Are you in need of a good security system? People don’t always consider all of their options first. Simple things, like keeping your doors and windows locked, can make a bigger difference than the system.

Is your dog outside even if you are away? You might consider leaving your spare key with your dog. Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

Be sure your home appears to always be occupied. There are timers you can use to make electronics turn on and off at random times. In this way, it will always seem that someone is in your home. This is just one of the many precautions you can take to secure your home.

Don’t use social media to announce that you will be gone for an extended period of time. This can indicate that your home will be free and vulnerable during the time.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. If you have little ones wandering about the house, this makes it easy for you to know if they have come in or gone out.

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. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.

Purchase a safe to lock all of the extremely valuable items in your home in one place. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. Hide your safe in a place that is hard to get to, like a basement closet or an attic.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. If the phone rings without you there, burglars will suspect that you’re not home, and that can make your home a target for an attack while you’re gone.

No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. Get someone from the security firm to inspect it. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. You may not even know there is a problem if it is not visible.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. Even if this stranger has a believable story or is trying to sell you something, do not let them in. Even home security representatives could be intruders who want to check the kind of protection you have.

Be more proactive when you are determining the safety of your neighborhood. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Ask them to watch your home if you are on vacation. Pay attention to gossip. You might hear helpful information, for instance if strangers have been hanging around.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. Criminals find ways to get people to open doors so they can commit crimes. Create the rule that you just open a door to people that you expect to arrive.

The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

During summer, remove your landscape’s dead vegetation and wood. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. Make sure your yard is clean for the sake of your safety – and that of your family!

Whenever you are selecting a home security company, make sure you go with your gut feelings. This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those that install your actual system. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

Switch your locks. If you have boarders, former live-in partners, or others who once had access to your home, this is especially important. It does not cost much, and can be handled very quickly.

Use your wall spaces to hide your valuables. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. There are many places in your home that are pre-cut and available. An unused outlet can be taken apart, and the space used to create a tiny hidden safe.

Those living in rural areas often don’t worry as much about intruders compared to city dwellers. There are some who believe country folk are more at risk because neighbors are not nearby. Still there are those that think that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

Whenever you move to a new dwelling, make certain to get each lock replaced. You don’t really know the people you purchased the house from or all the folks they shared keys with, so don’t place too much trust in the old locks. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

Skylights should be secure. While they are nice and help with lighting, they also provide the burglars help with access to your home. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.

Are you aware of the value of your home’s wires? Many folks are not aware of this until a thief steals it. The copper inside the wire is very valuable and may be stripped off the exterior of the house in a short time span. Keep your wiring hidden or inaccessible to potential burglars.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Thieves aren’t stupid and also know common hiding spots. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.

Keep flashlights in your rooms. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.

Purchase an alarm system that has a few “bells and whistles;” you don’t just need protection for your doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. You want the best security possible for your family.

Before letting someone from a security company into a house, get some sort of official identification. Criminals can easily pretend to be from a security firm as a means to gain entry to the house. Intruders could disguise themselves as home security representatives to inspect your current security system. Be cautious to stay safe.

If you bought any big or expensive things, wait until trash day to throw away the boxes. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

Research how long a security company has been in the business before contracting with them. It doesn’t take long for a quality company to prove itself in the security business, and you should look for a track record of satisfied customers and successful work. Knowing you are not dealing with a fly by night company gives you extra peace of mind when making this important decision.

Change the locks on any new place you move into. You do not want anyone to have a copy of the key. You might even install new locks yourself so that you know you have the only keys.

Light up your home’s exterior. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. Add lights to any areas you believe are potential entry points for burglars. This will include doorways, porches, your garage, and ground floor windows that criminals can use.

Home security systems are often the best choice for some families. However, you may find that there are other things you can do to secure your home. Research your options to find the best solution for your family.

If you’re planning to be out of your home for a period of time, have a neighbor remove any fliers placed on your door. Burglars sometimes place fliers as a means to see if anyone is home to remove them. If the flier is not removed, it’s easy for a burglar to suspect that the owner is away.