When it comes to keeping your home secure, understanding your options is key. It is not a decision to take lightly. Figure out what you can afford and what is most important.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. If you plan to give them a key so they can clean in your home while you are away, ensure they are reputable and honest. Check out their references thoroughly. If you are using a cleaning firm, make sure it has an excellent Better Business Bureau rating.

Protect your spare key by using your dog. Really this works only if you have a pet door or if your dog is an outdoor dog. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Some companies offer comparable levels of protection that can be priced very differently. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Different companies can provide equivalent levels of service and security, but their prices can vary wildly. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

Don’t post information about an upcoming vacation anywhere on the web. It’s exciting going to new places and enjoying your time, but you could alert thieves to an empty home that they can easily break into.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. Instead, try hiding a key on the collar of an outside dog.

Don’t let strangers into your home. Burglars have many clever ways to convince householders to open the door. Enforce a rule within your house that no one opens the door to unexpected people.

When you’re going away, turn off your phone ringers. When burglars hear phones ringing for an extended period of time in a home, they know that there is no one there to answer.

End your shyness. Talk to your neighbors. Ask them to look after your home, and in return, look out for theirs. Pay attention to gossip as well. You might find out valuable information related to security, like if there have been any strangers hanging around.

Police Department

Walls are a good place to hide things. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

Talk to your local police department about what they offer. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.

Don’t hide an extra key under a rock or in a planter. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. Rather, give the key to a neighbor to hold.

Always have your security system checked each year. Get a security comapny tech to check it. Your security system’s quality can be impacted by numerous factors, such as the weather and wild animals. If you don’t see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.

Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. It may shock you to know this, but a lot of intruders get inside homes through open doors. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.

If there is any rotted wood around your door frame, replace it. Rotted wood can be easily removed by thieves. Replace it as soon as possible.

If you make a large purchase, like a big screen television, don’t simply set the box out in front of your home. Having these boxes outside of your house will give robbers the temptation of robbing your house.

It is important to always have fresh batteries and flashlights handy around the house. This is important for you to be able to see should your power go out or you suffer an emergency. Show your children how to use them so everyone in the family is involved.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? Many people are not aware of this until they are stolen from their home. The wiring has copper and is easy to be quickly taken off a home. This is why the wiring should be hidden or difficult to get to.

After reading this article you are sure to be more informed about the subject. It’s useless to enter into home security blindly. Knowing that your family is safe is key. Remember these tips as you formulate your home security plan.

Alter the locks and the keys when you change homes. You do not want anyone to have a copy of the key. It’s easy to install locks, so you can just purchase them at the home improvement store and swap them out to be sure you have the only keys.