As a homeowner, you really should know about security procedures for your home. However, you have to sift through the huge amount of information that is published on the matter. By reading this article, you’ll get a good overview of the basics of home security.

Check out your garage to ensure that it is secure. There is a way to stop thieves from entering your home from the garage. If the garage door lifts via a track, you can use a C-clamp to stop your door from opening at the hands of intruders.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. Really this works only if you have a pet door or if your dog is an outdoor dog. Hide a key inside the collar of your dog in case you need a spare.

No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. Call the company and have them send someone to check it out. Many things can impact the performance of a security system, such as animals and weather. Sometimes, you may need a professional to locate the problem.

It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. This is also the thing to do if you lose the keys.

Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Remember to keep working bulbs in them at all times.

Only give your house key to a professional house cleaner if you trust them. 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. Do a background check on them. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.

Switch your locks. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. It is usually inexpensive and can be done in less than 24 hours.

You should never give details about your vacations and other plans on social networks. 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.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those that install your 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. The point of having a security system is to make yourself feel at ease.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

The walls are a perfect hiding place. If you have valuables that are small in size, you may want to hide them within your walls. Just use an unwired electric plug, light switch or phone box. If there are no unused plates, you can easily install fake ones.

Secure your attached garage. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.

You could hide some valuables within your walls. You do not have to cut pieces out of the walls to do this. Many spots are already cut that can be used for this purpose. Unused electrical sockets can be great for hiding expensive jewelry.

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Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Thieves know about all these hiding spots. A better option is to entrust an honest neighbor with a spare key.

Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.

If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. One of the ways an intruder can get around a security system is by disconnecting or cutting the wires. You don’t want to help them by doing this, so make sure you have the wires within the walls. This way, you will be safer.

Skylights could be a problem for the safety of your home. Intruders could use skylights to enter your home. Your skylights need durable and reliable hardware for true protection.

If your home isn’t new, replace the locks. Although the tenant before might have turned their key in, they might still have a duplicate key. It is possible to purchase and put in locks on your own so you can be assured you have the only keys.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. If you have valuables that are small in size, you may want to hide them within your walls. Any phone jack or electrical outlet that isn’t being used is a great place to hide valuables. You put in a fake plate if there aren’t any unused in your home.

When allowing a representative from any security company to enter your home, look for someone in uniform and ask to see an identification. Having the name of the technician coming to your house ahead of time can help to ensure you are allowing someone who really works for the company into your home. Don’t allow this to happen, as it is a direct threat to your house and its contents. Take care to steer clear of danger.

It is important that your valuables are not visible from anywhere outside your house. Although large windows in your home can provide your home with a lot of light, they can also provide burglars with an excellent view of the inside of your home. Windows facing the street need to be covered to keep inside possessions safe.

One relatively inexpensive way to add an extra layer of protection to your home is to install motion sensor lights for the exterior of your home. In the dark hours, these lights will provide the illumination necessary to protect your home and also save money by staying off when they’re not needed. Positioned correctly, these lights can make it impossible for intruders to get on your property undetected.

Lock the house, even if just going away for a short time. Surprisingly, lots of burglaries occur because the burglar was able to simply walk in without having to actually break in. Thieves can steal thousands worth of your belongings very quickly.

Keep safety in mind when doing landscaping. Make sure that there is nothing obstructing your doors and windows. If you have them visible, people can’t hide in those areas while they try to break in. If you want to have a garden around your home, keep trees and shrubs away from your house.

You can make your home safer by investing in some motion detectors and outside lights. This is a fairly inexpensive way to provide light and security to your property. By carefully placing them around the outside of your property, you create a perimeter that cannot be breached.

Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. A home security system is a good idea; however, it is not the perfect solution for every home. In some neighborhoods, it may be better for you to have a dog, or even take self defense classes in order to protect yourself. Make sure you understand your risks so you can make wise purchasing decisions.

Ask about the history of any home security company you are considering. Companies that have been around for awhile show that they can provide reliable support. You get better peace of mind if you deal with someone you know you can trust for the long haul.

Think about a wireless security system for your home. Wired systems could cost less, but they can also require intrusive electrical work inside your house and can fail when the power goes out. Wireless systems don’t need your home’s power in order to properly work. In addition, they can be usually be installed and maintained easier.

Consider your personal needs for safety and your security risks prior to looking for security systems. Though such systems can be terrific for many, not everyone really needs one. It may be better for you to take a self-defense class or buy a dog. The neighborhood you live in makes a difference. Comprehend the risks associated with your home security so you now can make a more well-informed buying decision.

When you are away on vacation have a house sitter bring in your mail and any flyers and newspapers that accumulate in front of your house. Some burglars place fliers to see if they’ll be quickly removed. Fliers that are not removed let the burglar know that the home is vacant.

It will be well worth your time to learn about ways to make your home safer. It will take good sense to sift out the helpful information from that not useful to you. For this reason, you should remember the information in this article when you consider keeping your home secure.

A great way to deter criminals from getting into the garage is to make sure nobody sees inside it. Cover your windows in frosting, which can be bought at big box hardware stores, so people can’t peek inside. Also, avoid leaving the door open for prolonged periods of time.