Every homeowner should learn about sound home security measures. However, you have to sift through the huge amount of information that is published on the matter. The article below is intended to help distill the most important concepts and assist you in developing a home security strategy that really works.

Protect your spare key by using your dog. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Hide a key inside the collar of your dog in case you need a spare.

Don’t ever let it be apparent that there is no one at home. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This will make your home look like someone is in it. This is a simple way to give people up to no good think that you are home.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. Prices vary greatly in regards to the same protection for each company. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.

Do you have an outside dog? She or he is actually a good place to keep the spare key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.

Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. Try hiding the key in your outside dog’s collar.

Home security systems offer other triggering features besides having an alarm sound. The majority of systems are able to be set to put out an alert when any individual enters the home. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are.

Never allow any strangers into your home. It is essential you do not do this, even if the stranger gives you a convincing story or states they need your assistance. This person might just be casing the joint to see if there is home security equipment.

Seek recommendations from friends and family when choosing a security company or system. Your friends have gone through both bad and good experiences and they will be able to share them with you. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

Do not open your door for strangers. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Keep a hard, fast rule that says you only open the door for invited guests in order to keep your family safe.

If you have purchased any large and/or expensive items, do not throw the boxes away until the day before the trash man is scheduled to come. Empty boxes might draw the attention of robbers and let everyone know you own new and expensive goods.

Be sure to secure your attached garage. You can prevent this from happening easily. 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.

Rotted Wood

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Get a security comapny tech to check it. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. You may not know there’s an issue if you can’t see it.

Replace rotten wood near door frames. Rotted wood causes a serious weakness in your home’s security because it makes it easy to pry open doors. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.

Don’t put spare keys inside plant boxes or beneath the welcome mat. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Burglars are well aware of such hiding places. A better solution is to give your key to a neighbor you trust.

Don’t let any service people into your home without checking their references completely. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

No matter how soon you plan to return home, you should lock your doors. Most real-world burglars aren’t master lock-breakers; they simply stroll in through a door left carelessly unlocked. A thief could steal all your valuables in only a few minutes.

If you wish to boot your home’s security, one cheap way to do this is to buy exterior lights with motion detectors. In the evening, lights will help keep your home safe, and will add little in the way of extra expense. If strategically placed, motion detectors ensure that it’s difficult for intruders to break into your home sight unseen.

You want all wires of an installed security system to be hidden. Many intruders bypass a security system by cutting the wires. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. Your system will be far more effective this way.

When you hire a security firm, be certain to review all contracts carefully. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. Be aware of these particular fees so you can steer clear of them.

You can make your home safer by investing in some motion detectors and outside lights. These lights will keep your property well lit and give you a good idea of who approaches your home. When placed appropriately, no one will be able to break in unannounced.

A good way to scare off intruders is to keep your house lit at nighttime. They do not want to be seen. When your home is lit well, the crooks have nowhere to hide, making it difficult for them to steal from you undetected. Have lights that come on when they detect movement for best results.

Be sure to make good use of the Internet when you’re trying to select your home security company. Review the websites of several companies and play close attention to the types of services offered and the customer reviews. You can then make three solid selections and make appointments with them.

Use the Internet when you are seeking a new home security company. Many websites offer reviews, recommendations, and detailed pricing information. Then you can schedule an appointment for a home visit to discuss which package is best for you and what it will cost.

Whenever you are landscaping your home, you should consider safety. Shrubs, trees, fences, etc. should not obstruct the view of your doors and windows. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. Put these features at a greater distance from your house; let beauty also complement safety.

For maximum safety, your home needs bright exterior lighting. Criminals love darkness to help mask their crimes. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. This includes doorways and porches, the garage, and windows on ground floors which may invite intruders.

Ask your security provider about their history in the business. Companies in business for many years engender great confidence and trust. 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.

All homeowners ought to spend substantial effort learning all they can about home security. It will take good sense to sift out the helpful information from that not useful to you. You should use the information presented in this article to find an ideal home security system.

Consider buying a paper shredder for your home. Many thieves sift through trash for personal info and to figure out when you plan to be away. If a paper shredder is not in your budget, consider tearing your documents into tiny pieces or even burning them.