Are you extremely concerned about home security? Are you finding out that the price tags on major home security systems out of your 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.

Buy housing materials that are fire resistant. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!

Does your dog like to play in your yard? Using Fido to hide your spare key can be a clever trick. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

Do not open your door for strangers. Many people are devising many different schemes to get into homes and burglarize them. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.

Home security systems offer other triggering features besides having an alarm sound. They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are.

If you have an attached garage, make sure it is secure. It is possible for an intruder to get in the garage and then gain access to the house; however, you can do something about it. A C-clamp placed on the garage door track will stop it from opening when you don’t want it to.

Buy a safe for very valuable items in the house so you can keep them inside a single location. This is vital if you don’t want diamonds, gold or other personal items exposed to a home intruder. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

Never open the door for a stranger. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

Keep your car in your garage. Keeping your car inside will deter thieves from stealing or vandalizing it. Hiding the car from plain sight can keep possible intruders from figuring out when you’re home and also when you are not.

Talk to the police department in your area to see what safety programs they have. There are plenty of things that can be done, from a safety walk to cataloging expensive items to help protect your investment and your family. Get in touch today.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. You don’t want to refrain from choosing a different company or technician. Remember, the new security apparatus is meant to make you feel safe and secure.

Make sure to have your home inspection system maintained on at least an annual basis. Call the company and have them send someone to check it out. Your security system’s quality can be impacted by numerous factors, such as the weather and wild animals. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.

Don’t put spare keys inside plant boxes or beneath the welcome mat. You might think that you are providing yourself a safe way into the house if you misplace your keys, but you are really inviting attackers inside. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.

Whenever you are selecting a home security company, make sure you go with your gut feelings. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. Ask for someone else to come out or switch companies. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

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. They can get a ton of stuff quickly and be long gone before you return.

Don’t forget to secure your skylights too. As nice as they look, they’re a prime target for thieves. Be certain to have skylights that incorporate strong, durable hardware.

Do not choose a home alarm system that monitors only your doors. All of your windows are possible entry points for a thief too. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. The safety of your family will be ensured.

Use the Internet when you are seeking a new home security company. Review the websites of several companies and play close attention to the types of services offered and the customer reviews. Make appointments with the three best companies, and take the time to go over the details and compare them.

Make sure you have several flashlights that are charged and ready to go in the event of a power outage. They give you and your family the opportunity to move around should the electricity go out. Teach everyone in your home to use the flashlights so all family members can see and help each other.

You should not enter your home if you find the door ajar. This can be very dangerous because the thief could still be inside. Get on the phone to the authorities immediately.

If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. Sometimes, hidden costs can be incurred if you get rid of the service before a certain date. Be aware of these particular fees so you can steer clear of them.

Personal Information

Keep your home’s exterior well lit. Burglars tend to commit crimes at night. Add lights to any areas you believe are potential entry points for burglars. All doors, porches, garages and windows should be well lit.

It might be time to get yourself a paper shredder if you haven’t already gotten one. Your trash contains so much personal information a thief would love to have. You can also simply tear papers with personal information into small bits before you discard them.

You should think about your own safety when comparing different home security options. While alarm systems are great, they aren’t necessary for every family. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Comprehend the risks associated with your home security so you now can make a more well-informed buying decision.

Put up video surveillance. This will allow you to see who is around your house. Intruders will stay away from your home if they notice cameras and hidden cameras can help identify intruders if they disable the most visible cameras. Some security systems are accessible via mobile phone, which lets you look in on your house when away.

Do not use spring latch locks. These locks can easily be picked within a couple of minutes. Intruders can pick these locks by wedging a credit card in between the latch and the door. If your doors have locks that are spring latch, add a deadbolt for extra security.

Ask about the various contract lengths offered by a home security company. These lengths can be both good and bad. A long term contract should have a lower monthly rate but it also requires you to commit for a long period of time. A short contract will avoid this, but may be more costly.

Never keep the registration papers for your vehicle in your glove compartment. These valuable documents provide criminals with information about your home location. Ideally, you should carry your registration in your wallet or bag. If you must leave them in the car, pick a less obvious hiding place. Keep them close to you in case you get pulled over.

Never keep the registration papers for your vehicle in your glove compartment. These valuable documents provide criminals with information about your home location. Keep them with you or hide them elsewhere. Remember that you have to have access to them in case you’re stopped by the police.

Using a timer on lights is a great idea. This makes it easier for you as you won’t have to flip the switch, but it also ensures the lights continue to go on and off, even if you’re not at home for a long period of time.

Math Problem

Devote extra security to your irreplaceable possessions. Items like family photos, passports, legal documents and expensive jewelry should be kept in a safe place. A floor safe could be a good place for you to keep these things inside your house. For added safety, place them in a safety deposit box at your bank.

Do not make a number-code password your birthday or other obvious number. People can easily access your birth date in order to gain entry to your home. Try using a number that is the solution to a math problem. Then you can just remember the math problem to arrive at the solution.

If you have windows into your living room that open to the street, always draw your curtains in the evening. It’s best to discourage peeping toms. If burglars spot the expensive items in your house, they may want to hit you next. Be discreet when showing off what everyone can see, and you can be more likely to avoid burglaries.

A home alarm system is a great investment, but it only works if someone notifies the authorities when it sounds. Purchase one that is centrally monitored and the police will come when it is activated. Don’t rely on anyone else to call.

Most people like to avoid their neighborhood gossip; however, you should consider having them on your side. You never know who might be watching when someone is sneaking around your home. Being friendly will bring you great security.

When it comes to security, sliding doors aren’t very safe. By simply lifting the door and shaking it, it can be easily unlocked. If your security system is not connected to the doors, cut a board or pipe the exact length of the door channel, and drop it in the space to secure the doors. This holds the door firmly in position. Even if the lock is broken, the door will still be held closed.

Second floor windows have to be locked tight, too. Many people overlook this since they don’t think criminals will check them. However, this isn’t always true. Many home-security plans neglect this step, and unfortunately, many burglars know this.

It all boils down to what is affordable. When you are unable to afford these measures, however, this shouldn’t mean you can’t have peace of mind. This piece is full of ideas you can use towards better home security. They may be the best defense and worth the cost.

Be sure to get deadbolt locks with captive key-locks. These type of locks have a latch that cannot be reached through an open window. Anytime you are home, keep the key inside the lock in case you need to exit your home during an emergency, like a fire.