Your house must be a safe haven for you and your family at all times. You want to know that while your family is away, your home remains secure. This article can give you the information you need to make sure your home is secure.

Be sure your home appears to always be occupied. Timers can be used to turn lights and televisions on and off when required. This makes it appear that someone is home. This will keep people from breaking in.

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. Purchase timers for electronics, lights, radios and TVs so that they will turn on and off at varied intervals. This way, your house will always look occupied. This is a simple way to improve your home’s safety and make it less attractive to criminals.

Any time you buy a new home, have the locks changed. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. The key can be attached to the collar of your dog. This will ensure that burglars cannot see it. If your dog does not like strangers, this can help ensure consistent access to the house.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Some companies offer comparable levels of protection that can be priced very differently. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

Talk to people you know for referrals when choosing home security systems. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Be sure you seek out advice by asking those people.

See if your local police department offers any home inspection or other protection programs. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. A quick call to the non-emergency number at the police station in your town will tell you all you need to know.

Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. Even if someone has a good story, requires help or has a great product to sell, ignore them. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

In the summertime, you should rid your yard of dead bushes and vegetation. As it gets hotter, the chances of these igniting and putting your house at risk increase. Clearing your yard keeps your home, belongings and family much safer.

Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Changing the locks will ensure that you are the only one who knows the combination. It does not cost much, and can be handled very quickly.

Keep your car in the garage. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. Additionally, if your car is put away, burglars will not be able to tell whether or not you are home.

Now that you have read this article, you have the knowledge you need to protect your home. Are you ready to put your newly found knowledge to use? Stay informed about this topic and keep protecting your home and your family.

Don’t think you’re not at risk just because you don’t live in a big city. Some people feel that rural residents lead riskier lives because they are far away from neighbors. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.