Process Mechanism Description -Lock the Door!

During the course of my Communication Studies, while in my Technical Writing class, I had to write a simple process that I would routinely perform as the topic for my process/mechanism description. I chose to write a process of Locking the Door of the Home. There was a two-fold purpose to the document. One was to discuss the importance of locking the door when leaving home, and again locking it when you safely arrive. The other was to show the implements used, i.e., a key or push or turn-knob lock to lock the door. Below are excerpts from that paper.

There was a time when one could leave their home and knew the contents therein would remain undisturbed. In the present time, one is not guaranteed that the contents of their home will remain in place should they leave the premises and not lock the front door. Intruders will break into homes through unlocked doors; even when the occupants are present, which is why it is important to lock the door whether leaving or staying in the home. 

There are different elements used to lock doors. The basic element to locking the door is a key. The key is a small metal bar with notches or grooves that when inserted into a lock and turned, it operates the locking mechanism within the lock to either secure or open the lock. Locks are a fastening mechanism for doors to secure the premises. 

There are other types of locking mechanisms used to lock the door. Some locks are within the door knob. One such lock features a button on the outside tip of the knob that can be pushed in to lock, and as a toggle button, can be pushed again to unlock the door. The locking mechanism used to activate the lock is a small bar that is pushed into the door from the lock to prevent the door from being opened. Other door-knob locks feature a turning mechanism on the outside tip of the knob that can be turned to lock the door. Turning the tip activates the lock. Turning the tip back to the original position will unlock the door.

Failure to lock the door when leaving can result in intruders entering the premises and stealing personal belongings. Failure to lock the door can also result in intruders entering the premises while individuals are in the home resulting in home invasion robberies.

It is important to remember to lock the door when leaving for any reason. It is not always strangers who enter and steal. Unfortunately, it can be one’s neighbors. It is also important to remember that when entering the home, and especially if there are no plans to leave, to lock the door while staying in the home, whether daytime or nighttime. This simple act will ensure that intruders can’t enter and threaten the occupant’s safety.