It is up to homeowners to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of the home and its inhabitants. Burglaries are common, and probably always will be. You should keep reading to find out more about how to keep your home safe.

It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.

Purchase a safe to lock all of the extremely valuable items in your home in one place. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. Hide your safe in a hard to find place like the basement or attic.

Don’t talk about your vacations on social media. While it is exciting to go to a new place and have a good time, you are letting thieves know that your house will be empty and they can come right in.

Don’t let strangers enter your house. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. Some people may simply be trying to determine whether or not you have a home security installed; if you don’t, they may plan to return later if you are away from your home.

Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. Even if their story is compelling, they need assistance or want to sell you something. Some people want to enter your home just to see if there is a security system in place. They may be scoping the place to come back when you’re gone.

Local Police

Home protection program details may be available at your police station. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.

Remove old plants and debris from your yard. As it gets hotter, the chances of these igniting and putting your house at risk increase. To make sure your home is safer, clear your yard periodically.

Rural areas are just as prone to break-ins as cities. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Not everyone believes this, though.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. Though you may think you are giving yourself a way into your home if you lose your key, you are actually inadvertently inviting intruders into your home. For obvious reasons, experienced burglars know every possible hiding spot. Ask a reliable neighbor or a friend to keep your spare key.

Be more proactive when you are determining the safety of your neighborhood. It is important to communicate with others who also live in your area. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Listen to gossip also. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.

Be cognizant of what others can see when they look in your windows. A big front window gives you a good view; however, it also gives burglars a good view of the interior of your house. If you’ve got street facing windows, be sure and keep them covered.

If you buy expensive electronics or appliances, throw the packages away the day that your trash pickup occurs. If you set these boxes out with the trash, thieves will know you have expensive items in your house.

Switch your locks. If you have boarders, former live-in partners, or others who once had access to your home, this is especially important. It is usually inexpensive and can be done in less than 24 hours.

Replace rotten wood near door frames. Anyone hoping to enter your home can very easily do so by just prying away the rotted wood. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

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. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the flashlights are.

Trust your instincts when it comes to hiring a home security company. You should be very picky when it comes to letting people inspect your home. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. Remember that every aspect of your home security system should support you in feeling more secure.

If you allow a security company to come to your house, make sure they appear professional and can present identification. They might not be who you think they are. This puts your household and valuables at considerable risk. Trust your gut and if something does not feel right, it is okay to go with your feelings.

The most useful tool for finding home security is the Internet. Review the websites of several companies and play close attention to the types of services offered and the customer reviews. After that, choose your top three for consultations.

Walls are a good place to hide things. If you own smaller things that need protection, think about keeping them hidden in the walls. All you need is a wall opening you’re not using (something like a phone jack, electrical box, or switch plate). If you use all of them, you can always have fake ones installed.

Invite a security company to come to your house and figure out a system that will work for you. Everyone has specific wants and needs when it comes to securing their home, family and belongings. You will get the best home security system possible if you use a service willing to work with you to create a tailored system.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. Although automated electronic systems are powerful, they’re not necessarily the cost-effective solution for every home. In certain areas, it may be just as useful to learn self defense or buy a dog, whereas other places may require added measures. Know what you want and make your decisions based on that.

No one should be able to see your valuables from outside. Having large windows in front of your home may be a great way to see what is happening outside, but it can also give crooks a view inside your home. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.

You need a home security system. Both hidden and visible security cameras are effective in protecting your home. Most intruders are discouraged by visible cameras. But, if they attempt to disable the camera, you will still be able to see them if you have a hidden camera. Nowadays, you can track your surveillance on your own cell phone.

If you purchase pricey, new electronics, don’t place empty boxes on the curb. Burglars will notice these boxes and know what kind of valuables you have. Remember to cut up the boxes when they’re emptied.

Replace all locks in a new house. You really don’t know much about the people who sold you the home, regardless of how competent they may seem. Keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home prior to the seller.

You want your blinds and curtains closed if you’re away from your home. You do not want any part of your home visible to the public. Intruders will break in if they see an item they want. Always close your curtains and blinds while sleeping.

Install a hard-wired system if you want to minimize maintenance costs. A wireless system required the regular replacement of many batteries. If the batteries are not changed, the system might not work at all. It can be expensive to replace a ton of batteries.

Ask a home security company to come to your house and design a security system that is perfect for your needs. Different people require different plans. When you choose a company that pays close attention to detail in creating your home security plan, you will feel very secure.

With everything out there that pose a threat to a house, all homeowners need to know what they can do to keep their precious asset safe. This article is full of excellent ideas on how to protect your home from virtually any threat. Make use of these tips to keep your home secure at all times.