Is a home security system of interest to you? Often people make this important purchase without thinking about whether or not it is necessary. Small precautions, like locking your windows, can reap big rewards in terms of home safety and may meet your security needs.

Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone enters. This could be valuable for parents who have small children, making them aware when their kid has closed or opened a door.

Use a safe to protect your valuables. If a burglar enters your home, he or she will have a hard time making off with your possessions. Keep the safe hidden in a hard-to-find location like an attic or a basement closet.

When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Every company offers different pricing. Get quotes from no less than three companies before choosing the best one.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. 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. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.

Before agreeing to work with a security company, check with your friends and family for recommendations. You can benefit from the experience of others that have gone before you by paying attention to their recommendations and warnings. Ask around so that you can have the advice that you need to make a good choice.

Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. If the phone rings without you there, burglars will suspect that you’re not home, and that can make your home a target for an attack while you’re gone.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. Home inspections or engraving identifiers can help protect you. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.

If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.

Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. Perhaps you aren’t sure who owned the home before you or maybe an old roommate has a key and never returned it. Regardless, changing the locks will ensure your security. You can change the locks in a single day, and the hardware is not very costly.

You need to have your security system checked once a year. Make certain the security company you choose provides for regular inspections. Wild animals or plain old nature can wreak havoc on your home security system. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.

Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. There are many locales that are already around your home. For instance, consider using an electricity socket that is unused, and stash your precious jewelry in there.

Don’t be shy. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. Never neglect gossip. While this is unorthodox, it may clue you into a possible home security threat.

Spare Key

If you live more out in the country, you may think that you’re not at risk. Due to the distance between neighbors, some think rural areas are more likely to have intruders. Others think that rural places have less of a chance of being targets for burglars.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Thieves are familiar with these hiding spots. The wisest course of action is to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or a reliable neighbor.

Be sure your valuables are not visible from the outside of your house. If you have big windows near your big entertainment system, it can seem like an invitation to thieves. If your house has street-facing windows, make sure they are always covered and your make sure your valuables are hidden away.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. While having huge windows may be good for letting in light and viewing what is outside, it also gives potential thieves a good look in your own home. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.

Always lock your home when you leave it, no matter how soon you plan to return. Most burglars gain entry to a home through an unlocked door. It won’t take long for thieves to steal lots of expensive valuables.

The wires that are on your house are very valuable. Many people are not aware of this until they are stolen from their home. It does not take much time to strip off the expensive copper wires from the exterior of your house. Be sure that your wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep your wires safe.

When you pick an alarm system, it’s a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. Each window represents a possible entry for your thief. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. This can mean the difference between a safe home and one that is an easy target.

Motion sensitive lights are an inexpensive way to increase your home’s security. Motion detection lights will turn on as soon as something or someone enters your yard. If placed strategically around the house, motion detectors can make it very tough for criminals to get to your property.

Add motion detector lighting to the exterior of your home for increased security. In the dark hours, these lights will provide the illumination necessary to protect your home and also save money by staying off when they’re not needed. Intruders will not be able to sneak into your home if you place your motion detector in the right spot.

Have your home security company inspect your home and suggest safety improvements. Every person has specific needs and wants when dealing with securing your family, home, and items. If you’ve found a company that can tailor a system to you, you can receive the greatest amount of security to make you feel much more comfortable.

When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you’re about to sign. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. Try avoiding these fees when you can so that you know about them.

Keep your home’s exterior well lit. Dark houses invite burglars who prefer to operate under cover of darkness. Light up the dark spots around your home. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.

Be sure to make good use of the Internet when you’re trying to select your home security company. Many websites feature reviews, testimonials, and package details from home security services. Then, you can set appointments to make price and service comparisons before you choose.

Before checking out security systems for your home, think about your personal security and safety needs. Some systems might not be adaptable to your situation. You could, for instance, invest in an alarm system, some outside lights, adopt a dog or take some self-defense classes. Make sure you understand your risks so you can make wise purchasing decisions.

It is a good idea to invest in video surveillance for your home security system. Both hidden and visible video cameras can help keep your home safe. If a burglar can see them, they are likely to go away. As an added security bonus, most modern systems will allow you to monitor your cameras remotely (via cell phone) for round-the-clock protection.

If you are out of town for awhile, ask a friend to take a look at your door for any fliers. Some burglars place fliers to see if they’ll be quickly removed. If the fliers isn’t removed, the criminal knows that no one is home.

Find out more about the different contracts your security company offers. These lengths can be both good and bad. Longer contracts may create a lower bill per month, but you you could maintain those monthly expenses if you discontinue service or sell the home. Shorter contracts allow your greater freedom, however they usually cost more each month.

Put up video surveillance. Installing hidden and visible video cameras is great for securing a home. Cameras that can be clearly seen have a powerful deterrent effect, while concealed cameras are difficult or impossible for intruders to disable. You can sometimes access security systems using your cell phone, keeping you informed on the go.

Make sure that your valuables are kept in a secure location. Photos, passports, important documents and heirlooms should be kept where they can’t be stolen or damaged. A great choice for keeping these items in your home is a floor safe. You can also rent out a safety deposit box.

Is your street number on your house visible from the street? If there’s an emergency, it will take longer for the police to locate your home if the numbers are concealed in any way or too small. Just replace them if you need to.

Replace your doors with some that are solid wood or metal. Metal or solid wood doors cannot be broken. If a robber tried to break in, it would be hard for him to do that. Replacing doors is not very expensive and should make a real difference.

If you are away, pull your shades closed. If you don’t, others can look in and see that the property is currently unoccupied. They may break in if they spot something that they like. You should have the windows covered when you’re asleep.

Common security problems in homes include sliding glass doors. Shaking the doors or even simply lifting them can unlock them. If you do not have a security system hooked up to them, cut a length of pipe to fit in the door channel. This keeps the door wedged closed so that it is harder to pry open.

Maybe you do need an alarm system. It may be, however, that you simply need to start doing a few things differently around your house. When you know of all your choices, you will make a better choice.

Neighborhood gossip does not always have to be tedious and immature. Your neighbors will probably notice people lurking near your house when you are gone. Stay on their good side and they will be sure to let you know if they see anything suspicious.