Do you want to secure your home with an alarm system? A lot of homeowners get a security system without taking the time to explore their different options. Always locking your windows and doors, along with a few other simple steps may be just what you need.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. Be sure to cal a locksmith if you were to lose your keys as well.

It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? She or he is actually a good place to keep the spare key. Find a place to securely fasten the key to your pet’s collar where it’s not visible. This is the perfect place to store a spare key, especially if your dog doesn’t care for strangers.

Does your dog stay outside while you are gone? Using Fido to hide your spare key can be a clever trick. Simply put the key onto your dog’s collar so that robbers cannot locate it. This is a good way to ensure easy home access, especially if your pet does not associate well with strangers.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Prices can differ a lot among companies for the same type of protection. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Many can be set for sounding their alarm if anyone enters. 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.

Don’t use social media to announce that you will be gone for an extended period of time. Potential intruders could get a good idea of when you will be gone by monitoring what you share on social networks.

Don’t let strangers enter your house. It is essential you do not do this, even if the stranger gives you a convincing story or states they need your assistance. Some people want to enter your home just to see if there is a security system in place. They may be scoping the place to come back when you’re gone.

Talk to people you know about their security systems. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. Therefore, ask everyone you can in order to obtain the most advice. With thorough advice, the best decision can be made.

Store your car in the garage if you have it. This will keep thieves from stealing it or harming it. Hiding your car away from plain view is a good way to keep intruders from knowing when you are at home or not.

If you will be gone for an extended period, turn the ringers off on all telephones in the home. A ringing phone that goes unanswered may signal to a burglar that nobody is home.

Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.

Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. A quick call to the non-emergency number at the police station in your town will tell you all you need to know.

Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. If the installers make you feel uncomfortable, heed your feelings. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with someone else. The point of that system is to feel safer after all.

Use your garage for your car, not just storage. Keeping your car in your house will deter intruders from vandalizing or stealing it. 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.

If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. Interestingly, many think those living in rural areas are actually more susceptible to break-ins since neighbors may not live close by. However, understand that regardless of where you live, a theft can occur anywhere. Therefore, you need to be prepared.

Put motion sensor lights around your house. These kinds of lights will pop right on when they detect motion near your home. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. But keep in mind that the bulbs to the security light should be routinely changed to ensure that the deterrent system functions properly.

Keep valuables out of sight of windows. If you have big windows near your big entertainment system, it can seem like an invitation to thieves. Windows facing the street need to be covered to keep inside possessions safe.

Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Perhaps your roommate left town or you have gone through a messy divorce, and you need to feel that the home is safe. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

Lock your home when you leave, even if you don’t think you will be away for long. Most burglars gain entry to a home through an unlocked door. Once a thief is inside, he can steal a lot of valuables in a short amount of time.

Use the spaces in your home’s walls to store valuables. It’s not necessary to cut out parts of your wall to do this. Many areas in your house are already accessible for this purpose. How about unwiring an electricity socket and using it as cover for a place to stash valuable jewelry?

Your flashlights should always be equipped with good, working batteries. If the lights go out, they will ensure everyone stays safe. This can come in handy if someone has cut your power and is attempting to break in.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. Hide them in the walls or bury them underground to keep people from tampering with them. This helps keep you and your family safe.

If you move to a place that was occupied before, you should change the locks right away. Even if the tenants turned their keys in, they may have made copies. You might even purchase and install your own locks so that you are assured of having the only keys.

Believe it or not, the wires on your house are worth stealing. Many folks are not aware of this until a thief steals it. Copper wiring is very valuable and susceptible to being stripped from the outside of your home. Make sure the wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep this valuable item safe.

Home security installation technicians should always be in uniform and wearing identification. Thieves may say they are from a certain company to get into your home. This is a danger to your belongings and your family. Act cautiously to avoid potential dangers.

Always get references from anyone you are considering hiring to do work inside your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. Someone can seem nice and professional on the outside, but they may not be so nice on the inside.

Think about safety when designing your home. Keep your doors and windows clear of any shrubbery. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Keep landscaping away from your house for safety reasons.

If you want to make your house even more secure, a cheap way to do that is to buy outside lights with motion detectors. These lights will keep your property well lit and give you a good idea of who approaches your home. When placed appropriately, no one will be able to break in unannounced.

You might need a security system. You may need to begin doing some things differently in your home. Be sure you know all the choices you have so you can choose the best one for you.

Think about safety when designing your home. Doors and windows should not be obstructed by trees, plants or shrubs. This makes it where people can’t hide in different nooks and crevices. Plan your home with safety in mind.