It’s easy to imagine a hectic, stressful home security installation process. It is possible, however, to find a stress-free solution. Go over this article to learn more about home security and how you can keep your home safe.

Be sure your home always looks 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 will help safeguard your house to the best of your ability.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. This can be done if your dog can come outside. You could simply put a key onto your dog’s collar, so it is always handy.

Place your spare key securely on your dog’s collar. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. You have no way of knowing how many folks might have keys to your house. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

Do not let people you don’t know in your house. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. There are people that just want to go into your home to see if you’ve got a type of home security system, and if they see that you don’t, they’ll return when you’re not home.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. You can have your system alert you of any movement in certain areas of your home. This is a good way to know if your small child has opened a door or closed it.

If you have a stranger at your door, do not open it. Folks are always thinking up new schemes to get people to open the door so that they can commit their crimes. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

Hiding places for spare keys must be chosen with extreme care and caution. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. They will illuminate your property if they sense any movement near your home. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Don’t forget to replace the bulbs when they burn out.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. Some people just want to know if there is a security system so they can plan on coming back later or not.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. Be certain to have skylights that incorporate strong, durable hardware.

Remove and replace any wood that is not up to par. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Wood that is beginning to rot should always be replaced to make sure your home stays safe.

Be sure your valuables are not visible from the outside of your house. 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. Be sure to put curtains on your front-facing windows so people can’t see your valuable belongings.

Think about safety when designing your home. Shrubs, trees, fences, etc. should not obstruct the view of your doors and windows. If they can be seen, people will not hide there and attempt a break-in. Plan your greenery and shrubbery for areas away from the direct path to your home to add beauty while still keeping your house safe.

Always lock your house, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door is left open and an intruder just walks in. A thief can steal lots of stuff in a little amount of time.

Light up your home’s exterior. A burglar prefers to sneak around in the dark, and a well lit house is always a deterrent. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. This includes doorways, windows, and your garage.

When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Windows need to be monitored too. Be sure your home alarm covers all entry points into your home. Doing this will help ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

Before checking out security systems for your home, think about your personal security and safety needs. While alarm systems are great, they aren’t necessary for every family. In certain areas, it may be just as useful to learn self defense or buy a dog, whereas other places may require added measures. Understanding your needs will help you make a good purchase decision.

If you buy expensive electronics or appliances, throw the packages away the day that your trash pickup occurs. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

Invest in a good paper shredder. Thieves often look through garbage, trying to find credit card information or other important documents. Rip your important papers up before throwing them away if you can’t get a shredder.

Your landscaping should be designed based on what will be safest for your home. Don’t obstruct windows or doors with shrubs, plants, fences or trees. This makes it where people can’t hide in different nooks and crevices. This should be planned in advance for your safety.

Can you locate your house number if you are standing on the street? If the numbers aren’t legible, police may drive right by. This is a project any homeowner can tackle.

Always keep your home’s exterior well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Light up the dark spots around your home. Make sure your porch, garage, doorways and windows are well lit.

Your security company might give you the option to lease and eventually buy your security equipment. 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. Leasing may seem cheaper but might require contractual agreements and fees. You must review both options carefully to determine which will best suit your needs.

Buy a paper shredder. You’d be shocked at how many times thieves search trash looking for personal documents to see when you’re not home so that they can get into your home. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.

Never keep the registration papers for your vehicle in your glove compartment. This isn’t smart because that information contains your home address. Instead, carry them with you or find a more secure location in your car. You still need to have them close in case you are pulled over.

Stand out in your street, and look toward your home. Are you able to see the numbers of your home? During an emergency crisis, smaller numbers prevent emergency personnel from finding your home quickly. Thankfully, you can right this wrong cheaply and quickly.

Keep your drapes closed at night. You want to avoid having people peek through the window. If valuable items can be seen from outside your home, it is an open invitation to burglars. Do not grant outsiders a full view of your entire home and your belongings.

If there are areas of your home you want to keep locked off, you do not need keys. Get key-less locks that need a code. They are fairly simple to install, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing so yourself, you can ask your home security company about it.

Solid Wood

Do not purchase spring latch locks. These locks are easy to pick, and it can be done with an ordinary credit card. Intruders simply use a credit card inside the latch, making the lock open. If your locks are spring latch, either replace them or put in a deadbolt to protect yourself.

If your current door is anything other than solid wood or metal, swap it out for one that actually is. Metal or solid wood doors cannot be broken. A burglar could not kick a solid wood or a metal door. It should be possible for you to find replacements for all of your doors for a good price, so do it right away.

See if your security company only sells equipment, or if they will lease it to you instead. Buying outright costs a lot more in the beginning, but one time costs might lower or eliminate some monthly fees that add up over time. Leasing is a good way to avoid the initial expense, but you will have to pay monthly fees. Check out both options and determine which is best for you.

Common security problems in homes include sliding glass doors. By simply lifting the door and shaking it, it can be easily unlocked. If you do not have a security system hooked up to them, cut a length of pipe to fit in the door channel. This will help keep the door tightly closed and make it hard to open.

When the windows in your family room are facing the street, it is best to close your curtains every night before you go to bed. You don’t want to attract peeping Toms. If valuable items can be seen from outside your home, it is an open invitation to burglars. Keep your valuables out of sight and you’ll make yourself less of a target for crime.

There are many ways to make your home safer, both with and without home security systems. There are many options available to you including owning a gun and adding more locks to your home’s doors. Keep these tips in mind and improve your home’s security.

Inquire about motion sensing lights from your security service. Some do, and installing these lights means your property will be illuminated if anyone walks nearby. Motion sensitive lighting can scare off an intruder and allow you to safely enter your home.