If you have a home, you know what it is like to want your home to be safe. Having your home destroyed is one of the worst feelings ever. Besides being a valuable possession in its own right, your home is also the stage upon which you live your life. Keep your most precious investment safe.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. Try hiding the key in your outside dog’s collar.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Place the alternative key on your dog’s collar in case of an emergency.

Social networking sites are great for keeping in touch, but post information sparingly. For example, you might avoid broadcasting when you are going out of town, especially if your friends list contains casual acquaintances. Although it’s fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. You don’t know how many keys have been handed out previously. Changing the locks will give you peace of mind that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. Intruders might be attracted by a phone that rings constantly without anyone picking up.

Spare Key

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. 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 just want to know if there is a security system so they can plan on coming back later or not.

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. If your pet does not get along with strangers, this will ensure your spare key stays safe.

Be sure to secure the skylights to your home. Skylights are excellent for beauty and light, but it’s easy for burglars to gain access to your home through them. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.

When looking to buy a security system, shop around. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Be sure and get a minimum of three quotes from different companies prior to choosing one.

Avoid placing spare keys under door mats or in plant boxes. You might think that you are providing yourself a safe way into the house if you misplace your keys, but you are really inviting attackers inside. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. Rather, give your key to a neighbor you find trustworthy.

Do not open your door for anyone you don’t know. You have no way of knowing if the stranger on the other side of the door wishes to do you harm. Therefore, only allow people you know and are expecting to enter your home.

Be on the lookout for rotten wood anywhere near your doors or windows. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Always replace rotting wood with fresh wood immediately to keep your house strong and secure.

Use your garage for your car and not for storage. Keeping your car inside will deter thieves from stealing or vandalizing it. It will also keep any intruders from knowing when you’re home.

Change the locks on any new place you move into. Although the tenant before might have turned their key in, they might still have a duplicate key. You can purchase locks and install them yourself to ascertain that only you have a key.

Don’t be afraid to know the people who live near you. Talk to your neighbors. Keep an eye out for their houses, and request that they return the favor. It’s best to be in on any rumors in the area. You can learn of important security information, including if strangers have been lurking.

Before you let a security company representative enter your home, make sure they are in uniform, and don’t hesitate to ask them for identification. You would be surprised how many thieves will impersonate security representatives to get into your house. This situation presents danger to your home, family and belongings. Be careful if you want to avoid danger.

Rural Areas

Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.

Those living in rural areas often don’t worry as much about intruders compared to city dwellers. Interestingly, many think those living in rural areas are actually more susceptible to break-ins since neighbors may not live close by. Some people, though, believe that you will not be at risk for a burglary.

Landscape your home with safety in mind. You should have a clear view out of all your windows and an unobstructed path to any doors. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. Put these features at a greater distance from your house; let beauty also complement safety.

The walls are a perfect hiding place. Hide valuables inside of your walls. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

Invite a security company to come to your house and figure out a system that will work for you. Everyone has different needs, and your security system should be designed to protect your home and family. If you find a company that will tailor the plan you choose to your needs, you can get the highest level of security that makes you feel comfortable.

No one should be able to see your valuables from outside. While having huge windows may be good for letting in light and viewing what is outside, it also gives potential thieves a good look in your own home. If your house has street-facing windows, make sure they are always covered and your make sure your valuables are hidden away.

Make sure that your house number are visible from the street. Small or obscured numbers can make it difficult for emergency personnel to locate your home. There is a cheap and quick fix if you see an issue.

Do you know how valuable the wires within your home are? The majority of people aren’t aware of this fact until a burglar steals these wires. Copper wiring is quite valuable, and it’s quick and easy for criminals to strip it right off the outside of your house! Be sure to keep your wiring hidden or difficult to reach.

Blinds, shades and curtains are best closed when no one is home. If you leave them open, potential burglars can look in and case the joint. If a burglar sees something that is enticing, they are going to try and get it from your home. You should keep them closed while you are asleep.

If you scheduled an appointment for a member of the security company to come to your house, ask them to show you some identification first. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This situation presents danger to your home, family and belongings. Use caution to stay out of danger.

If you must hide a key, hide it somewhere unusual. A fake rock or flower pot are simply too easy to guess. Someone is going to look under your doormat. It is best to simply ask a neighbor or trusted friend to hold on to an extra key for you. If that option isn’t available to you, be creative with your hiding spots.

Put up video surveillance. Video cameras are an excellent way to keep your home safe. Cameras that can be clearly seen have a powerful deterrent effect, while concealed cameras are difficult or impossible for intruders to disable. 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.

If you turn the lights off or on always at the exact time, utilize a timer. This will ensure that they turn on and off when you can’t be at home.

Make sure no one can look inside your garage. Add frosting to your window glass to keep folks from looking in the house. Don’t leave doors open for long lengths of time when working there.

If your door is not made out of solid wood or metal, you should replace it. Those are the doors that last. These materials make it difficult for a would-be thief to break down the door. It’s a good idea to replace all your exterior doors with more secure ones. It really doesn’t cost a lot.

Ask about the different contract durations that a security company can offer you. Each probably has its own set of positives and negatives. You may pay less if you sign up for longer, but you might also get left with a contract if you have to sell your house. With a shorter contract, you will have a greater level of flexibility. The downside is you will also have larger monthly bills.

Keep the windows on the second floor of your home locked. This is often overlooked by many people because they do not think that a criminal will check them. Do not underestimate intruders. This is known as a common weak spot, and criminals know all about this.

Always keep your shades, curtains and blinds closed when you are not at home. If the blinds are up, then the intruders can see directly through your home. If they notice something valuable, they’re more likely to invade your home. Also lower them while you are sleeping.

Although locks are good to use, you could not use them outside. Therefore this will not be of use to you. Deadbolts are the best locks. The ones that are key operated on the interior and the exterior are burglar proof.

Do you turn the lights on and off during the same time period? If so, consider a timer. This makes it easy for you because you do not have to turn the switch. It also makes the lights go off and on even if you are not at home.

Thieves don’t like video cameras. Burglars with masks like you see in movies are not really the norm. Since most burglars need to look normal outside the home, they will not hide their faces. If a surveillance system is clearly visible, they probably will leave.

As you can see, it is hard to protect your home. You simply need to understand how home security works. Use the tips you just read to improve your home security. Do not neglect even one of these tips, because they all help ensure your home is safe.

Choose a company that offers more than just alarm systems. Home security companies that come to your house and make an attempt to ensure your safety are the best. These suggestions could include putting in or replacing locks, trimming your shrubs, or putting in windows that are more secure. Find a company with an excellent reputation and quality customer service so you can get a solution adapted to your needs.