Maintaining a secure home is important if you are a home owner, and it should never be left to chance. Unfortunately, just getting started in this important area is sometimes confusing. Use the information in this article to get you started in the right direction.

Home security systems offer other triggering features besides having an alarm sound. Most of them can be programmed to alert you to anyone entering your home. If you have little ones wandering about the house, this makes it easy for you to know if they have come in or gone out.

It is important for your home to always look lived in. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This will help safeguard your house to the best of your ability.

You should never give details about your vacations and other plans on social networks. While it is exciting to go to a new place and have a good time, you are letting thieves know that your house will be empty and they can come right in.

Spare Key

Install lights that use a motion-sensor. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. You will receive advance warning of any potential issues, and a would-be intruder will probably be scared off. Get in the habit of checking and replacing the bulbs as necessary to ensure the lights remain effective.

Put your spare key on your dog. This works with a dog that stays outside or a dog with a pet door. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

Before doing anything else, install new locks in your home. Perhaps your roommate left town or you have gone through a messy divorce, and you need to feel that the home is safe. You can change the locks in a single day, and the hardware is not very costly.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. 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 securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. Although skylights provide your home with a lot of light, it is also very helpful for burglars to break in. Skylights need to be installed correctly and safely, with hardware that will keep intruders out.

Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. Your home will get added protection, especially if your environment is dry and has power lines. Fire prevention is paramount.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.

Get advice from your friends before selecting a provider for home security. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Sometimes, you may get great advice from the people you know.

If you’ve just gotten a home, replace every lock. Though you may not suspect that the seller is up to something, you still need to be careful. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.

Consult with your police department to find out about good programs for home protection. Many police departments offer programs that can include home inspections, home security training and more. Talk with local police to see if they offer these programs.

If someone from the security company comes to your home, ask to see their ID before allowing them in. Thieves may say they are from a certain company to get into your home. This proves rather dangerous for both your family and also your valuables. Be very careful with who you let into your home.

Avoid being shy. Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. Keep watch of their homes when they are away, and ask if they will return the favor. Don’t ignore any gossip either. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. Be sure to perform a background check and look for any criminal history that might be in evidence. Avoid giving keys out to contractors, maids and repairmen.

Keep valuables hidden within the walls. You don’t need to cut out segments of your walls by the way. Instead, you can use the small spaces that are already there. If you have an electric socket you do not use, hide valuables behind their covers.

When about to sign a contract with any home security firm, read all the small print. You need to find out about hidden costs, such as cancellation fees in case you want to cancel your contract before it expires. You should avoid such expenses if you can, so make yourself aware.

Always lock your doors, even if you are just walking down the street. Many home thefts start with the thief simply walking in an unlocked door or window. It does not take a long time for a robber to pilfer items worth thousands of dollars.

Have your home security company inspect your home and suggest safety improvements. Each customer wants certain things as far as home security goes. By locating the company that will create the best plan for you, you will be assured you are receiving the best possible home security.

Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. A background check which includes any criminal history is warranted. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.

Think about a wireless security system for your home. While systems with wires are cheaper, you have to rewire your home and worry about power outages. The easy of installation and maintenance when it comes to wireless set-ups makes them the best bet.

If you’re hiring a company for home security, be sure to read any fine print before you sign that contract. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. Be aware of these particular fees so you can steer clear of them.

Put a surveillance system in your home. This will allow you to see who is around your house. If a burglar can see them, they are likely to go away. Some security systems can be accessed with cell phones, so you can check on your house while you are away.

Having a bright and lit-up home at night deters crooks. They prefer not to be seen. When your home is lit well, the crooks have nowhere to hide, making it difficult for them to steal from you undetected. If you want to stay secure, keep your house brightly lit.

Are the numbers of your home visible from the street? The police will find it difficult to locate your home quickly if your address numbers are difficult to see. Fortunately, the solution to this is quick, easy and rather cheap once you are aware of the need.

If you think something looks odd when you get back home, don’t go inside. It can be dangerous to walk in on an intruder. Your best bet is to contact the authorities and wait outside for them to get there.

Inquire into both purchase and lease options for your security system. It might cost more at first when buying the equipment, but you don’t have the extra cost each month. Leasing is cheaper, but there may be hidden fees and contracts. Look into both choices to know which one is better for your personal circumstances.

You always want to keep your house safe so that you can have peace of mind. This is a fact of life. The best way to know this can sometimes be elusive, though, unless you have reviewed the information above.

Do you turn the lights on and off during the same time period? If so, consider a timer. This can simplify your life, but it also makes your home appear lived in if you are away.