Anyone can create a safe home with some time and efforts. Actually, home security is not costly or difficult. Follow the tips presented in this article for easy, inexpensive methods of securing your home.

Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Hiding it beneath the doormat is very common and most intruders will look there. A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.

Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.

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. Get in touch with the department to determine their offerings.

Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. If they need the keys and plan on being in there for more than an hour, try to ensure that they are honest, hardworking, and reputable. Check their references very carefully. If you hire a cleaner from a company, then you should check the company with the BBB.

If you reside in the country, you may be less worried about break-ins than urban dwellers are. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Then again, others think rural areas are not as much of a target.

A good security system has many more features than sounding the alarm during a break-in. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. Parents riding herd on small children will be thankful for this feature which makes it harder for kids to sneak outside without supervision.

Skylights could be a problem for the safety of your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. Check that skylights have heavy duty hardware that can stand up under unwanted tampering.

When placing your spare key outside for emergencies, give careful consideration to where you put it. People will check your doormat and frame first. You could hide the key with your dog on the collar.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. Repurpose phone jacks and electrical outlets as tiny wall safes. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

Security System

You can hide your valuable items inside your walls. You don’t have to cut pieces out of the walls. Many spots are already cut that can be used for this purpose. You could removed the wiring from an electric socket that you aren’t using, and stash jewelry inside it.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Get someone from the security firm to inspect it. Mother Nature and wild animals can also cause issues with your home security system. There are always ways your home is vulnerable, even if you don’t know it.

Be on the lookout for rotten wood anywhere near your doors or windows. An intruder could pry the rotten wood easily to open the door. Replace any wood that has begun to rot with new wood so that your house stays safe.

When it comes to securing your home, start by changing your locks. Maybe you’ve had a roommate leave or a bitter ex-lover, so changing the locks can keep you safer. It’s generally cheap can can take less than a day to do.

If you move to a place that was occupied before, you should change the locks right away. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You might even install new locks yourself so that you know you have the only keys.

Skylights should be secure. Skylights are excellent for beauty and light, but it’s easy for burglars to gain access to your home through them. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.

Be sure your home is well lit on the outside. Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their crimes. Install a light in any area a potential intruder can get into your home. This can include the garage, doorways, porches and other areas which invite an intruder in.

Conceal valuable spaces within your walls. You don’t have to cut pieces out of the walls. You can find pre-cut areas in your walls that can be used. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.

Prior to purchasing a security system, think about what you need it for. While these systems could be good for protecting your family, they aren’t for everyone. It may be better for you to take a self-defense class or buy a dog. The neighborhood you live in makes a difference. Before you sink a lot of money into your home’s security, make sure that you’re properly addressing your particular risks.

It is not a good idea to hide a spare key on your property. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Ask a reliable neighbor or a friend to keep your spare key.

If you get home and notice an open door, do not go in to see what has happened. This is dangerous because the thief may be right inside. It is best to call the police right away and go to a safe place until the police check your home.

After applying these tips, your home should be easy to keep secure. Start with small changes. Soon, your home will make you feel safe all throughout the day. You will be able to kick back and relax in no time.

Wireless alarm systems are a great investment. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. A wireless system, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and is simpler to install.