Home Security Tips That Every Homeowner Needs To Know

January 10, 2020 - Comment

It is important to be aware of home security. You never know when someone is going to try and break in to steal your things and potentially try to do harm to you. Keep reading to find out how you can make your home much more safe. Always make your house appear to be occupied.

It is important to be aware of home security. You never know when someone is going to try and break in to steal your things and potentially try to do harm to you. Keep reading to find out how you can make your home much more safe.

Always make your house appear to be occupied. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This gives off the appearance that someone is home. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.

TIP! Don’t ever let it be apparent that there is no one at home. Purchase timers for electronics, lights, radios and TVs so that they will turn on and off at varied intervals.

Spare Key

Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

TIP! Your dog could carry a spare key for you. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home.

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. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.

It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

TIP! It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. It’s important to know everyone who has a key to your home.

Alter the combination of the locks in your home. Perhaps you aren’t sure who owned the home before you or maybe an old roommate has a key and never returned it. Regardless, changing the locks will ensure your security. This is a very easy process that you can complete within a day.

Only allow maids and cleaning services to have a key to the house if they are known to be trustworthy. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Go over their references and do some background research on the company they work for. Contact your local Better Business Bureau to find out more about the reputation of the cleaner you hired.

TIP! Make sure you trust your house cleaner before you provide them with a key. Make sure they are honest, reputable and hardworking.

Understand certain safety precautions when it comes to having skylights for your home. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Make sure that you use safety hardware when the skylights are installed and maintained.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. While you may feel that you are keeping yourself safe by allowing a way in for yourself, you are also allowing everyone else to visit whenever they want. Thieves aren’t stupid and also know common hiding spots. The wisest course of action is to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or a reliable neighbor.

TIP! Do that put spare keys above door frames or under door mats. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house.

Do not place your spare keys under your mat or even in plant boxes. You might think this protects you against being locked out of your home, but it also gives intruders access to your home. Burglars always know just where to look. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

When you choose an alarm system, pick one that offers protection that goes beyond the doors. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Make sure you have a monitored alarm on every one of them. You want the best security possible for your family.

TIP! Look for an alarm system that does more than protect your doors. Your windows are also points of entry for burglars.

Criminals often pick houses where they can see the valuables inside. You might enjoy large windows so you can see out, but just remember that makes it easier for those burglars to see inside your home as well. Windows facing the street need to be covered to keep inside possessions safe.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. Although the person you purchased the house from might seem good, you really have no clue as to who they really are. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

TIP! Just moved in? Time for new locks! Even if the previous owner or tenant seems trustworthy, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the key they made and distributed. You should also keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home before the previous homeowner.

When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. An intruder can cut the wires or disconnect them and avoid the system. To provide maximum security, wiring should be laid underground or installed safely within the walls of your house. Your safety will increase.

The number one thing you must do if you’re moving into a new place is have the locks changed. Even if the tenants turned their keys in, they may have made copies. Find a reliable locksmith who can replace the locks or do it yourself.

TIP! Alter the locks and the keys when you change homes. Even if you’ve gotten a key from the previous owner or tenant, there could still be a lot of people out there who have keys to your home.

If you make a large purchase, like a big screen television, don’t simply set the box out in front of your home. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

A simple way to increase your home security is to add motion lights around the house. These lights provide extra light for your home and are very cost efficient. If you position motion detectors properly, it is very hard for someone to sneak onto the property.

TIP! Motion sensing lights are a good way to increase home security. Nighttime security lights are affordable and effective in terms of security and handy in terms of visibility and safety.

Purchase flashlights that have good batteries, and keep them in every room in your home in case the power goes out. It is extremely important that you have flashlights because they allow you to move around easier in the dark, which is especially useful in an emergency. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.

Get a custom-designed plan that fits your needs by having the security company do a site visit in your home. Different people require different plans. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

TIP! Make an appointment with a home security company to evaluate the security needs of your home specifically. All homeowners and homes differ.

Anytime a security installer comes to the house, make sure they display proper identification. Having the name of the technician coming to your house ahead of time can help to ensure you are allowing someone who really works for the company into your home. This is dangerous for your family and your possessions. Use caution to stay out of danger.

Always keep your home’s exterior well lit. It will be easier for intruders to keep an eye on you and approach your home if they can hide in the dark. Install lights in areas that possible criminals can use to enter your home. This includes doorways and porches, the garage, and windows on ground floors which may invite intruders.

TIP! Be sure and keep the outside of your house well lit. It will be easier for intruders to keep an eye on you and approach your home if they can hide in the dark.

