Continue reading if you need advice about home security. It isn’t an easy decision, especially with the amount of money that could be needed. You will make better decisions once you read this article and learn more about home security.

You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. Do a background check on them. If they work through a larger firm, you can check up on the company with your local Better Business Bureau.

You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. You can buy timers to have radios, TVs, lights and other electronics go off and on at different times. This way, it will appear that you are at home. This will help to deter burglars.

Do you allow your dog to stay in your yard while you are away? Store the spare key with them. Conceal it in the dog’s collar. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.

Do you have an outdoor dog? She or he is actually a good place to keep the spare key. Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. This is an especially good idea if your dog doesn’t like strangers, and gives you easy access to get in your home.

Don’t allow a complete stranger to come in your home. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Create the rule that you just open a door to people that you expect to arrive.

When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. Prices for home security systems can vary and they do not all offer the same services. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.

When summer comes around, eliminate all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. As things heat up in the summer, items may catch on fire and threaten your home. Always clear the yard to ensure safety.

When placing your spare key outside for emergencies, give careful consideration to where you put it. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Listen to your intuition as to whether your system is being installed by a trustworthy home security company. If the installers give you the heebie-jeebies, it’s not a good sign. 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 that system is to feel safer after all.

Contact the local police department to find out more about the protection programs they offer. Some police departments offer things like code numbers to help find your valuables should they get stolen. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.

When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Windows are all potential entry points for burglars. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. This will make your family safer.

Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. A security professional should visit to help with the testing process. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. There are always ways your home is vulnerable, even if you don’t know it.

Keep flashlights in your rooms. If the power goes out, you will be able to see everything. Show your children how to use them so everyone in the family is involved.

Before doing anything else, install new locks in your home. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. It is usually inexpensive and can be done in less than 24 hours.

Always get references from anyone you are considering hiring to do work inside your home. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. You can’t know for sure about the integrity of people you hire, and blindly giving them access to your home can be a huge mistake.

Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. You should be very picky when it comes to letting people inspect your home. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

Keep lights on at all times if you want to prevent break-ins from happening. They do not desire to be seen. Ample lighting makes it difficult for would-be burglars to approach undetected, and this turns your home into a less attractive target. That’s why it’s a good idea to light your home well for optimum safety.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Having heavy duty, reliable hardware is best when it comes to skylights.

Use the Internet to find a reliable home security company. Check out different websites, and read through package details and customer testimonials. Make appointments with the three best companies, and take the time to go over the details and compare them.

You should be ready to select an efficient home security system after reading this article. You should not neglect the safety of your family. Use these tips to protect your home and your family.

Your landscaping should be designed based on what will be safest for your home. The doors and windows of your home should not be obstructed by trees, fences or shrubs. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. Landscaped features should be set further away for safety, yet keeping beauty in mind.