Fall Home Security Checklist: Get Ready for Shorter Days and Cooler Nights

As the leaves change and the days get shorter, fall is the perfect time to check in on your home’s security. Between early sunsets, busy holiday travel, and the cold weather ahead, a little preparation now can save a lot of stress later.

At Asheville Locksmith Now, we’ve put together a quick fall home security checklist to help you stay safe and secure this season.

1. Check All Exterior Door Locks

Walk through your home and test every exterior door — including back doors, basement doors, and garage entry doors.

If any locks feel loose, sticky, or require wiggling the key, it’s time to have them rekeyed or replaced.

A strong deadbolt is your first line of defense as nights get longer.

2. Light Up Entryways and Driveways

With the time change coming, it’ll be dark before dinner.

Install motion-sensor or dusk-to-dawn lighting around doors, driveways, and pathways to deter break-ins and help you get inside safely.

Bonus: it makes your home more welcoming for guests this holiday season.

3. Rekey Before the Holidays

If you’ve given out spare keys over the past year — to house sitters, cleaners, or past tenants — fall is a great time to rekey your locks for peace of mind.

Rekeying is quicker and more affordable than replacing all your locks, and it ensures only your current keys work.

Asheville Locksmith Now offers fast, affordable rekeying across Asheville and Buncombe County.

4. Check Your Car Keys and Fobs

Cold weather is tough on batteries — including the ones in your key fobs.

Test your spare keys now and make sure they still work properly.

If you only have one car key, it’s smart to have a duplicate made before winter in case of lockouts or emergencies.

5. Secure Windows and Sliding Doors

Don’t forget the easy-to-overlook entry points.

Check that all window locks latch tightly and that sliding glass doors have security bars or pins.

Even a simple dowel in the track can make a big difference.

6. Prepare for Holiday Travel

If you’ll be away visiting family this season:

• Don’t hide spare keys under mats or flowerpots — give one to a trusted neighbor instead.

• Consider a smart lock or keypad system for controlled access.

• Ask a neighbor to collect mail and packages so your home doesn’t look empty.

Need Help? We’re here when you need us

Whether you need to rekey your home, upgrade to smart locks, or replace lost car keys, Asheville Locksmith Now is just a call away.

We’re a local, mobile locksmith serving Asheville and surrounding areas with fast, honest, and professional service — no corporate call centers, no hidden fees.

Call Asheville Locksmith Now for same-day service: (828)236-1901

Open 5AM-10PM | Monday-Sunday | Serving Asheville, Erwin, Fairview, and all of Western North Carolina.

Coming Soon: Cold Weather Lockout Tips

• How to prevent frozen locks

• Car lockouts in the cold weather

• Emergency winter services

Read how to avoid locksmith scams, here