If you are a homeowner, you realize the necessity of security. Few feelings are worse than seeing your house damaged or, worse, destroyed. In addition to being your biggest investment, your home is also where you and your family make memories. This article shows you just how to be as safe as possible.

Your home should looked occupied all the time. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. In this way, it will always seem that someone is in your home. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

Once you buy a house, switch out the locks. You’re not aware of any copies that have been made by the previous owners of the house. 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.

Invest in a safe in order to secure very valuable items. This is very important, as you do not want your gold, diamonds and personal items exposed if someone were to break into your house. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. Prices for home security systems can vary and they do not all offer the same services. Get quotes from several companies before making a decision.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can’t be seen. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.

You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This will make your home more safe, especially if you are in a dry climate that has many power lines. Fire prevention should be taken seriously because it can stop a major disaster from happening.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.

Home security systems do more than sounding an alarm in case of a break in. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.

Never let a stranger inside. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

Even if you only plan to be gone for a very short time, lock your house. It may shock you to know this, but a lot of intruders get inside homes through open doors. They can get a ton of stuff quickly and be long gone before you return.

It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

Be sure to replace all locks on a home you have bought. It may seem as if the former owners of the home are honest, but really you don’t know much about them. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

Unless you’re moving into a brand-new apartment or home, changing the locks should be one of your top priorities. Even though the previous tenant may have turned in their key, you never know if they have a copy. This will help safeguard that there is no one else with your key.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. People are coming up with all sorts of ways to convince people to open their door to them, with the intent of committing burglary or worse. Only open the door for people you are expecting.

You don’t have to undergo a difficult process to secure your home. All you need is some reliable home security advice. Use these home security tips wisely. Don’t neglect anything you read here. Make your home as safe as possible.