Something tragic or bad could happen to you when you do not expect it. Don’t neglect to prepare for unfortunate events. Read the below article to learn excellent ideas on keeping your home safe from all threats.

Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. You should not let cleaners have your keys if you feel like you cannot trust them, or if they will be working in your home while you are away. One way to do this is to check their references. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Have your dog protect the spare key. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Attach the key to your dog’s collar, and it will be handy if you ever need a spare.

Do you have an outdoor dog? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. Put it on their collar. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.

If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. Many people worry about burglars getting into their attached garage and then entering their home, but there is a fix. You can use a C-clamp to stop the door from being opened.

Think very carefully about where to hide your spare key. Above doors or under doormats are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. Think outside the box and put the key someplace unusual, like hidden in your dog’s collar.

Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Any thief knows all the typical hiding spots. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.

Replace all locks in a new house. You have no way of knowing whether the previous homeowner is trustworthy. You should also keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home before the previous homeowner.

Social networking sites are great for keeping in touch, but post information sparingly. For example, you might avoid broadcasting when you are going out of town, especially if your friends list contains casual acquaintances. If you do, burglars will know you’re not home and strike.

Make sure you have several flashlights that are charged and ready to go in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the flashlights are.

When about to sign a contract with any home security firm, read all the small print. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.

When planning to go away for a holiday, be sure to turn off the ringers on your home phones. 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.

When seeking out home security firms, the Internet is an indispensable tool. Check out reviews you find on the web. You’ll find it easy to narrow your choice down to three top contenders; your next step is to arrange to meet each of them to discuss your specific security needs.

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. If windows and doors can be easily seen from all areas, then burglars cannot hide as well, which will hinder their plans. Landscaped features should be set further away for safety, yet keeping beauty in mind.

Don’t open your door for strangers. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

Your pup is a great crime deterrent. Dogs are protective of turf and generally make noise when something is wrong. A big, vicious guard dog isn’t necessary. Even small dogs can deter criminals just by making noise when something is afoot.

You should always keep your blinds and curtains closed. You do not want any part of your home visible to the public. If a burglar sees something that is enticing, they are going to try and get it from your home. Keep them down when you’re asleep, too.

You should always park your car inside your garage instead of using your garage to store some belongings. It won’t be vandalized or stolen this way. It will also keep any intruders from knowing when you’re home.

Find out if the company you choose will give you the option of buying or leasing home security systems. It might cost more at first when buying the equipment, but you don’t have the extra cost each month. Leasing is usually the cheaper option; however, it does mean higher monthly bills and a contract. Check out both options to discover the best one for you. The option that’s best for one person may not be best for another.

Be sure to close your curtains at night in rooms that face the street. Don’t tempt others to look in your windows. If potential thieves see valuable items inside your house, they may target your house. Lock everything up and shade your windows to stay discreet.

Use your walls as hiding spaces. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. Your home should have a few pre-cut areas that can be used. For example, place jewelry in an unused electrical outlet.

When it comes to security, sliding doors aren’t very safe. They can easily be unlocked by lifting them and then shaking them. If your security system is not connected to the doors, cut a board or pipe the exact length of the door channel, and drop it in the space to secure the doors. This keeps the door wedged closed so that it is harder to pry open.

Become chummy with your nosey neighbor. These individuals are aware when anything suspicious happens in the neighborhood and can alert you if strangers have been hanging around. Being friendly will bring you great security.

Look for an alarm system that does more than protect your doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. This will help to keep your family safe.

Women stand a much better chance of being the victims of home invasions, particularly if they live alone or with kids. One way to throw off would-be assailants is to put a large pair of muddy boots on the front porch, to suggest the presence of a big man. This will make burglars think twice about breaking in.

Intruders are unpredictable, and it could be difficult to know when you are being targeted by a burglar. Don’t be in denial, do what it takes to be safe. Keep these tips in mind when researching more about protecting your home from crime.

If you purchase big-ticket items, don’t throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your house.