Do you understand how home security systems work? If you find that you are lost when it comes to this decision for your home, then you need to learn more on the subject. This is a costly investment that can keep your family safe, so you should read more about it.

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. You can purchase inexpensive timers that will control different electronics and lights in your home. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This is a simple way to give people up to no good think that you are home.

Be very cautious about entrusting a maid service with a key to your home. If you plan on giving them the key so that they can work in your home for over an hour, make sure that they’re reputable, hardworking, and honest. Check their references very carefully. If you hire a cleaner from a company, then you should check the company with the BBB.

Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? This will only be ideal if you have a dog door or an outdoor dog. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.

Any time you buy a new home, have the locks changed. You simply do not know how many keys to the old locks are floating around. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. Also, if you ever lose your keys, do the same.

When you’re going away, turn off your phone ringers. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

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. Do a background check on them. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. It is essential you do not do this, even if the stranger gives you a convincing story or states they need your assistance. Some people want to enter your home just to see if there is a security system in place. They may be scoping the place to come back when you’re gone.

Home security systems aren’t just about sounding alarms. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This is a valuable safety feature for parents of small children since they know if their child has exited the home.

Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

Use a safe to protect your valuables. This is essential, because you would never want valuable jewelry and other items to be seen by intruders. This safe should be hidden in a location where burglars won’t find it, such as a hole in the wall, the attic, or a basement closet.

If you live in a rural area, you may not be as concerned about home break-ins as people who live in the city. The risk is still there, so a home security system is vital. Others feel rural residents have a lower risk of being burglarized.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Several different firms may offer similar protection for wildly divergent prices. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

Your home may be equipped with skylights, and if so you must not neglect them in your security planning. While they are there to let light in, if you do not care for it properly it could also let in a thief. Your skylights should have strong components that can withstand tampering.

Buy fire resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling materials. This adds more protection to a house, especially if you’re in a dry area with some power lines. Home security also includes taking steps to prevent a fire from completely destroying your home.

When deciding on an alarm system, be sure and get one that protects more than your doors. Intruders can enter through your windows too. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and doors. This can keep your family much safer.

If you’ve got lots of people you don’t know on your social networks, don’t let them know that you’re going to be on vacation. It’s great to see new places and take a lot of photos, but posting them while still overseas lets thieves know your home is empty.

While an alarm system or other security measures can make your home much safer, you must be sure that your security wiring isn’t exposed. An intruder can cut the wires or disconnect them and avoid the system. Don’t make it easier for them, so have wires hidden in the house’s walls or buried. This will add security.

No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. There are any number of problems that can cause malfunctions in your security system, from weather damage to animal activity. The problem might not be obvious to you, though.

If you are moving in your new home, ensure all the old locks are replaced. Even though the person who sold your home to you may seem honest, you simply can’t know for certain. There are other people who have lived in the home as well.

Skylights need to be secure, too. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Use heavy-duty hardware to secure your skylights to the roof.

You can find an excellent home security company with a simple Internet search. Review the websites of several companies and play close attention to the types of services offered and the customer reviews. You’ll find it easy to narrow your choice down to three top contenders; your next step is to arrange to meet each of them to discuss your specific security needs.

Walls are great for hiding things. Hide valuables inside of your walls. Just access unused switch plates, outlets or phone jacks. If you do not have any unused plates, it is easy to install a false one.

Don’t limit security to the inside of your home; the outside needs attention too. Don’t provide burglars with cover by planting big shrubs in front of your doors and windows. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. Keeping the areas around your windows free of plants can help to deter criminals from lurking too close to your home, without you noticing.

Don’t give outside people the ability to see into 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. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

If you get home and the door is open, don’t go in. You have no way of knowing whether the thieves are still inside. Go to a neighbor’s or another safe area and call the police.

Make an appointment with a home security company to evaluate the security needs of your home specifically. Every homeowner has specific needs for their home and their family. 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.

If you buy something that is expensive, you need to make sure you don’t leave empty boxes curbside. Burglars will instantly take notices of these boxes and what used to be in them, making you an easy burglary target. Break the boxes down, or take a scissors to them to help them fit in your trash can.

Whenever you purchase some expensive item, don’t place the empty boxes right outside your home. If thieves see these type of boxes outside your home, they may want to break in to steal the items. Break down the empty boxes whenever possible.

Find out more about the different contracts your security company offers. There are usually pros and cons in each contract. You might pay less each month for longer contracts, but it has its deterrents as well. A shorter term allows for flexibility, but it might be expensive.

Can someone standing in the middle of the street see clearly your house numbers? If your house numbers are not easy to see, the police may have difficulty finding you in an emergency. There is a cheap and quick fix if you see an issue.

After learning more, what are your thoughts on security systems for your home? This added knowledge will help you make a better decision when choosing a system. Keep the tips that you’ve read in mind as you get started with your choice today.

Find out more about the different contracts your security company offers. There are likely pros and cons to each. Long contracts may cost less each month, but it could leave you with a larger bill if you decide to end your service. If you want more freedom, it is best to purchase a more expensive but shorter contract.