Home maintenance includes home security. Nonetheless, it is difficult to know what steps to take first. The piece below is sure to offer the direction you need.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Hide a key inside the collar of your dog in case you need a spare.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. If a burglar enters your home, he or she will have a hard time making off with your possessions. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure. To make sure you’re the only person that can get into your home, contact a locksmith. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. You need to ensure that they are honest and reputable according to references before you have handed over the key. Be sure to make sure their references check out. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.

If you have a stranger at your door, do not open it. Criminals find ways to get people to open doors so they can commit crimes. Create the rule that you just open a door to people that you expect to arrive.

Be sure your roof, floors, and ceiling are fire resistant. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Fire prevention is paramount.

If you have a lot of unfamiliar people on you social networking accounts, avoid letting everyone know you will be going on vacation. While it is exciting to go to a new place and have a good time, you are letting thieves know that your house will be empty and they can come right in.

Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. You risk a house fire if that sits there during the heat of the summer and catches fire. Keep your yard clear so it is a safe area.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. Criminals find ways to get people to open doors so they can commit crimes. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.

Make sure your attached garage is secure. A common concern expressed among homeowners is that someone might enter their garage and use that as an entrance to their home. There is a solution, however. A C-clamp placed on the garage door track will stop it from opening when you don’t want it to.

Be outgoing. Speak to your neighbors. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. Don’t disregard gossip either. Important security details (like the presence of strangers in your neighborhood) can come out of the most innocent conversations.

Walls can be a great hiding spot. Jewelry and other small items can be protected very well when placed in hiding places in your walls. Use an old switch plate, outlet or phone jack. Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.

You have to keep your home secure to have an enjoyable life. This is something that is not disputable. Hopefully you now have a better understanding about how to really secure your home.

If you do not reside in a big city, you may not worry as much about home burglaries. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Still, there are those who are of the opinion that rural properties are less of a temptation to burglars.