You might know someone that has been a victim of a home invasion. This crime is increasing, so you need to make an effort to keep your home secure. Break-ins can occur anywhere. This article talks about some things that you can do to improve its security.
Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Place the alternative key on your dog’s collar in case of an emergency.
Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Store a spare key within your dogs collar so you always have access to your home.
TIP! You can hide your spare key on your dog. Of course, your dog has to be an outdoor dog (or you at least need to have a doggy door) for this to work.
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. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.
Alter the combination of the locks in your home. If you have boarders, former live-in partners, or others who once had access to your home, this is especially important. This is a very easy process that you can complete within a day.
When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. It’s important to know everyone who has a key to your home. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. Do the same thing if you misplace your keys.
TIP! Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure.
You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This is very true when you feel uneasy about the person installing the system. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with someone else. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.
If you’ve got skylights, don’t forget about it when it comes to home security. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.
Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.
TIP! When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company.
Hide any valuables in wall spaces. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. There are many spots in your home that already have areas that are pre-cut. You could removed the wiring from an electric socket that you aren’t using, and stash jewelry inside it.
Spare Key
Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. A loud ring that goes unanswered can alert people to the fact that you aren’t home. This makes you more likely to be the victim of a burglary.
TIP! If you will be away from your house for an extended period of time, turn the ringers off for all your phones. If the phone rings without you there, burglars will suspect that you’re not home, and that can make your home a target for an attack while you’re gone.
It is not a good idea to hide a spare key on your property. Instead of letting you into your home in the event you are locked out, you are providing criminals with easy access to your home. Thieves are familiar with these hiding spots. The wisest course of action is to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or a reliable neighbor.
If your door is set in a rotted frame, you must replace the frame. Home invaders interested are able to pry off any rotted wood to get inside. Therefore, replace rotted wood with fresh wood to ensure your home’s safety.
Never allow any strangers into your home. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. Some people just want to know if there is a security system so they can plan on coming back later or not.
TIP! It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. Even if this stranger has a believable story or is trying to sell you something, do not let them in.
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. They lights will light up your property at night and they are cost-effective and efficient. By carefully placing them around the outside of your property, you create a perimeter that cannot be breached.
Talk to any companies you’re considering hiring to install a security system about how long the company has been around. Many years of service bode well for the company’s performance. You should not trust a company that does not have a good record with your local Better Business Bureau or few years of experience.
Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. Get a security comapny tech to check it. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. If you aren’t paying attention, you may not be aware of these problems.
TIP! You should regularly check your home security system, regardless of how reliable you believe it is. Ask a home security employee to give it a look.
Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. Criminals like to blend into the shadows, so do your best not to provide too many for them. Install a light in any area a potential intruder can get into your home. This includes porches and doorways, the garage, as well as ground floor windows, which can invite an intruder.
Think about getting a wireless security system for the home. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. Wireless options are easy to install, need less maintenance and are not dependent on the home’s power source.
Avoid being shy. Speak to your neighbors. Keep on eye on their home and ask neighbors to return the favor. Do not ignore gossip either. You can learn of important security information, including if strangers have been lurking.
TIP! Don’t be shy. Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
Visible Video
Consider installing a surveillance system for your home. You can have great home security with both hidden and visible video cameras. A visible video camera acts as a warning to an intruder. If the intruder disables the visible camera, the hidden camera will document it! Surveillance systems often allow you to access videos through your cell phone, too.
Change your locks if someone you don’t trust moves out of your home. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.
TIP! Always change the locks if you have someone move out of your home. 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.
Do not think that burglars only rob rich people. If a home looks easy to break into, a thief will break into it. You can take the proper steps now to make sure you and your family feel safe and protected within your home.