Hurricane season is here, and coastal weather tests more than your roof and windows. High winds, wind-driven rain, and power outages expose weak locks, soft door frames, and flimsy latches. The result can be jammed deadbolts when you need to evacuate, doors that blow open under pressure, and easy opportunities for break-ins after a storm. Use this practical, Florida-focused guide to harden every entry point before the next system spins up. If anything on this list sticks, rattles, or looks corroded, call Lockey Locksmith LLC at 386-449-9023 for fast mobile service across Palm Beach and Flagler counties.
Why hurricanes punish locks and doors
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Moisture and salt accelerate corrosion inside cylinders and on latch parts, causing keys to bind.
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Pressure waves flex doors against frames, exposing short screws and thin strike plates.
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Power loss defeats electronic openers and some access systems, so mechanical backups must be ready.
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After-storm access by contractors or volunteers increases key circulation unless you plan ahead.
Reinforce your front and back doors
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Install a Grade 1 deadbolt with a one-inch throw. Builder-grade locks often have short bolts and soft metal.
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Upgrade strike plates. Use a heavy strike with four screws at least three inches long, driven into wall studs. This spreads impact across solid wood, not just the trim.
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Secure the hinges. Use long screws on the hinge side and consider non-removable hinge pins so doors cannot be lifted during high winds or attempted entry.
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Add a door brace. A floor-anchored brace on your main entry dramatically increases resistance if wind pressure mounts or someone attempts a kick-in during chaos.
Tip: If your door drags or the deadbolt needs a hard shoulder push to seat, fix alignment now. A misaligned door will not hold under storm load.
Make sliding glass doors a strength, not a weakness
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Track bar: Fit a solid metal bar or cut hardwood dowel for the bottom track. Allow only a quarter-inch of play.
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Anti-lift device: Install a top-rail pin so the panel cannot be lifted out of the track.
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Secondary lock: Add a keyed or thumb-turn auxiliary lock midway up the stile to create a second latch point.
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Impact film or glass: Impact-rated glazing helps for debris, but you still need solid latching to resist forced entry.
Garage and service doors
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Man door to garage: Treat it like an exterior door. Use a Grade 1 deadbolt and long screws into studs.
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Door from garage to house: Confirm the bolt throws fully and the strike is reinforced.
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Overhead door: Use a locking slide latch on the track. During evacuations, engage vacation mode or disconnect power so remotes lost in the storm cannot open the door.
Windows, gates, and outbuildings
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Windows: Replace broken latches, add pin locks on ground floor units, and verify egress windows still open easily for evacuation.
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Fence gates: Lock with weather-resistant stainless or solid-brass padlocks and through-bolted hasps.
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Sheds: Use hidden-shackle puck locks and large backing plates so fasteners cannot rip out under force.
Coastal hardware that lasts
Choose materials that resist salt and humidity:
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Stainless steel or solid brass for cylinders, screws, and padlocks.
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PVD or powder-coated finishes on exterior hardware to add a corrosion barrier.
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Sealed keyways and rubber dust caps on locks exposed to rain.
If you want all exterior doors, gates, and sheds on one key for evacuation simplicity, ask for a keyed-alike setup. A licensed tech can pin cylinders so one key controls your whole property.
Maintenance that actually prevents failures
Monthly, June through November
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Wipe exterior hardware with fresh water, then dry.
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Turn every lock and check that bolts throw fully.
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Tighten loose hinge and strike screws.
Every 3 months
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Lubricate cylinders with a short burst of PTFE or silicone spray. Avoid petroleum oils that attract grit.
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Inspect weatherstripping so wind-driven rain does not soak your keyways.
Before the first major storm
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Re-lube all locks, test door braces, and confirm every family member can operate each lock and bar quickly.
For help choosing the right residential hardware or scheduling a pre-season tune-up, browse the residential locksmith services page.
Your 60-30-7-1 hurricane timeline
60 days out
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Audit every exterior door and window. List rekey vs replace items.
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Standardize finishes and keyways so future repairs are simple.
30 days out
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Install upgraded strikes, long screws, and any secondary locks for sliders and gates.
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Order marine-grade padlocks for sheds and fence gates.
7 days out
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Lubricate all cylinders.
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Stage door braces, track bars, and spare padlocks near each entry.
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Set up a key plan: primary keys on one ring, backups sealed in a zip pouch inside your go-bag.
24 hours out
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Engage track bars and door braces.
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Disconnect garage remotes if you are evacuating.
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Photograph your lock hardware for insurance documentation.
After the storm: secure and reset
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Flush and dry all exterior locks to remove grit, then re-lubricate.
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Inspect for damage: look for pry marks, bent latch bolts, and cracked jambs.
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Rekey as needed if keys were lost, loaned to volunteers, or contractors now have access.
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Replace any lock that shows deep pitting, grinding, or partial bolt throw.
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Update your key list and store a copy with your homeowner records.
If you return to a lockout or find a door that will not latch due to swelling or frame shift, the emergency locksmith team can get you inside and stabilize the hardware the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rekey or replace before hurricane season?
Rekey if the hardware is in good shape and you want to reset who has access. Replace if locks are corroded, mismatched, or the bolt does not seat cleanly. Many homes benefit from a mix of both.
How many keys should I prepare?
One ring for daily use, one sealed spare in your go-bag, and one spare with a trusted neighbor or family member. Do not hide keys outdoors.
Do I need smart features to be safe?
Not required. Strong mechanical locks, solid strikes, long screws, and a door brace deliver the biggest gains for storm resistance and post-storm security.
Quick checklist
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Grade 1 deadbolts on all exterior doors
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Heavy strike plates with three-inch screws into studs
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Door braces for main entries
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Track bars and anti-lift pins for sliders
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Weather-resistant padlocks on sheds and gates
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PTFE lube applied and hardware tightened
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Evacuation key plan with labeled spares
For broader coverage details or to learn more about the company, many locals begin at the home page when searching for a Palm Coast locksmith.
