Do you want to buy a security system for your home? A lot of people buy one without considering if they really need one. Simple things, like keeping your doors and windows locked, can make a bigger difference than the system.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. Having a locksmith replace the locks will ensure that no strangers have a key. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.

Make your house look occupied all the time. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. This will make your home look like someone is in it. This is a simple way to improve your home’s safety and make it less attractive to criminals.

The only time you should give out house keys to house cleaners is if you absolutely trust them. Make sure they are honest, reputable and hardworking. Go over their references and do some background research on the company they work for. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

After you purchase a new home, change the locks. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. This is also a good idea in the event that you misplace your keys.

Is your dog outside even if you are away? Store the spare key with them. 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.

When planning to go away for a holiday, be sure to turn off the ringers on your home phones. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. This is great for parents that have small children so that they know when their kids open or close doors.

Don’t let strangers enter your house. Be wary of those who come to your door selling products, asking for help, or telling sob stories. Some folks will enter to scout for security systems, and upon seeing you lack one, will resolve to return at a later time.

Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. This will help you protect your home under all circumstances. It’s best to prevent a fire before it starts.

Do not open your door for people you do not know. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Enforce a rule within your house that no one opens the door to unexpected people.

Turn off your phone’s ringer when you go on vacation. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

Remove old plants and debris from your yard. These are vulnerable to fires and put your home in danger. Keep your yard clear so it is a safe area.

Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access. This is the first rule of keeping your home secure.

Police Department

Don’t let strangers into your home. Folks are always thinking up new schemes to get people to open the door so that they can commit their crimes. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. Many programs include how to use some engraving tools to create code numbers for identifying valuables that are stolen, home inspection, and advice on protective measures. If your police department does not offer these programs, find a private security company.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. Several in various jurisdictions have programs which entail providing a home inspection, what protective measures will help your home and even how to engrave valuable items to make them easier to recover. A quick call to the non-emergency number at the police station in your town will tell you all you need to know.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. Hide valuables inside of your walls. All you have to do is place them behind any unused phone jack, electrical outlet or switch plate. If you’re using all your outlets, you can install phony ones.

Change all of the locks in your new residence. It may seem as if the former owners of the home are honest, but really you don’t know much about them. Aside from that, other people lived in the home even before the ones from whom you purchased the home.

Rotted wood in your door framing should be replaced. An intruder can simply pry away that rotted wood and enter your home. Replace dead wood with thick, firm pieces to maintain a high level of security.

If you’re hiring a company for home security, be sure to read any fine print before you sign that contract. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. You’ll definitely want to avoid these types of fees if you can, so read carefully.

If you wish to boot your home’s security, one cheap way to do this is to buy exterior lights with motion detectors. During the night hours, these lights help light up the outside of your home, which makes them an excellent addition to your home security strategies. In addition, they are very affordable. Whenever you properly position these lights, they will make it almost impossible for burglars to sneak in.

It is a good idea to get some history on any home security companies you are thinking about doing business with. A company that’s been around for a while has proven that their service is reliable. You get better peace of mind if you deal with someone you know you can trust for the long haul.

Don’t allow your landscaping make it easier for burglars to break into your home. There should be no plants or greenery in front of doors or windows. If windows and doors can be easily seen from all areas, then burglars cannot hide as well, which will hinder their plans. Put landscaping farther away from the house for greater safety.

Invite a security company to come to your house and figure out a system that will work for you. Different people require different plans. If you have found a company that could cater to your needs, then it is easy to get the security that will make you and your loved ones comfortable.

Determine how much experience a home security company has before you decide to do business with them. 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. It’s good to know that the company won’t disappear overnight and leave your home unprotected.

Consider your security risk and safety needs before purchasing home security systems. Although they can be very helpful, security systems aren’t always necessary. Some neighborhoods would feel be safe enough if you knew basic self defense or had a large dog. Be sure to assess the risk level you face before making big decisions.

You should think about your own safety when comparing different home security options. While these systems are great and can help protect your family, they are not necessary for everyone. In some particular neighborhoods, classes for self defense or acquiring a dog may be the best option. However, the newest home security technology may be the best protection in other regions. Be sure to understand the sorts of risks you face before deciding what sort of security is best for you.

Think about getting a home security system that is wireless. A wired system might cost less, but they can require extensive rewiring work and may be rendered useless if the power fails. A wireless system is easy to install and to maintain. Besides, you will still be able to count on your wireless system in case of a power outage.

If you get home and the door is open, don’t go in. This can be very dangerous because the thief could still be inside. Your best bet is to contact the authorities and wait outside for them to get there.

You need to get a good home surveillance system. You can have great home security with both hidden and visible video cameras. A visible video camera acts as a warning to an intruder. If the intruder disables the visible camera, the hidden camera will document it! A lot of surveillance systems may be accessed through a cell phone, letting you check on your house when you’re away.

Invest in a high quality paper shredder. Thieves often find the trash cans to be a gold mine of pertinent information about potential victims. If you don’t want a shredder, rip the papers up manually.

If you want to hide your house key, find a spot that is not obvious. A fake rock or flower pot are simply too easy to guess. The first place a person will look is a doormat. It’s better to ask a trusted friend or neighbor to hold your extra key. If you cannot do that, at least find an unusual place to hide the key.

If you are out of town for awhile, ask a friend to take a look at your door for any fliers. This is a way people who are casing out your house can tell whether you are home or not. If the flier is not removed, it’s easy for a burglar to suspect that the owner is away.

Also, keep your second floor windows locked at all times. Burglars may not use the front entrance, so this is important for you to do. Yes, burglars will go up there. A burglar will attempt to get in any way they can.

Can you locate your house number if you are standing on the street? It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. Thankfully if you notice a problem it’s an easy and cheap thing to fix.

When it comes to locks, remember that you have to be able to lock it from both the inside and outside for maximum security. One of the most secure locks is a deadbolt that has a key to lock it from both sides of the door and cannot be opened by an intruder.

Choose an out of the way place to hide your spare key, not the obvious ones. Fake rocks are very easy to spot. A doormat is obvious, and a burglar is sure to look there. It’s best to ask a trusted friend or even a neighbor to hold the extra key. If you want to keep it at your house, find a spot that’s not obvious.

You may think that the previous homeowners are extremely nice, but the truth is that you really do not know them. Therefore, replace all the locks in your home. Always make sure that the lock is switched at least once a year.

You might need a home security system. However, you may find that you only need to make a few minor changes. Research each option and pick the best ones for your needs.

You must keep your trash secure in order to keep your home secure. If you leave the empty boxes of your newly purchased expensive electronics equipment sitting on your curb, burglars will take note of this and return to steal the equipment. Perhaps it might be only an appliance, but this signifies to burglars that you indeed have money.