Are you in need of a good security system? Many people make the purchase assuming that it is the right decision. The tips below will help you make the decision.

When looking for a system to secure your home, do comparison shopping. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. Check references thoroughly. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

Turn the ringer off on your telephone if you are going to be away. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. 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. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.

Do not allow anyone you do not know into your home. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. It’s quite possible that your charming guest is only interested in evaluating the security of your home; if they find it lacking, they may be back later to relieve you of some of your possessions.

You should not let anyone inside your home. Even if someone has a good story, requires help or has a great product to sell, ignore them. Some criminals will come in, case your house and then come back when you are away.

In summer, take care to trim back branches and plants near the house. This can be a fire hazard, especially if you live in an area with high heat. Make sure your yard is clean for the sake of your safety – and that of your family!

Garage Instead

When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. You don’t want to refrain from choosing a different company or technician. Security is supposed to give you peace of mind after all!

You should always park your car inside your garage instead of using your garage to store some belongings. Keeping your car secured will prevent people from vandalizing it. If you keep your car in the garage instead of in the driveway, it is harder for thieves to know whether you are at home or not.

Don’t hide an extra key under a rock or in a planter. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. Thieves are tricky, diabolical, and familiar with any and every hiding place. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

You should regularly check your home security system, regardless of how reliable you believe it is. Your security company should send a representative to check your system. A number of factors can cause problems with your security system, including wild animals and mother nature. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. 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. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

Skylights could be a problem for the safety of your home. They look great and provide light, but also are another access point. Make sure your skylights have reliable, heavy duty hardware in place.

You should change all the locks if you just bought or rented a new home. You don’t really know the people you purchased the house from or all the folks they shared keys with, so don’t place too much trust in the old locks. Also, there have likely been other owners of the home, and you don’t know them either.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. If you have small valuables you want to protect, consider hiding them inside your walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

Rotted wood in your door framing should be replaced. It is simple for a robber to pry away rotting wood and enter your home. Replace rotted wood with fresh wood to make your home safer.

Use your walls as hiding spaces. It’s not necessary to cut out parts of your wall to do this. There are lots of places around the home that have pre-cut areas that you can use. What about un-wiring an electrical socket which isn’t used to utilize as a cover to hide your jewelry?

Before allowing someone into your house, be sure to carefully check their references. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.

Before allowing any security company reps to come into your home, make sure they have on a uniform and they have valid ID. Burglars are creative, and they often pose as a member of the security team to get inside. This is dangerous to your valuables and your family. Caution is always advisable if dangers like this are to be avoided.

In the event you find your door open upon arriving home, you should never enter and investigate yourself. Keep in mind that intruders could still be inside. Instead, call the police to inform them of what happened, and wait on them.

Your family may be best protected through a security system in your home. However, you may find that you only need to make a few minor changes. Be sure to thoroughly research all available options before picking a home security plan.

Consider buying a paper shredder for your home. Thieves can get lots of information simply by looking through your trash. If you don’t have a paper shredder, tear the papers up.