Homeowners are often daunted by the topic of home security. You do not have to make it an expensive endeavor. Reviewing the security advice provided here can go a long way towards making you a safer, more security-conscious homeowner.

It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. The person who previously owned the home may have made copies of keys. To make sure you’re the only person that can get into your home, contact a locksmith. Make sure you do the same thing if you lose your keys sometime.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. This only makes sense if your dog is outdoors a lot or you have a pet door. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? You might consider leaving your spare key with your dog. Attach your key to your dog’s collar, ensuring that it can’t be seen. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

After getting a new home, make sure to change its locks. You have no clue how many people were given keys by the former owner. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. Also, if you ever lose your keys, do the same.

Get a safe to protect your valuable items. If an intruder breaks into your home, at least these valuables will be secure. Your safe should be placed somewhere it is not readily noticeable.

If you’re going on a trip for an extended period of time, switch the ringer off on all home phones. A ringing phone that goes unanswered may signal to a burglar that nobody is home.

If you like to have a key hidden in case you lose yours, place it in a safe place. You don’t want to put them in common spots, such as above the frame of the door or under the doormat. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

Eliminate dead vegetation and wood in the yard in the summer. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. To make sure your home is safer, clear your yard periodically.

You need to be sure the attached garage of yours is secure. Often people are concerned that burglars can enter the home via the attached garage . Happily, there is a solution to this problem. Simply attach a C-clamp near the roller on the door track.

Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. Make certain the security company you choose provides for regular inspections. There are quite a few things that can negatively impact the effectiveness of home security equipment. For example, adverse weather conditions or pests such as raccoons can cause problems. If you don’t see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.

Store your car in the garage if you have it. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. Hiding your car away from plain view is a good way to keep intruders from knowing when you are at home or not.

Install lights that have motion sensors. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. Replace bulbs regularly and check the sensors once a month.

Make sure that none of your valuables can be seen from the outside. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

Switch your locks. Whether you just bought your home or someone just moved out that you were living with, this is an important step to any new situation. This is a very easy process that you can complete within a day.

Keep your home security system’s wires under cover. Intruders can easily disable your home security system by cutting or unplugging the wires. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. You will be much safer.

Rural areas are just as prone to break-ins as cities. Others think that living in the country is more risky than other areas because houses are so far apart. However, understand that regardless of where you live, a theft can occur anywhere. Therefore, you need to be prepared.

If you are throwing away the box an expensive item came in, wait until trash day to put the box out. They show the world you have money and lots of valuables inside.

With the above advice, you can better secure your home. Start to make changes in your house. You will quickly have a house that always feels safe no matter what time of day. This sense of security will enable you to relax and enjoy yourself.

If there is any rotted wood around your door frame, replace it. Rotted wood can be easily removed by thieves. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.