Knowledge is the basis on which the best home security decisions are made. You shouldn’t just make a blind decision. Instead, focus on what is going to provide the safety and security that you want for you and your family.

Have your home always look occupied. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. In this way, it will always seem that someone is in your home. This is a simple way to improve your home’s safety and make it less attractive to criminals.

Any time you buy a new home, have the locks changed. It’s important to know everyone who has a key to your home. Have a locksmith install a brand new lock. Do the same thing if you misplace your keys.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. It’s important to know everyone who has a key to your home. Changing the locks will give you peace of mind that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Extra Key

Do you have an outdoor dog? You might consider leaving your spare key with your dog. Put it on your dog’s collar, making sure it is hidden. If your dog doesn’t like strangers, it’s even better.

Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.

Don’t allow a complete stranger to come in your home. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. You should only open the door to people you were expecting.

Security systems are more than just an alarm. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. This isn’t just for burglars; parents with young children can also use it as a valuable tool to know when their child has come inside.

Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. You might not even discover these problems if they aren’t easily sighted.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. This is especially important when it comes to the company employees who will be installing your system. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. You want your new system to protect you, not be the way the thief gets into your home.

When looking for a system to secure your home, do comparison shopping. Each company has different rates for their security system. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

If you’ve got skylights, don’t forget about it when it comes to home security. Though skylights bring light into your home and look nice, it is also a very common way for burglars to get into your home. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. Though it is nice to have big windows to get a great view of the outdoors, it is also easier for burglars to look into your home. Cover all street-facing windows.

The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. If you need to protect expensive items in your home, put them inside the walls. Any phone jack or electrical outlet that isn’t being used is a great place to hide valuables. You can easily install fake unused plates.

Make sure to have flashlights with fresh batteries in all rooms within your house in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are very important, as they will give you the ability to move around in the event of an emergency. Teach your children how to use the flashlights so that everyone in your household can help.

When moving into a previously owned home, change the locks. Even if the tenants turned their keys in, they may have made copies. You can also put the locks on yourself so you can be sure no one else has a key.

Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. No need to damage your walls. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. Perhaps you can use an old electricity socket as a place to hide your valuables.

Safety should be kept in mind when you are planning your landscape. The doors and windows of your home should not be obstructed by trees, fences or shrubs. If they are visible, people won’t be able to hide there while trying to break in. Utilize shrubs and trees farther away in order to add beauty to your home while keeping it safe.

Your home’s exterior needs to be well lit. Thieves prefer to work in darkness. Install some outside lights so you can see everything outside. Some examples include first story windows, garages, doorways and porches.

Lock the house, even if just going away for a short time. Many burglaries happen because the intruders can just walk right inside. Thieves can make off with large amounts of valuable merchandise very quickly.

Consider your personal needs for safety and your security risks prior to looking for security systems. Some systems aren’t necessary for some, while others may have a need for them. Some neighborhoods may do better with self-defense classes or having a dog, while others may require the best home security technology you can get. Be sure to understand the sorts of risks you face before deciding what sort of security is best for you.

If you get home and notice an open door, do not go in to see what has happened. The burglar may be on the premises. Get on the phone to the authorities immediately.

Obtain flashlights with solid batteries, and ensure they are kept in all the rooms of your home in the event of a power outage. It is extremely important that you have flashlights because they allow you to move around easier in the dark, which is especially useful in an emergency. Your kids should know how to work the flashlights so that everyone can help.

Put a surveillance system in your home. Both hidden and visible security cameras are effective in protecting your home. Visible cameras can deter many intruders and if they disable them, the hidden cameras can still capture footage. You can often view these feeds over the Internet, too.

Don’t give anyone an opportunity to see inside your garage in order to ward off robbers. Frost your windows so people cannot look inside your home. Don’t let your door hang open for lengthy periods of time.

If you are moving into a home that had a previous owner, then you should immediately change the locks. You do not want anyone to have a copy of the key. You can change the locks yourself if you’re feeling really industrious.

Inquire whether a security company offers variable contract lengths. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Your bill may be lower with a long-term contract, but you could wind up paying for a service you’re not using if you decide to move. Short contracts leave you with freedom, but also a larger bill.

Having read the article above, you should now have a better idea about home security. There is no need to venture into home security matters blindly. It is important that the safety of your home and your family is your priority. Keep these tips in your mind as you think about home security.

Before allowing anyone into your home, check their references carefully. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.