Just how much does home security matter to you? Do you find the offerings of major home security companies out of your price range? Do you often wish you had more inexpensive solutions? Well, now there are, and they’re right under your nose. This article has some cheap home security tips.
Buy a safe to contain everything of great value. This will keep your stash of diamonds, gold and other valuable items out of view and inaccessible to burglars. Put the safe somewhere difficult to get to, like the attic.
If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. Common places to hide a spare key are above your door frame or underneath your doormat. Therefore, thieves are more likely to check these places out first. Try to find somewhere less obvious.
TIP! If you want to have a spare key close to your house in order to prevent lockouts, make sure you give its hiding place some careful thought. Never put a spare key under a doormat or above a door jam.
Spare Key
Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. 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.
Do not allow anyone you do not know into your home. Be wary of those who come to your door selling products, asking for help, or telling sob stories. These people might want to actually do you harm or could be casing out your house for a future break-in.
TIP! Never allow any strangers into your home. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access.
Social networking sites are great for keeping in touch, but post information sparingly. For example, you might avoid broadcasting when you are going out of town, especially if your friends list contains casual acquaintances. It’s natural to be excited about your trip, but this is as good as throwing out the welcome mat for people who know your home is unoccupied.
Home protection program details may be available at your police station. Several in various jurisdictions have programs which entail providing a home inspection, what protective measures will help your home and even how to engrave valuable items to make them easier to recover. These programs can make a big difference to the security of your home, and they may just be a phone call away.
The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. Whether an old roommate left or a relationship ended, changing your locks is a good idea. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.
TIP! Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. It might be that you have an angry ex-roommate or a bitter ex-partner, so changed locks will boost your security.
Store your car in the garage if you have it. If your car is in your garage there is less of a chance to vandalize or steal it. When your car is hidden, it will be hard for intruders to tell if you are home or not.
Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. A number of things may cause your alarm system to have problems, including mother nature and wild animals. If you cannot see a problem, you might not know one exists.
You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This goes for the installer, too. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. You want your new system to protect you, not be the way the thief gets into your home.
TIP! Follow your instincts when choosing a home security company. This is definitely the case if you’re not quite sure about the actual installation people.
Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. Keeping a spare key is convenient but intruders will have access to your home if your key is too easy to find. Thieves are aware of all these spots. If you have a neighbor you can trust, have them hold your extra key.
Even if you only plan to be gone for a very short time, lock your house. In a lot of cases, home intruders enter through unlocked doors. It does not take a long time for a robber to pilfer items worth thousands of dollars.
Are you aware of the value contained in your home’s wiring? People don’t realize this until it is stolen. Copper is expensive and most wiring is composed of it, so stripping it is a great way for crooks to make a quick buck. Keep your wiring hidden or inaccessible to potential burglars.
TIP! The wires that are on your house are very valuable. This is something few homeowners realize until they become victims of wiring theft.
If you’ve bought large or pricy items, avoid throwing out boxes until the day the trash is scheduled for pick-up. Empty boxes might draw the attention of robbers and let everyone know you own new and expensive goods.
Before you let anyone into your house, thoroughly check their references. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.
It is important to always have fresh batteries and flashlights handy around the house. Having a well-charged flashlight on hand is very beneficial in case of emergency. Teach your children how to use the flashlights so that everyone in your household can help.
TIP! It is important to always have fresh batteries and flashlights handy around the house. If the lights go out, they will ensure everyone stays safe.
If you haven’t bought a paper shredder yet, make it a point to do so. Unshredded documents can offer up a wealth of valuable personal information to thieves, including enough of your schedule to allow them to pinpoint the best time for a burglary. Rip important documents in small pieces before throwing them away if you do not have a paper shredder.
Empty Box
Think about safety when designing your home. You should have a clear view out of all your windows and an unobstructed path to any doors. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Plan these features for further away from your home.
TIP! Keep safety at the forefront as you landscape. All of your windows and doors should be unobstructed by plants, shrubs, trees or fences.
If you purchase a new, pricey electronic like a TV or computer, don’t leave the empty box near your curb. If a burglar sees your empty box, he or she will know that valuable item is inside your house. That’s good motivation for a break-in. Cut the box up and hide the writing when you put it out.
The number on your house should be easy to find. If there’s an emergency, it will take longer for the police to locate your home if the numbers are concealed in any way or too small. If you notice a problem, you should be able to fix it fairly cheaply, though.
Make an appointment with a home security company to evaluate the security needs of your home specifically. Every house and every family will produce a unique set of security concerns that are best addressed with tailor-made security arrangements. A good company will tailor your security plan to the needs of you and your family.
TIP! Get some professional assistance by asking a home security company to come to your house and work up a plan for a customized security system. Different people require different plans.
If you have kids or roommates that you don’t want in certain household areas, it’s not necessary to lock multiple doors and tote around tons of keys. Use a code-access lock for any door you don’t want others opening. You can install these locks yourself or have them professionally installed.
Spring Latch Locks
If you are going to be out of town for more than a day or so, have someone check your mailbox and door for mail and fliers. Thieves sometimes place fliers on front doors and then wait to see if anyone removes them. The more flyers pile up or the longer they are there, the more likely it is that the house is empty.
TIP! If you are going on a vacation, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and check your home for flyers. Robbers will place these on your door and may invade your home if they are not removed.
You do not want to use spring latch locks. Spring latch locks are the easiest locks to gain entry with, as they can be opened with a simple credit card. A card can be placed between the latch and the door, and this will open it. If you already have spring latch locks, install a deadbolt for added security.
If you always turn your lights on or off at the same time, use a timer. They will go on when you need them, plus they’ll also go on when you’re not home.
It’s a good idea to install a surveillance system in your home. Installing hidden and visible video cameras is great for securing a home. Visible cameras have a deterrent effect, and if they are disabled, hidden cameras can capture the events that unfold. You can sometimes access security systems using your cell phone, keeping you informed on the go.
TIP! Consider installing a surveillance system for your home. Installing hidden and visible video cameras is great for securing a home.
Make sure your valuables, or things that can’t be replaced, are safe. Passports, financial records, jewelry, photos or legal documents should be locked away. Purchase a safe with a lock to store all of these items. If you can, a safety deposit box that is outside your home is even better.
Having a burglar alarm is really good, but it is only good if the police is alerted when it sets off. The best strategy is to buy a centrally monitored alarm so that the police always show up if it is triggered. You cannot depend on your neighbors to call them.
From the road, are your house numbers visible? In an emergency situation, first responders won’t be able to locate your house quickly if the numbers are hidden or are too small to see clearly. Just replace them if you need to.
TIP! Are you able to see the numbers on your house from the street? If you need assistance, emergency vehicles may not locate your home in a timely manner if the numbers don’t stand out. Thankfully if you notice a problem it’s an easy and cheap thing to fix.
Price plays a major role in home security. If you are unable to afford the costlier options, you can employ several less expensive solutions. The article you just read gave you some great ideas. These might be an excellent value and a fine defense.