Whether you own or rent, you need your place to be safe. This article can clear up the questions about how to keep your home protected. Keep reading to learn what you can do.

Does your dog like to play in your yard? Using Fido to hide your spare key can be a clever trick. Put the key on the dog’s collar. Especially if pets don’t like strangers, this can be a useful way for having easy access to your house.

Security systems are more than just an alarm. Most systems can be set to sound an alert when anyone enters the home. This could be valuable for parents who have small children, making them aware when their kid has closed or opened a door.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone enters. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are.

Invest in a safe in order to secure very valuable items. This is very important, as you do not want your gold, diamonds and personal items exposed if someone were to break into your house. Keep your safe in your basement or attic to make it hard to find.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.

Don’t post online when you’ll be away from your home. It’s natural to be excited about your trip, but this is as good as throwing out the welcome mat for people who know your home is unoccupied.

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. Intruders will think to look on the top if a door frame and under a doormat. An example would be to attach a key to your dog’s collar, if he stays outdoors.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. Do not give in, even if a person uses a convincing story, asks for help or says they are selling something. Some people will simply knock on your door to see whether or not there is a security system installed, and if there isn’t, they may target you later when you’re away.

Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. This ensures your home won’t be a tinderbox. Keeping fire hazards away is a great safety precaution since fire can cause lots of destruction.

Don’t open your door if a stranger is on the other side. People are coming up with all sorts of ways to convince people to open their door to them, with the intent of committing burglary or worse. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. There are likely people you know that have had either good or bad experiences with these companies. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This is definitely the case if you’re not quite sure about the actual installation people. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with someone else. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.

Those that live in rural area are not as concerned about having their home invaded as those who are located in the city. People who live in the country may even be more vulnerable because they do not have nearby neighbors. Other people believe rural areas are less likely to be targeted by burglars.

If you live more out in the country, you may think that you’re not at risk. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

It is important that your valuables are not visible from anywhere outside your house. Though it is nice to have big windows to get a great view of the outdoors, it is also easier for burglars to look into your home. Blinds are a great way to allow the light in, without allowing people to see in at the same time.

Use your walls as hiding spaces. It is unnecessary cut space into your wall. There should be pre-cut spaces throughout your home that will suffice. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.

A good home security system monitors all entry points to your home. Your windows should also be protected because burglars can also break into them. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and doors. They are the most effective.

Check someone’s references carefully before letting them come into your home. Do not hesitate to hire someone to run a background check if you have doubts. You never know if the maid, repairman or contractor you hire is on the up and up, and letting them in or giving them a key could be a fatal mistake.

If you purchase big-ticket items, don’t throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. Having these boxes around will let thieves know the type of items that are inside your home.

The Internet is great for searching for home security companies, so use it to your advantage. Review different websites and review comments from previous customers. Make appointments with the three best companies, and take the time to go over the details and compare them.

Before you give a security company employee access to your home, make sure they’re in uniform and that they present acceptable identification. Intruders could disguise themselves to inspect your home. This can lead to harm befalling your family and possessions. Use caution to stay out of danger.

A reputable security company will send a representative to your home to design a custom system. Each situation is different. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.

Be sure your home is well lit on the outside. Burglars tend to commit crimes at night. Install lights in areas that possible criminals can use to enter your home. Having these outdoor lights installed can really work as a deterrent to criminals who are considering your house.

Always use online resources to identify the very best home security firm. Many websites offer reviews, recommendations, and detailed 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.

If you don’t own a paper shredder already, you might want to get one. Thieves often dig through garbage to obtain personal data that will help them enter the house. If you can’t afford to buy a paper shredder, tear your papers up into tiny bits before throwing them away.

Think about safety when designing your home. You should not let plants and shrub block your doors and windows. If they can be seen, there will be no place to hide. Keep this in mind as you design.

Now that you know more about home security, get the process moving! Do not waste time and allow these ideas to slip away. 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.

Talk to any companies you’re considering hiring to install a security system about how long the company has been around. It doesn’t take long for a quality company to prove itself in the security business, and you should look for a track record of satisfied customers and successful work. It will make you feel better knowing that the company you choose is not fly by night.