Do you want to buy a security system for your home? Lots of people do so without taking the time to determine whether or not one is really necessary. Maintaining good security habits (e.g. locking doors) might be adequate as security measures.

Make your home look occupied at all times. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This can be a terrific method of securing your home and keeping burglars at bay.

Always take time to compare and research before investing in an expensive security system for your home. 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.

Only provide your house cleaner with a key if you trust him or her implicitly. Be sure any home cleaner you give your key to is trustworthy and reputable. One way to do this is to check their references. If they work through a larger firm, you can check up on the company with your local Better Business Bureau.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Instead, try hiding a key on the collar of an outside dog.

Does your dog stay outside while you are gone? You might consider leaving your spare key with your dog. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. If your dog is suspicious of strangers, you have found a good hiding place for your key.

Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. This helps protect your home when you dwell in a more dry climate. Fire is such a destructive force that it makes excellent sense to reduce fire hazards in your home whenever possible.

Keep your most precious belongings inside a safe. A safe is the best way to protect your diamonds, gold and important documents. Hide that safe in a difficult-to-reach place like in a closet inside your basement or an attic.

Don’t post online when you’ll be away from your home. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.

Aim to purchase fire-resistant ceilings, roofs and floors. This will help you protect your home under all circumstances. Because of the amount of damage fires can cause, it is important to protect your home from them.

Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. Even if this stranger has a believable story or is trying to sell you something, do not let them in. This person might just be casing the joint to see if there is home security equipment.

If your garage is attached to your home, always keep it secure. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. If your garage door happens to lift on a track, using a C-clamp can help. the C-clamp prevents the door from opening if it’s tightened on the track close to the roller.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. Large windows let in a lot of light, but they also allow outsiders to see inside your living space. Keep your windows covered and your belongings private.

If you own a garage, be sure to use it to place your car, as opposed to using it as a storage. Keeping your car inside will deter thieves from stealing or vandalizing it. It will also keep any intruders from knowing when you’re home.

Regardless of how long you think you’ll be gone, make sure to lock your doors. Many burglaries happen because the intruders can just walk right inside. Thieves can steal thousands worth of your belongings very quickly.

Don’t be afraid to know the people who live near you. Talk to your neighbors. Keep an eye out for their houses, and request that they return the favor. Don’t discount what sounds like idle gossip. You may find out helpful information about strangers lurking around.

You might need a home security system. Nonetheless, you might need to begin instilling some different habits in your household. Research your options to find the best solution for your family.

Install motion-sensor lights. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. This will discourage would be thieves and alert you to any movement on your property. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.