It is important that you never completely put your guard down. Never risk danger to your home, family and belongings by neglecting the important issue of home security. Read the tips here if you want to make your home safe and free of criminals.

Place the spare key that you make on your dog. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. You need to ensure that they are honest and reputable according to references before you have handed over the key. Make sure you check references. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. To make sure you’re the only person that can get into your home, contact a locksmith. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.

Do you keep your dog outside when you aren’t home? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Find a place to securely fasten the key to your pet’s collar where it’s not visible. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

Compare various home security systems when shopping. Prices vary significantly, even for similar levels of protection. Get a quote from several companies before making a final decision.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). The majority of systems will give an audible alert when someone enters the house. If you have little ones wandering about the house, this makes it easy for you to know if they have come in or gone out.

Seek recommendations from friends and family when choosing a security company or system. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.

Buy a safe so you can conceal your valuables in it. You need this because you would not want burglars to see these valuable items around in your house. Keep the safe hidden somewhere remote.

Make sure to clear your yard of brush and dead wood in the summertime. These can be fire hazards and can cause damage to your home. Keeping your plants and bushes trimmed will benefit your family’s safety as well as the appearance of your home.

Use the space in walls to store your prized possessions. You don’t have to cut pieces out of the walls. You can find pre-cut areas in your walls that can be used. How about unwiring an electricity socket and using it as cover for a place to stash valuable jewelry?

The fist thing you’ll need to do for home security is to get new locks. Whether you just bought your home or someone just moved out that you were living with, this is an important step to any new situation. You can change the locks in a single day, and the hardware is not very costly.

There is no knowing what a criminal is thinking, so you’ll never know if your dwelling is a target. Rather than just counting on luck, do what is necessary to protect your own home. Follow the tips presented here and stay up to date on the latest home security information to protect your home and family against crime.

If you’ve got skylights, don’t neglect them when ensuring your home’s security. Intruders could use skylights to enter your home. You should have them equipped with strong, sturdy hardware.