If you want to know a lot when it comes to home security, then you are at the right place. You should not settle when dealing with an important decision like this. Being informed can really help you to make informed and smart decisions regarding home security. This article will help you learn more.

Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.

Your home should always look like it is occupied. You can purchase inexpensive timers that will control different electronics and lights in your home. This makes it look as though people are home no matter what. This is an effective deterrent against burglars.

If you want to have a spare key close to your house in order to prevent lockouts, make sure you give its hiding place some careful thought. Common places to hide a spare key are above your door frame or underneath your doormat. Therefore, thieves are more likely to check these places out first. An example would be to attach a key to your dog’s collar, if he stays outdoors.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. One way to do this is to check their references. If the cleaner has been sent by a company, call the Better Business Bureau to check on the company’s reputation.

Turn off your phone’s ringer when you go on vacation. A phone which rings forever is a sign to burglars that you’re not there.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This is useful for parents who have small kids, as it helps keep them from leaving the house.

See what the local police offer when it comes to home protection programs. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. A quick call to the non-emergency number at the police station in your town will tell you all you need to know.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Some companies offer comparable levels of protection that can be priced very differently. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.

Your home may be equipped with skylights, and if so you must not neglect them in your security planning. Skylights are nice to bring extra light into your house, but they are also easy ways for burglars to enter your home. Skylights need to be installed correctly and safely, with hardware that will keep intruders out.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. Nowadays, thieves are creative when thinking of ways to get homeowners to open a door and let them in. Make sure everyone in your house knows not to open the door unless they know the person standing outside.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. Remember that you are not the only one who is aware of these sorts of hiding places. Any thief knows all the typical hiding spots. Rather, keep your spare keys with a neighbor you trust.

Police Department

Be certain your wires are hidden, if you have installed a security system in your home. You do not want the wires exposed for easy manipulation. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. This will make you much safer.

Talk to your local police department about what they offer. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. If your police department does not offer these programs, find a private security company.

If you bought any expensive or large items, don’t throw the boxes out until the day trash is scheduled to be removed. These types of items are appealing to thieves, and you may as well put a sign in your yard inviting them to steal yours.

Don’t forget about the skylights when securing your home. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. You should have them equipped with strong, sturdy hardware.

Are you aware of the value contained in your home’s wiring? Lots of people fail to appreciate this until they are hit by thieves. The wiring has copper and is easy to be quickly taken off a home. Therefore, ensure you hide your wires so that burglars cannot see them, or make the wires extremely hard for the burglars to get to.

When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. Intruders can disable a system if they see the wires. This makes it much easier for a thief to get inside your home. Keep the wires protected. You will be much safer.

Moving into an apartment or home that you’ve lived in should involve changing the locks first to maker them safer. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.

Just moved in? Time for new locks! As nice as the previous person may seem, you don’t really know them. Many other people could have keys to the property, and you probably don’t want them to all have access to your home.

If someone from the security company comes to your home, ask to see their ID before allowing them in. It is easy for potential thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to gain access to your home. This represents a danger to your possessions and your family. Take care to steer clear of danger.

Make sure your flashlights have charged batteries and are found throughout your home. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Your kids should know how to work the flashlights so that everyone can help.

You should find a home security company that will inspect your home and put together a customized system. You need some features which other families may wish to do without. You’ll get the best protection by using a company that can tailor a plan to your requirements.

Having your house lit up during the night is a good way to scare intruders. That’s because they want to remain hidden. If your home is well lit, thieves won’t have any place to hide, so they may not want to steal anything from you. Keep those lights shining brightly at night.

Keep your home’s exterior areas illuminated well. Thieves prefer to work in darkness. Install lights in areas that possible criminals can use to enter your home. Over doors, near windows and especially your back yard need to be lit.

Whenever you are landscaping your home, you should consider safety. Windows should be free from obstructions like trees, shrubs and fencing. If they can be seen, there will be no place to hide. Keep this in mind as you design.

A wireless home security system could be just the option you are looking for. A wired system might cost less, but they can require extensive rewiring work and may be rendered useless if the power fails. A wireless system, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and is simpler to install.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. You might find that an alarm isn’t necessary at all. In some situations, having a good dog and/or learning some self defense may be all that you really need to feel safe. Think about your risk factor when making a decision.

If you are concerned about the cost of maintaining your security system, then you may find that a hard-wired solution is a good option. A wireless system required the regular replacement of many batteries. If the batteries are not changed, the system might not work at all. Batteries can be very expensive to change.

Make sure no one can look inside your garage. Frost your windows so people cannot look inside your home. Never leave the front door open for very long.

Motion sensitive lighting can be provided by your security company. This system will cause the lights to flicker on when someone walks up to your home. This will make you more safe as you walk up to your house, and it can keep intruders away.

Are the numbers of your home visible from the street? If an emergency occurs, the police will not be able to find your home as quickly if these numbers are too small or are obscured in some way. Thankfully, you can right this wrong cheaply and quickly.

Having a burglar alarm is really good, but it is only good if the police is alerted when it sets off. Purchase one that is centrally monitored and the police will come when it is activated. Don’t rely on anyone else to call.

Speak with your security company about contract lengths and any options available. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. You may pay less if you sign up for longer, but you might also get left with a contract if you have to sell your house. A short contract will avoid this, but may be more costly.

Always lock second story windows. Most people don’t think about someone entering the home from the second floor. This is not the case. This is often a weak area that criminals know about.

Inquire into both purchase and lease options for your security system. Buying your equipment may cost more initially, however it can actually save you money over time. Leasing may seem cheaper but might require contractual agreements and fees. Look at both of these to see what works for you.

Women are targeted for robbery more often, particularly if they have children or they live alone. Make it seem as if there is a man living in your home by putting large mud boots on your porch and a man’s hat in your car. Burglars should pass on by.

An alarm system can be a powerful way to make your home more secure, as long as it actually notifies the authorities when it’s tripped. Get an alarm that automatically notifies the police. Neighbors won’t always be home to call.

No matter how lovely the people were who lived in your home before you, rekey the lock or replace it. Even if you are renting, ask the landlord if you can pay to have the locks changed for safety.

Sliding Glass

Make sure to clean carbon monoxide and smoke detectors regularly. A build-up of dust can keep the device from working properly. Your detectors will be much less effective at protecting the home from carbon monoxide and smoke.

It can be tough to provide the proper level of security in a home equipped with sliding glass doors. By simply lifting the door and shaking it, it can be easily unlocked. You should install a security system on your sliding glass door or place a pipe segment to fill the door channel. This helps keep your door closed and makes it not easy to open.

Seek out home security companies that offer security systems along with other things. A great home security company will visit your home and make recommendations that can help to keep your family safe. Your home security service could, for instance, help you replace your doors, find better locks for your windows or trimming some bushes that are near your home. Find a company with an excellent reputation and quality customer service so you can get a solution adapted to your needs.

Armed with this information, it should be easier for you to secure your home with the best possible outcome. Making sure you have covered all your points of entry is important in keeping your valuables safe. Take what you’ve read, and put it to good use today so that your family is kept safe.

Cover window air conditioner with bars or screw them in securely. If not, a thief can remove the air conditioner and gain easy entry to your home. You should actually remove them from your windows during winter.