Some people avoid the home security process, because they think it will be long and drawn out. That said, it can also be quick and easy. This article has tips that will help you secure your home.

If you want to have a spare key hidden outside of your home, hide it carefully. Placing a key above a door or under a doormat is quite obvious! Think outside the box and put the key someplace unusual, like hidden in your dog’s collar.

Be sure that your home is always occupied. Timers can be used to turn lights and televisions on and off when required. Potential intruders will stay away from your home if they believe someone is inside. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

Clear away all the dead and dried out vegetation around your home in the summer. You risk a house fire if that sits there during the heat of the summer and catches fire. To make sure your home is safer, clear your yard periodically.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. Several in various jurisdictions have programs which entail providing a home inspection, what protective measures will help your home and even how to engrave valuable items to make them easier to recover. Call the local police department and inquire as to what programs they offer.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. You have no clue how many people were given keys by the former owner. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.

Use motion sensor lights. The lights will be triggered when someone gets too close to the house. They help notify you of any movement around your house and deter burglars too. Make sure you keep fresh light bulbs in your motion activated lights so that they will work correctly.

The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. Perhaps your roommate left town or you have gone through a messy divorce, and you need to feel that the home is safe. Changing the locks can typically be done very cheaply and quickly.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. If your dog does not like strangers, this can help ensure consistent access to the house.

When having a company install your security system, you must trust your feelings. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. It may shock you to know this, but a lot of intruders get inside homes through open doors. It can be a quick job for a burglar to steal items of great value.

Purchase ceiling, flooring and roofing that is fire resistant. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. Home security also includes taking steps to prevent a fire from completely destroying your home.

Your first priority when you move to an apartment or house where others have lived in before is to replace all the locks. Previous tenants may have given the keys back to the landlord, but it is always possible to make copies of keys. If you own, you can have the locks replaced and only you will have had the key.

Rather than getting a personal home security system, think about alternatives for protecting your family. Whether you feel comfortable buying a gun, putting up a fence or adding extra locks to your doors, you have several options. You should use these tips to keep your home safe.

Social networking sites are great for keeping in touch, but post information sparingly. For example, you might avoid broadcasting when you are going out of town, especially if your friends list contains casual acquaintances. It can be exciting to tell everyone about your vacation, but you could potentially be letting a burglar in on your whereabouts.