You have worked hard for your things and you need to keep them safe. Home damage can be devastating. Besides being a valuable possession in its own right, your home is also the stage upon which you live your life. Continue reading to learn more about making sure your home stays safe and protected.

Only provide your house cleaner with a key if you trust him or her implicitly. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Check references thoroughly. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

Invest in a safe in order to secure very valuable items. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Keep the safe hidden in a hard-to-find location like an attic or a basement closet.

Home security systems offer other triggering features besides having an alarm sound. Many can be set for sounding their alarm if anyone enters. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Wild variations in pricing can exist for similar security products. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

Compare various home security systems when shopping. Every company offers different pricing. Get at least 3 quotes from security system companies and compare features and services as well as monthly costs.

Do not open your door for people you do not know. Burglars are getting creative, and they will do anything they can to gain access to your home. Make sure everyone in your house knows not to open the door unless they know the person standing outside.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.

Police Department

Your garage needs to be secure. Intruders could easily break into your garage and access your home. A C-clamp is very useful for garage doors that lift on tracks. It will prevent garage doors from opening up whenever it is near the roller and is tight on the track.

Talk to the police department in your area to see what safety programs they have. Home inspections or engraving identifiers can help protect you. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.

You should clean your yard of vegetation and dead wood. They are a potential fire hazard during warmer months. Keep your family and your house protected by regularly clearing out your yard waste.

End your shyness. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. You never want to ignore gossip. While this is unorthodox, it may clue you into a possible home security threat.

Don’t be shy. Speak to your neighbors. Watch their homes for suspicious activity and get their word that they will do the same thing for you. Pay attention to gossip. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

It is important that you do not put expensive valuables in plain sight. While having huge windows may be good for letting in light and viewing what is outside, it also gives potential thieves a good look in your own home. Keep your curtains drawn to keep your valuable items safe.

Security starts with new locks. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

The alarm system you choose should protect more than just the doors to your home. Burglars often enter through windows as well. Get an alarm that will trigger if either the doors or windows are opened. This is great for keeping the family secure.

Skylights could be a problem for the safety of your home. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Be certain that skylights in your home can be locked securely.

Be certain the wires to your home security system are neither visible nor accessible. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. This makes it much easier for a thief to get inside your home. Keep the wires protected. That will make you safer.

Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. It might shock you to learn that most break-ins occur due to unlocked doors. Thieves can steal a lot of valuable stuff in mere minutes.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? Most people are unaware of this fact until a burglar takes it from their house. Copper is expensive and most wiring is composed of it, so stripping it is a great way for crooks to make a quick buck. Make sure the wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep this valuable item safe.

If you’re going to hire a company that provides home security, read everything in the contract before you sign it. Sometimes, hidden costs can be incurred if you get rid of the service before a certain date. If you can’t avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.

Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. Try doing a background check to look at their criminal history. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.

Don’t allow your landscaping make it easier for burglars to break into your home. Make sure that the doors and windows to your home are not covered by trees, fences, shrubs or any other type of thing. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. Plan your home with safety in mind.

Checking out security firms online is a great idea. Check out reviews you find on the web. Also find other companies to get quotes from as well.

If you come to your home and discover that your door has been left open, avoid investigating by yourself. This can be dangerous since the intruder might still be on the property. Instead, wait outside until the police come, after calling them on your cell phone.

Determine how much experience a home security company has before you decide to do business with them. Companies that have been around for awhile show that they can provide reliable support. You’ll have a lot more confidence in your choice if you stick with a company that has a proven track record.

Are your house numbers visible from the street? During an emergency crisis, smaller numbers prevent emergency personnel from finding your home quickly. Thankfully, you can right this wrong cheaply and quickly.

Be sure to get a home security service that will inspect your home and tailor a home security system just for you. Everyone has specific needs and wants when dealing with the security of their house, belongings and family. Doing this helps you get the best security you can get from the company, helping you to relax.

Ask your home-security company about what contract lengths they provide to their customers. There are of course pros and cons for each contract. With a longer contract, your monthly payment is likely to be lower. The downside is you might be stuck for a longer period of time if you decide you don’t like the service or want to move. If you want more freedom, it is best to purchase a more expensive but shorter contract.

If you get home and the door is open, don’t go in. You have no way of knowing whether the thieves are still inside. Go to a neighbor’s or another safe area and call the police.

Don’t put the registration to your car in your glove box. This isn’t smart because anyone can reads them can see where you live. You should keep them on your person, or find another place in your vehicle to hide them. If a cop pulls you over, you will need them anyway.

Make sure the inside of your garage isn’t visible. Have your windows frosted so they aren’t as easy to see through. Keep your garage door closed as often as possible, too.

Avoid keeping your key somewhere expected. Fake rocks are particularly simple to spot. Many people also know to check under the welcome mat. It’s better to ask a trusted friend or neighbor to hold your extra key. If you can’t, be creative where you put the key.

Ask about the various contract lengths offered by a home security company. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. You might pay less each month for longer contracts, but it has its deterrents as well. If you want more freedom, it is best to purchase a more expensive but shorter contract.

Having a burglar alarm is really good, but it is only good if the police is alerted when it sets off. The only way to ensure this is to use a system that calls the police for you. Neighbors won’t always be home to call.

Put the shades down on your windows when you are out. Intruders can look into your house if the blinds are up. If they see something they like, they will then break in. Close your drapes or blinds while you are asleep, too.

Deadbolts are the best locks you can install, as they have captive keylocks. These locks have a thumb latch that will keep intruders from opening it by using a broken window pane to reach in. Always leave your key in the door when you are home so you can leave quickly if you have to.

As was proven in the article above, it doesn’t have to be all that hard to maintain a safe home. You need to have some knowledge about home security. Use these excellent ideas to really up the security around your house. Don’t neglect home security; stay safe.

Women stand a much better chance of being the victims of home invasions, particularly if they live alone or with kids. Therefore, consider putting large boots on the front step of your home to make burglars believe a manly man lives in the room. This is sure to scare criminals off from your house.