If you keep items of great value at home, you should realize that people may notice. You must protect your home. Read the following suggestions on increasing the safety and security in your home.

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. There are timers you can use to make electronics turn on and off at random times. This will make it look like someone is home. This will help to deter burglars.

Buy roofing, flooring and interior paneling that is flame resistant. This is a good way to protect your home against fires, for instance if you live near power lines or in a dry area. Avoiding fire hazards is a great way to keep things safe.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.

Rid the outside of your home from dead wood, vegetation and overgrowth during the summertime. These are vulnerable to fires and put your home in danger. To make sure your home is safer, clear your yard periodically.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Intruders will think to look on the top if a door frame and under a doormat. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.

Home protection program details may be available at your police station. 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.

Don’t let everyone in your social network know that you are leaving the home unprotected for your vacation trip; especially the people who you aren’t familiar with. Potential intruders could get a good idea of when you will be gone by monitoring what you share on social networks.

When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. This is especially important when it comes to the company employees who will be installing your system. If you are unsure, contact the security company to make sure that the installer was actually sent by them. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.

Always have your security system checked each year. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. Many different things can make problems for your security system. If it’s not visible, you might not even know there’s a problem.

Walls are great for hiding items. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Repurpose phone jacks and electrical outlets as tiny wall safes. If you don’t have unused plates, it’s easy to put in a fake one.

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. The motion sensors turn on the lights whenever anyone approaches your home. Not only will you know that someone is out there, it will also deter burglars because they want to be inconspicuous. However, make sure to put in fresh bulbs every now and then.

Use the space in walls to store your prized possessions. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. Many places around your house have areas that are already pre-cut. For example, you might remove the cover of an electrical outlet, disconnect the wires, and use the space to hide small valuables.

Change your locks if someone you don’t trust moves out of your home. Changing the locks will ensure that you are the only one who knows the combination. Changing the locks can typically be done very cheaply and quickly.

Are you aware of the value present in the wiring in your home? People often don’t think about this until they have it stolen from their home. Copper wiring is very valuable and susceptible to being stripped from the outside of your home. This is why the wiring should be hidden or difficult to get to.

When having a company install your security system, you must trust your feelings. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. You don’t want to refrain from choosing a different company or technician. Security is supposed to give you peace of mind after all!

It is a good idea to get some history on any home security companies you are thinking about doing business with. Many years of service bode well for the company’s performance. You may not feel as safe if you opt to go with a company that has not been in business for long or that does not have a stable history.

Make sure that none of your valuables can be seen from the outside. Having large windows in front of your home may be a great way to see what is happening outside, but it can also give crooks a view inside your home. Blinds are a great way to allow the light in, without allowing people to see in at the same time.

Maintain the exterior areas in your house so they are well lit. Dark houses invite burglars who prefer to operate under cover of darkness. Light up the dark spots around your home. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.

Whenever you move to a new dwelling, make certain to get each lock replaced. As nice as the previous person may seem, you don’t really know them. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.

Wireless alarm systems are a great investment. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. Wireless systems are much more simple to install and upkeep, and the power inside your home will not affect them.

Check each spring for any rotting frames on your doors and windows. Replace them immediately if you spot any problems. Anyone hoping to enter your home can very easily do so by just prying away the rotted wood. Replace this old wood if you want to keep your house safe.

Never assume that burglars won’t target your home. Be prepared. You shouldn’t be afraid. Instead, just utilize great home-security strategies. Put the tips from the article to good use and protect your family and home.

Change the locks on any new place you move into. The previous tenants may have returned the keys, but they could have a copy. You can do your own installation to make sure that no one else has a key.