Do security systems confuse you? Do you feel nervous about even starting the process? You need to explore all your different options before purchasing a security system. Read this article to learn more.

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. Have electronics and lights with timers and set them to go off at various times. This will make your home appear as if someone is there. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. Parents riding herd on small children will be thankful for this feature which makes it harder for kids to sneak outside without supervision.

Do you have an outdoor dog? This is where you can put your spare key. Put the key on the dog’s collar. This is an especially good idea if your dog doesn’t like strangers, and gives you easy access to get in your home.

You should talk to your friends and family about advice concerning certain home security companies. They probably have both positive and negative things to tell you, and those comments will help you make your own decision. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. This is a good way to know if your small child has opened a door or closed it.

Clear away all the dead and dried out vegetation around your home in the summer. These can quickly become fire hazards when hit by direct sunlight, placing your house at risk. Keeping your plants and bushes trimmed will benefit your family’s safety as well as the appearance of your home.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Above a door frame or under a mat are not smart ideas. Try to find somewhere less obvious.

Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Whether you just bought your home or someone just moved out that you were living with, this is an important step to any new situation. This doesn’t usually cost much, and it can be accomplished in less than a day.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Enforce a rule within your house that no one opens the door to unexpected people.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. Open curtains allow people to see inside your home and see exactly what you have. If your windows face a street, be sure they’re always covered and have your valuables safe.

You should always park your car inside your garage instead of using your garage to store some belongings. A car kept locked in a garage is much less likely to be stolen or damaged. Besides, intruders will have a hard time determining whether or not you are home if you keep your car inside your garage.

When deciding on an alarm system, be sure and get one that protects more than your doors. Your windows are also points of entry for burglars. Therefore, ensure the windows have an attached alarm. All potential entry points should have an alarm. This will make your family safer.

Do not place your spare keys under your mat or even in plant boxes. Keeping a spare key is convenient but intruders will have access to your home if your key is too easy to find. Burglars are well aware of these hiding places. If you have a neighbor you can trust, have them hold your extra key.

When you hire a security firm, be certain to review all contracts carefully. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. You can easily avoid these fees if you do your research.

Be sure to replace all locks on a home you have bought. Regardless of how trustworthy you consider the last owners to be, neither you nor they can be sure that there aren’t others out there with keys to those locks. Keep in mind that there may have been residents prior to that person too.

Perform landscaping for your home which enhances your home’s safety. The doors and windows of your home should not be obstructed by trees, fences or shrubs. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Plan your greenery and shrubbery for areas away from the direct path to your home to add beauty while still keeping your house safe.

The Internet is great for searching for home security companies, so use it to your advantage. Many websites offer reviews, recommendations, and detailed pricing information. You’ll find it easy to narrow your choice down to three top contenders; your next step is to arrange to meet each of them to discuss your specific security needs.

Talk to any companies you’re considering hiring to install a security system about how long the company has been around. A reliable home security company is one that has a long history in the community and can offer references from satisfied customers. You’ll have a lot more confidence in your choice if you stick with a company that has a proven track record.

Before signing up for home security, find out how long they’ve been in business. Companies with a long history can give you the best service for many years. Being in the hands of a good company helps you have peace about your decision.

Think about your personal security needs before you purchase a home security system. Some systems aren’t necessary for some, while others may have a need for them. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Think about your risk factor when making a decision.

A reputable security company will send a representative to your home to design a custom system. Everyone has different needs, and your security system should be designed to protect your home and family. If you find a company that will tailor the plan you choose to your needs, you can get the highest level of security that makes you feel comfortable.

If you get home and the door is open, don’t go in. You have no way of knowing whether the thieves are still inside. Your best bet is to contact the authorities and wait outside for them to get there.

Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. Security systems are a proven method of reducing your chance of break-ins, but it is not always the right choice. Some neighborhoods would feel be safe enough if you knew basic self defense or had a large dog. You need to assess risks and choose a system adapted to the kind of situations you are likely to run into.

You may want to get a security system that is wireless. A wired system might cost less, but they can require extensive rewiring work and may be rendered useless if the power fails. Wireless systems tend to be easier for installation and maintenance, and they will not go out if your power does.

If you see that the door is open, do not enter the house. This can be quite dangerous because the burglar may still be on your property. Your best bet is to call the cops and wait until they arrive before you do anything else.

Install a home surveillance system. Installing hidden and visible video cameras are great for securing your house. Intruders will stay away from your home if they notice cameras and hidden cameras can help identify intruders if they disable the most visible cameras. A lot of surveillance systems are accessible using your cell phone, so you can monitor your home while you are out of town.

If someone looks after your house when you’re gone, have them remove fliers from the door. Some intruders will place a flyer at your home to see if the flyer is removed immediately or not. A flier that hangs around for days on end lets burglars know that there’s no one in the home.

Break down the boxes from your new TV or computer rather than leaving them on the side of the road. Don’t advertise that you have expensive new equipment! Break down the empty boxes whenever possible.

Consider installing a surveillance system for your home. Installing hidden and visible video cameras are great for securing your house. While a visible camera is a deterrent, a burglar might try to disable the camera, but a separate hidden camera can solve this problem. Some security systems are accessible via mobile phone, which lets you look in on your house when away.

You should always keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you don’t, others can look in and see that the property is currently unoccupied. If they notice this, they may break in. At night when you’re asleep, you should close your shades.

Don’t leave empty boxes for big-ticket purchases outside on your curb. If a burglar sees your empty box, he or she will know that valuable item is inside your house. That’s good motivation for a break-in. Cut up the boxes completely instead.

Birth Date

Stand out in your street, and look toward your home. Are you able to see the numbers of your home? Small or obscured numbers can make it difficult for emergency personnel to locate your home. Thankfully, you can right this wrong cheaply and quickly.

If your door has a numeric keypad lock, never make its password your birth date. Your birth date is pretty easy to come by, especially for seasoned thieves. Instead, make it a number which you can figure out through a math equation so you remember the equation instead of the number.

Ask about the different contract durations that a security company can offer you. Each will have its own pros and some cons, too. Longer contracts may create a lower bill per month, but you you could maintain those monthly expenses if you discontinue service or sell the home. Shorter contracts mean more freedom along with higher costs.

Using a timer is a great way to make it seem as if you are home when you are on vacation. This makes it easier for you as you won’t have to flip the switch, but it also ensures the lights continue to go on and off, even if you’re not at home for a long period of time.

Keep your curtains pulled tight when you are away from home. If you keep them up, intruders will be able to see right into your home. If they notice something valuable, they’re more likely to invade your home. You ought to turn the curtains down if you are sleeping as well.

Now, do you feel like you have a better understanding about what you can do? There’s a vast range of possibilities out there, and the tips outlined above are just a few of the ways that you can make your home a safer, more secure place. You will be glad that you did, and it’s time to take care of this very important matter.

Don’t use your birth date as the password for your security alarm. Anyone could get your date of birth from Facebook and could have access into your house. Rather, try and make your combination the answer to an equation so that you only need to remember an equation instead of an actual series of numbers.