Learning the basics of home security is something that all homeowners need to do. But with such a vast amount of information, it is necessary to find way that suit your needs. The article that follows can provide you with essential concepts and help you create an effective home security system.

You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. Timers can be used to turn lights and televisions on and off when required. This helps to create the illusion that someone is presently at home. That means burglars will pass right by.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This is a simple way to improve your home’s safety and make it less attractive to criminals.

Spare Key

Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Simply attach a spare key to your dog’s collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you’ll be able to retrieve it if you need it.

Shut off the ringer for all of the telephones in your home if you are planning to go on vacation for a long time. If the phone rings when you are away, burglars will know there’s nobody home, making the house vulnerable to a break-in when you are out.

You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.

Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. This is a valuable safety feature for parents of small children since they know if their child has exited the home.

Be brave! Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Don’t ignore any gossip either. Important security details (like the presence of strangers in your neighborhood) can come out of the most innocent conversations.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Avoid cliched hiding places like over the door frame or beneath the doormat. Experienced criminals will check these places immediately. You could hide the key with your dog on the collar.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Other people are sure to have opinions and experiences to share. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. Changing the locks will ensure that you are the only one who knows the combination. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

All homeowners ought to spend substantial effort learning all they can about home security. Still, since there is contradictory information out there, you may not be sure exactly what you need to do. It is wise to educate yourself about home security and then put that knowledge to good use.