Do you want to get a top notch security system? Lots of people do so without taking the time to determine whether or not one is really necessary. Things like locking the doors may be enough security for you.

Security systems are more than just an alarm. Most systems can be set to sound an alert when anyone enters the home. For families with young children, this is excellent for alerting when a child has entered or left the house.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Place the alternative key on your dog’s collar in case of an emergency.

Ask friend for any advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. Most will be willing to share their likes, loves and loathes, especially as they realize how important it is to you. Taking a little time to listen can make you a much better decision maker when it comes to home security.

It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. You have no clue how many people were given keys by the former owner. To make sure you’re the only person that can get into your home, contact a locksmith. Be sure to cal a locksmith if you were to lose your keys as well.

It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. Be wary of those who come to your door selling products, asking for help, or telling sob stories. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Get a professional in to check it out. There are many reason why a home security system can have problems, and it might be the weather or wild animals that cause it to malfunction. Sometimes, you may need a professional to locate the problem.

Shut off the ringer for all of the telephones in your home if you are planning to go on vacation for a long time. A phone which rings forever is a sign to burglars that you’re not there.

Install motion-sensor lights. Lights like these will automatically turn on whenever someone is near them. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.

You need to secure your garage if it is attached to your home. Lots of people are afraid that burglars will be able to break into their garage, which will result in them breaking into the home. Thankfully, you can prevent this. If your garage door happens to lift on a track, using a C-clamp can help. the C-clamp prevents the door from opening if it’s tightened on the track close to the roller.

Keep valuables hidden within the walls. You do not need to remove segments from your walls. Take a closer look at your walls and note just how many access points there are already. How about unwiring an electricity socket and using it as cover for a place to stash valuable jewelry?

Have lights that sense motion. The lights will be triggered when someone gets too close to the house. Not only will you know that someone is out there, it will also deter burglars because they want to be inconspicuous. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

Keep valuables out of sight of windows. Open curtains allow people to see inside your home and see exactly what you have. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.

Switch your locks. Changing the locks will ensure that you are the only one who knows the combination. This is a very easy process that you can complete within a day.

Lock up your house every time you leave. Many burglaries happen because the intruders can just walk right inside. Thieves can make off with large amounts of valuable merchandise very quickly.

Always go with your gut when it comes to choosing a security firm. Don’t hire anyone who makes you uncomfortable. You don’t want to refrain from choosing a different company or technician. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

If you make a large purchase, like a big screen television, don’t simply set the box out in front of your home. Having these type of boxes hanging around will give robbers a good idea of what type of merchandise you have inside of your home.

Skylights could be a problem for the safety of your home. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.

Did you know that the wires on your home are valuable? Most people are unaware of this fact until a burglar takes it from their house. The wiring has copper and is easy to be quickly taken off a home. Be sure to hide your wires or make sure they are hard to get to.

After installing a security system in your home, make sure any wires are hidden. Intruders can get around security systems and into a home by cutting the wires. Never make things easy for them. Ask the person installing it to bury the wires or hide them inside the walls. This will make you much safer.

Keep your outdoor areas well lit. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. Make sure to have lights anywhere an intruder might enter. Over doors, near windows and especially your back yard need to be lit.

If you bought any big or expensive things, wait until trash day to throw away the boxes. They show the world you have money and lots of valuables inside.

Make sure that your garage is not visible from the outside in. Use a frosted film to cover the windows. This can be purchased at many hardware stores. Keep your garage door closed as often as possible, too.

Any time you let a stranger into your home that is doing some kind of work, it is best to ask for references. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. You might not know that the maid or contractor entering your home is a crook, and this could be a very bad mistake.

Inquire as to the different lengths of contracts offered by your security company. These lengths can be both good and bad. You may pay less if you sign up for longer, but you might also get left with a contract if you have to sell your house. If you want more freedom, it is best to purchase a more expensive but shorter contract.

Have a home security company come to your house and come up with a system that best suits your needs. Everyone has specific wants and needs when it comes to securing their home, family and belongings. The right company will make you feel more safe and secure in your home.

You should always keep your blinds and curtains closed. Potential intruders will see what you are doing and get an idea of how many valuables you own if you keep your blinds open. If their eyes fall on something they like, they are going to think about breaking in. You should have the windows covered when you’re asleep.

The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. So it’s smart to put a light in typically darker corners around your home. All doors, porches, garages and windows should be well lit.

Don’t put your key in an obvious hiding place. The classic fake rock is too common and too easy to detect. Someone is going to look under your doormat. The best idea is just to ask a friend or neighbor to hang on to a key for you. When this isn’t an option, you should at least use your imagination when choosing a hiding place.

Install a home surveillance system. Installing video cameras, both visible and hidden, are a great way to secure your home. Visible cameras deter many intruders, but if they disable the cameras that they can see, your hidden camera can record the action. A lot of surveillance systems are accessible using your cell phone, so you can monitor your home while you are out of town.

Never make the password to your keypad your birthday. Your date of birth can be obtained through Facebook or your mail. Use a password that you can remember but that no one else will be able to guess.

Make sure your address numbers are clearly visible from across the street. Small or obscured numbers can make it difficult for emergency personnel to locate your home. Just replace them if you need to.

When you don’t want to spend a lot on maintenance, go for a hard-wired system. Wireless systems, while convenient, will require much more maintenance. Forgetting to add new batteries can cause your system to not work as it should. It can be expensive to replace a ton of batteries.

Your pup is a great crime deterrent. They are protective about their territory, plus they make noises that keep burglars at bay. A dog with a vicious attitude and large size isn’t necessary. Even small dogs can deter criminals just by making noise when something is afoot.

If you turn lights on and off around the same time, try using a timer. This makes it easy for you because you do not have to turn the switch. It also makes the lights go off and on even if you are not at home.

See if your security firm offers a variety of contract lengths. These lengths can be both good and bad. Longer contracts may offer more affordable monthly payments; however, it may be hard to cancel that contract should you decide to change services or sell your house. Short contracts leave you with freedom, but also a larger bill.

Make sure that your valuables are kept in a secure location. This can include items like important photos, passports, pricey jewelry, and legal documents. You may want to invest in a floor safe for these. You could also look into getting a bank safe deposit box.

In the end, you may decide that an alarm system is the correct choice for your home. The case might be that you need to change the way things are done around your house. Research your options to find the best solution for your family.

Purchase motion sensor lighting for the next generation in home security. Most companies will offer this service, and it illuminates the outside of the house whenever there is any movement. This can add extra security as you go into your house, and it can keep intruders away.