Your home should always feel safe for the sake of you and your family. Upon going out, they must feel secure and safe when returning. Protection begins with the tips detailed below.

Your dog can actually safeguard a spare key. This is a great idea if your dog is outside all the time, or they can get out through a doggy door. Just hide a spare house key on the inside of your dog’s collar. Then when you need an extra key, you will be able to access this one.

It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. Be sure to check out the background of any housekeeper you plan to provide with a key to your home. Check references thoroughly. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

Do not open your door for anyone you don’t know. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Make it a rule in your home that you only open your door to people who you were expecting.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. Parents riding herd on small children will be thankful for this feature which makes it harder for kids to sneak outside without supervision.

If you have an attached garage, don’t forget to secure it as well. Often people are concerned that burglars can enter the home via the attached garage . Happily, there is a solution to this problem. If the garage door lifts via a track, you can use a C-clamp to stop your door from opening at the hands of intruders.

Contact the local police department to find out more about the protection programs they offer. Many police departments offer programs that can include home inspections, home security training and more. A quick call to the non-emergency number at the police station in your town will tell you all you need to know.

Don’t think you’re not at risk just because you don’t live in a big city. Some think residents of the country are even more vulnerable because there are no close neighbors. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.

If you’ve got a garage, boost home security just by using it for only a car instead of storage. This will keep thieves from stealing it or harming it. Hiding it will help to deter people from tracking the times you aren’t there.

Be certain your wires are hidden, if you have installed a security system in your home. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Hide them in the walls or bury them underground to keep people from tampering with them. That will make you safer.

Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. They turn on only if someone is nearby. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.

You need flashlights and plenty of batteries in each room just in case your power ever goes out. 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. Make sure each member of your family knows where the flashlights are and how to operate them.

Listen to your intuition as to whether your system is being installed by a trustworthy home security company. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. Never hesitate to has for a new technician or even go with a different company altogether. You want your new system to protect you, not be the way the thief gets into your home.

If you are entering a house that has already been occupied, you should first change your locks. Even though the previous tenant may have turned in their key, you never know if they have a copy. You can install locks yourself to make sure you’re the only one who has a key.

Don’t forget about the skylights when securing your home. Skylights are excellent for beauty and light, but it’s easy for burglars to gain access to your home through them. Make sure that you use safety hardware when the skylights are installed and maintained.

Be certain to read the entire contract when you hire a home security firm. Sometimes, hidden costs can be incurred if you get rid of the service before a certain date. Avoid as many fees as you can by reading everything.

Consider hiding valuables within your walls. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. There are lots of places around the home that have pre-cut areas that you can use. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.

You should find out how many years of experience your home security service has. Companies in business for many years engender great confidence and trust. It also ensures they’re not a fly-by-night firm.

When selecting a home alarm system, choose one that protects many areas of your home, not just the doors. Windows need to be monitored too. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. This will make your family safer.

Keep your home’s exterior areas illuminated well. Darkness allows for all sorts of nefarious activities. Add lights to any areas you believe are potential entry points for burglars. Be sure to consider your front and back porch, garage, ground floor windows and any basement entryway.

Replace rotten wood near door frames. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Replace wood that is starting to rot with fresh new wood to keep your home as safe as possible.

Make sure no one can look inside your garage. Frosted windows prevent thieves from looking into your home and are inexpensive. It’s also a good idea to avoid leaving your garage door open for any longer than absolutely necessary, even if you’re at home.

Always go over the small print on contracts offered by your home security company. There might be hidden costs or other things you should know about. Avoid as many fees as you can by reading everything.

If you purchase a new, pricey electronic like a TV or computer, don’t leave the empty box near your curb. Don’t advertise that you have expensive new equipment! Cut the box up and hide the writing when you put it out.

Having a bright and lit-up home at night deters crooks. That’s because they want to remain hidden. Ample lighting makes it difficult for would-be burglars to approach undetected, and this turns your home into a less attractive target. Keep lights on in the evening for a safer home.

If there are certain rooms you want to keep unoccupied, then you don’t want to keep track of all the keys and locks. It is possible to have locks that require just codes, not keys. You can even install it yourself.

Security Systems

When you aren’t home, make sure your windows are covered. Leaving the curtains up invites people to peer into your living room. If burglars see items in your home that appear valuable, they’ll likely break in to steal them. Curtains and blinds should be drawn shut while you are asleep.

Think about what you need to feel safe before considering security systems. Even though these security systems can guard you and your family, that doesn’t mean they’re for everyone. In some areas, a class on self defense or a guard dog might be more suitable, yet in others, an advanced home security system will fit the bill. Understanding your neighborhood, risks and budget constraints can help you to make the best choices.

Ask whether companies offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. Buying the equipment might cost more up front, but it means a one time cost that does not continue every month. Sometimes it’s more affordable to begin with a lease, even though a continued lease may be costly in terms of ongoing higher monthly fees. Investigate each option and determine which makes more sense.

If you’re looking for expert advice, you need not look any further. Are you ready to put your newly found knowledge to use? The tips provided here can help you make the decisions you need to move forward to secure your home as well as your peace of mind.

When you don’t want to spend a lot on maintenance, go for a hard-wired system. While there is a greater level of convenience if you go wireless, there is also a requirement that several batteries be changed, sometimes multiple times a year. If you do not stay on top of your wireless security system, you run the possibility of it failing when you need it most. Buying new batteries to replace the old ones can get expensive.