Having a secure place that you can live in could be a big task for an average person. Actually, home security is not costly or difficult. You should keep reading to find out more about home security and what you can do to protect your home.

After you purchase a new home, change the locks. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. Speak with a locksmith to get a unique lock for your home. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. There are timers you can use to make electronics turn on and off at random times. This will give the appearance that someone is at your house at all times. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.

Ask friends for some advice before choosing home security companies and systems. They probably have both positive and negative things to tell you, and those comments will help you make your own decision. Keep asking to get the advice that will help you make the right choice.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? This is where you can put your spare key. Put it on your dog’s collar, making sure it is hidden. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

If you own a garage, be sure to use it to place your car, as opposed to using it as a storage. Protect your car from vandals by keeping it in the garage. This can also keep people from knowing your schedule.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.

Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. If you have small valuables you want to protect, consider hiding them inside your walls. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. If you haven’t got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.

Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. Nowadays, thieves are creative when thinking of ways to get homeowners to open a door and let them in. Make it a rule in your home that you only open your door to people who you were expecting.

Be cognizant of what others can see when they look in your windows. Open curtains allow people to see inside your home and see exactly what you have. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

Your home security system ought to be checked each year. Have a worker from the security company take a look at it. 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. If the problem isn’t visible, you may be unaware of it.

If you purchase big-ticket items, don’t throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

You could hide some valuables within your walls. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. Many areas in your house are already accessible for this purpose. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

Before letting a home security representative inside, ask for identification. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This represents a danger to your possessions and your family. Be cautious to stay away from those potential dangers.

Regardless of how long you think you’ll be gone, make sure to lock your doors. Surprisingly, lots of burglaries occur because the burglar was able to simply walk in without having to actually break in. It does not take long for thieves to steal your expensive stuff.

If you are seeking home safety ideas that are simple and inexpensive, you should buy outdoor lights with motion sensors. They lights will light up your property at night and they are cost-effective and efficient. If positioned correctly on the exterior of your home, the motion detectors make it virtually impossible for an intruder to sneak onto your property.

The alarm system you choose should protect more than just the doors to your home. Your windows are also points of entry for burglars. If you have an alarm attached to each of your windows and doors, you can keep track of all the entry points for your home. This is vital to keeping your family safe.

If you’re going to hire a company that provides home security, read everything in the contract before you sign it. There may be hidden costs involved that you were not aware of. You are going to want to avoid these kinds of hidden fees, so know about them up front.

You want all wires of an installed security system to be hidden. Intruders can easily disable your home security system by cutting or unplugging the wires. Hide them in the walls or bury them underground to keep people from tampering with them. That will make you safer.

Determine how much experience a home security company has before you decide to do business with them. Companies that have been around for years have shown that they know the industry and that their services are reliable and great enough for recommendations. Realizing you at involved with a stable firm will give you a sense of calm that is important.

Buy flashlights with strong batteries and make sure there is one in each room in case of power outages. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.

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. By locating the company that will create the best plan for you, you will be assured you are receiving the best possible home security.

If you are moving into a home that had a previous owner, then you should immediately change the locks. Even though the previous tenant may have turned in their key, you never know if they have a copy. It is possible to purchase and put in locks on your own so you can be assured you have the only keys.

Keep your outdoor areas well lit. Thieves prefer to work in darkness. Install lights in areas that possible criminals can use to enter your home. This can include the garage, doorways, porches and other areas which invite an intruder in.

One relatively inexpensive way to add an extra layer of protection to your home is to install motion sensor lights for the exterior of your home. These lights illuminate your home during the night. As an added bonus, they are affordable and quite efficient. They also help to keep intruders away, because an intruder does not want to come close to your property if they know they might be spotted.

Consider your personal needs for safety and your security risks prior to looking for security systems. While alarm systems are great, they aren’t necessary for every family. In some neighborhoods, it may be better for you to have a dog, or even take self defense classes in order to protect yourself. Understanding your needs will help you make a good purchase decision.

Ask the home security companies to visit your home and design a system tailored to your needs. They should take your concerns seriously and address any issues you have. Most companies will create an individual plan to meet your needs so you can have a high level of security to assure your peace of mind.

Armed with the tips presented here, you are ready to make your home safe and secure. Alter your home for maximum security. Soon, the home will feel safer every time of day. This sense of security will enable you to relax and enjoy yourself.

Keep your home’s exterior well lit. Burglars tend to commit crimes at night. Be sure and have a light next to any entry point in your home. Be sure to consider your front and back porch, garage, ground floor windows and any basement entryway.