Maintaining the security and integrity of your home is surely something you take very seriously as a homeowner and something that you refuse to let fall through the cracks. It can sometimes seem hard to know exactly where to to start. The article that follows should prove extremely helpful as you proceed.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. To ensure that you are the only one who has access to your house, call a locksmith. Do the same thing if you misplace your keys.

Buy a safe. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.

Does your dog stay outside while you are gone? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Find a place to securely fasten the key to your pet’s collar where it’s not visible. Especially if pets don’t like strangers, this can be a useful way for having easy access to your house.

Check around for prices, reputation, and reliability when choosing a home security provider. Prices for home security systems can vary and they do not all offer the same services. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.

Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. A better place to keep your key is inside your outside dog’s collar.

In the summertime, you should rid your yard of dead bushes and vegetation. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. Clearing your yard keeps your home, belongings and family much safer.

You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This will make your home more safe, especially if you are in a dry climate that has many power lines. Avoiding fire hazards is a great way to keep things safe.

Security System

See if your local police department offers any home inspection or other protection programs. Many police departments offer programs that can include home inspections, home security training and more. Call and see what is available.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Call the company and have them send someone to check it out. Mother Nature and wild animals can also cause issues with your home security system. If you aren’t paying attention, you may not be aware of these problems.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. This goes for the installer, too. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or to hire a new company altogether. After all, the point of the system itself is to help you feel more at ease.

It’s a good idea to have motion sensor lights installed. They will illuminate your property if they sense any movement near your home. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. However, make sure to put in fresh bulbs every now and then.

Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. It is not necessary to cut out pieces from your wall. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. For instance, consider using an electricity socket that is unused, and stash your precious jewelry in there.

Follow your instincts when choosing a home security company. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. Never hesitate to has for a new technician or even go with a different company altogether. Ultimately, the whole point is for you to have peace of mind.

The wiring outside of your home can be valuable. Many people have their wires stripped each year. Copper is expensive and most wiring is composed of it, so stripping it is a great way for crooks to make a quick buck. Be sure that your wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep your wires safe.

The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. Keep small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. All you have to do is place them behind any unused phone jack, electrical outlet or switch plate. You can also just put in a false plate to cover a hiding place.

Replace rotted wood around any door frames. Home invaders interested are able to pry off any rotted wood to get inside. Replace any wood that has begun to rot with new wood so that your house stays safe.

Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. You do not need to remove segments from your walls. Many places around your house have areas that are already pre-cut. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.

Ask about the history of any home security company you are considering. Many years of service bode well for the company’s performance. You can feel confident when you choose a well established, reputable home security company.

Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Thieves are familiar with these hiding spots. Instead, have a trustworthy neighbor hold on to your spare key.

If you are out of town for awhile, ask a friend to take a look at your door for any fliers. Thieves will drop off flyers to see if home owners are away. By your neighbor taking the flyer, it appears as if you got it yourself.

If you want peace in your life, you must keep your home secure. There is little doubt among homeowners that this is true. The most effective method of doing so, however is not always readily apparent, unless you have spend some time studying the subject, and this article has hopefully offered some tips you can really use.

Whenever you purchase some expensive item, don’t place the empty boxes right outside your home. This will just alert criminals to the fact that you have expensive items in your home. After removing the contents from these boxes, tear or cut them up.