Do home security systems interest you? People don’t always consider all of their options first. Things like locking the doors may be enough security for you.

Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone enters. This is important to parents who have small children, because they will want to know if the children have opened a door.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Most of them can be programmed to alert you to anyone entering your home. This is great for parents that have small children so that they know when their kids open or close doors.

Buy a small home safe that you can use to keep your valuables in. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. Keep your safe in a hard-to-get-to place, such as a basement closet or your attic.

Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you 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.

If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. There are some who believe country folk are more at risk because neighbors are not nearby. Then again, others think rural areas are not as much of a target.

When securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Be certain to have skylights that incorporate strong, durable hardware.

Do not open your door for anyone you don’t know. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Create the rule that you just open a door to people that you expect to arrive.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. Large windows let in a lot of light, but they also allow outsiders to see inside your living space. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.

When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. Exposed wires make it easy for an intruder to cut them and disable the alarm. Don’t let this happen; bury or hide the wires. This makes it much less likely that your system will be compromised.

Keep your car in your garage if you have one. Keeping your car inside will deter thieves from stealing or vandalizing it. Storing your car in the garage will also make it difficult for anyone casing your home to figure out when no one is going to be there.

Carefully check the references of everyone before allowing them to enter your home. A background check which includes any criminal history is warranted. You never know if the maid, repairman or contractor you hire is on the up and up, and letting them in or giving them a key could be a fatal mistake.

You can keep intruders away by always having your house lit up. Burglars don’t want to be visible. Making your home’s exterior nice and bright will make it impossible for crooks to go undetected. Keep your home lit up all night long.

Be more proactive when you are determining the safety of your neighborhood. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. By knowing the people in your neighborhood, you can rest a little easier knowing that people are looking out for each other. Pay attention to gossip as well. You may hear valuable information regarding security, such as if any strangers have been hanging around.

Get some professional assistance by asking a home security company to come to your house and work up a plan for a customized security system. Each situation is different. If you are able to secure a company willing to tailor a system to your needs, there is a good chance that you will be satisfied.

You should think about your own safety when comparing different home security options. Some systems might not be adaptable to your situation. Sometimes just taking a class in self defense or adopting a loud dog is enough, while at other times a full fledged security system might be the way to go. See to it that you understand the risks involved in making these purchasing decisions.

Ensure that valuables are stored in a hidden area that isn’t visible from outside your home. You might enjoy large windows so you can see out, but just remember that makes it easier for those burglars to see inside your home as well. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.

If you get home and see the door is slightly open, don’t go inside by yourself to investigate. This is dangerous since the thief may still be on your property. Call the police, then wait until they get there to do anything else.

If you don’t own a paper shredder, get one. Thieves might go through your trash bags to find bills for valuables or personal information. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.

If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Don’t make it easy for an intruder, have the wires buried or hidden within the home’s walls. You will be much safer.

The best method of preventing a burglar from breaking into your garage is preventing people from seeing inside. Add frosting to your window glass to keep folks from looking in the house. Also, avoid leaving the door open for prolonged periods of time.

Your dog is a great tool for protecting your home from intruders. Dogs are quite protective of their masters and home, and they can display quite a bark if someone comes near the house. You don’t have to have a huge, violent guard dog, though. Even a small dog will deter intruders, who do not want a lot of noise when they commit their crimes.

Before you let anyone into your house, thoroughly check their references. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for their criminal history. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.

Steer clear of locks with spring latches. These are very easy to pick by simply using a 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. Add a deadbolt to existing spring latch locks for maximum security.

If you want to hide your house key, find a spot that is not obvious. The classic fake rock is too common and too easy to detect. Someone is going to look under your doormat. A better idea is to have a friend or neighbor keep your emergency key. This will reduce the chances of a burglary.

Whenever you sign with a home-security company, it is important that you thoroughly read the contract. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. These are costs you’ll want to avoid.

If your door is not made out of solid wood or metal, you should replace it. These doors hold really good. These materials make it difficult for a would-be thief to break down the door. It should be possible for you to find replacements for all of your doors for a good price, so do it right away.

A home security system might just be what you need. Small changes can make a big difference in your home’s security. You must know your options to see what is best for you.

Keeping your home well lit at night can help keep the burglars away. They don’t wish to be seen. With a well lit home there is no place for burglars to conceal themselves. Keep those lights shining brightly at night.