Regardless of whether you rent or own, you want to be safe where you live. If you suspect that your home is not as secure as it could be, taking a moment to learn more about home security will be very enlightening. Check out the advice below and pick up some handy ideas that can improve the security of your home.

Man’s best friend can also be trusted to secure a spare key. If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!

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 great for parents that have small children so that they know when their kids open or close doors.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. You’re not aware of any copies that have been made by the previous owners of the house. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. Make sure you do the same thing if you lose your keys sometime.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? They can help you with your spare key. Put it on your dog’s collar, making sure it is hidden. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

Buy fire resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling materials. This is a good way to protect your home against fires, for instance if you live near power lines or in a dry area. Because of the amount of damage fires can cause, it is important to protect your home from them.

Purchase a safe to lock all of the extremely valuable items in your home in one place. This will help to keep your jewelry and other valuables secured in the event of a break in. Be sure to put your safe in an out of the way place like the basement, attic or under the floorboards.

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. A better place to keep your key is inside your outside dog’s collar.

Don’t open up your door for someone who is a stranger. Burglars are getting creative, and they will do anything they can to gain access to your home. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

If you purchase big-ticket items, don’t throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. If you set these boxes out with the trash, thieves will know you have expensive items in your house.

Just moved in? Time for new locks! Regardless of how you feel about the sellers, you never know someone’s true intentions. Remember that other families may have lived there before that person as well.

See if your area police department has any home security programs. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Talk with local police to see if they offer these programs.

Power Goes

Purchase flashlights that have good batteries, and keep them in every room in your home in case the power goes out. If the power goes out, you will be able to see everything. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.

Your home security system ought to be checked each year. The security company should have a specialist come to look at it. A number of factors can cause problems with your security system, including wild animals and mother nature. The problem might not be obvious to you, though.

When a security company wants in your home ask for an ID and see if they’re in uniform. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This situation presents danger to your home, family and belongings. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.

You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. In the dark hours, these lights will provide the illumination necessary to protect your home and also save money by staying off when they’re not needed. By carefully placing them around the outside of your property, you create a perimeter that cannot be breached.

Be outgoing. Engage your neighbors in conversation. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. Pay attention to gossip as well. You never know what sort of security issues you might become privy to.

Keeping the home illuminated during evening hours helps keep criminals away. They don’t want anyone to see them. By minimizing dark and shady areas, you are taking away a potential burglar’s hiding spots. If you want to stay secure, keep your house brightly lit.

Checking out security firms online is a great idea. Check out different websites, and read through package details and customer testimonials. 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.

Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. Remember to keep working bulbs in them at all times.

If you come home and see your door ajar, never investigate it alone. This can be very dangerous because the thief could still be inside. Instead, call 911 and report a possible break-in.

A great way to deter criminals from getting into the garage is to make sure nobody sees inside it. Frost your windows so people cannot look inside your home. Keep your garage door closed as often as possible, too.

Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. It is usually inexpensive and can be done in less than 24 hours.

You don’t have to have a giant key ring full of keys just because you want your home to be secure. Keyless locks require a code to unlock the door. You can install them yourself, or you can have a home security service install them.

Speak with your security company about contract lengths and any options available. There are going to be ups and downs for each one. The longer the contract, the lower your monthly bill, but if you move or become dissatisfied, you are stuck with the monthly fee. With a shorter contract, you will have a greater level of flexibility. The downside is you will also have larger monthly bills.

Avoid leaving spare keys outside of your home. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Thieves are aware of all these spots. Rather, give your key to a neighbor you find trustworthy.

Use these ideas to make your home more secure. The time to start is now! You have just learned some great tips. Allow them to serve as a sounding board for all of your notions about home security. The safer you feel, the better you will sleep, so don’t dawdle!