Every homeowner should do their best to see to the security of their domain. Sad to say, home burglaries, fires and damage caused by natural disaster are quite common. The article below has the home security information you need to keep your family safe.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This is a valuable safety feature for parents of small children since they know if their child has exited the home.

Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

Keep your most precious belongings inside a safe. This is vital if you don’t want diamonds, gold or other personal items exposed to a home intruder. Hide that safe in a difficult-to-reach place like in a closet inside your basement or an attic.

Before selecting a security firm, ask for recommendations. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.

You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.

When planning to go away for a holiday, be sure to turn off the ringers on your home phones. A constantly ringing phone lets thieves know that you are not home and could increase the chances of you getting robbed.

Your garage should be as secure as your home. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. Using a C-clamp on the garage door will prevent it from opening by staying on the door’s track.

Rid the outside of your home from dead wood, vegetation and overgrowth during the summertime. When summer heats up, such debris can catch fire. Clearing your yard keeps your home, belongings and family much safer.

See if your local police department offers any home inspection or other protection programs. There are plenty of things that can be done, from a safety walk to cataloging expensive items to help protect your investment and your family. Get in touch today.

Remember to have an annual inspection of your home security system. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. You might not even discover these problems if they aren’t easily sighted.

It will not benefit you to be shy. Speak with your neighbors. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Listen for gossip too. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. You should have them equipped with strong, sturdy hardware.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. If you have big windows near your big entertainment system, it can seem like an invitation to thieves. Blinds are a great way to allow the light in, without allowing people to see in at the same time.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. You can hide small valuables in your walls. All you have to do is place them behind any unused phone jack, electrical outlet or switch plate. If you do not have any unused plates, it is easy to install a false one.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. Although the person you purchased the house from might seem good, you really have no clue as to who they really are. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

Did you know that the wires on your home are valuable? Many folks are not aware of this until a thief steals it. Wiring can be removed from the outside of a home in a heartbeat. Make sure your wiring is hidden or hard to access to keep this valuable property safe.

Do that put spare keys above door frames or under door mats. While it may seem like a convenient way to give you access to your home, intruders are aware of this practice. Burglars are well aware of such hiding places. You should have a trusted neighbor keep a spare key.

Motion sensing lights are a good way to increase home security. Cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, these lights really add value to your home. If positioned correctly on the exterior of your home, the motion detectors make it virtually impossible for an intruder to sneak onto your property.

Ask the home security company about how long they’ve been running prior to signing up. A company with a long history has proved they can survive and provide great service to people. Knowing that you are dealing with a shady company can keep you calm when making this crucial decision.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. You might enjoy large windows so you can see out, but just remember that makes it easier for those burglars to see inside your home as well. Keep your windows covered and your belongings private.

A wireless security system could be a good option. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. A wireless system, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and is simpler to install.

Don’t neglect your garage when it comes to home security. Cover your windows with frosting; this could be purchased at hardware stores. They prevent people from peeking inside. Keep your garage door closed as often as possible, too.

Lock your home when you leave, even if you don’t think you will be away for long. Many home thefts start with the thief simply walking in an unlocked door or window. It does not take a long time for a robber to pilfer items worth thousands of dollars.

Ask the security company about various contract lengths. There are of course pros and cons for each contract. You might pay less each month for longer contracts, but it has its deterrents as well. Shorter contracts mean more freedom along with higher costs.

Ask the company if they offer systems for lease and sale. Purchasing your equipment may cost more in the beginning, but this is a one-time cost which does not recur. Leasing is cheaper, but there may be hidden fees and contracts. Evaluate both alternatives and choose the best option for yourself.

Check each spring for any rotting frames on your doors and windows. Replace them immediately if you spot any problems. A burglar can easily strip away wood that has rotted. As a result, this will assist them in breaking into your home. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

If you’re worried about how you’re going to be able to maintain a wireless system, you may want to opt for a wired one instead. As nice as wireless systems can be, the constant charging and battery changes can become tedious and expensive. If the batteries are not changed, the system might not work at all. Additionally, it can cost a pretty penny to buy batteries again and again.

Homeowners should do everything under their power to make their home safe. You’ve just been giving some great home security tips. Protect your castle by putting this information to good use.

After moving into a pre-owned apartment or home, change the locks. They previous occupants may have made copies of the keys. You can purchase the locks and install them yourself to ensure you’re the only person that has a key.