You never know who might know you have valuable items in your home. Boost your home safety to keep burglars from targeting you. Review these ideas for making your home safer.

Make sure your home appears occupied. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. It’ll make it seem like someone is home. This is just one of the many precautions you can take to secure your home.

It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. You’re not aware of any copies that have been made by the previous owners of the house. Contact a locksmith to make sure that only you have access to your home. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.

Place your spare key securely on your dog’s collar. This is a great idea if your dog is outside all the time, or they can get out through a doggy door. Place the alternative key on your dog’s collar in case of an emergency.

Do not invite strangers into your home. This includes a salesperson or people looking for help. 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.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. The majority of systems are able to be set to put out an alert when any individual enters the home. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are.

Use your garage for your car, not just storage. You will not have to worry about thieves taking your car if it is inside your garage. Keeping your car out of sight is also good for thwarting burglars’ attempts to determine when you are likely to be away from home.

Think very carefully about where to hide your spare key. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. This goes for the installer, too. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

Buy housing materials that are fire resistant. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. Home security also includes taking steps to prevent a fire from completely destroying your home.

You need flashlights and plenty of batteries in each room just in case your power ever goes out. If the power goes out, you will be able to see everything. Teach your children how to use the flashlights so that everyone in your household can help.

In summer, take care to trim back branches and plants near the house. They pose a fire risk. Make sure your yard is clean for the sake of your safety – and that of your family!

If you hire a security company, read any fine print. Sometimes there are hidden costs involved if you decide to let your service go before the contract expires or add additional equipment at a later point. Try avoiding these fees when you can so that you know about them.

Make your home safer by storing your car inside the garage. Keeping the car in the garage can keep thieves from vandalizing or stealing it. Hiding your car from plain view will also keep potential intruders from tracking when you are home and when you aren’t.

If you think something looks odd when you get back home, don’t go inside. You have no way of knowing whether the thieves are still inside. Just contact the police and sit tight until they arrive.

When it comes to securing your home, start by changing your locks. Perhaps you aren’t sure who owned the home before you or maybe an old roommate has a key and never returned it. Regardless, changing the locks will ensure your security. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

Put a surveillance system in your home. Setting up hidden and visible video cameras is a good way to keep your home secure. Most intruders are discouraged by visible cameras. But, if they attempt to disable the camera, you will still be able to see them if you have a hidden camera. Find a security system that gives you the option to view the video feed from your phone so you can check on your home at anytime.

Avoid leaving spare keys outside of your home. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.

Make sure that your garage is not visible from the outside in. Frosted windows will keep a burglar from being able to see inside. The material needed to do this can be found at home improvement stores. Don’t let your door hang open for lengthy periods of time.

Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. A big front window gives you a good view; however, it also gives burglars a good view of the interior of your house. Keep your windows covered and your belongings private.

Your precious pooch is one of your best home security weapons. Dogs become extremely protective of their families and bark when uneasy. You don’t have to have a huge, violent guard dog, though. Small dogs are noisy and unpredictable and very good at deterring burglars.

The alarm system you choose should protect more than just the doors to your home. Windows are a way for thieves to enter your home as well. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. This helps ensure your family stays safe.

If you live with children or others whom who don’t want entering some parts of the house, keys and lock sets aren’t the only option. If you do have areas to lock, consider getting keyless locks that you can open using a code, rather than carrying a huge ring of keys around with you. You can have your home security company install it for you, or you can do it yourself.

After bringing home a big-ticket item, such as an appliance or electronic device, avoid leaving the packages on the curb before trash day. Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your house.

Regular Basis

Anytime a security installer comes to the house, make sure they display proper identification. It is simple for a thief to pose as a representative of your home security company as a means of gaining access to your house. This can put your family and possessions in danger. Be cautious to stay away from those potential dangers.

Think about a security system that is hard-wired if you really have concerns about maintenance costs. Wireless systems are convenient, but they require multiple sets of batteries that have to be changed out on a regular basis. Not replacing the batteries keeps your system from working properly. Also, having to replace batteries on a regular basis can quickly become costly.

Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. A background check is also a good idea, so that you know what their criminal history looks like. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.

Devote extra security to your irreplaceable possessions. This may include things like pictures of your children, heirloom jewelry or birth certificates. Floor safes are great for keeping these items inside the home. What is even better is the safe deposit box at your bank.

Always enlist the powers of online research to help you make a smart choice when it comes to home security companies. Look at various sites and read customer testimonials, along with details on various packages. With that information, you can make your appointments with the top three companies you’ve chosen so that you can compare pricing and look at specific monitoring and plans.

If your living room window faces the street, keep your curtains drawn at night. People who can peek through your windows might find your home inviting. If potential burglars see the valuable possessions inside your home, they may make your house their next target. Make sure your valuable items cannot be seen from the outside of your home.

If you do not already have a paper shredder, you may want to think about investing in one. Thieves can often be found looking through garbage cans in search of personal information found on bills and credit card slips. You can also simply tear papers with personal information into small bits before you discard them.

Ask the security company you hire whether they have lights with motion sensors. Some do, and installing these lights means your property will be illuminated if anyone walks nearby. This will ward off thieves and make you feel safe when you come home.

Could burglars see inside your garage? Make sure that they can’t! Go to a hardware store and buy some frosting so you can cover your windows. Do not keep your door open long enough for people to get an idea of what you own.

Sliding doors are a huge security issue. It’s easy to break into a sliding glass door by just lifting it up and shaking it. If your security system is not connected to the doors, cut a board or pipe the exact length of the door channel, and drop it in the space to secure the doors. This holds the door firmly in position. Even if the lock is broken, the door will still be held closed.

Your dog is a great tool for protecting your home from intruders. Dogs naturally protect their homes and they make lots of noise when things go wrong. It doesn’t need to be a huge dog either. Even small dogs can deter criminals just by making noise when something is afoot.

Having your home broken into is a reality and possibility that you cannot ignore. While you needn’t spend every moment fearing for your safety, it is nonetheless important to take the necessary measures. Keep these tips in mind if you want to improve your home’s security in order to protect your family.

Don’t put your key in an obvious hiding place. A fake rock or flower pot are simply too easy to guess. Many people will look under your doormat. A better idea is to have a friend or neighbor keep your emergency key. If you have no choice but to hide a spare key, apply some inventive, out-of-the-box thinking when you do it.