The home security industry is huge. Burglaries happen everyday no matter where you live. The typical targets are those homes lacking security systems and with poor security measures in place. If you want to avoid making your home a target, read this article for tips on securing your house.

Make sure your home appears occupied. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times. This way, it will appear that you are at home. This will keep people from breaking in.

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. Changing the locks will give you peace of mind that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? They can help you with your spare key. Conceal it in the dog’s collar. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.

Home security systems offer additional features besides loud alarms during a break-in. Many systems sound an alert whenever people enter the house. This is important if you have small kids.

Home security systems are able to do more than just sounding the alarm whenever you have an intruder. Some give offer the option to monitor all entries into the house. This is useful for parents who have small kids, as it helps keep them from leaving the house.

Purchase ceiling, flooring and roofing that is fire resistant. This can provide additional safety to the home, particularly in dry regions. You can enhance home safety with excellent fire precautions.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. A constantly ringing phone lets thieves know that you are not home and could increase the chances of you getting robbed.

Never open up your door to a stranger. Burglars have many clever ways to convince householders to open the door. Enforce a rule within your house that no one opens the door to unexpected people.

In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. They pose a fire risk. Clearing your yard keeps your home, belongings and family much safer.

Do not be shy. Talk to your neighbors. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. Listen to gossip also. You might hear helpful information, for instance if strangers have been hanging around.

Regardless of the quality of your home security system, you need to check it annually. A security professional should visit to help with the testing process. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. You may not know there’s an issue if you can’t see it.

Use your walls as hiding spaces. No need to damage your walls. Many spots are already cut that can be used for this purpose. An unused outlet can be taken apart, and the space used to create a tiny hidden safe.

Lock up your house every time you leave. It may be a little surprising, but most burglaries and break-ins happen because the intruder just walks right through an open door. Thieves can steal a lot of valuable stuff in mere minutes.

Install lights that have motion sensors. Lights like these will automatically turn on whenever someone is near them. Then you will know someone is present, and if the person is a burglar, he or she will be very likely to turn around and leave. Test the bulbs frequently, though.

Keep your home security system’s wires under cover. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. Make it hard for a burglar to avoid your detection. You will be much more safe.

Don’t throw away boxes for expensive or valuable items until the garbage collection day. Exposing the box to view ahead of time signals a burglar that he will find this item in your home.

Don’t give outside people the ability to see into your home. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

Were you aware that your home’s wires are valuable? Some intruders could strip your home of every bit of copper. Copper, found in many wires, can be removed in little time, and is worth quite a bit of money. Be sure that you keep all your wiring hidden and make it hard to access.

Safety starts with home security. Do not assume you are safe from crime. Keep this advice handy, and work to make your home more secure. Don’t wait for something to happen. Following the advice from this article can really end up saving you a major headache in the future.

Regardless of how long you plan on being away from your home, always lock all the doors and windows whenever you leave. Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door is left open and an intruder just walks in. It does not take long for thieves to steal a lot from your home.