If you have questions about home security, read on for some excellent answers. When it comes to home security, it can be difficult to make the best choices. In order for you to make a good decision, your need to know a lot about the subject.

It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. Be sure to cal a locksmith if you were to lose your keys as well.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Place a spare key on the collar, and when you really need a spare, you know where to go!

Make sure you have a safe to keep valuable items in one place. This is vital since it means all of your things will be safe if someone breaks in your home. Be sure to put your safe in an out of the way place like the basement, attic or under the floorboards.

Compare different systems when looking into home security. Each company has different rates for their security system. Get quotes from no less than three companies before choosing the best one.

Buy a safe so you can conceal your valuables in it. If an intruder breaks into your home, at least these valuables will be secure. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.

Buy roofing, flooring and interior paneling that is flame resistant. Your home will get added protection, especially if your environment is dry and has power lines. Avoiding fire hazards is a great way to keep things safe.

Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. A burglar might hear your phone ring and ring and ring, then realize that you are not home to answer it.

Consider the advice of your friends when selecting your home security company. Your loved ones likely have dealt with this situation before. Taking a little time to listen can make you a much better decision maker when it comes to home security.

It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

Don’t put your extra key under you doormat, in a planter, or in a cleverly disguised false rock. These are the first places criminals will look when they try to enter your home. Thieves are aware of all these spots. You should have a trusted neighbor keep a spare key.

Use your garage for what it was intended: your car. It won’t be vandalized or stolen this way. When your car is hidden, it will be hard for intruders to tell if you are home or not.

Just moved in? Time for new locks! The previous owner may be perfectly respectable, but you can’t know that for sure. You should also keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home before the previous homeowner.

Check someone’s references carefully before letting them come into your home. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.

Avoid coming across as overly shy. Get to know other people who live next door and others in your neighborhood. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Pay attention to gossip. You may learn some great information about security, such as if any strangers have been hanging around.

For maximum safety, your home needs bright exterior lighting. Dark houses invite burglars who prefer to operate under cover of darkness. You should put a light on any area where a person could break in. Be sure to consider your front and back porch, garage, ground floor windows and any basement entryway.

Think about your specific needs and risks prior to investigating security systems. They can really protect your family, but they’re not something that everybody needs. In some cases the security system is your best investment, in others you well-served with an alert dog or reinforced locking systems. Know the risks so that you can make a better decision.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Large windows let in light and give you a great view outside, but that works both ways. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.

It might be time to get yourself a paper shredder if you haven’t already gotten one. Thieves are likely to steal documents that include your personal information if they can find them. If you can not afford to purchase a paper shredder, just rip the paper into smaller pieces.

A great way to deter criminals from getting into the garage is to make sure nobody sees inside it. Frosted windows will keep a burglar from being able to see inside. The material needed to do this can be found at home improvement stores. It’s also a good idea to avoid leaving your garage door open for any longer than absolutely necessary, even if you’re at home.

If you are moving in your new home, ensure all the old locks are replaced. As nice as the previous person may seem, you don’t really know them. Also, there have likely been other owners of the home, and you don’t know them either.

Man’s best friend can be one of the most effective anti-burglary systems. Dogs are quite protective of their masters and home, and they can display quite a bark if someone comes near the house. There is no need for a mean, big dog either. Small dogs also help, because intruders don’t want people to notice the barking.

If there are certain rooms you want to keep unoccupied, then you don’t want to keep track of all the keys and locks. Get key-less locks that need a code. You can install them yourself, or you can have a home security service install them.

Rotted wood in your door framing should be replaced. Home invaders interested are able to pry off any rotted wood to get inside. Replace wood that is starting to rot with fresh new wood to keep your home as safe as possible.

Armed with the information presented here, you can make a well informed decision. You must know how important this is and how it involves maintaining your family’s safety inside the home. Apply the knowledge that you have gained to implement your security plan.