It is a good idea to be as informed as possible when it comes to home security. Decisions in this area are too important to be taken lightly. Take the time to educate yourself and learn what you need to do in order to keep your family safe.

A home security system has other features in addition to sounding an alarm when there is a break-in. The majority of systems are able to be set to put out an alert when any individual enters the home. This is important to parents who have small children, because they will want to know if the children have opened a door.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. Get a locksmith in right away. This is also the thing to do if you lose the keys.

Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it. Above doors or under doormats are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

If you have an extensive online presence that includes a lot of people you don’t know too well, avoid announcing upcoming vacations. Although it’s fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.

Do you have an outdoor dog? She or he is actually a good place to keep the spare key. Put it on their collar. Especially if pets don’t like strangers, this can be a useful way for having easy access to your house.

Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. A ringing phone that goes unanswered may signal to a burglar that nobody is home.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. This is vital, as you want to safeguard your valuable items in case of home burglary. Put the safe somewhere difficult to get to, like the attic.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Burglars are well aware of such hiding places. Rather, keep your spare keys with a neighbor you trust.

Talk to any companies you’re considering hiring to install a security system about how long the company has been around. Companies that have been around for years have shown that they know the industry and that their services are reliable and great enough for recommendations. You may not feel as safe if you opt to go with a company that has not been in business for long or that does not have a stable history.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Above doors or under doormats are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.

You should now know more about home security systems. You should not purchase the first system you find. The safety of your family is the most important things. Keep these tips in your mind as you think about home security.