Check references before giving anyone access to your home. A background check may also be a good idea. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. While these systems are great and can help protect your family, they are not necessary for everyone. In some neighborhoods, it may be better for you to have a dog, or even take self defense classes in order to protect yourself. Comprehend the risks associated with your home security so you now can make a more well-informed buying decision.

TIP! Think about what you need to feel safe before considering security systems. A home security system is a good idea; however, it is not the perfect solution for every home.

Motion Detectors

If you don’t own a paper shredder, get one. Your trash contains so much personal information a thief would love to have. If you don’t want a shredder, rip the papers up manually.

TIP! If you do not already have a paper shredder, you may want to think about investing in one. Thieves often find the trash cans to be a gold mine of pertinent information about potential victims.

A great way to achieve extra security is to install exterior lighting equipped with motion detectors. In the dark hours, these lights will provide the illumination necessary to protect your home and also save money by staying off when they’re not needed. With good positioning and properly set motion detectors, intruders will not be able to sneak up on your home unnoticed.

Install a home surveillance system. Setting up hidden and visible video cameras is a good way to keep your home secure. Visible cameras deter the majority of intruders, and if they try to disarm them, a camera that is hidden will keep capturing footage. Many surveillance systems may be easily accessed through a cell phone so that you can check on your house while you’re away.

TIP! Install a surveillance system in your home. Installing hidden and visible video cameras is great for securing a home.

As you work on your home’s landscape, don’t forget about safety. Your doors and windows should not be obstructed by shrubs or fences. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. Plan your home with safety in mind.

Don’t give anyone an opportunity to see inside your garage in order to ward off robbers. Cover windows using frosting, which you can buy at large hardware stores, to keep people from peeking in your window. Do not leave doors open for lengthy periods while you are doing work.

TIP! Could burglars see inside your garage? Make sure that they can’t! Frost your windows so people cannot look inside your home. Don’t leave your front door unlocked or standing open when you are working in the garage or yard.

Have your home security company inspect your home and suggest safety improvements. Everyone has specific needs and wants when dealing with the security of their house, belongings and family. Doing this helps you get the best security you can get from the company, helping you to relax.

Can someone standing in the middle of the street see clearly your house numbers? During an emergency crisis, smaller numbers prevent emergency personnel from finding your home quickly. If you notice a problem, you should be able to fix it fairly cheaply, though.

TIP! Can you read your house numbers while in the street? Small or obscured numbers can make it difficult for emergency personnel to locate your home. Luckily, this is an issue that can be fixed quickly.

Be sure and keep the outside of your house well lit. Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their crimes. So it’s smart to put a light in typically darker corners around your home. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.

When you aren’t home, be sure to close your blinds, curtains or shades. You don’t want potential intruders to be able to look inside. If burglars see items in your home that appear valuable, they’ll likely break in to steal them. It’s good to have them down at night, too.

TIP! When you will be away from home, keep the curtains and blinds shut. Intruders can see into your home if they are left up.

Invest in a high quality paper shredder. Thieves may look through your garbage for information. You can tear your documents up by hand before disposing of them if a shredder is out of your price range.

If you keep a spare key outside, make sure it is not kept in an obvious location. Rocks that aren’t real are easy to notice. Anyone looking for your key will look under your doormat. The best idea is just to ask a friend or neighbor to hang on to a key for you. This will reduce the chances of a burglary.

TIP! Do not hide your key in obvious places. A fake rock or flower pot are simply too easy to guess.

The best method of preventing a burglar from breaking into your garage is preventing people from seeing inside. Be sure and shade your windows with window frosting, something that you can purchase at any hardware store, so as to keep people from looking in your house. Keep your garage door closed as often as possible, too.

Inquire whether or not your security company offers motion sensor lighting. A lot of them have this, and they cause outside lights to come on when people approach your home. This can provide extra security when you enter your house, and can also hinder an intruder.

TIP! Inquire about motion sensing lights from your security service. A lot of them have this, and they cause outside lights to come on when people approach your home.

Instead of praying that nothing bad would happen to you, try to look at it in a very realistic sense. You never know what may happen, which is why you ought to be prepared. By applying this information, you are taking a major step toward protection of yourself, your home, and your family.

Many people avoid the neighborhood busybody, but try getting on their good side. If there is someone lurking around your house, your neighbors can be your eyes when you are not home. Stay on their good side and they will be sure to let you know if they see anything suspicious.

TIP! Become chummy with your nosey neighbor. A busybody who likes you is sure to tell you about suspicious characters in the neighborhood.