Every homeowner wants to be sure their home and family are safe from possible harm. In addition to having an alarm system installed, there are a number of habits you can cultivate for maximum safety. Read on to find out how to secure your house.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. If a burglar enters your home, he or she will have a hard time making off with your possessions. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.

Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Therefore, only allow people you know and are expecting to enter your home.

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. Intruders will think to look on the top if a door frame and under a doormat. An example would be to attach a key to your dog’s collar, if he stays outdoors.

You should clean your yard of vegetation and dead wood. This can be a fire hazard, especially if you live in an area with high heat. Keep your yard clear so it is a safe area.

Your flooring and roofing should be fire resistant. This will help you protect your home under all circumstances. Preventing a fire is important since it can cause a lot of damage.

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. They help notify you of any movement around your house and deter burglars too. Replace bulbs regularly and check the sensors once a month.

Do not invite strangers into your home. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. Some people may simply be trying to determine whether or not you have a home security installed; if you don’t, they may plan to return later if you are away from your home.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. If the installers give you the heebie-jeebies, it’s not a good sign. Ask the company to send a different installer or simply change companies. The point of having a security system is to make yourself feel at ease.

Do not be reluctant to meet your neighbors. Converse with those living in your area. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. Pay attention to gossip as well. While this is unorthodox, it may clue you into a possible home security threat.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Skylights are nice to bring extra light into your house, but they are also easy ways for burglars to enter your home. Be sure that the skylights for your home are durable and reliable.

Walls are great for hiding items. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. You could use a phone jack, electrical outlet or a switch plate. If you’re using all your outlets, you can install phony ones.

A wall is a great hiding place. You can hide small valuables in your walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.

Be cognizant of what others can see when they look in your windows. Large windows allow you to keep an eye on who is approaching your home, but keep in mind that potential intruders will be tempted if they can see your valuables. If you’ve got street facing windows, be sure and keep them covered.

Do that put spare keys above door frames or under door mats. While you may need to prepare if you have a spare key, it is wise to choose ways that do not increase the risk of a criminal gaining entrance to your home. Thieves are familiar with these hiding spots. Instead, have a trustworthy neighbor hold on to your spare key.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Also, there have likely been other owners of the home, and you don’t know them either.

You should always lock up your house, even if you’re only planning to be gone for a short time. You may be surprised to know that many burglars simply turn the doorknob and walk right in. Thieves can steal thousands worth of your belongings very quickly.

Don’t let anyone in your house without knowing their work history and checking their references. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. You can’t know for sure about the integrity of people you hire, and blindly giving them access to your home can be a huge mistake.

After bringing home a big-ticket item, such as an appliance or electronic device, avoid leaving the packages on the curb before trash day. These types of items are appealing to thieves, and you may as well put a sign in your yard inviting them to steal yours.

This information can help put you in the safest position possible. Though it may all seem overwhelming, it is essential if you are to keep your loved ones and belongings secure. The tips in this article should help you accomplish just that.

Check each spring for any rotting frames on your doors and windows. Replace them immediately if you spot any problems. Anyone can gain access to our home by prying away the rotted wood. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.