby—even while it’s inside your home.

**A Faraday bag adds a simple layer of protection.** Its shielding blocks communication with your key fob when properly enclosed.

🚗 **Make it part of your routine:**

• Put your keys in the pouch when you get home—and protect your spare, too.
• Use the shielded compartment and close it completely.
• Keep your keys away from exterior doors and windows.
• Test your pouch periodically to make sure it still works.

**Here’s a quick check:** Put your fob in the pouch, close it, and try your car’s keyless door handle. Keep other fobs and any active phone key away during the test. If the car still unlocks, don’t rely on that pouch.

🛍️ **We stock Lucky Line signal-blocking pouches at A. Burgess Locksmith.** Stop by and add this simple habit to your vehicle security routine!

**Disclaimer:** Signal-blocking pouches help protect against relay attacks; they do not prevent every method of vehicle theft or guarantee protection. Effectiveness depends on the pouch’s condition, proper closure, and your vehicle’s technology. The police guidance below addresses Faraday pouches generally and does not endorse the specific product we stock.

🇺🇸 **Read about Philadelphia Police’s recommendations:**
https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/philadelphia-police-spread-awareness-of-high-tech-auto-theft

10/12/2026

🔐 HOW LONG ARE THE SCREWS IN YOUR STRIKE PLATE?

Your deadbolt may be strong, but what’s holding the strike plate to the door frame?

Many residential strike plates are installed with short screws that only reach into the door jamb. On a wood-framed exterior doorway, properly installed longer screws can reach the framing behind the jamb and help strengthen that connection.

Around 3 inches is common—but the correct length depends on your door and frame. A reinforced strike plate can further improve security. Avoid overtightening screws, which can pull the jamb out of alignment.

A small detail can make a big difference in how well your door resists forced entry.

A. Burgess Locksmith — Helping you secure more than just the lock.

09/29/2026

New Ford vehicles, we got you covered. Manufacturer scan tools, manufacturer access. Don’t trust just anyone with your vehicle, trust your local pros who live and work in your neighborhood! 😎🇺🇸

09/23/2026

Kinda miss the old original service van!

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 WITHOUT YOU, THERE WOULD BE NO US!

Labor Day is a day to recognize the hardworking men and women who keep our country moving.

From tradesmen and nurses to grocery workers, truck drivers, and everyone in between—your work matters. You build our communities, care for our families, and make everyday life possible.

As business owners, we know that success doesn’t happen without the people who show up, work hard, and take pride in what they do.

Today, we celebrate you. Thank you for everything you do.

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