Are you clueless about home security systems? Do you feel overwhelmed about where you would even start? If you identify with this, think about your different options. Read on to find out what is best for you.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. Really this works only if you have a pet door or if your dog is an outdoor dog. Hide a key inside the collar of your dog in case you need a spare.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. Really this works only if you have a pet door or if your dog is an outdoor dog. Place the alternative key on your dog’s collar in case of an emergency.

See what the local police offer when it comes to home protection programs. There are many that offer programs that include items, such as home inspection, how to use engraving tools to mark code numbers to identify valuables if yours are stolen, and protective measures advice. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

Shut off the ringer for all of the telephones in your home if you are planning to go on vacation for a long time. If a burglar keeps hearing your phone ring, they’ll know the home is not occupied, making it more likely for a break-in to occur.

Avoid being shy. Speak with your neighbors. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. Pay attention to gossip. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. Be wary of those who come to your door selling products, asking for help, or telling sob stories. There are some people who will just come in to see if you have a home security system, and if you do not, they could come back later when you are not home.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. If you own small valuables that require protection, try hiding them in the walls. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. You can also install a fake one.

You should clean your yard of vegetation and dead wood. As the summer heat rolls in, there is a higher chance that these can catch on fire, putting your home at risk. Therefore, you need to regularly clean your yard so that your home is protected.

Always lock your house, no matter how briefly you expect to be gone. Many home thefts start with the thief simply walking in an unlocked door or window. They can get a ton of stuff quickly and be long gone before you return.

An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the locks. There are many different people who might have keys from your past, and removing the potential of them accessing your home can be a very good idea. This doesn’t usually cost much, and it can be accomplished in less than a day.

A good home security system monitors all entry points to your home. Each window represents a possible entry for your thief. Be sure your home alarm covers all entry points into your home. This is great for keeping the family secure.

Don’t give outside people the ability to see into your home. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. Cover all street-facing windows.

If your door is set in a rotted frame, you must replace the frame. Rotten wood is easily removed and can give an intruder a way into your home. Replace rotted wood with fresh wood to make your home safer.

Make sure the wires of your home security system are completely hidden. Burglars can easily cut the wires if they are visible. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. This makes it much less likely that your system will be compromised.

Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.

Once you’ve moved to a new house, make it a priority to replace all locks. Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. Keep in mind that there may have been residents prior to that person too.

When a security company wants in your home ask for an ID and see if they’re in uniform. Thieves may say they are from a certain company to get into your home. Intruders could disguise themselves as home security representatives to inspect your current security system. Use caution to stay out of danger.

Rotted Wood

Before allowing anyone into your home, check their references carefully. Do not hesitate to hire someone to run a background check if you have doubts. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

Replace rotten wood near door frames. Anybody wanting to break into your house can just pry off rotted wood and get inside. Therefore, replace rotted wood with fresh wood to ensure your home’s safety.

Whenever you sign with a home-security company, it is important that you thoroughly read the contract. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.

You should have several flashlights and batteries in all your rooms. Flashlights are very important, as they will give you the ability to move around in the event of an emergency. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.

Always enlist the powers of online research to help you make a smart choice when it comes to home security companies. Look at many websites and read customer reviews about the various services. Then, you can set appointments to make price and service comparisons before you choose.

When moving into a previously owned home, change the locks. Previous tenants may have given the keys back to the landlord, but it is always possible to make copies of keys. If you own, you can have the locks replaced and only you will have had the key.

Ask your security provider about their history in the business. A company with a long history has proved they can survive and provide great service to people. You should not trust a company that does not have a good record with your local Better Business Bureau or few years of experience.

You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. They lights will light up your property at night and they are cost-effective and efficient. If strategically placed, motion detectors ensure that it’s difficult for intruders to break into your home sight unseen.

You should think about getting a home security system that is wireless. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. A wireless system is easy to install and to maintain. Besides, you will still be able to count on your wireless system in case of a power outage.

Safety should be kept in mind when you are planning your landscape. Windows should be free from obstructions like trees, shrubs and fencing. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Utilize shrubs and trees farther away in order to add beauty to your home while keeping it safe.

Do not use locks with spring latches. These locks can be opened easily with a credit card. An intruder has only to press the card into the doorjamb between latch and the door and the lock will pop open. Add a deadbolt to existing spring latch locks for maximum security.

When you are out of the house, your drapes and blinds should be fully closed. If you don’t, others can look in and see that the property is currently unoccupied. If they see something they like, they will then break in. Keep them down as you sleep, too.

Think about a security system that is hard-wired if you really have concerns about maintenance costs. Although wireless systems are easier, they usually require a lot of batteries that require changing regularly. Neglecting this maintenance can cause faults in your security system and leave you improperly protected. Also, having to replace batteries on a regular basis can quickly become costly.

Make sure that your key is in a hidden place. Fake rocks are easy to spot. Someone is going to look under your doormat. It is probably best to find someone you trust to hold a key for you. Otherwise, you should be more creative when it comes to hiding your key.

If you have valuable items that cannot be replaced, you must keep them under lock and key. Passports, jewelry and expensive electronics must be secured at all times. Floor safes are excellent locations for keeping these particular items safe inside your home. You can also rent out a safety deposit box.

Now at this point you should a better grasp on your options. Remember this advice and tips as you begin making your home security plans. You will not be sorry that you finally began tackling this vital task.

If you are a woman, you are much more at risk for a burglary. Try placing big, muddy boots on your front step to create the illusion of a big, active man living there. This will give criminals second thoughts and make your home a less tempting target.