In order to make a good decision regarding home security, you need to know all the information that is out there. This should not be a decision made in haste. You should instead make sure you provide adequate security for your family.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? This is a good spot for keeping your spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.

Buy a small home safe that you can use to keep your valuables in. If an intruder breaks into your home, at least these valuables will be secure. This safe should be hidden in a location where burglars won’t find it, such as a hole in the wall, the attic, or a basement closet.

When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. Prices vary significantly, even for similar levels of protection. Get at least 3 quotes from security system companies and compare features and services as well as monthly costs.

Before selecting a security firm, ask 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. Be sure you seek out advice by asking those people.

Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. Try hiding your key on a lawn statue or in a potted plant.

Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door is left open and an intruder just walks in. A thief can steal lots of stuff in a little amount of time.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. Even if someone has a good story, requires help or has a great product to sell, ignore them. Some criminals will come in, case your house and then come back when you are away.

Check each spring for any rotting frames on your doors and windows. Replace them immediately if you spot any problems. Rotted wood can be easily removed by thieves. When you see that wood is beginning to rot, replace it with new wood for better home safety.

Speak with the police in your town regarding the home security programs they have. Many police departments offer programs that can include home inspections, home security training and more. Call the local police department and inquire as to what programs they offer.

If you are moving into a new home, change the locks right away. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. It is possible to purchase and put in locks on your own so you can be assured you have the only keys.

Regardless of the quality of your home security system, you need to check it annually. Make certain the security company you choose provides for regular inspections. A number of factors can cause problems with your security system, including wild animals and mother nature. There are always ways your home is vulnerable, even if you don’t know it.

Use the Internet to find a reliable home security company. Browse through different websites and seek out customer reviews about different services and packages. Then, you can set appointments to make price and service comparisons before you choose.

Switch your locks. Maybe you’ve had a roommate leave or a bitter ex-lover, so changing the locks can keep you safer. It shouldn’t cost too much, and the process can be completed very quickly.

Whenever you are landscaping your home, you should consider safety. Windows should be free from obstructions like trees, shrubs and fencing. With areas like these visible, there will be no hiding while attempting a break-in. Put these features at a greater distance from your house; let beauty also complement safety.

Don’t just consider alarming your doors when you’re considering an alarm system. Your windows should also be protected because burglars can also break into them. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and doors. This can keep your family much safer.

Anytime you come home and notice that the door is open whenever you are quite certain you closed it, don’t enter on your own to investigate. This is dangerous since the thief may still be on your property. Your best bet is to call the cops and wait until they arrive before you do anything else.

It’s smart to use the Internet when you are looking for a good security company for your home. Many websites feature reviews, testimonials, and package details from home security services. With this information, you can contact the companies you feel comfortable with and compare the rates to each other.

Install a home surveillance system. Placing hidden and visible video cameras is a good way to keep your home secure. Intruders can be deterred to visible cameras, but hidden cameras are better if criminals damage the other cameras. There are surveillance systems that you can access and check by cell phone.

Get some professional assistance by asking a home security company to come to your house and work up a plan for a customized security system. There are always going to be unique things about your home as well as your specific needs, so make sure you think about these things. A custom set-up will make sure you’re as safe as can be.

Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you know a lot more about home security. There is no reason for you to be unaware of how to secure your home. You should ensure you are doing all you can to protect your home. Keep the ideas from this piece close at hand in the coming days.

The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Install lighting anywhere a possible intruder might break in. Make sure your porch, garage, doorways and windows are well lit.