Are you extremely concerned about home security? Do you find the offerings of major home security companies out of your price range? Are you looking for a cheaper alternative? Well, now there are, and they’re right under your nose. This piece discusses useful, cost-effective home security strategies.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. You don’t know how many keys have been handed out previously. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

Keep your most precious belongings inside a safe. This will help to keep your jewelry and other valuables secured in the event of a break in. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. If your dog is suspicious of strangers, you have found a good hiding place for your key.

Check out your garage to ensure that it is secure. Lots of folks are concerned about burglars gaining access to the garage and then the home, but this can be addressed. You can use a C-clamp to stop the door from being opened.

Do not post on your social media accounts regarding when you will be away on vacation. It’s natural to be excited about your trip, but this is as good as throwing out the welcome mat for people who know your home is unoccupied.

Keep your car in your garage if you have one. You will not have to worry about thieves taking your car if it is inside your garage. Besides, intruders will have a hard time determining whether or not you are home if you keep your car inside your garage.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Ask around so you’ll have as much advice as you need in order to make a sound decision.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. Ask the company to send a different installer or simply change companies. You want your new system to protect you, not be the way the thief gets into your home.

If you will be gone for an extended period, turn the ringers off on all telephones in the home. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

Don’t put your extra key under you doormat, in a planter, or in a cleverly disguised false rock. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Rest assured, thieves have a good idea about these hiding places. Rather, keep your spare keys with a neighbor you trust.

Skylights need to be secure, too. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Having heavy duty, reliable hardware is best when it comes to skylights.

Always lock your home, even if you plan on coming back within a few minutes. In a lot of cases, home intruders enter through unlocked doors. A thief can steal lots of stuff in a little amount of time.

Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. A better option is to entrust an honest neighbor with a spare key.

If your home security system is installed, be sure its wires are well-hidden. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. Do not make entry into your home easy. Make sure the wires are not exposed either inside or outside your home. Your system will be far more effective this way.

It is important that you do not put expensive valuables in plain sight. It may be great to have large windows with a view, but this means that people can look in. Be sure to put curtains on your front-facing windows so people can’t see your valuable belongings.

Your home security system will depend on how much you can afford to spend. If you are unable to afford the costlier options, you can employ several less expensive solutions. Hopefully, the suggestions you’ve just reviewed have given you some ideas for cost-effective security measures. This could be your best bet and the most affordable solution.

Plug a rechargeable flashlight into an outlet in each room of your house in the event of power outage. Power outages are common to all sorts of emergency situations, so having flashlights handy will enable you to maneuver in the dark. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the flashlights are.