Read this article to learn how to protect your home and family. It can hard to make a big, expensive choice like this one. To make a great decision, you need proper knowledge about it.

Have your home always look occupied. You can purchase inexpensive timers that will control different electronics and lights in your home. This will make your home look like someone is in it. This is an effective deterrent against burglars.

Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Enforce a rule within your house that no one opens the door to unexpected people.

Spare Key

Your dog can actually safeguard a spare key. If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

In the summertime, you should rid your yard of dead bushes and vegetation. These are vulnerable to fires and put your home in danger. Keep your family and your house protected by regularly clearing out your yard waste.

Does your dog stay outside while you are gone? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Put it on their collar. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.

Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

Install motion-sensor lights. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. This is a good way of knowing who comes near your home and keeps you safe if you ever come home late. Be sure to keep these lights working, though.

Don’t let strangers enter your home. Even if their story is compelling, they need assistance or want to sell you something. Some people will simply knock on your door to see whether or not there is a security system installed, and if there isn’t, they may target you later when you’re away.

If you’ve got a garage, make sure to use it for your car rather than extra storage space. Keeping your car in your house will deter intruders from vandalizing or stealing it. Storing your car in the garage will also make it difficult for anyone casing your home to figure out when no one is going to be there.

A wall is a great hiding place. If you own small valuables that require protection, try hiding them in the walls. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. If you have no unused plates, you can put in a fake one.

Don’t be shy. Engage your neighbors in conversation. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. Never neglect gossip. You will learn a lot from your neighbors, including details about recent break ins in the area and the shady individuals they noticed.

You need to change our locks as your first step to ensuring your safety. Has a roommate or ex-lover moved out recently? If so, then you need to change out the locks in order to keep you and your home safe. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

You can hide your valuable items inside your walls. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. There are lots of places around the home that have pre-cut areas that you can use. Unused electrical sockets can be great for hiding expensive jewelry.

Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. Though it is nice to have big windows to get a great view of the outdoors, it is also easier for burglars to look into your home. If your windows face a street, be sure they’re always covered and have your valuables safe.

If you have learned something from this article, you are prepared to proceed. It is vital that you understand your situation because it is vital in keeping you and your family safe inside your house. Use the information you’ve learned to make this a part of your daily life.

Criminals often pick houses where they can see the valuables inside. 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. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.