If you own your home, you need to learn about home security. There is a lot of information out there about the subject. By reading this article, you’ll get a good overview of the basics of home security.

Be sure your home appears to always be occupied. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. It’ll make it seem like someone is home. This will help to deter burglars.

Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Simply affix a spare key to the collar of the animal. You’ll always have a backup plan if you lose your key!

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. The person who previously owned the home may have made copies of keys. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.

Don’t give the keys to your home to a professional cleaner unless you trust them completely. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Make sure you verify all references. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? This is where you can put your spare key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. This is a good way to ensure easy home access, especially if your pet does not associate well with strangers.

Home security plans have other features along with an alarm that goes off during a break-in. The majority of systems are able to be set to put out an alert when any individual enters the home. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.

Think very carefully about where to hide your spare key. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.

Do not allow anyone you do not know into your home. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. This person might just be casing the joint to see if there is home security equipment.

Don’t announce your vacation agenda on your social networks. This is especially true if you have lots of unfamiliar “friends”. Although it’s fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.

You need to be sure the attached garage of yours is secure. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

Turn the ringers off on all your phones if you will be away for a prolonged period of time. A ringing phone that goes unanswered may signal to a burglar that nobody is home.

Walls are great for hiding things. Concealing small valuables in your walls is an easy and highly effective way to protect them. Any phone jack or electrical outlet that isn’t being used is a great place to hide valuables. If you haven’t got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. The point of having a security system is to make yourself feel at ease.

Don’t just consider alarming your doors when you’re considering an alarm system. Your windows are also points of entry for burglars. Every single entry point needs to have monitoring on it. They are the most effective.

People who live rurally often don’t think about home security. Some people feel that rural residents lead riskier lives because they are far away from neighbors. Not everyone believes this, though.

Never throw out boxes for expensive items until the day your trash is picked up. Empty boxes might draw the attention of robbers and let everyone know you own new and expensive goods.

The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. You could utilize an electrical outlet, phone jack, or unused switch plate. If there are no unused plates, you can easily install fake ones.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

When selecting a home alarm system, choose one that protects many areas of your home, not just the doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Have alarms installed for each window and any other entry point. They are the most effective.

Keep your home’s exterior areas illuminated well. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Install lighting anywhere a possible intruder might break in. Some examples include first story windows, garages, doorways and porches.

There is a lot of value in copper wiring. Often homeowners are unaware of this fact until they find that their wiring has been stolen. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. Be sure that you keep all your wiring hidden and make it hard to access.

You need to think about what you need as far as home security before you look at different systems. Generic systems aren’t for everyone. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Before you sink a lot of money into your home’s security, make sure that you’re properly addressing your particular risks.

If you are searching for ways to make your home more secure, one inexpensive way to accomplish this is to purchase exterior lights that have motion detectors. At night, the lights will keep things bright round the house, but they are also efficient and cost-effective ways to help your security. They also help to keep intruders away, because an intruder does not want to come close to your property if they know they might be spotted.

If you come to your home and discover that your door has been left open, avoid investigating by yourself. This is dangerous because the thief may be right inside. Instead, you should call 911 and wait in a safe location for the police to arrive.

Make sure you have weighed the costs and risks when you are considering your security needs. While these systems could be good for protecting your family, they aren’t for everyone. In some areas, a class on self defense or a guard dog might be more suitable, yet in others, an advanced home security system will fit the bill. Know the risks so that you can make a better decision.

If you do not already have a paper shredder, you may want to think about investing in one. Thieves might go through your trash bags to find bills for valuables or personal information. Rip paper into tiny pieces if you can’t afford to purchase a paper shredder.

A paper shredder can be a good security investment. Many thieves sift through trash for personal info and to figure out when you plan to be away. Rip your important papers up before throwing them away if you can’t get a shredder.

You don’t need to rely on keys to prevent entry to certain areas of your home. There are locks that use a code for entry, rather than a key. Either you can install them or home security companies can.

Keeping a dog provides a great way to boost your home’s defense. Dogs are protective of turf and generally make noise when something is wrong. There is no need for a mean, big dog either. As long as he is noisy when strangers approach, he’s a great addition to the security of your home.

Inquire whether a security company offers variable contract lengths. Each probably has its own set of positives and negatives. A longer contract might give you a lower monthly bill, but you could be stuck with those monthly costs if you sell your home or decide to discontinue services. Shorter contracts mean more freedom along with higher costs.

Deadbolts with keys make the best locks. This makes it impossible to open the lock from the outside because of the thumb latch. After arriving home, you should put your key inside the lock and keep it there. That will allow you to get out quickly if there is a fire.

Replace flimsy doors with solid wood or metal versions. These doors are much more sturdy. The heavier sturdy doors make it much harder for an intruder to gain access to your home. It should be possible for you to find replacements for all of your doors for a good price, so do it right away.

It’s sadly true that women who live on their own or with children are especially tempting targets for burglars and home invaders. Keep some shoes on your porch to make potential intruders think a man lives here. This will definitely deter criminals from entering your home.

Ask the security company whether or not that have motion sensitive lighting. Some do, and installing these lights means your property will be illuminated if anyone walks nearby. This will ward off thieves and make you feel safe when you come home.

A big dog that barks loud can help protect your home and your family. Thieves aren’t going to want to chance a possible bite or attack. Consider a new pet who can help to protect your home, as well as offer companionship to you and your family.

Neighborhood gossip does not always have to be tedious and immature. You never know who might be watching when someone is sneaking around your home. Being friendly will bring you great security.

Buy your alarm system straight from the manufacturer. Re-sellers are after making a profit; therefore, they don’t have your best interests in mind. Whenever you buy straight from the company, you are assured you are paying the right price and that the equipment will cater to your needs.

Carbon Monoxide

Try to screen the interior of your home from being seen from the exterior. When a computer is visible, for example, a criminal may see it. Using curtains or blinds at your windows can help prevent people from seeing inside your house. Without blinds or drapes, anyone is able to view valuables in your home.

Few people realize that a smoke detector needs to be cleaned periodically. This is also true of a carbon monoxide detector. If dirt and debris are allowed to build up, it will cause interference with the sensors. Thus, detectors won’t protect the home against smoke or carbon monoxide.

Consider installing infrared detection lights. Nearby movement causes these lights to come on automatically, making them impossible to avoid. This will freak out a criminal! The sudden burst of light usually causes panic, and intruders will typically flee once they’re illuminated.

Every person who owns a home needs to take time to learn about home security. That said, it isn’t simple to figure out what to learn. This means that this article will help you if you need advice about maintaining your home’s safety.

Do not place valuable items in plain view of your exterior windows. The more visible your most valuable possessions are, the more attractive they are to thieves and criminals.