If you’re wondering what to do about your home security options, then you need to keep reading to find out some great advice. It can be tough to make this type of expensive decision. In order for you to make a good decision, your need to know a lot about the subject.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Just hide a spare house key on the inside of your dog’s collar. Then when you need an extra key, you will be able to access this one.

Change the locks after buying a new house. You don’t know the exact number of copies of that key the previous owners have or have handed out. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.

Always change the locks after moving into a new home. You don’t know how many keys have been handed out previously. Speak with a locksmith to get a unique lock for your home. Be sure to cal a locksmith if you were to lose your keys as well.

Only allow maids and cleaning services to have a key to the house if they are known to be trustworthy. When giving your house cleaner the key to your home, you need to be sure that they are reputable and honest. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Do you keep your dog outside when you aren’t home? This is where you can put your spare key. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can’t be seen. If your dog does not like strangers, this can help ensure consistent access to the house.

When you’re picking out home security equipment and services, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help. Knowledge of first-hand experiences can be very helpful to you when it comes to making this important decision. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

Don’t let strangers into your home. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. Only open the door for people you are expecting.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Get at least 3 quotes from security system companies and compare features and services as well as monthly costs.

Don’t overlook your garage as a potential access point for thieves. Some people are concerned about burglars entering through an attached garage. Get a C-clamp to secure your garage door if it is mounted on a track.

Try not to have a shy attitude. Talk to your neighbors and those on your block. Watch their homes for suspicious activity and get their word that they will do the same thing for you. Pay attention to gossip as well. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Do not post on your social media accounts regarding when you will be away on vacation. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.

Switch your locks. Maybe you’ve had a roommate leave or a bitter ex-lover, so changing the locks can keep you safer. You can change the locks in a single day, and the hardware is not very costly.

Don’t forget to secure your skylights too. While they are nice and help with lighting, they also provide the burglars help with access to your home. Use heavy-duty hardware to secure your skylights to the roof.

Before agreeing to work with a security company, check with your friends and family for recommendations. They may have had experiences with certain companies and can lead you in the right direction. Therefore, ask everyone you can in order to obtain the most advice. With thorough advice, the best decision can be made.

When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Windows are a way for thieves to enter your home as well. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. With this method, your family will be safer.

Criminals are much less likely to target your home if it’s well lit. Intruders will avoid being noticed. Good lighting in your home means that crooks have no hiding places. Have lights that come on when they detect movement for best results.

The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. If you own smaller things that need protection, think about keeping them hidden in the walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. You can easily install fake unused plates.

Look online for a reputable home security business. Many websites offer reviews, recommendations, and detailed pricing information. Once you have selected a few potential home security providers, set appointments to interview them and find out what they have on offer.

If you plan to be away and you have another person collecting your mail, have them double check your front door for fliers. Thieves sometimes place fliers on front doors and then wait to see if anyone removes them. If the flier is not removed, they will know you are not home.

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. It’s not necessary to cut out parts of your wall to do this. You can find areas in your walls that are pre-cut and use those. For example, you could take the wiring out of an electric socket that is not in use and put your valuable jewelry in there.

Make sure the inside of your garage isn’t visible. Frosted windows prevent thieves from looking into your home and are inexpensive. Also keep your garage door closed whenever possible, especially if you will be stepping away from it for an extended period of time.

If you want to keep certain rooms in your home private, you don’t need to lock every door with a key. Instead, use a numeric keypad. Install them yourself or get a local home security company to do that.

Hide your security system’s wiring. You do not want the wires exposed for easy manipulation. Make sure the wires are installed inside the walls of your home. You’ll be safer.

Ask your security company about the lengths of contract they offer. Each will have its own pros and some cons, too. Longer contracts may create a lower bill per month, but you you could maintain those monthly expenses if you discontinue service or sell the home. Short contracts leave you with freedom, but also a larger bill.

When you don’t want to spend a lot on maintenance, go for a hard-wired system. Although wireless systems are easier, they usually require a lot of batteries that require changing regularly. If you do forget to have them changed, the system will not work right. It’s also very costly to replace a lot of batteries at once.

Never throw out boxes for expensive items until the day your trash is picked up. If you leave the boxes out all week, it lets people know what type of items you have in your home.

You should be ready to select an efficient home security system after reading this article. You should not neglect the safety of your family. Use the things you’ve learned here in order to make this a reality.