Every homeowner should do their best to see to the security of their domain. Sadly, home burglaries are very common, and other things like fire or floods can harm your home. Keep reading to find out more about home security and how you can protect your family.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. Contact a locksmith to make sure that only you have access to your home. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This way it will always look as if someone is home, even when you are away. This is great for keeping a home safer from burglaries.

Do you have an outdoor dog? Your furry friend is also a great storage place for your extra key. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

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. Store a spare key within your dogs collar so you always have access to your home.

You should mute your land line phone if you are going on a vacation. A constantly ringing phone lets thieves know that you are not home and could increase the chances of you getting robbed.

Buy fire resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling materials. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Lowering or eliminating the risk of a fire is an extremely important home security strategy because a fire can cause extreme destruction very quickly.

It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. Be wary of those who come to your door selling products, asking for help, or telling sob stories. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

Don’t let strangers enter your home. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. Some criminals will come in, case your house and then come back when you are away.

Talk to the police department in your area to see what safety programs they have. Some police departments offer things like code numbers to help find your valuables should they get stolen. Talk with local police to see if they offer these programs.

Do not open your door for people you do not know. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.

You need to have your security system checked once a year. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. A number of factors can cause problems with your security system, including wild animals and mother nature. Sometimes, you may need a professional to locate the problem.

You could hide some valuables within your walls. You don’t need to cut out segments of your walls by the way. There are many places in your home that are pre-cut and available. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. If the installers make you feel uncomfortable, heed your feelings. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. Remember, the new security apparatus is meant to make you feel safe and secure.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? Many folks are not aware of this until a thief steals it. Wiring can be removed from the outside of a home in a heartbeat. Keep your wiring hidden or inaccessible to potential burglars.

Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. While it may seem like a convenient way to give you access to your home, intruders are aware of this practice. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

Rotted Wood

Be certain your wires are hidden, if you have installed a security system in your home. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. Don’t make it easy for an intruder, have the wires buried or hidden within the home’s walls. It will keep your family safer.

Be sure to replace rotten wood in the frame of your front door. Home invaders interested are able to pry off any rotted wood to get inside. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.

Motion sensitive lights are an inexpensive way to increase your home’s security. These lights are not only handy when you get home late, they also help deter criminals from entering your home. If positioned correctly on the exterior of your home, the motion detectors make it virtually impossible for an intruder to sneak onto your property.

Always get references from anyone you are considering hiring to do work inside your home. Be sure to perform a background check and look for any criminal history that might be in evidence. You can’t always be sure that maids, service workers or contractors are honest, and therefore giving out keys can be a big error.

If you’re going to hire a company that provides home security, read everything in the contract before you sign it. They sometimes have hidden costs if you let go of them prior to the contract expiring. You should avoid such expenses if you can, so make yourself aware.

As you work on your home’s landscape, don’t forget about safety. Keep your doors and windows clear of any shrubbery. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. This should be planned in advance for your safety.

In the event you find your door open upon arriving home, you should never enter and investigate yourself. The burglar may be on the premises. Your best bet is to call the cops and wait until they arrive before you do anything else.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. Although these systems can protect you and your family, not everybody needs them. In some situations, having a good dog and/or learning some self defense may be all that you really need to feel safe. Learn about all of your options before choosing anything.

When you’re dealing with a security company that provides you with significant equipment to install, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of buying versus leasing. Buying equipment can be pricey upfront, but it’s a single cost versus a monthly cost. While leasing might be less expensive, it also comes with high monthly fees and contracts. Look at what you can afford, as well as what is offered and make an informed choice.

Due to the threats that can harm a home, every homeowner can make sure their home is safe. This piece is replete with useful tips on safeguarding any home. Use these ideas to boost your home’s safety.

If you have valuable items that cannot be replaced, you must keep them under lock and key. Irreplaceable valuables, including financial records, family photos, legal documents, passports, etc., should be secured at all times. Floor safes are great for keeping items secure in your home. A better idea is storing them inside a type of safe deposit box that’s outside your home.