You’re in the right place if you’re looking to learn something about the topic of home security. You don’t have to make home security decisions blindly. You must be in control when it comes to this decision. This is made easy if you have the right information. Continue reading to learn more about what options you have.

After you purchase a new home, change the locks. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

Make your house look occupied all the time. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This makes it appear that someone is home. This is just one of the many precautions you can take to secure your home.

Does your dog stay outside while you are gone? If so, you can use your dog to hide your spare key. Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.

Keep your jewelry, vital documents and other expensive items in a safe. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Keep your safe in your basement or attic to make it hard to find.

Always change the locks after moving into a new home. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. Have a locksmith install a brand new lock. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

You should not let anyone inside your home. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. 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.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with someone else. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.

If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.

If you’ve got skylights, don’t forget about it when it comes to home security. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Make sure your skylights have reliable, heavy duty hardware in place.

Get in the habit of checking your security system regularly. Make certain the security company you choose provides for regular inspections. Wild animals, domestic pets, and weather are all factors that can affect the reliability of your home security system. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.

Walls make the perfect hiding spot. Hide valuables inside of your walls. Just use an unwired electric plug, light switch or phone box. You can easily install fake unused plates.

Don’t put extra keys under doormats or in planters. These are the first places criminals will look when they try to enter your home. Thieves know about all these hiding spots. Instead, have a trustworthy neighbor hold on to your spare key.

Your home may be equipped with skylights, and if so you must not neglect them in your security planning. Although a skylight can bring light into one’s home and look good, it’s also a common entrance way for burglars. Be sure that the skylights for your home are durable and reliable.

Equipping each room in your house with a reliable flashlight (charged with good batteries, of course!) is an excellent safety investment. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Teach your children how to use the flashlights so that everyone in your household can help.

The number one thing you must do if you’re moving into a new place is have the locks changed. The previous tenants may have returned the keys, but they could have a copy. You can purchase and install locks yourself to make sure only you have the key.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. If you need to protect expensive items in your home, put them inside the walls. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. If you have no unused plates, you can easily install false ones.

Any time you let a stranger into your home that is doing some kind of work, it is best to ask for references. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

Whenever you are landscaping your home, you should consider safety. Windows should be free from obstructions like trees, shrubs and fencing. If you have them visible, people can’t hide in those areas while they try to break in. This will give your home additional safety.

If your home security system is installed, be sure its wires are well-hidden. Intruders can disable a system if they see the wires. Keep the wires hidden in the walls or underground to keep intruders from getting in. That will make you safer.

Have a home security company come to your house and come up with a system that best suits your needs. They should take your concerns seriously and address any issues you have. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

You ought to use the information above to develop a good home security strategy. Having the proper system installed and knowing how to employ it effectively is key. Protect your home and your family by applying what you’ve learned from this article.

Be certain to read the entire contract when you hire a home security firm. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. If you can’t avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.