Do you value home security? Do you think that most major security companies are too costly? Are you interested in a cheaper solution? Well, you’re in luck, and these options are right in front of you. Keep reading for more details on different home security systems.

Your home should looked occupied all the time. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. This makes people think you’re home. This will help to deter burglars.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. Outdoor dogs or pet doors make this possible. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

After you purchase a new home, change the locks. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. Call a locksmith to make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.

Don’t give the keys to your home to a professional cleaner unless you trust them completely. Before you give a cleaner full access to your home for extended periods of time, you have to be certain that they’re trustworthy and reliable. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If this professional is from a company, it’s best to check with the Better Business Bureau to see what kind of reputation they have.

Use a safe to protect your valuables. This will keep your stash of diamonds, gold and other valuable items out of view and inaccessible to burglars. Keep your safe in your basement or attic to make it hard to find.

Turn off your phone’s ringer when you go on vacation. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.

Local Police Department

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Prices vary quite a bit. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

Talk to your local police department about what they offer. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Contact your local police department to find out if they offer this type of program.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. The security company should have a specialist come to look at it. Wild animals or plain old nature can wreak havoc on your home security system. You may not even know there is a problem if it is not visible.

If you want to have a spare key hidden outside of your home, hide it carefully. People will check your doormat and frame first. Try hiding your key on a lawn statue or in a potted plant.

Put motion sensor lights around your house. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. They help notify you of any movement around your house and deter burglars too. Remember that the bulbs need to be changed so that the lights keep working.

Be sure your valuables are not visible from the outside of your house. It may be great to have large windows with a view, but this means that people can look in. If your house has street-facing windows, make sure they are always covered and your make sure your valuables are hidden away.

Consider the advice of your friends when selecting your home security company. Knowledge of first-hand experiences can be very helpful to you when it comes to making this important decision. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. You don’t want a burglar to get access to them and disable your system. This is why it is so important to make sure all your wires are well hidden. Keep yourself safe.

If you have any boxes to discard from large, expensive items, wait until the evening before the trash is scheduled for collection. Having these type of boxes hanging around will give robbers a good idea of what type of merchandise you have inside of your home.

If you will be vacationing for an extended period of time, turn off the ringer on all the phones in your house. If the phone continues to ring while you’re gone, this lets an intruder know that the home is empty.

Moving into an apartment or home that you’ve lived in should involve changing the locks first to maker them safer. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. It is possible to purchase and put in locks on your own so you can be assured you have the only keys.

Take advantage of the Internet while comparing your home security options. Take a look at various websites and read over customer testimonials and details about various packages. Once you have selected a few potential home security providers, set appointments to interview them and find out what they have on offer.

Do not open your door for strangers. Many people are devising many different schemes to get into homes and burglarize them. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

As you work on your home’s landscape, don’t forget about safety. Doors and windows should not be obstructed by trees, plants or shrubs. This way, no one can hide there if they are attempting to break into your house. Keep this in mind as you design.

It all depends on what you are able to afford when it comes to home security. If you aren’t able to spend too much, there are cheaper alternatives that are equally effective at keeping you safe. The article above contained some useful tips on how to secure your home on a tight budget. These tips will be very helpful down the road.

During the summer, remove all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. When summer heats up, such debris can catch fire. Regularly clear away your yard to keep your home in good standing and safe for your family.