If you wish to learn all that you can about home security, this is your chance. There isn’t any reason you should settle with regards to keeping your home safe. Being informed can really help you to make informed and smart decisions regarding home security. THe article below will help you get educated on the subject.

Look for ways to make your home seem occupied. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. This will give the appearance that someone is at your house at all times. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. You don’t know who might have a key. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. When you lose your keys, have your locks rekeyed.

When looking to buy a security system, shop around. You would be surprised to see that the prices are much different for each company, even though it’s for the same type of protection. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

If you will be vacationing for an extended period of time, turn off the ringer on all the phones in your house. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

Think very carefully about where to hide your spare key. Never put a spare key under a doormat or above a door jam. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Intruders could use skylights to enter your home. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

Don’t let everyone in your social network know that you are leaving the home unprotected for your vacation trip; especially the people who you aren’t familiar with. It’s natural to be excited about your trip, but this is as good as throwing out the welcome mat for people who know your home is unoccupied.

Stashing your most precious possession right inside the walls of your home can be a great idea. No need to damage your walls. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. How about unwiring an electricity socket and using it as cover for a place to stash valuable jewelry?

Don’t let strangers enter your home. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. It’s quite possible that your charming guest is only interested in evaluating the security of your home; if they find it lacking, they may be back later to relieve you of some of your possessions.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. These are the first places criminals will look when they try to enter your home. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.

Be outgoing. Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. Ask them to watch your home if you are on vacation. Never neglect gossip. You might find out valuable information related to security, like if there have been any strangers hanging around.

If your door is set in a rotted frame, you must replace the frame. Rotting wood is easy to remove and take apart if someone is trying to get in. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Intruders could use skylights to enter your home. Make sure your skylights have reliable, heavy duty hardware in place.

Unless you’re moving into a brand-new apartment or home, changing the locks should be one of your top priorities. Though the prior occupant may have relinquished their keys, there may be copies out there. If you own, you can have the locks replaced and only you will have had the key.

Don’t just consider alarming your doors when you’re considering an alarm system. All of your windows are possible entry points for a thief too. Get an alarm that will trigger if either the doors or windows are opened. This helps ensure your family stays safe.

Before you let any strangers enter your home, be sure you look over their references. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. Someone can seem nice and professional on the outside, but they may not be so nice on the inside.

If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Do not make things simple for a burglar, but rather bury all wires or hide them in the wall. You will be much more safe.

One of the best things you can do to protect your home at night is to deter intruders with plenty of exterior lighting. They don’t want anyone to see them. With a well lit home there is no place for burglars to conceal themselves. Have lights that come on when they detect movement for best results.

Make sure to ask for identification for any home security company representative. Intruders can easy pass themselves off as an employee of a security company just to get inside your house. This can be risky for you and your belongings. Take care to steer clear of danger.

Be sure to get a home security service that will inspect your home and tailor a home security system just for you. Everyone has specific needs and wants when dealing with the security of their house, belongings and family. If you are able to secure a company willing to tailor a system to your needs, there is a good chance that you will be satisfied.

Find out how long a company has been in operation before signing a home security contract. Companies who have been around for years will show that they have what it takes to succeed. In addition, it proves that they provide people with reliable services they can depend on. You get better peace of mind if you deal with someone you know you can trust for the long haul.

Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. While these systems are great and can help protect your family, they are not necessary for everyone. In some particular neighborhoods, classes for self defense or acquiring a dog may be the best option. However, the newest home security technology may be the best protection in other regions. You need to assess risks and choose a system adapted to the kind of situations you are likely to run into.

Get your home security system custom built for your needs. Each situation is different. If you find a company that will tailor the plan you choose to your needs, you can get the highest level of security that makes you feel comfortable.

Think about getting a home security system that is wireless. While the wired systems are less expensive, they usually mean rather intrusive wiring for your house, which can also go out during power outages. Wireless systems are much easier to maintain and also to install, and they are not reliant on your central power source.

Maintain the exterior areas in your house so they are well lit. Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their crimes. Install a light in any area a potential intruder can get into your home. Be sure to consider your front and back porch, garage, ground floor windows and any basement entryway.

When you purchase an expensive item such as a computer or TV, be sure to take the cardboard box to the recycling center rather than leaving it on your curb for all the world to see. Burglars pay attention to this, and it will make them want to break in and get the items. You should cut up the boxes once you empty them.

Always request that your house or pet sitter remove fliers from your door. Sometimes burglars leave fliers in an attempt to see if anyone is home to remove them. A flier that hangs around for days on end lets burglars know that there’s no one in the home.

Now, you have the information you need to secure your home. It’s time to put that knowledge to work. Use these tips and ideas to create a safer and more secure home environment.

Put up video surveillance. Video cameras are a great deterrent. Most intruders are discouraged by visible cameras. But, if they attempt to disable the camera, you will still be able to see them if you have a hidden camera. As an added security bonus, most modern systems will allow you to monitor your cameras remotely (via cell phone) for round-the-clock protection.