Maybe you’ve been considering installing a security system for your home. More than one consumer has impulse bought in this category. The tips below will help you make the decision.

Make your home look occupied at all times. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This helps to create the illusion that someone is presently at home. This is a great way to keep your home safe and avoid burglaries.

Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. Many systems sound an alert whenever people enter the house. This is important to parents who have small children, because they will want to know if the children have opened a door.

Have your dog protect the spare key. This works with a dog that stays outside or a dog with a pet door. You can attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!

Talk to people you know for referrals when choosing home security systems. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. Sometimes, you may get great advice from the people you know.

When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Several different firms may offer similar protection for wildly divergent prices. Get quotes from several companies so that you can get the best price for your home security system.

When you’re going away, turn off your phone ringers. A loud ring that goes unanswered can alert people to the fact that you aren’t home. This makes you more likely to be the victim of a burglary.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

Aim to purchase fire-resistant ceilings, roofs and floors. This helps protect your home when you dwell in a more dry climate. Fire prevention should be taken seriously because it can stop a major disaster from happening.

Police Department

Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. Call the local police department and inquire as to what programs they offer.

Secure your attached garage. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

Don’t be shy. Talk to your neighbors. Keep watch of their homes when they are away, and ask if they will return the favor. You shouldn’t neglect gossip. You may end up hearing about things such as odd folks roaming about the neighborhood.

If there is any rotted wood around your door frame, replace it. A burglar can easily strip away wood that has rotted. As a result, this will assist them in breaking into your home. Replace any wood that has begun to rot with new wood so that your house stays safe.

Try installing motion-sensor lights. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. They will signal movement to you but will also serve as deterrents to the thieves. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

If you move to a place that was occupied before, you should change the locks right away. Previous tenants may have given the keys back to the landlord, but it is always possible to make copies of keys. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.

You need to make sure you’re making use of the Internet when looking at different home security companies. The sites of the companies themselves will provide you with details about their services, testimonials from their customers, and pricing information. Once you do this, make appointments with the three best companies you find so that you can compare pricing and other important details.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Skylights have a good function, but unfortunately they also often provide a way for a burglar to enter. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

An important part of vetting any security company before you sign a contract with them is finding out how long they’ve been providing security services in your community. A company with a long history has proved they can survive and provide great service to people. You’ll have a lot more confidence in your choice if you stick with a company that has a proven track record.

Before you think about home security, consider personal security and safety. Although they can be very helpful, security systems aren’t always necessary. In some particular neighborhoods, classes for self defense or acquiring a dog may be the best option. However, the newest home security technology may be the best protection in other regions. Know what you want and make your decisions based on that.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. Keeping a spare key is convenient but intruders will have access to your home if your key is too easy to find. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. Rather, give the key to a neighbor to hold.

Always request that your house or pet sitter remove fliers from your door. Some burglars place fliers to see if they’ll be quickly removed. Fliers that are not removed let the burglar know that the home is vacant.

It is a good idea to invest in video surveillance for your home security system. Video cameras are an excellent way to keep your home safe. Cameras that can be clearly seen have a powerful deterrent effect, while concealed cameras are difficult or impossible for intruders to disable. Many surveillance systems may be easily accessed through a cell phone so that you can check on your house while you’re away.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. 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. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.

Maybe you do need an alarm system. However, you may find that there are other things you can do to secure your home. Research all of your options to choose the best one.