It’s important to do your homework in order to make an informed decision with regards to home security. It is not a decision to take lightly. Think long and hard about creating a safe home for your family.

Ask friends for some advice before choosing home security companies and systems. There are likely people you know that have had either good or bad experiences with these companies. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. Be sure to cal a locksmith if you were to lose your keys as well.

If you’re going on a trip for an extended period of time, switch the ringer off on all home phones. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

Beware giving keys to your maid unless the service has your absolute trust. Before you give a cleaner full access to your home for extended periods of time, you have to be certain that they’re trustworthy and reliable. Make sure you verify all references. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

Use your garage for your car and not for storage. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. This will also make it more difficult for burglars to track when you away from home.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? If so, you can use your dog to hide your spare key. Conceal it in the dog’s collar. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spent, you should have an annual test. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. There are many things that can be problematic with regards to home security systems, like wayward wild animals and the environment. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.

Keep your car in the garage. You will not have to worry about thieves taking your car if it is inside your garage. Additionally, if your car is put away, burglars will not be able to tell whether or not you are home.

When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or to hire a new company altogether. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.

Security System

The wiring on your house is valuable to burglars. Many people have their wires stripped each year. Copper wiring is very valuable and susceptible to being stripped from the outside of your home. Make sure the wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep this valuable item safe.

Get in the habit of checking your security system regularly. The security company should have a specialist come to look at it. There are many reason why a home security system can have problems, and it might be the weather or wild animals that cause it to malfunction. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.

Rotted wood in your door framing should be replaced. An intruder could pry the rotten wood easily to open the door. Replace rotted wood with fresh wood to make your home safer.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

If you move into a home or apartment that has been previously lived in, the first thing you should do is change the locks. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You can even buy and install the locks yourself so you know that you are the only one with a key.

When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. The best systems are those that cover windows as well. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. This is great for keeping the family secure.

You want the security company to actually come to your house and install the system according to your needs. Everyone has different needs, and your security system should be designed to protect your home and family. You’ll get the best protection by using a company that can tailor a plan to your requirements.

Now that you are finished with the article, you know a little more about protecting your home. You shouldn’t go into this blindly. You want to make sure that you adequately protect you and your family. Use these tips as you proceed.

You need to think about what you need as far as home security before you look at different systems. Although automated electronic systems are powerful, they’re not necessarily the cost-effective solution for every home. In some cases the security system is your best investment, in others you well-served with an alert dog or reinforced locking systems. Be aware of your risks to make an intelligent purchasing decisions.