Lots of people realize the importance of home security, but not everyone possesses lots of knowledge of it. You should do more research on home security and learn about the different systems available. The following information can give you the best chance to safeguard your home.

You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. All references should be checked. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.

Place the spare key that you make on your dog. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Store a spare key within your dogs collar so you always have access to your home.

Does your dog stay outside while you are gone? You could let your dog carry a spare key. Simply put the key onto your dog’s collar so that robbers cannot locate it. If your pet does not get along with strangers, this will ensure your spare key stays safe.

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. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

Before agreeing to work with a security company, check with your friends and family for recommendations. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

Never allow str4angers to enter your house. While their story may seem legit, that doesn’t mean it is true. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

Buy fire resistant flooring, roofing and ceiling. Your home will get added protection, especially if your environment is dry and has power lines. Lowering or eliminating the risk of a fire is an extremely important home security strategy because a fire can cause extreme destruction very quickly.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. You have no way of knowing if the stranger on the other side of the door wishes to do you harm. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

When you’re picking out home security equipment and services, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help. Most will be willing to share their likes, loves and loathes, especially as they realize how important it is to you. Ask around so that you can have the advice that you need to make a good choice.

Eliminate dead vegetation and wood in the yard in the summer. As things heat up in the summer, items may catch on fire and threaten your home. Keep your yard clear of debris to keep your house safe.

Local Police Department

Use your garage for what it was intended: your car. This will help to keep your vehicle safe. Hiding your car away from plain view is a good way to keep intruders from knowing when you are at home or not.

Talk to the police department in your area to see what safety programs they have. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Contact your local police department to find out if they offer this type of program.

Get in the habit of checking your security system regularly. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. A number of factors can cause problems with your security system, including wild animals and mother nature. You may not even know there is a problem if it is not visible.

Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. For obvious reasons, experienced burglars know every possible hiding spot. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.

Switch your locks. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

Be sure your valuables are not visible from the outside of your house. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. Keep your curtains drawn to keep your valuable items safe.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Intruders could use skylights to enter your home. Use heavy-duty hardware to secure your skylights to the roof.

Before you let anyone go into your home, look at their references thoroughly. You should do a background check as well to find out their criminal history. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.

Use the spaces in your home’s walls to store valuables. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. There are many places in your home that are pre-cut and available. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

Add motion detector lighting to the exterior of your home for increased security. These lights provide extra light for your home and are very cost efficient. Properly-situated motion detectors will give your home a complete field of protection and make it impossible for a miscreant to approach undetected.

Rotted wood in your door framing should be replaced. An intruder could pry the rotten wood easily to open the door. Replace wood that is starting to rot with fresh new wood to keep your home as safe as possible.

If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. Look out for hidden charges and surprises, especially if you need to cancel the contract early. These are costs you’ll want to avoid.

Add motion detector lighting to the exterior of your home for increased security. These lights illuminate your home during the night. As an added bonus, they are affordable and quite efficient. Intruders will not be able to sneak into your home if you place your motion detector in the right spot.

You might think that your home is secure. However, not everyone knows how to achieve real protection for their own residence and belongings. Hopefully, the article above has given you tips to help ensure your home is safe throughout the day.

Criminals are much less likely to target your home if it’s well lit. They do not desire to be seen. If your home is well lit, thieves won’t have any place to hide, so they may not want to steal anything from you. Thus, you should always keep lights on at nighttime.