Lots of people realize the importance of home security, but not everyone possesses lots of knowledge of it. A good way to guarantee a safe home is to review the topic in a thorough manner. Keep reading for some invaluable home security tips.

Spare Key

Look at the prices for all of the security systems that you are interested in. Every company offers different pricing. Get quotes from several companies before making a decision.

Carefully consider where you hide your outside spare key. People will check your doormat and frame first. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. 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.

Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. Having your home built with fire resistant materials will help safeguard your home in case it catches fire. Fire prevention is paramount.

Install motion-sensor lights. Lights like these will automatically turn on whenever someone is near them. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

Rural Areas

Don’t forget to secure your skylights too. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. Be certain to have skylights that incorporate strong, durable hardware.

Do you live outside the city? You might be less worried about home invasions than if you lived in an urban area. On a different note, some people believe homeowners in more rural areas are more likely to experience robberies because of the lack of nearby neighbors. Then again, others think rural areas are not as much of a target.

You can hide your valuable items inside your walls. You don’t have to cut out pieces of the wall to do this. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. You might think that you are providing yourself a safe way into the house if you misplace your keys, but you are really inviting attackers inside. Burglars always know just where to look. Rather, keep your spare keys with a neighbor you trust.

Keep valuables out of sight of windows. If you have big windows near your big entertainment system, it can seem like an invitation to thieves. Be sure to put curtains on your front-facing windows so people can’t see your valuable belongings.

When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Make sure the wires are installed inside the walls of your home. You’ll be safer.

If you have any boxes to discard from large, expensive items, wait until the evening before the trash is scheduled for collection. Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your house.

Before allowing anyone into your home, check their references carefully. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.

Keep your home’s exterior well lit. Criminals love darkness to help mask their crimes. Motion sensor lights can work great because they can also alert you when someone does come onto the property. Be sure to consider your front and back porch, garage, ground floor windows and any basement entryway.

If you have just moved into a new home, have every single lock replaced. Although the person you purchased the house from might seem good, you really have no clue as to who they really are. Many other people could have keys to the property, and you probably don’t want them to all have access to your home.

Spring Latch

Spring latch locks are not a good option. They are simple to open if you have a credit card. Intruders just have to slide a card in between the latch and door for the lock to pop open. If your doors have locks that are spring latch, add a deadbolt for extra security.

If there is any rotted wood around your door frame, replace it. Rotted wood can be easily removed by thieves. Wood that is beginning to rot should always be replaced to make sure your home stays safe.

When you’re not in your house, all of the window coverings (blinds, curtains, shades, or what have you) should be tightly shut. If the blinds are up, then the intruders can see directly through your home. They might see something worth breaking in to get. Your window dressing should also be closed while you sleep.

If you have a numeric keypad on your door as your lock, don’t make the password your birthday. Anyone can easily get your birthday from a Facebook profile or your driver’s licence. Try using a number that is the solution to a math problem. Then you can just remember the math problem to arrive at the solution.

Be sure to make good use of the Internet when you’re trying to select your home security company. Go through different websites and investigate testimonials about different companies and packages. Make appointments with the three best companies, and take the time to go over the details and compare them.

Keep your window coverings drawn in the evenings. There’s no reason to extend strangers an open invitation to inspect your rooms. If potential thieves see valuable items inside your house, they may target your house. Be discreet when showing off what everyone can see, and you can be more likely to avoid burglaries.

Ask the security company you hire whether they have lights with motion sensors. A lot of them have this, and they cause outside lights to come on when people approach your home. Motion sensitive lighting can scare off an intruder and allow you to safely enter your home.

The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. Be sure and have a light next to any entry point in your home. This means by the garage, in the doorways, around windows and much more.

The sliding doors made of glass that you see on many modern homes are actually a big security concern. These can become unlocked very easy by burglars. If you don’t have an alarm set up for them, use pipe cut to fit at the door channel. This will ensure the door stays tightly shut and it is difficult to force open.

Women who live alone or along with children are the most likely targets for burglary. Place big muddy boots near the front door so it looks like a male lives there. This should keep most intruders away.

If you don’t have a paper shredder, you might want to buy one. Thieves are likely to steal documents that include your personal information if they can find them. Rip paper into tiny pieces if you can’t afford to purchase a paper shredder.

The wiring on the outside of your home can draw burglars in. Your wiring contains copper, which is worth a considerable amount of money. Hiding wiring is a good way to prevent copper thieves from hitting your property.

Always change the keys and locks on a new home. This applies to purchases and rentals, so ask the landlord to change the locks, or do it on your own.

If you plan to be away and you have another person collecting your mail, have them double check your front door for fliers. Burglars have been known to put these up, waiting to see if they are removed or not. If the flier is not taken down, the burglar assumes the homeowner is not in town.

A good video surveillance system will keep most intruders away. Do not assume that every home intruder wears a mask. The average burglar wants to avoid coming into contact with the homeowner or anyone else. They will likely leave if they notice the cameras and sensors.

You might think that your home is secure. Still, there is a lack of understanding regarding how to achieve personal security for homes and loved ones. Armed with the information presented here, you have the resources you need to secure your home 24/7.

Whenever you purchase some expensive item, don’t place the empty boxes right outside your home. This will just alert criminals to the fact that you have expensive items in your home. Cut up the boxes when they’re empty.