Now is the time to learn all you can about home security. You should not settle on such a crucial matter. Understanding what is available to you is key. Keep reading to find out more about this subject.

Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. Of course, your dog has to be an outdoor dog (or you at least need to have a doggy door) for this to work. Attach the key to your dog’s collar, and it will be handy if you ever need a spare.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. This is useful for parents who have small kids, as it helps keep them from leaving the house.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. Go over their references and do some background research on the company they work for. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.

When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, make sure you comparison shop. Prices vary quite a bit. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you’re not at home? Use him or her to help hide your spare key! The key can be attached to the collar of your dog. This will ensure that burglars cannot see it. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn’t react well to strangers, since they won’t approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.

If there are folks you don’t know or trust in your social network online, don’t let them know you are going away. This can indicate that your home will be free and vulnerable during the time.

If there are folks you don’t know or trust in your social network online, don’t let them know you are going away. It’s exciting going to new places and enjoying your time, but you could alert thieves to an empty home that they can easily break into.

Turn the ringers off on all your phones if you will be away for a prolonged period of time. If a burglar keeps hearing your phone ring, they’ll know the home is not occupied, making it more likely for a break-in to occur.

If you own a garage, be sure to use it to place your car, as opposed to using it as a storage. This will keep thieves from stealing it or harming it. This can also keep people from knowing your schedule.

Do not open your door for anyone you don’t know. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Make it mandatory that doors in your home are only opened for expected visitors.

Motion sensor lights on the exterior of your home is a great idea. They turn on only if someone is nearby. These lights will make you aware of, and can also scare off, potential burglars. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

It is important that you do not put expensive valuables in plain sight. Large windows let in a lot of light, but they also allow outsiders to see inside your living space. Keep your curtains drawn to keep your valuable items safe.

Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. Whether an old roommate left or a relationship ended, changing your locks is a good idea. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

Choose an alarm which monitors other areas outside your doors. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. This will make your family safer.

Use your walls as hiding spaces. It is unnecessary cut space into your wall. Most homes are pre-equipped with these handy spaces. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.

Security System

The alarm system you choose should protect more than just the doors to your home. All windows can be entry spots for thieves. Get an alarm that will trigger if either the doors or windows are opened. This is a way to make sure your family will be safe.

Hide the wires of your home security system. Many intruders bypass a security system by cutting the wires. Make it hard for a burglar to avoid your detection. This makes it much less likely that your system will be compromised.

Your door frame should be replaced if the wood around it is rotting. A burglar can easily strip away wood that has rotted. As a result, this will assist them in breaking into your home. Replace rotted wood with fresh wood to make your home safer.

Be sure to replace all of the old locks as soon as you move into a new domicile. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Besides, other tenants or owners might have copies of the key if the previous owners did not change the locks.

If you hire a security company, read any fine print. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.

Having your home lit up and bright at night is a great deterrent to crooks. That’s because they want to remain hidden. Thieves have a hard time stealing things when there are lots of lights around. Thus, you should always keep lights on at nighttime.

Make an appointment with a home security company to evaluate the security needs of your home specifically. Everyone has specific needs and wants when dealing with the security of their house, belongings and family. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

Your home’s exterior needs to be well lit. Criminals like to blend into the shadows, so do your best not to provide too many for them. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. Some examples include first story windows, garages, doorways and porches.

Wireless home security systems are becoming more popular. Wired systems might be a bit less expensive, but they often involve intrusive rewiring of your home, and can become faulty during a power outage. A wireless security system is easy to install and take care of. Additionally, this type of system is not dependent upon the electrical system of the home.

Wireless Systems

Keeping a dog provides a great way to boost your home’s defense. They are protective of their home and owner and will alert you if someone is on your property. The dog doesn’t have to be huge or even vicious. Small dogs also help, because intruders don’t want people to notice the barking.

Think about having a wireless security system for the home installed. While wireless systems are often cheap, the cost of installation can be sky high. Wireless systems don’t need your home’s power in order to properly work. In addition, they can be usually be installed and maintained easier.

Keeping people out of various areas of your home does not have to involve using multiple locks and keys. Instead, key-less key code locks can work just as well. 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.

Do not put electronic boxes in the front of your house. Burglars will see these boxes and recognize that there are new valubles in your house. After removing the contents from these boxes, tear or cut them up.

Do not use locks with spring latches. These type of locks can actually be opened by using a credit card. The lock can be triggered to open by simply wedging the card in the lock. Add a deadbolt to existing spring latch locks for maximum security.

There’s an easy way to secure interior doors (if there are areas you want to keep housemates and children out of) without obliging you to carry a key-ring around at all times. Each entrance can be fitted with a keyless lock that requires a code to enter. You can install them yourself or you can hire a home security firm.

Put the shades down on your windows when you are out. Leaving the curtains up invites people to peer into your living room. It could be enticing to break in if they notice something that’s nice. You should also have them down when you are sleeping.

Ask whether companies offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. While you will pay more to buy, you don’t have to keep paying for it month after month. While leasing might be less expensive, it also comes with high monthly fees and contracts. It is worthwhile checking out both possibilities before you decide on which is best.

Deadbolts are the best locks you can install, as they have captive keylocks. This makes it impossible to open the lock from the outside because of the thumb latch. If you are home, have a key inside the lock so you can easily exit if a fire breaks out.

If you want to hide your house key, find a spot that is not obvious. Everyone knows about fake rocks. Hiding a key under the doormat is even worse; this cliched tactic will fool no one. A safer option is entrusting a neighbor or one of your most trusted friends to keep your spare key. When this isn’t an option, you should at least use your imagination when choosing a hiding place.

It is better to buy equipment from a security company directly, instead of from someone re-selling it. Resellers are usually all about making a profit, and they do not stand behind everything they sell. Dealing with the company itself will ensure that you’re not paying a middleman and provide you with a warranty.

Sliding patio doors present a security problem in many homes. The glass doors can easily be unlocked or broken. If you do not have a security system hooked up to them, cut a length of pipe to fit in the door channel. This keeps the door wedged closed so that it is harder to pry open.

Don’t leave toys in your yard when your kids aren’t playing with them out there. This makes the burglars suspect that women live there, and they are viewed as easy targets. Since women have more jewelry than men, they are targeted more.

Search for a company that offers more than just installing a home security system. They should come to your house, check out what you need and offer you a custom solution. For instance, you may need a stronger exterior door. It should be obvious whether or not the company cares about your safety or is just trying to make a quick buck off of you.

Few people realize that a smoke detector needs to be cleaned periodically. This is also true of a carbon monoxide detector. Your detectors will not function properly if they are covered in lint or in dust. For this reason, detectors will not do the job of detecting carbon monoxide and smoke.

Now that you have learned about your options, you can make the right decision. Installing a good home security system and service is extremely important. Use this advice to ensure a safe future for your family.

Criminals really don’t like surveillance cameras. Burglars don’t wear masks like in movies. Most actual burglars do not wear a mask. They do not expect to be seen. If they see surveillance systems, they will probably leave.