Even though home security means a great deal to virtually every homeowner, many of them are woefully under educated on the subject. Making a thorough study of the topic is a good idea if you want to maximize the security of your home, your family and your possessions. The following article will give you some great advice for making your home more secure.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. Before you give a cleaner full access to your home for extended periods of time, you have to be certain that they’re trustworthy and reliable. Make sure you check references. Contact your local Better Business Bureau to find out more about the reputation of the cleaner you hired.

You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times. This way, your house will always look occupied. It is also another way to secure your home.

Buy fire resistant flooring, roofing and ceiling. This is a good way to protect your home against fires, for instance if you live near power lines or in a dry area. You can enhance home safety with excellent fire precautions.

Do you allow your dog to stay in your yard while you are away? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

Check out your garage to ensure that it is secure. You can prevent this from happening easily. You can use a C-clamp to stop the door from being opened.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. Parents of children can track their kids this way.

Take advantage of any and all security resources your local police force makes available to homeowners. 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. Call the local police department and inquire as to what programs they offer.

Buy fire resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling materials. This will help you protect your home under all circumstances. It’s best to prevent a fire before it starts.

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

Don’t post online when you’ll be away from your home. Although you may want to let others in on your excitement, it may inadvertently give burglars a heads up to target your property.

Trust your instincts when it comes to hiring a home security company. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.

Use motion sensor lights. They turn on only if someone is nearby. These lights will make you aware of, and can also scare off, potential burglars. Test the bulbs frequently, though.

Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. Keeping a spare key is convenient but intruders will have access to your home if your key is too easy to find. Thieves know about all these hiding spots. A better solution is to give your key to a neighbor you trust.

It is important that you do not put expensive valuables in plain sight. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. Be sure to put curtains on your front-facing windows so people can’t see your valuable belongings.

When deciding on an alarm system, be sure and get one that protects more than your doors. Each window represents a possible entry for your thief. If you have an alarm attached to each of your windows and doors, you can keep track of all the entry points for your home. With this method, your family will be safer.

Lock the house, even if just going away for a short time. Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door is left open and an intruder just walks in. A burglar can steal a lot of expensive stuff in a short amount of time.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. While the person you bought the home from may seem on the up and up, you have no idea who they really are. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

Replace rotted wood around entryways. It is simple for a robber to pry away rotting wood and enter your home. Replace dead wood with thick, firm pieces to maintain a high level of security.

Replace rotted wood around any door frames. Anybody wanting to break into your house can just pry off rotted wood and get inside. Wood that is beginning to rot should always be replaced to make sure your home stays safe.

Most people know that home security is vital to the protection of the home and family. They don’t understand how to protect their homes, though. Hopefully, this article has given you some useful hints about securing your home.

Before you let any strangers enter your home, be sure you look over their references. Conduct background checks if necessary. You never know if the maid, repairman or contractor you hire is on the up and up, and letting them in or giving them a key could be a fatal mistake.