A homeowner is responsible for keeping their house secure. You might think that getting an alarm is enough; however, there are many other strategies as well. Continue reading to learn more about how you can keep your home safe.

Only give your house key to a professional house cleaner if you trust them. 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. Carefully check their references. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. Do the same thing if you misplace your keys.

Be sure you have secured your attached garage. A lot of garage owners fret over burglars entering this way, but there are answers. A C-clamp is very useful for garage doors that lift on tracks. It will prevent garage doors from opening up whenever it is near the roller and is tight on the track.

If you need to leave a key for a maid service, make sure that that whoever cleans your house is professional and trustworthy. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If you’re hiring from a company, call the BBB for more information.

Talk to your local police department about what they offer. Home inspections or engraving identifiers can help protect you. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

Don’t let strangers enter your house. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. These people might want to actually do you harm or could be casing out your house for a future break-in.

Keep your car in your garage if you have one. Keep the car within the garage will make sure no one harms or steals it. Additionally, if your car is put away, burglars will not be able to tell whether or not you are home.

Use your garage for your car and not for storage. Having the car in the garage will prevent it from getting broken into or stolen. Keeping your car out of sight is also good for thwarting burglars’ attempts to determine when you are likely to be away from home.

Your risks of being the target of home intruders really doesn’t depend on the area in which you live. Some people feel that rural residents lead riskier lives because they are far away from neighbors. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

Security System

Don’t forget about the skylights when securing your home. Though skylights bring light into your home and look nice, it is also a very common way for burglars to get into your home. Be sure that the skylights for your home are durable and reliable.

No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. Many different things can make problems for your security system. It’s quite possible for there to be a fault in your system even if you can’t see it.

Don’t put spare keys inside plant boxes or beneath the welcome mat. You might think this protects you against being locked out of your home, but it also gives intruders access to your home. Thieves know about all these hiding spots. You should have a trusted neighbor keep a spare key.

Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. This type of light will come on when they detect motion within a certain distance of your home. These lights will make you aware of, and can also scare off, potential burglars. Remember to keep working bulbs in them at all times.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Large windows let in a lot of light, but they also allow outsiders to see inside your living space. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.

Always go with your gut when it comes to choosing a security firm. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. After all, the point of the system itself is to help you feel more at ease.

When you choose an alarm system, pick one that offers protection that goes beyond the doors. Burglars can gain entry through your windows as well. The alarm and monitoring system should be set for all windows and doors. This is vital to keeping your family safe.

Ensure that valuables are stored in a hidden area that isn’t visible from outside your home. 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. Make sure you keep your blinds closed or arrange your possessions in such a way that they can’t be seen from outside.

If you have just moved into a new home, have every single lock replaced. Even if the previous owner or tenant seems trustworthy, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the key they made and distributed. People may have lived in the home before those owners, too.

Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. You need to do background checks in order to find out about their criminal history. It is not a good idea to give anyone a key to your home, even contractors or repairmen.

Believe it or not, the wires on your house are worth stealing. Many folks are not aware of this until a thief steals it. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. Be sure to keep your wiring hidden or difficult to reach.

Look online for a reputable home security business. Go through different websites and investigate testimonials about different companies and packages. Once you have selected a few potential home security providers, set appointments to interview them and find out what they have on offer.

When allowing a representative from any security company to enter your home, look for someone in uniform and ask to see an identification. Thieves often pose as security company representatives in order to enter homes and look for valuables. This can put your family and possessions in danger. Be cautious to stay safe.

Think about what you need to feel safe before considering security systems. Some systems aren’t necessary for some, while others may have a need for them. In some areas, a class on self defense or a guard dog might be more suitable, yet in others, an advanced home security system will fit the bill. Understanding your needs will help you make a good purchase decision.

Having a bright and lit-up home at night deters crooks. They prefer not to be seen. With a well-lit home, thieves cannot hide or break in unnoticed. Thus, you should always keep lights on at nighttime.

Now that you’ve read this, you have no reason to be in an unsafe home. It may appear like a tough task at first, but it’s worth it. With these tips in hand, you’ll find the job will be easier.

Make sure the outside of the house is well lit. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. Put a light anywhere where an intruder can enter your home. Some examples include first story windows, garages, doorways and porches.