If you’re concerned about home security, the following article has some useful information. It can hard to make a big, expensive choice like this one. To make a wise choice, you need solid information.

Talk to people you know for referrals when choosing home security systems. They have likely had interactions with home security providers that they can tell you about, saving you time and stress. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.

Provide the house key to your professional house cleaner, but only if you fully trust them. Make sure they are honest, reputable and hardworking. Be sure to make sure their references check out. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.

Be sure to secure your attached garage. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. A C-clamp can prevent a garage door from even opening if the clamp is tightened on the door track near the roller.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Different companies can provide equivalent levels of service and security, but their prices can vary wildly. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

Speak with the police in your town regarding the home security programs they have. They may offer neighborhood watch programs, home inspections, engraving tools for marking code numbers onto items so that they will be easily identified if stolen. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

Buy fire resistant flooring, roofing and ceiling. This helps protect your home when you dwell in a more dry climate. It’s best to prevent a fire before it starts.

Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. Get a security comapny tech to check it. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. If it’s not visible, you might not even know there’s a problem.

If you will be vacationing for an extended period of time, turn off the ringer on all the phones in your house. This is because a phone that is ringing and ringing can tip of a burglar that nobody is currently home.

When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. After all, you’re investing in a system that helps you to feel safe, so make sure the process involved in obtaining that system does the same.

Install lights that use a motion-sensor. The lights will be triggered when someone gets too close to the house. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Replace bulbs regularly and check the sensors once a month.

Do you have skylights? If so, you should keep them in mind when protecting your home. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Use heavy-duty hardware to secure your skylights to the roof.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. Intruders know about the usual hiding spots. Rather, keep your spare keys with a neighbor you trust.

Place your valuables in cut-outs in your walls. You don’t have to cut out pieces of the wall to do this. Instead, you can use the small spaces that are already there. For example, you could take the wiring out of an electric socket that is not in use and put your valuable jewelry in there.

Don’t give outside people the ability to see into your home. While having huge windows may be good for letting in light and viewing what is outside, it also gives potential thieves a good look in your own home. Blinds are a great way to allow the light in, without allowing people to see in at the same time.

Be cognizant of what others can see when they look in your windows. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. Keep your curtains drawn to keep your valuable items safe.

Always lock your house, no matter how briefly you expect to be gone. This is often a surprise, but the majority of burglaries are due to someone just waltzing right into an unlocked home. Once a thief is inside, he can steal a lot of valuables in a short amount of time.

If you’ve recently moved into a house, get any locks changed out. While the person you bought the home from may seem on the up and up, you have no idea who they really are. Aside from that, other people lived in the home even before the ones from whom you purchased the home.

While an alarm system or other security measures can make your home much safer, you must be sure that your security wiring isn’t exposed. Intruders can get around security systems and into a home by cutting the wires. To provide maximum security, wiring should be laid underground or installed safely within the walls of your house. You will be much more safe.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? Many people have their wires stripped each year. The wiring has copper and is easy to be quickly taken off a home. That’s why it’s important to hide your wiring, or make it hard for criminals to have access to it.

Before you let anyone into your house, thoroughly check their references. You need to do background checks in order to find out about their criminal history. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.

Before letting someone from a security company into a house, get some sort of official identification. It is very common for thieves to pretend to be company reps in order to get into your home. This is a danger to your belongings and your family. You want to use caution to prevent danger.

Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. You might find that an alarm isn’t necessary at all. Some neighborhoods would feel be safe enough if you knew basic self defense or had a large dog. Be sure to assess the risk level you face before making big decisions.

Don’t let anyone in your house without knowing their work history and checking their references. A background check which includes any criminal history is warranted. You never know if the maid, repairman or contractor you hire is on the up and up, and letting them in or giving them a key could be a fatal mistake.

Keep your garage shut and locked so burglars can’t peek inside. Frosted windows will keep a burglar from being able to see inside. The material needed to do this can be found at home improvement stores. Make a habit of keep your door closed and locked.

You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. Cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, these lights really add value to your home. Intruders will not be able to sneak into your home if you place your motion detector in the right spot.

Inquire whether a security company offers variable contract lengths. Each will have its own pros and some cons, too. The longer the contract, the lower your monthly bill, but if you move or become dissatisfied, you are stuck with the monthly fee. Shorter contracts allow your greater freedom, however they usually cost more each month.

Request that prospective security firms design a system specifically for your home. They should take your concerns seriously and address any issues you have. You will get the best home security system possible if you use a service willing to work with you to create a tailored system.

Spring Latch Locks

If you buy something that is expensive, you need to make sure you don’t leave empty boxes curbside. These boxes are a signal to burglars that you have something worth stealing. When you have emptied the boxes, make sure you cut them up.

Don’t get spring latch locks. Just one credit card can get a burglar access to your home. Intruders simply use a credit card inside the latch, making the lock open. Add a deadbolt to existing spring latch locks for maximum security.

Keeping a dog provides a great way to boost your home’s defense. Dogs are protective of turf and generally make noise when something is wrong. The dog doesn’t have to be huge or even vicious. A terrier will make enough of a fuss to stop someone from breaking in.

Armed with the information presented here, you can make a well informed decision. It’s important to take home security seriously. Use what you have learned to help make this a daily reality.

Do not use spring latch locks on your doors. These locks are easy to pick, and it can be done with an ordinary credit card. Intruders simply wedge a credit card between the door and latch, triggering the lock to open. If you have spring latches already installed, consider adding deadbolts too.