You have good reason to be concerned about your home’s security. You can never know if you’re a burglary target and if they want to steal your items or hurt the people in your home. Go through the following tips and take them to heart to live a safer life.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This makes people think you’re home. This is an excellent technique that helps avoid robberies while keeping the property safe.

Get a good safe to store your valuables in your home. Doing so can protect your valuables in the event of a robbery. Be sure to put your safe in an out of the way place like the basement, attic or under the floorboards.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. You don’t know who might have a key. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.

Compare different systems when looking into home security. You’ll find a wide range of prices from different companies. Get at least 3 quotes from security system companies and compare features and services as well as monthly costs.

If you want to have a spare key hidden outside of your home, hide it carefully. People will check your doormat and frame first. You should hide it in your dog’s collar.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Your loved ones likely have dealt with this situation before. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

Get to know your neighbors. Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Watch out for their homes, and ask them to do the same for you. Listen to gossip also. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. Burglars are getting creative, and they will do anything they can to gain access to your home. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. If you’re using all your outlets, you can install phony ones.

You need to secure your garage if it is attached to your home. You can prevent this from happening easily. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

While an alarm system or other security measures can make your home much safer, you must be sure that your security wiring isn’t exposed. You do not want the wires exposed for easy manipulation. Do not make entry into your home easy. Make sure the wires are not exposed either inside or outside your home. You’ll be safer.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. While it may seem like a convenient way to give you access to your home, intruders are aware of this practice. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. Rather, give the key to a neighbor to hold.

Rotted Wood

Lock your home at all times to err on the side of caution. It is more common than you would believe for a thief to find a home, try the door and walk right in when it’s unlocked. It won’t take long for thieves to steal lots of expensive valuables.

Replace rotted wood that surrounds your door frame. Home invaders interested are able to pry off any rotted wood to get inside. Replace this old wood if you want to keep your house safe.

Are you aware of the value present in the wiring in your home? The majority of people aren’t aware of this fact until a burglar steals these wires. Copper wiring is quite valuable, and it’s quick and easy for criminals to strip it right off the outside of your house! Hide your wiring for optimum security.

Plug a rechargeable flashlight into an outlet in each room of your house in the event of power outage. Flashlights are very important, as they will give you the ability to move around in the event of an emergency. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.

When a security company wants in your home ask for an ID and see if they’re in uniform. Thieves can pass themselves as workers, which can end up in a robbery of your home. This puts your household and valuables at considerable risk. Act cautiously to avoid potential dangers.

If the home you are moving into is not brand new, you should change the locks on all the doors. While you may trust those who lived there before you, you have no idea who lived there before them. Find a reliable locksmith who can replace the locks or do it yourself.

Before you let any strangers enter your home, be sure you look over their references. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for their criminal history. You never really know if you can trust a service person, and giving access to the wrong one can prove disastrous.

Take off your rose colored glasses and realize that bad things can happen to anyone. Anything can happen any time and you must be prepared. Keep the excellent advice presented in this article in mind in order to keep your home and loved ones safe.

Have home-security companies come to your home so they can design the best possible system for it. Each customer wants certain things as far as home security goes. If you find a company that will tailor the plan you choose to your needs, you can get the highest level of security that makes you feel comfortable.