Whether you own your home or you are renting, you want it to be a safe place. You may not know how to secure your home, and that is why you should keep reading. Keep reading to find out how. Home security systems do more than sounding an alarm in case of a break in.
Whether you own your home or you are renting, you want it to be a safe place. You may not know how to secure your home, and that is why you should keep reading. Keep reading to find out how.
Home security systems do more than sounding an alarm in case of a break in. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. Parents of children can track their kids this way.
Be sure that your home is always occupied. Put timers on the TV, lights and radios. This gives off the appearance that someone is home. This is a simple way to improve your home’s safety and make it less attractive to criminals.
Don’t let everyone in your social network know that you are leaving the home unprotected for your vacation trip; especially the people who you aren’t familiar with. It’s exciting going to new places and enjoying your time, but you could alert thieves to an empty home that they can easily break into.
Ask friend for any advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.
You can hide your spare key on your dog. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.
In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. You risk a house fire if that sits there during the heat of the summer and catches fire. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.
Always change the locks after moving into a new home. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.
If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. Keeping the car in the garage can keep thieves from vandalizing or stealing it. Hiding your car from plain view will also keep potential intruders from tracking when you are home and when you aren’t.
Hiding places for spare keys must be chosen with extreme care and caution. You don’t want to put them in common spots, such as above the frame of the door or under the doormat. Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.
Try not to have a shy attitude. Talk to the people who live in your neighborhood. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Don’t ignore the gossip. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.
Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. Contact the police department to see if they have something similar.
Try installing motion-sensor lights. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.
Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. Ask someone from your security company to come over and have a look. There are any number of problems that can cause malfunctions in your security system, from weather damage to animal activity. Sometimes it is very difficult to see the problem if you don’t know where it is.
When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. This goes for the installer, too. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. After all, you’re investing in a system that helps you to feel safe, so make sure the process involved in obtaining that system does the same.
Are you aware of the value of your home’s wires? Many folks are not aware of this until a thief steals it. Experienced criminals can make a decent amount of money quickly by stripping copper wiring off of houses in order to sell it at a scrapyard. Be sure to keep your wiring hidden or difficult to reach.
Those living in rural areas often don’t worry as much about intruders compared to city dwellers. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. Still there are those that think that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.
Always go over the small print on contracts offered by your home security company. There may be hidden costs in the event you wish to cancel before the end of the contract. This may also be true if you need more or different equipment in the future. You’ll definitely want to avoid these types of fees if you can, so read carefully.
The walls are a perfect hiding place. If you own smaller things that need protection, think about keeping them hidden in the walls. Just open up an electrical outlet or a phone jack that is not in use. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.
Keeping the home illuminated during evening hours helps keep criminals away. Intruders will avoid being noticed. With a well-lit home, thieves cannot hide or break in unnoticed. Keep the lights on when it’s dark.
It is not a good idea to hide a spare key on your property. 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. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. The wisest course of action is to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or a reliable neighbor.
Landscape your home with safety in mind. Do not obstruct doors and windows with plants or furniture. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Plan features like these further from your home to have a safe, beautiful design.
Ensure that valuables are stored in a hidden area that isn’t visible from outside your home. A big front window gives you a good view; however, it also gives burglars a good view of the interior of your house. By reducing visibility into your home, you protect your belongings, safety, and you improve the interior beauty of your home.
Get your home security system custom built for your needs. Every family is different, and so your security needs will be unique. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.
Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. It may shock you to know this, but a lot of intruders get inside homes through open doors. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.
Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. Although they can be very helpful, security systems aren’t always necessary. In some neighborhoods, it may be better for you to have a dog, or even take self defense classes in order to protect yourself. Be sure to understand the sorts of risks you face before deciding what sort of security is best for you.
Do you know how valuable the wires within your home are? Lots of people don’t know this until their wires are stolen. Copper wiring is quite valuable, and it’s quick and easy for criminals to strip it right off the outside of your house! Hide your wiring for optimum security.
If you get home and your door is open, do not enter ti investigate. 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.
You should think about your own safety when comparing different home security options. A home security system is a good idea; however, it is not the perfect solution for every home. Depending on your neighborhood and your household, you might well be better served by a reliable guard dog or self-defense training than by high-tech gadgetry. Be sure to understand the sorts of risks you face before deciding what sort of security is best for you.
If someone looks after your house when you’re gone, have them remove fliers from the door. Thieves will drop off flyers to see if home owners are away. If the flier is not removed, it’s easy for a burglar to suspect that the owner is away.
Do not put electronic boxes in the front of your house. Burglars will instantly take notices of these boxes and what used to be in them, making you an easy burglary target. Break up the boxes into smaller pieces before you put them near the curb.
Put the boxes of any expensive electronic items in your trash can so would-be burglars won’t know see them. If the burglars see the empty boxes, then they will realize you have the items in your home. As a result, they’ll be more likely to break in so they can steal it. After removing the contents from these boxes, tear or cut them up.
Make sure that your house number are visible from the street. If the numbers aren’t legible, police may drive right by. This is a project any homeowner can tackle.
When you aren’t home, be sure to close your blinds, curtains or shades. You don’t want potential intruders to be able to look inside. They’re going to want to get in your house if they can see items they want. Keep them down as you sleep, too.
Your furry friend is a great home security system, too. Dogs are quite protective of their masters and home, and they can display quite a bark if someone comes near the house. A big, vicious guard dog isn’t necessary. As long as he is noisy when strangers approach, he’s a great addition to the security of your home.
You need to know your options with companies concerning either leasing or purchasing equipment. Buying it may cost more, but this means there are no monthly charges. Leasing may seem cheaper but might require contractual agreements and fees. Look at both of these to see what works for you.
Make sure you lock your second floor’s windows. People think no burglar will get up to that floor. Oh, but they will. This is the weak point of home security and criminal generally know this.
Don’t fit your exterior doors with locks of the spring latch variety. These are the easiest for criminals to open with a credit card. Wedging the card into the door crack can cause the lock to release. Add a deadbolt to existing spring latch locks for maximum security.
When you can’t lock your door from the outside, your home isn’t secure. Deadbolts that use keys on both sides are the most secure locks.
Use these ideas to make your home more secure. The time to start is now! There is no reason to procrastinate. Allow them to springboard your individual ideas in order to make your home secure and keep it that way. Don’t procrastinate. You will feel safer with a good home security system in place.
A stranger in need of help is not always a welcome visitor at the front door. In all too many cases, this scenario has led to a home invasion by a duplicitous criminal who is only looking to get easy access. If a person arrives at your door needing assistance, call for them from behind the door. If you are afraid, simply contact the police.
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