Something tragic or bad could happen to you when you do not expect it. Not taking the proper home security steps and assuming that nothing will ever happen to you, can end up putting you at an increased risk. Read this article for some great tips on making your home a safe haven that will deter criminals from entering.

Look for ways to make your home seem occupied. You could purchase timers and have your TVs, lights, radios and other types of electronics to go on at various times. This gives off the appearance that someone is home. It is also another way to secure your home.

Home security systems do more than sounding an alarm in case of a break in. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.

Buy a safe and use it to hold all of the valuables in your home. This is vital, as you want to safeguard your valuable items in case of home burglary. Put the safe somewhere difficult to get to, like the attic.

Compare different systems when looking into home security. Every company offers different pricing. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

Compare various home security systems when shopping. Prices can differ a lot among companies for the same type of protection. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

Talk to people you know for referrals when choosing home security systems. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Keep asking to get the advice that will help you make the right choice.

Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. A ringing phone that goes unanswered may signal to a burglar that nobody is home.

Avoid opening the door if you don’t know who is standing on the other side. Many people are devising many different schemes to get into homes and burglarize them. You should make sure you only open the door to your home for people that you know and are expecting.

Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. People try many ways to convince others to open up their doors so that they can commit burglary or worse. You should only open the door to people you were expecting.

Try not to have a shy attitude. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. Don’t discount what sounds like idle gossip. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

If you’ve got a garage, boost home security just by using it for only a car instead of storage. This will keep it away from thieves and vandals. Hiding it will help to deter people from tracking the times you aren’t there.

Try installing motion-sensor lights. These lights turn on if someone walks closely to your house. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

Try installing motion-sensor lights. When a person approaches your home, the lights will blaze. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Burglars are well aware of such hiding places. You should have a trusted neighbor keep a spare key.

When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.

Before letting someone from a security company into a house, get some sort of official identification. Criminals can easily pretend to be from a security firm as a means to gain entry to the house. This is dangerous to your valuables and your family. Be careful if you want to avoid danger.

People in rural areas are not usually as worried about burglaries as people in cities. The risk is still there, so a home security system is vital. Other people believe rural areas are less likely to be targeted by burglars.

Motion Detectors

Walls are great for hiding things. Keep small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. Just open up an electrical outlet or a phone jack that is not in use. You can also install a fake one.

If you wish to boot your home’s security, one cheap way to do this is to buy exterior lights with motion detectors. In the evening hours, this lighting can provide extra security and an economical way to light your front entrance way when you arrive. With good positioning and properly set motion detectors, intruders will not be able to sneak up on your home unnoticed.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. Keeping a spare key is convenient but intruders will have access to your home if your key is too easy to find. Thieves aren’t stupid and also know common hiding spots. Instead, give your extra key to a neighbor whom you trust.

Having a bright and lit-up home at night deters crooks. They prefer not to be seen. Good lighting in your home means that crooks have no hiding places. Thus, you should always keep lights on at nighttime.

When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you’re about to sign. There may be hidden costs in the event you wish to cancel before the end of the contract. This may also be true if you need more or different equipment in the future. You want to try to avoid these fees whenever possible, so make sure you are aware of them.

Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. Motion sensor lights can work great because they can also alert you when someone does come onto the property. Having these outdoor lights installed can really work as a deterrent to criminals who are considering your house.

Request that prospective security firms design a system specifically for your home. They should take your concerns seriously and address any issues you have. If you have found a company that could cater to your needs, then it is easy to get the security that will make you and your loved ones comfortable.

If the front door is open when you get home, resist the temptation to go in alone to find the reason. This is a delicate situation as the burglar might still be in your home. You should call the cops and then wait for them before you do anything else.

Find out more about the different contracts your security company offers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The longer the contract, the lower your monthly bill, but if you move or become dissatisfied, you are stuck with the monthly fee. A shorter term allows for flexibility, but it might be expensive.

Purchase a paper shredder to prevent your discarded papers from providing burglars with valuable information. Many thieves sift through trash for personal info and to figure out when you plan to be away. If you can’t afford to buy a paper shredder, tear your papers up into tiny bits before throwing them away.

Do not use spring latch locks. They give intruders and easy time breaking in, since they can be unlocked with a credit card. They can put the credit card in between the latch and door to open the lock. If your doors sport spring latch locks, add deadbolts to beef up security.

Keep burglars on the outside of your garage by making sure nobody can actually see inside the garage. Cover your windows with frosting; this could be purchased at hardware stores. They prevent people from peeking inside. Avoid leaving the door open for extended periods of time.

Keep your window coverings drawn in the evenings. You would not want to tempt outsiders to look through your window. If someone has the intention to burglarize your neighborhood, you would not want him to see your belongings and target your house. Do not grant outsiders a full view of your entire home and your belongings.

Intruders are unpredictable, and it could be difficult to know when you are being targeted by a burglar. Home burglaries happen more often then you would probably like to think, so it is a good idea to be prepared. You want to keep learning more about home security to keep your home safe.

Replace flimsy doors with solid wood or metal versions. These doors are much more sturdy. A burglar could not kick a solid wood or a metal door. You are probably able to replace your exterior doors for a small price, so do that soon.