If you own your home, you need to learn about home security. But, it is important to learn all about the home security information out there. This article will alert you to the top things to keep in mind when it comes to home safety.

Be sure your home appears to always be occupied. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. This makes people think you’re home. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

Make your house look like it’s always occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This gives off the appearance that someone is home. This will keep people from breaking in.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. When giving your house cleaner the key to your home, you need to be sure that they are reputable and honest. Go over their references and do some background research on the company they work for. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. This can be useful if you’ve got small children that are able to open doors.

Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. This is a great idea if your dog is outside all the time, or they can get out through a doggy door. You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. A constantly ringing phone lets thieves know that you are not home and could increase the chances of you getting robbed.

Never allow any strangers into your home. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. Some criminals will come in, case your house and then come back when you are away.

Home security systems do more than sounding an alarm in case of a break in. Most of them can be programmed to alert you to anyone entering your home. This is great for parents that have small children so that they know when their kids open or close doors.

People who live rurally often don’t think about home security. Some think residents of the country are even more vulnerable because there are no close neighbors. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.

Don’t leave the packaging from any electronics or expensive purchases sitting on the curb until trash day. Empty boxes might draw the attention of robbers and let everyone know you own new and expensive goods.

Get a safe to protect your valuable items. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. Hide your safe in a hard to find place like the basement or attic.

If you move into a home or apartment that has been previously lived in, the first thing you should do is change the locks. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. You can install locks yourself to make sure you’re the only one who has a key.

Before you let anyone go into your home, look at their references thoroughly. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for 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.

When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, make sure you comparison shop. You would be surprised to see that the prices are much different for each company, even though it’s for the same type of protection. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

If you are seeking home safety ideas that are simple and inexpensive, you should buy outdoor lights with motion sensors. At night, not only will these lights be handy to light up areas around your home,they are also a cost-effective and efficient security addition. Whenever you properly position these lights, they will make it almost impossible for burglars to sneak in.

Be sure to get a home security service that will inspect your home and tailor a home security system just for you. Every house and every family will produce a unique set of security concerns that are best addressed with tailor-made security arrangements. A good company will tailor your security plan to the needs of you and your family.

Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it. Never put a spare key under a doormat or above a door jam. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

You should think about your own safety when comparing different home security options. Security systems are a proven method of reducing your chance of break-ins, but it is not always the right choice. Some neighborhoods feel more safe than others, but a good security system definitely makes you feel more safe. Understanding your neighborhood, risks and budget constraints can help you to make the best choices.

Every homeowner needs to learn everything they can with regards to home security. You need to sift through the mounds of information available to find the reliable tips you can use. So, consult the information in this article when you have questions about your home’s security.

You should never give details about your vacations and other plans on social networks. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.