If you have questions about home security, read on for some excellent answers. This is an important decision involving a costly investment. You need all the information you can get if you want to make the right decision.

Change the locks after buying a new house. 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. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. This is an especially good idea if your dog doesn’t like strangers, and gives you easy access to get in your home.

If your home has a lot of valuable items inside, then you need to purchase a safe so that all of these items can be kept in a single location. This will keep your stash of diamonds, gold and other valuable items out of view and inaccessible to burglars. Hide your safe in a place that is hard to get to, like a basement closet or an attic.

If you want to have a spare key hidden outside of your home, hide it carefully. Hiding it beneath the doormat is very common and most intruders will look there. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Compare different systems when looking into home security. Some companies offer comparable levels of protection that can be priced very differently. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.

Don’t let strangers into your home. Nowadays, thieves are creative when thinking of ways to get homeowners to open a door and let them in. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.

The police department in your area may offer a home protection program. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Contact the police department to see if they have something similar.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. This goes for the installer, too. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or to hire a new company altogether. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. Having the car in the garage will prevent it from getting broken into or stolen. If you keep your car in the garage instead of in the driveway, it is harder for thieves to know whether you are at home or not.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Burglars are well aware of such hiding places. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

It will not benefit you to be shy. Talk to the people who live in your neighborhood. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. Never neglect gossip. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Always lock your home when you leave it, no matter how soon you plan to return. Break-ins are often the result of unlocked windows and doors. It does not take a long time for a robber to pilfer items worth thousands of dollars.

Keep valuables hidden within the walls. This does not mean that you should make alterations to your walls. There are many spots in your home that already have areas that are pre-cut. Unused electrical sockets can be great for hiding expensive jewelry.

Are you aware of the value of your home’s wires? Often homeowners are unaware of this fact until they find that their wiring has been stolen. The reason they are valuable is because of their copper. A burglar can easily strip off your wires from the outside of your home very quickly. Hide your wiring to secure it.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. One of the ways an intruder can get around a security system is by disconnecting or cutting the wires. Don’t make it easy for an intruder, have the wires buried or hidden within the home’s walls. This way, you will be safer.

It is important to always have fresh batteries and flashlights handy around the house. Having these in an easy to find place will allow you to see in the dark much quicker. Show your children how to use them so everyone in the family is involved.

When you purchase big, expensive items be sure to break down the boxes and take them to the recycling center yourself. Exposing the box to view ahead of time signals a burglar that he will find this item in your home.

If you’re going to hire a company that provides home security, read everything in the contract before you sign it. There are sometimes fees if you break a contract or need additional equipment. Avoid nasty charges or fees regarding early termination, contract expiration and additional features or equipment.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Keep in mind that there may have been residents prior to that person too.

Ask the home security company about how long they’ve been running prior to signing up. A company that’s been around for a while has proven that their service is reliable. Knowing that you are dealing with a shady company can keep you calm when making this crucial decision.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? Some intruders could strip your home of every bit of copper. The wiring has copper and is easy to be quickly taken off a home. That’s why it’s important to hide your wiring, or make it hard for criminals to have access to it.

If you haven’t bought a paper shredder yet, make it a point to do so. Thieves can get lots of information simply by looking through your trash. You could also simply take care to tear up your discarded papers.

Replace rotted wood around any door frames. Anybody wanting to break into your house can just pry off rotted wood and get inside. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.

If you will be away from your home, arrange to have whoever is collecting your mail to also pick up fliers placed inside your door. Some intruders will place a flyer at your home to see if the flyer is removed immediately or not. If the flier is not moved, they know that the occupant is not around or on vacation.

Before you let any strangers enter your home, be sure you look over their references. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.

From the road, are your house numbers visible? If you have an emergency, it will be hard for the police to find your house quickly if your numbers are hidden or too small to read. Thankfully if you notice a problem it’s an easy and cheap thing to fix.

Landscape your home with safety in mind. Keep your doors and windows clear of any shrubbery. If they are visible, people won’t be able to hide there while trying to break in. This should be planned in advance for your safety.

Find out about the various lengths of contracts your chosen home security company has on offer. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. A long contract may lock you in even if you choose to sell the house or want to stop the services, but it can result in a lower bill every month. A shorter contract gives you more freedom, but it may cost you more per month.

If the front door is open when you get home, resist the temptation to go in alone to find the reason. The burglar may be on the premises. Your best bet is to contact the authorities and wait outside for them to get there.

If you have learned something from this article, you are prepared to proceed. It is vital to grasp the gravity of the topic, as it can help keep your family secure. Apply your new knowledge to make certain things stay safe.

Consider installing a surveillance system for your home. Installing video cameras, both visible and hidden, are a great way to secure your home. Intruders will stay away from your home if they notice cameras and hidden cameras can help identify intruders if they disable the most visible cameras. Many surveillance systems will allow you to access them through your cell phone; therefore, you can ensure your home is safe even when you’re gone.