If you want to make a great decision in terms of home security, knowing the right information is very important. This isn’t something you want to take lightly. Figure out what you can afford and what is most important.

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times. This makes it look as though people are home no matter what. This is a simple way to improve your home’s safety and make it less attractive to criminals.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Simply attach a spare key to your dog’s collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you’ll be able to retrieve it if you need it.

Spare Key

Does your dog like to play in your yard? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. The key can be attached to the collar of your dog. This will ensure that burglars cannot see it. If your pet does not get along with strangers, this will ensure your spare key stays safe.

There are more features to a home alarm system besides making sounds when people break in. They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. This is a good way to know if your small child has opened a door or closed it.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Most systems can be set to sound an alert when anyone enters the 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.

Turn the ringers off on all your phones if you will be away for a prolonged period of time. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.

Keep your jewelry, vital documents and other expensive items in a safe. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Keep the safe hidden in a hard-to-find location like an attic or a basement closet.

Keep your car in your garage if you have one. You will not have to worry about thieves taking your car if it is inside your garage. If you keep your car in the garage instead of in the driveway, it is harder for thieves to know whether you are at home or not.

Don’t let anyone in your house without knowing their work history and checking their references. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You never really know if you can trust a service person, and giving access to the wrong one can prove disastrous.

A spare key must be carefully hidden and not in the obvious spots that a person might think. Intruders will think to look on the top if a door frame and under a doormat. Try hiding the key in your outside dog’s collar.

For maximum safety, your home needs bright exterior lighting. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. Having these outdoor lights installed can really work as a deterrent to criminals who are considering your house.

Think about your specific needs and risks prior to investigating security systems. While these systems could be good for protecting your family, they aren’t for everyone. In some cases the security system is your best investment, in others you well-served with an alert dog or reinforced locking systems. You need to assess risks and choose a system adapted to the kind of situations you are likely to run into.

Don’t let strangers enter your house. This includes a salesperson or people looking for help. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

Since reading this article, you know more about home security. It’s useless to enter into home security blindly. You need to make the safety of your family your top priority. Use these tips as you proceed.