There is a good chance that you know someone who has been robbed. This crime is increasing, so you need to make an effort to keep your home secure. People could break into your home any time. Read this article to get ideas on securing your home.

Keep your most precious belongings inside a safe. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. Keep the safe hidden somewhere remote.

Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you’re not at home? Store the spare key with them. Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.

Your flooring and roofing should be fire resistant. This will give your home added security. Preventing a fire is important since it can cause a lot of damage.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Several different firms may offer similar protection for wildly divergent prices. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

If you have an extensive online presence that includes a lot of people you don’t know too well, avoid announcing upcoming vacations. This can indicate that your home will be free and vulnerable during the time.

Do not invite strangers into your home. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. There are some people who will just come in to see if you have a home security system, and if you do not, they could come back later when you are not home.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Most will be willing to share their likes, loves and loathes, especially as they realize how important it is to you. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.

Don’t open up your door for someone who is a stranger. Nowadays, thieves are creative when thinking of ways to get homeowners to open a door and let them in. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. They are a potential fire hazard during warmer months. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.

Have lights that sense motion. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. They will signal movement to you but will also serve as deterrents to the thieves. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs to ensure they continue to work properly.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. This is definitely the case if you’re not quite sure about the actual installation people. Ask for someone else to come out or switch companies. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.

Walls are great for hiding items. Hide valuables inside of your walls. Just open up an electrical outlet or a phone jack that is not in use. Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.

When in the process of selecting an alarm system, you should select a system that protects more than simply the doors of your home. Windows are all potential entry points for burglars. You want to be sure that the alarm is connected to all windows and entry points. The safety of your family will be ensured.

Avoid placing spare keys under door mats or in plant boxes. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Burglars are well aware of such hiding places. A better option is to entrust an honest neighbor with a spare key.

Were you aware of how valuable your house wires are? People don’t realize this until it is stolen. The copper wiring can be stripped and be turned in for money. To protect this expensive asset, hide your wires or make them hard to get to.

Make certain no one can see your valuable belongings through windows and doors. Although large windows in your home can provide your home with a lot of light, they can also provide burglars with an excellent view of the inside of your home. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.

Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. Flashlights are critical, and provide you with the freedom to move about as needed. Your whole family should be trained on the proper use and maintenance of flashlights.

The wiring outside of your home can be valuable. Many people have their wires stripped each year. Copper is expensive and most wiring is composed of it, so stripping it is a great way for crooks to make a quick buck. Be sure that you keep all your wiring hidden and make it hard to access.

Check someone’s references carefully before letting them come into your home. A background check may also be a good idea. Avoid giving keys out to contractors, maids and repairmen.

One relatively inexpensive way to add an extra layer of protection to your home is to install motion sensor lights for the exterior of your home. These lights provide extra light for your home and are very cost efficient. By carefully placing them around the outside of your property, you create a perimeter that cannot be breached.

If you are searching for ways to make your home more secure, one inexpensive way to accomplish this is to purchase exterior lights that have motion detectors. These lights are not only handy when you get home late, they also help deter criminals from entering your home. Intruders will not be able to sneak into your home if you place your motion detector in the right spot.

Having a well-lit home that’s bight in the evening can really deter crooks. Thieves don’t want to be visible. Making your home’s exterior nice and bright will make it impossible for crooks to go undetected. Keep the lights on when it’s dark.

Whenever you are landscaping your home, you should consider safety. Windows should be free from obstructions like trees, shrubs and fencing. These types of places provide the perfect cover for prowlers. Have your landscape several feet away from your house for better safety.

Prior to purchasing a security system, think about what you need it for. Some systems might not be adaptable to your situation. In certain areas, it may be just as useful to learn self defense or buy a dog, whereas other places may require added measures. Understanding your needs will help you make a good purchase decision.

Make an appointment with a home security company to evaluate the security needs of your home specifically. Everyone has specific wants and needs when it comes to securing their home, family and belongings. When you don’t want to compromise in any way on the safety and security of your home, a custom-built system is usually the way to go.

Empty Boxes

Get a paper shredder. You would be surprised at how often thieves look through trash to find personal information to find out when you will be away from home so they can break in. Rip important documents in small pieces before throwing them away if you do not have a paper shredder.

Never place empty boxes for expensive items out on the curb. A burglar sees this as an invitation to procure the item themselves. Break down the empty boxes whenever possible.

Don’t leave empty boxes for big-ticket purchases outside on your curb. Burglars will see those boxes and realize that there are valuable things in your home for them to get. Remember to cut up or break down those boxes and take them to the recycling center.

If there are certain rooms you want to keep unoccupied, then you don’t want to keep track of all the keys and locks. Code or fingerprint enabled keyless entry locks are a great solution. They are fairly simple to install, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing so yourself, you can ask your home security company about it.

Inquire as to the different lengths of contracts offered by your security company. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Longer contracts may create a lower bill per month, but you you could maintain those monthly expenses if you discontinue service or sell the home. Shorter contracts mean more freedom along with higher costs.

Avoid thinking that burglaries only happen to expensive houses. Any home which is simple to get into can be a target. If you follow the tips written in this guide, you will surely be able to protect your house from unwanted intruders.

Secure your true valuables in an area that is as safe as possible. Passports, financial records, jewelry, photos or legal documents should be locked away. Floor safes are excellent locations for keeping these particular items safe inside your home. Or, a better idea, is to place them in a deposit box outside of your home.