Are you a female who lives on your own or with children? Are you not comfortable with the idea of physically defending yourself? If this applies to you, then home security is an extremely important concept. Rather than living in fear, you can take simple measures in order to improve your security. Keep reading to discover some really great home security tips and advice.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. You don’t know how many keys have been handed out previously. Having a locksmith replace the locks will ensure that no strangers have a key. Do the same thing if you misplace your keys.

Make sure your home appears occupied. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This way, your house will always look occupied. This is great for keeping a home safer from burglaries.

Home security systems are able to do more than just sounding the alarm whenever you have an intruder. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. This is great for parents that have small children so that they know when their kids open or close doors.

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! A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.

Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Simply affix a spare key to the collar of the animal. You’ll always have a backup plan if you lose your key!

You should talk to your friends and family about advice concerning certain home security companies. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. 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.

Is your dog outside when you are away? They may provide you with a useful place to hide your key. Simply put the key onto your dog’s collar so that robbers cannot locate it. This is a good way to ensure easy home access, especially if your pet does not associate well with strangers.

Put up motion activated lighting. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. These lights will not only let you know when someone gets too close, they will also stop potential burglars from breaking in. After all, burglars don’t want anyone to know they are there. Don’t forget to replace the bulbs when they burn out.

Do you live outside the city? You might be less worried about home invasions than if you lived in an urban area. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Each company has different rates for their security system. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.

Your home may be equipped with skylights, and if so you must not neglect them in your security planning. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. You should have them equipped with strong, sturdy hardware.

Don’t allow the wires of your home security system to be visible to others. You don’t want a burglar to get access to them and disable your system. Never make things easy for them. Ask the person installing it to bury the wires or hide them inside the walls. It will keep your family safer.

You should talk to your friends and family about advice concerning certain home security companies. You can benefit from the experience of others that have gone before you by paying attention to their recommendations and warnings. Ask around so you’ll have as much advice as you need in order to make a sound decision.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? People don’t realize this until it is stolen. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. Hide your wiring to secure it.

Make sure you have several flashlights that are charged and ready to go in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Your whole family should be trained on the proper use and maintenance of flashlights.

Avoid being shy. Speak with your neighbors. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. It does not necessarily pay to steer clear of gossip. You may stumble across valuable security information, like if someone has noticed a stranger lurking around the neighborhood.

Never enter your house if the door is open or something doesn’t feel right. A thief might still be in there, which could put you in danger. Request that the police come and have them go in and check it out, before you go in yourself.

Equip your home with a system designed for home surveillance. Installing hidden and visible video cameras are great for securing your house. Visible cameras can scare intruders, and hidden ones can catch them in the act. Many surveillance systems can even be accessed via cell phone, allowing you to check up on your home when you are away.

Alter the combination of the locks in your home. If you have boarders, former live-in partners, or others who once had access to your home, this is especially important. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.

Spring Latch Locks

Do not use spring latch locks. Spring latch locks are the easiest locks to gain entry with, as they can be opened with a simple credit card. This is achieved by sliding the card into the space between the latch and the door. This causes the lock to click open. IF spring latch locks are already in place, add a deadbolt for that extra layer of security.

Compared to city dwellers, you might feel more safe in your rural home. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Still, there are those who are of the opinion that rural properties are less of a temptation to burglars.

Find out if the company you choose will give you the option of buying or leasing home security systems. Although purchasing the equipment will likely cost you more money initially, this cost will only occur one time. It won’t be a cost you have to pay for every month. The initial cost of leasing may seem low, but you may be required to sign a long term contract and it may carry a higher monthly fee. Pick the option that suits your particular situation best.

Hard-wired home security systems can help you to cut down on costs. A wireless system is a good option but you will have to replace batteries regularly. The system will cease to work properly if the batteries are not fresh. Batteries can be very expensive to change.

Never throw out boxes for expensive items until the day your trash is picked up. These boxes sitting outside your home serve as a flag for thieves to target your home.

Always store your irreplaceable valuables in a secure place. Passports, jewelry and expensive electronics must be secured at all times. Floor safes may come in handy for this purpose. It is even better to rent a safe deposit container for absolute security.

Making your home a safe place to be does not necessarily require lots of money or inconvenience. There are many things you can do on the cheap that will scare criminals off. Keep this advice in mind as you strive to increase security around the home.

Obtain flashlights with solid batteries, and ensure they are kept in all the rooms of your home in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are very important, as they will give you the ability to move around in the event of an emergency. This can come in handy if someone has cut your power and is attempting to break in.