Every homeowner wants to be sure their home and family are safe from possible harm. Naturally, a home security alarm system comes to mind, but there are other ways to keep a home safe. The article below will explain.

Be sure your home appears to always be occupied. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. This way, your house will always look occupied. This will help to deter burglars.

Do you have an outside dog? They can help you with your spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn’t react well to strangers, since they won’t approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.

It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone enters. Parents riding herd on small children will be thankful for this feature which makes it harder for kids to sneak outside without supervision.

Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. Only select service people who are totally trustworthy. Carefully check their references. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Carefully consider where you hide your outside spare key. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. A better place to keep your key is inside your outside dog’s collar.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Intruders will think to look on the top if a door frame and under a doormat. Think outside the box and put the key someplace unusual, like hidden in your dog’s collar.

Don’t open up your door for someone who is a stranger. Burglars have many clever ways to convince householders to open the door. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.

See if your area police department has any home security programs. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.

If you have a garage, increase your home security by using it to house your car, rather than just for storage. Keep the car within the garage will make sure no one harms or steals it. Hiding your car away from plain view is a good way to keep intruders from knowing when you are at home or not.

Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. Changing the locks can typically be done very cheaply and quickly.

The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. Anyone from an old roommate to a former tenant could have access to your home if you leave the old locks in place. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.

Those that live in rural area are not as concerned about having their home invaded as those who are located in the city. Some people think that country folk are mainly targeted since they don’t have nearby neighbors. Others think that rural places have less of a chance of being targets for burglars.

Use the space in walls to store your prized possessions. No need to damage your walls. There are many spots in your home that already have areas that are pre-cut. For example, place jewelry in an unused electrical outlet.

If you have skylights, do not neglect them when making sure your home is secure. Skylights are nice to bring extra light into your house, but they are also easy ways for burglars to enter your home. Your skylights should have strong components that can withstand tampering.

Spare Key

Do that put spare keys above door frames or under door mats. Instead of letting you into your home in the event you are locked out, you are providing criminals with easy access to your home. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. If you have a neighbor you can trust, have them hold your extra key.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Thieves aren’t stupid and also know common hiding spots. The wisest course of action is to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or a reliable neighbor.

After bringing home a big-ticket item, such as an appliance or electronic device, avoid leaving the packages on the curb before trash day. These boxes sitting outside your home serve as a flag for thieves to target your home.

If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. Don’t make it easier for them, so have wires hidden in the house’s walls or buried. You’ll be safer.

Keep a flashlight with good batteries in every room of your home, just in case you lose power. If the lights go out, they will ensure everyone stays safe. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.

Plug a rechargeable flashlight into an outlet in each room of your house in the event of power outage. These items will help you remain safe when there is no electricity. Also show your children how to use them so they can help out in emergencies.

A smart way to prevent burglars from entering the garage is to keep them from seeing what is inside. Go to a hardware store and buy some frosting so you can cover your windows. Don’t leave the door unlocked for a long time, either.

You can make your home safer by investing in some motion detectors and outside lights. These lights provide extra light for your home and are very cost efficient. They also help to keep intruders away, because an intruder does not want to come close to your property if they know they might be spotted.

If you purchase an expensive item, get rid of the box rather than allowing it to sit outside your home. Burglars can see these and they know that you have them in your home, increasing your chances of a break-in. Remember to cut up the boxes when they’re emptied.

This article should have made it possible for you to have a safe home. While it can seem like a complicated hassle, it’s crucial to keep everyone in your family safe. The tips here should make this possible.

Ask about the different contract durations that a security company can offer you. There are usually pros and cons in each contract. Longer contracts may offer more affordable monthly payments; however, it may be hard to cancel that contract should you decide to change services or sell your house. Shorter contracts allow your greater freedom, however they usually cost more each month.