Particularly if you live alone, you may think a lot about how to make your home environment safer. Rather than living in fear, there are many things you can do to improve things. Keep reading to learn more about home security.

Providing a key to the person cleaning your home can be acceptable, but you must be sure they are honest and worthy of your confidence. If you plan on giving them the key so that they can work in your home for over an hour, make sure that they’re reputable, hardworking, and honest. It is best to do a reference check on them. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.

Be sure that your home is always occupied. You could purchase timers and have your TVs, lights, radios and other types of electronics to go on at various times. This way it will always look as if someone is home, even when you are away. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.

Get a safe to protect your valuable items. You would hate for your expensive jewelry, personal family belongings, etc. to be stolen in case a burglar breaks into your home. This safe should be hidden in a location where burglars won’t find it, such as a hole in the wall, the attic, or a basement closet.

When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Prices can differ a lot among companies for the same type of protection. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.

Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Talk with local police to see if they offer these programs.

You should clean your yard of vegetation and dead wood. These could catch on fire during the summer, especially if you live in a dry area. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.

Switch your locks. It might be that you have an angry ex-roommate or a bitter ex-partner, so changed locks will boost your security. It is generally cheap and may be done in a little under a day.

Use motion sensor lights. They turn on only if someone is nearby. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Just remember that you must change the bulbs often in order to keep the lights working in order.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. You don’t want to refrain from choosing a different company or technician. The point of that system is to feel safer after all.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. Your skylights should have strong components that can withstand tampering.

Trust your instincts when it comes to hiring a home security company. This is especially important when it comes to the company employees who will be installing your system. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

Walls are the perfect place to hide. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Simply take advantage of an unused switch plate, electrical outlet, or phone jack. You can also install a fake one.

Don’t put spare keys inside plant boxes or beneath the welcome mat. 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 are well aware of such hiding places. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. Nonetheless, people in the country may be at greater risk due to being far away from neighbors. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.

A good home security system monitors all entry points to your home. It should protect the windows too. The alarm and monitoring system should be set for all windows and doors. This is great for keeping the family secure.

If you’ve just gotten a home, replace every lock. Although the person you purchased the house from might seem good, you really have no clue as to who they really are. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.

Don’t give outside people the ability to see into your home. Although large windows in your home can provide your home with a lot of light, they can also provide burglars with an excellent view of the inside of your home. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

The wiring outside of your home can be valuable. The majority of people aren’t aware of this fact until a burglar steals these wires. A skilled intruder could remove all the copper from your home within less than an hour. Hide your wiring for optimum security.

If someone from the security company comes to your home, ask to see their ID before allowing them in. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This is a danger to your belongings and your family. Take care to steer clear of danger.

If you’ve just gotten a home, replace every lock. The old owners may seem nice, but you don’t know everything about them. Aside from that, other people lived in the home even before the ones from whom you purchased the home.

Keep burglars on the outside of your garage by making sure nobody can actually see inside the garage. Use frosted, adhesive backed plastic to cover the windows. You can purchase this at a home improvement store. Don’t leave doors open for long lengths of time when working there.

Spring Latch Locks

Replace rotted wood around entryways. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

Do not purchase spring latch locks. Spring latch locks are the easiest locks to gain entry with, as they can be opened with a simple credit card. All they have to do is wedge the card between the latch and door, then wiggle it. If your doors sport spring latch locks, add deadbolts to beef up security.

You need to take your car registration documents out of your car. It is not smart, because anyone can know your address. Ideally, you should carry your registration in your wallet or bag. If you must leave them in the car, pick a less obvious hiding place. You must have this information on hand if you are stopped for a traffic violation.

You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. These lights not only give off light at night, but can also offer security around your home. If they are positioned correctly outside of your home, your motion detectors can make it impossible for strangers to sneak around.

You don’t need to install an expensive security system to make your home safe. Many easier, cheaper methods exist that can make a big difference. Be sure and use these tips in order to adequately protect your home.