It may seem a little overwhelming determining the ins and outs of security. But, there is no need for it to be pricy or hard. By reading this advice, you will see it is simpler and cheaper than you imagined.

It is important for your home to always look lived in. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. This makes it appear that someone is home. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.

Only allow maids and cleaning services to have a key to the house if they are known to be trustworthy. If you plan to give them a key so they can clean in your home while you are away, ensure they are reputable and honest. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

Do you have an outdoor dog? This is a good spot for keeping your spare key. Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.

Does your dog like to play in your yard? Use him or her to help hide your spare key! Put the key on the dog’s collar. Especially if pets don’t like strangers, this can be a useful way for having easy access to your house.

Don’t post information about an upcoming vacation anywhere on the web. It can be exciting to tell everyone about your vacation, but you could potentially be letting a burglar in on your whereabouts.

When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Prices vary quite a bit. Get quotes from no less than three companies before choosing the best one.

Don’t let any person you don’t completely know into your house. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. Some will come to your door just to determine how secure it is, and they may return later if they think they can easily enter your home.

Buy housing materials that are fire resistant. This will add an extra protection layer for your house, particularly if you live near power lines or in a dry location. Home security also includes taking steps to prevent a fire from completely destroying your home.

Keep valuables out of sight of windows. If you have big windows near your big entertainment system, it can seem like an invitation to thieves. Cover all street-facing windows.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. This includes a salesperson or people looking for help. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

Purchase an alarm system that has a few “bells and whistles;” you don’t just need protection for your doors. Windows are all potential entry points for burglars. Every single entry point needs to have monitoring on it. This can keep your family much safer.

If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. A common concern expressed among homeowners is that someone might enter their garage and use that as an entrance to their home. There is a solution, however. A C-clamp placed on the garage door track will stop it from opening when you don’t want it to.

Make sure you have several flashlights that are charged and ready to go in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are critical, and provide you with the freedom to move about as needed. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the flashlights are.

Security System

If you allow a security company to come to your house, make sure they appear professional and can present identification. Burglars are creative, and they often pose as a member of the security team to get inside. This could be quite dangerous. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.

Always have your security system checked each year. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. Many things can impact the performance of a security system, such as animals and weather. You might not even discover these problems if they aren’t easily sighted.

Any time you let a stranger into your home that is doing some kind of work, it is best to ask for references. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for their criminal history. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.

Have lights that sense motion. They will illuminate your property if they sense any movement near your home. Then you will know someone is present, and if the person is a burglar, he or she will be very likely to turn around and leave. Test the bulbs frequently, though.

The most useful tool for finding home security is the Internet. Look at many websites and read customer reviews about the various services. Then, you can set appointments to make price and service comparisons before you choose.

Skylights need to be secure, too. While they are there to let light in, if you do not care for it properly it could also let in a thief. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.

Consider home security and safety when you are planning your landscaping. Shrubs, trees, fences, etc. should not obstruct the view of your doors and windows. Intruders should have nowhere to hide near your home. Landscaped features should be set further away for safety, yet keeping beauty in mind.

Don’t put spare keys inside plant boxes or beneath the welcome mat. You might think this protects you against being locked out of your home, but it also gives intruders access to your home. Thieves are aware of all these spots. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.

Request that prospective security firms design a system specifically for your home. The needs and wants of each family and the configuration of each home are quite individual. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

You should be more prepared to keep your home safe after reading the tips here. Start to make changes in your house. In no time at all, you will have round the clock peace of mind about your home security. You will be able to kick back and relax in no time.

If you don’t have a paper shredder, you might want to buy one. Thieves can use this information to figure out your schedule and determine the best time to break in. If a paper shredder is not in your budget, consider tearing your documents into tiny pieces or even burning them.