Home security is a topic that you, hopefully, take extremely seriously. If it is not, it should be. Many people are not sure where to get started. The article that follows should prove extremely helpful as you proceed.

Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. Really this works only if you have a pet door or if your dog is an outdoor dog. Store a spare key within your dogs collar so you always have access to your home.

After you buy your new house, get new locks. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. To make sure you’re the only person that can get into your home, contact a locksmith. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

Home security systems offer other triggering features besides having an alarm sound. The majority of systems are able to be set to put out an alert when any individual enters the home. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. 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. Taking a little time to listen can make you a much better decision maker when it comes to home security.

Keep your most precious belongings inside a safe. You would hate for your expensive jewelry, personal family belongings, etc. to be stolen in case a burglar breaks into your home. Keep it hidden in a hard to find location.

Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. Some people are concerned about burglars entering through an attached garage. Try putting a C-clamp on your garage door track. This will stop the door from rising if you want to keep it closed.

Don’t overlook your garage as a potential access point for thieves. It is possible for an intruder to get in the garage and then gain access to the house; however, you can do something about it. Using a C-clamp on the garage door will prevent it from opening by staying on the door’s track.

Don’t be shy. Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. Listen for gossip too. You might hear helpful information, for instance if strangers have been hanging around.

Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. Be sure all sorts of flammable items are kept under control around your home.

Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs to ensure they continue to work properly.

Make sure to have your home inspection system maintained on at least an annual basis. A security professional should visit to help with the testing process. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. If you cannot see a problem, you might not know one exists.

Whenever you are selecting a home security company, make sure you go with your gut feelings. If the installers make you feel uncomfortable, heed your feelings. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. Remember that every aspect of your home security system should support you in feeling more secure.

Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. You should be very picky when it comes to letting people inspect your home. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

If you’re in a rural place, you might not be as worried about break-ins as those that are in the city. The risk is still there, so a home security system is vital. Not everyone believes this, though.

Walls are great for hiding items. If you own small valuables that require protection, try hiding them in the walls. Simply take advantage of an unused switch plate, electrical outlet, or phone jack. If you use all of them, you can always have fake ones installed.

Don’t forget to secure your skylights too. Skylights have a good function, but unfortunately they also often provide a way for a burglar to enter. Be certain that skylights in your home can be locked securely.

Keep your most valuable possessions inside your walls. You do not have to damage your walls to keep your valuables safe. Instead, you can use the small spaces that are already there. For example, you might remove the cover of an electrical outlet, disconnect the wires, and use the space to hide small valuables.

Don’t allow the wires of your home security system to be visible to others. You don’t want a burglar to get access to them and disable your system. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. You will be much safer.

When in the process of selecting an alarm system, you should select a system that protects more than simply the doors of your home. Burglars often enter through windows as well. Get an alarm that will trigger if either the doors or windows are opened. The safety of your family will be ensured.

You should change all the locks if you just bought or rented a new home. Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. Remember that other families may have lived there before that person as well.

Make sure all the wood around your doors is in great shape. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Always replace rotting wood with fresh wood immediately to keep your house strong and secure.

Carefully check the references of everyone before allowing them to enter your home. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.

If your home isn’t new, replace the locks. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. Find a reliable locksmith who can replace the locks or do it yourself.

Keeping your home safe is unquestionably something you must do in order to maintain peace of mind. There is no doubt about it. Learning all you can about home security will assure you have a safe home and peace of mind.

Screen the references of anyone who would have access to your house. You need to do background checks in order to find out about their criminal history. You can’t always be sure that maids, service workers or contractors are honest, and therefore giving out keys can be a big error.