If you want to make the right choices with regards to home security, you’ll need to have a solid grasp of the market. This should not be a decision made in haste. Figure out what will make your family feel secure in your home.

Home security systems do more than sounding an alarm in case of a break in. You can have your system alert you of any movement in certain areas of your home. This is a good way to know if your small child has opened a door or closed it.

Security systems are more than just an alarm. Many systems sound an alert whenever people enter the house. This is important to parents who have small children, because they will want to know if the children have opened a door.

When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Some companies offer comparable levels of protection that can be priced very differently. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.

Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Before leaving for vacation, turn off the ringers in your house. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

When you’re picking out home security equipment and services, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help. Most will be willing to share their likes, loves and loathes, especially as they realize how important it is to you. Ask around so that you can have the advice that you need to make a good choice.

Secure your attached garage. Some people are concerned about burglars entering through an attached garage. Get a C-clamp to secure your garage door if it is mounted on a track.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. If the phone rings without you there, burglars will suspect that you’re not home, and that can make your home a target for an attack while you’re gone.

Make sure the wires of your home security system are completely hidden. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Don’t let this happen; bury or hide the wires. This can make you safer.

If you have skylights, do not neglect them when making sure your home is secure. While they are there to let light in, if you do not care for it properly it could also let in a thief. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

Make sure all the wood around your doors is in great shape. Rotting wood is easy to remove and take apart if someone is trying to get in. Replace it as soon as possible.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. If you own smaller things that need protection, think about keeping them hidden in the walls. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. You can easily install fake unused plates.

Keep flashlights in your rooms. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Your whole family should be trained on the proper use and maintenance of flashlights.

You could hide some valuables within your walls. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. There are many locales that are already around your home. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.

Be certain to read the entire contract when you hire a home security firm. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. You’ll want to avoid any surprises so be sure and read your contract carefully.

The alarm system you choose should protect more than just the doors to your home. Windows are a way for thieves to enter your home as well. Have alarms installed for each window and any other entry point. This will help to keep your family safe.

Keeping your house bright and lit at night will deter many crooks. Intruders will avoid being noticed. A well-lit home is like a red flag to a burglar. Keep your lights turned on during the night.

Never throw out boxes for expensive items until the day your trash is picked up. Doing so is like giving a burglar an invitation to target your home; he or she will know there is something good inside.

Ask your security provider about their history in the business. Companies who have been around for years will show that they have what it takes to succeed. In addition, it proves that they provide people with reliable services they can depend on. Knowing you are not dealing with a fly by night company gives you extra peace of mind when making this important decision.

Carefully check the references of everyone before allowing them to enter your home. A background check may also be a good idea. It is not a good idea to give anyone a key to your home, even contractors or repairmen.

Consider all of your individual security needs before looking into any alarm systems. Though such systems can be terrific for many, not everyone really needs one. Depending on your neighborhood and your household, you might well be better served by a reliable guard dog or self-defense training than by high-tech gadgetry. Make sure you understand your risks so you can make wise purchasing decisions.

The outside of your house should be well lit. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. Install lighting anywhere a possible intruder might break in. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.

Don’t neglect your garage when it comes to home security. Frosted windows prevent thieves from looking into your home and are inexpensive. Also keep your garage door closed whenever possible, especially if you will be stepping away from it for an extended period of time.

Shred any documents and junk mail that contains identifying information. You would be surprised at how often thieves look through trash to find personal information to find out when you will be away from home so they can break in. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.

If you lose your house keys often, you might want to install a keyless entry system. There are key-less locks that open with a push-button security code. You could install these locks yourself. Or, you may have a security company to do it for you.

Discourage burglars by making your garage windows opaque. Go to a hardware store and buy some frosting so you can cover your windows. If you use your garage for working on projects, don’t forget to lock it when you’re through working for the day.

Find out if the company you choose will give you the option of buying or leasing home security systems. While you will pay more to buy, you don’t have to keep paying for it month after month. On the other hand, while leasing is more expensive overall, it can get you a better system if you don’t have funds available immediately. Think about both options before making a decision.

Empty Boxes

Don’t use your birthday as the passcode for a keypad lock. It is easy for anybody to learn your birthday, which makes it easy for them to access the house. Think instead of a more creative way to keep track of your code.

If you purchase a new TV or computer, don’t leave empty boxes from your purchases on the curb. If the burglars see the empty boxes, then they will realize you have the items in your home. As a result, they’ll be more likely to break in so they can steal it. Remember to cut up the boxes when they’re emptied.

Secure your true valuables in an area that is as safe as possible. Important legal documents and passports, family photos, expensive jewelry and financial records should always be protected. A floor safe can keep these items safe. A better idea could be to store these inside a box outside of your house.

Ask about different contract lengths that your home security company may offer. Each will have its own pros and some cons, too. The longer the contract, the lower your monthly bill, but if you move or become dissatisfied, you are stuck with the monthly fee. A short contract may seem more expensive each month, but you have more freedom.

If the living room window in your home has direct line of sight to the street, you’ll want to draw those curtains at night. Don’t let anyone see inside. If potential burglars see the valuable possessions inside your home, they may make your house their next target. Be discreet about what the public can see and you can reduce your chances of getting burglarized.

Do not purchase spring latch locks. Defeating a spring latch lock is a trivial endeavor; experienced burglars can get through one using nothing more than a credit card. A thief only needs to skip the credit card in between the lock to make it open. If you are already using locks that operate on spring latches, improve your security by adding a deadbolt.

A lot of people try avoiding the neighborhood gossip. Try to listen to them when you need to. They will let you know if they see someone suspicious near your home. When you’re on good terms with them, you are more likely to receive word of any unusual activity.

Put some extra thought into concealing your spare keys. It’s easy to see fake rocks. Hiding a key under the doormat is even worse; this cliched tactic will fool no one. You should just give a spare key to a trusted neighbor instead. If you must keep it elsewhere, be creative with your hiding spot.

Deadbolts are the best locks for your doors because they contain captive keylocks. Deadbolts have thumb latches that prevent people from reaching around them to open it. When at home, leave your key in this kind of lock for easy egress in the event of fire.

Think about getting a hard-wired home security system if maintenance costs are an issue for you. Wireless security systems are great, but need frequent battery changes. You might forget to change out the batteries, which will result in your system not operating as it should. Replacing several batteries will quickly add up.

Refrain from buying a security system from a re-seller. A re-seller simply wants to make money, and they generally don’t have your best interests at heart. When dealing directly with the company, you can rest assured that you are not paying additional fees, and also that the company will be there to continuously service your equipment.

Now that you are finished with the article, you know a little more about protecting your home. You shouldn’t go into this blindly. The safety of your family and belongings should be a priority. Be sure and remember what you have learned here.

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