Do you know anything about home security systems? If you discover that you don’t know much about the subject, read on. Home security is too important to ignore. You’ll find that a little self-education will prepare you to make much better security decisions. Check out the suggestions below and start improving your security savvy!

You can hide your spare key on your dog. This is a great idea if your dog is outside all the time, or they can get out through a doggy door. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

Change all of your locks when you move in. You have no way of knowing how many folks might have keys to your house. To ensure that you are the only one who has access to your house, call a locksmith. This is also a good idea in the event that you misplace your keys.

Does your dog stay outside while you are gone? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. If your dog doesn’t like strangers, it’s even better.

If you need to leave a key for a maid service, make sure that that whoever cleans your house is professional and trustworthy. You should not let cleaners have your keys if you feel like you cannot trust them, or if they will be working in your home while you are away. All references should be checked. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.

Don’t announce your vacation agenda on your social networks. This is especially true if you have lots of unfamiliar “friends”. Although your first instinct is to share the news about an upcoming trip that excites you, the info may well fall into the hands of people who’d be interested in burglarizing your home while you’re away.

Do you keep your dog outdoors when you are away from home? They may provide you with a useful place to hide your key. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

Consider the advice of your friends when selecting your home security company. Your friends have gone through both bad and good experiences and they will be able to share them with you. Ask around so that you can have the advice that you need to make a good choice.

Buy a safe. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. The safe should be situated in an inconspicuous area of your home.

Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. When a person approaches your home, the lights will blaze. The lights will notify you of motion and also deter would be burglars. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs to ensure they continue to work properly.

You never want to open up a door to a stranger without proper identification. You have no way of knowing if the stranger on the other side of the door wishes to do you harm. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the 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. You can change the locks in a single day, and the hardware is not very costly.

Be brave! Talk to the people who live in your neighborhood. Watch out for their homes, and ask them to do the same for you. Don’t ignore the gossip. You may end up hearing about things such as odd folks roaming about the neighborhood.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. 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.

Motion-sensor lights can alert you of a robbery before it even happens. This type of light will come on when they detect motion within a certain distance of your home. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. But keep in mind that the bulbs to the security light should be routinely changed to ensure that the deterrent system functions properly.

The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. Installing a false unused plate is very easy to do if your home doesn’t have one.

The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. If you have boarders, former live-in partners, or others who once had access to your home, this is especially important. Changing locks is not very expensive and should be done within a few hours.

Be sure your valuables are not visible from the outside of your house. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. Cover all street-facing windows.

You have a choice on who installs your security system, don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

Regardless of how long you think you’ll be gone, make sure to lock your doors. It may be shocking, but many home invasions and burglaries occur by intruders walking through the front door that was left open. Thieves can make off with large amounts of valuable merchandise very quickly.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Although skylights provide your home with a lot of light, it is also very helpful for burglars to break in. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

You should change all the locks if you just bought or rented a new home. The old owners may seem nice, but you don’t know everything about them. Bear in mind that other people may have lived in the home before the previous owner.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Rather, keep your spare keys with a neighbor you trust.

You should have several flashlights and batteries in all your rooms. It is extremely important that you have flashlights because they allow you to move around easier in the dark, which is especially useful in an emergency. Teach everyone in your home to use the flashlights so all family members can see and help each other.

Are you feeling a bit better informed on the subject of home security? You can make a wise and informed decision with the information presented here. Once you know more about home security, start comparing different products and making changes to your habits so you can protect your home and your family.

One relatively inexpensive way to add an extra layer of protection to your home is to install motion sensor lights for the exterior of your home. In the evening hours, this lighting can provide extra security and an economical way to light your front entrance way when you arrive. If they are positioned correctly outside of your home, your motion detectors can make it impossible for strangers to sneak around.