A homeowner is responsible for keeping their house secure. While you may think the only thing you have to do is get an alarm system put into your home, there are a lot of other things that can be done. Continue reading to see how you might be able to improve your home’s security.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. If you plan on giving them the key so that they can work in your home for over an hour, make sure that they’re reputable, hardworking, and honest. Check references thoroughly. If you’re hiring from a company, call the BBB for more information.

Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? They can help you with your spare key. Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. This is a good way to ensure easy home access, especially if your pet does not associate well with strangers.

Don’t let strangers into your home. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. People will check your doormat and frame first. Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.

Don’t overlook your garage as a potential access point for thieves. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.

If you have an attached garage, don’t forget to secure it as well. Intruders could easily break into your garage and access your home. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.

See if your local police department offers any home inspection or other protection programs. Many police departments offer programs that can include home inspections, home security training and more. Call the local police department and inquire as to what programs they offer.

Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. This sort of thing is a fire hazard in the heat of summer. Keep your yard clear of debris to keep your house safe.

Be sure to keep your car in your garage rather than filling your garage with stored belongings. In this way, your car will be safer. It won’t be vandalized or stolen this way. Storing your car in the garage will also make it difficult for anyone casing your home to figure out when no one is going to be there.

If you have a garage, increase your home security by using it to house your car, rather than just for storage. Protect your car from vandals by keeping it in the garage. If you keep your car in the garage instead of in the driveway, it is harder for thieves to know whether you are at home or not.

No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. Ask someone from your security company to come over and have a look. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. It’s quite possible for there to be a fault in your system even if you can’t see it.

Trust your instincts when it comes to hiring a home security company. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. If you simply are not comfortable with a company’s technician, request for another technician or simply hire another company. Security is supposed to give you peace of mind after all!

Regardless of how long you plan on being away from your home, always lock all the doors and windows whenever you leave. This is often a surprise, but the majority of burglaries are due to someone just waltzing right into an unlocked home. Thieves can make off with large amounts of valuable merchandise very quickly.

This information can help put you in the safest position possible. It’s worth the effort and expense to keep your home and family safe. The above advice should be of help.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. This is why it is so important to make sure all your wires are well hidden. Keep yourself safe.