Homeowners must assume the serious responsibility of home safety. While you might think that getting an alarm is all you need, think again. There are many things you can do to make your house secure. Keep reading this article in order to learn what you can to make your house secure.

Don’t post online when you’ll be away from your home. Though trips are always fun to talk about, you may be doing little more than telling burglars the best times to visit your house.

Make your house look occupied all the time. Invest in timers to automatically turn on and off any electronics at various times. This helps to create the illusion that someone is presently at home. That means burglars will pass right by.

You should always park your car inside your garage instead of using your garage to store some belongings. This will keep thieves from stealing it or harming it. If you keep your car in the garage instead of in the driveway, it is harder for thieves to know whether you are at home or not.

You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. If you lose your keys, you should do the same thing.

When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those that install your actual system. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

Get a good safe to store your valuables in your home. This is vital, as you want to safeguard your valuable items in case of home burglary. Hide your safe in a hard to find place like the basement or attic.

Your risks of being the target of home intruders really doesn’t depend on the area in which you live. Some think residents of the country are even more vulnerable because there are no close neighbors. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. These are vulnerable to fires and put your home in danger. Always clear the yard to ensure safety.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. While they are there to let light in, if you do not care for it properly it could also let in a thief. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.

The first step in making your home more secure is to change out your locks. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. It is generally cheap and may be done in a little under a day.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. You should cover any windows that are facing the street so your valuables will be safe.

Find a home security company you can trust. This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those that install your actual system. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. Remember that every aspect of your home security system should support you in feeling more secure.

Do not choose a home alarm system that monitors only your doors. All of your windows are possible entry points for a thief too. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. You want the best security possible for your family.

Don’t put your extra key under you doormat, in a planter, or in a cleverly disguised false rock. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. For obvious reasons, experienced burglars know every possible hiding spot. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.

Replace rotted wood that surrounds your door frame. An intruder could pry the rotten wood easily to open the door. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

If you’ve bought large or pricy items, avoid throwing out boxes until the day the trash is scheduled for pick-up. Letting such packaging sit out will signal to criminals that there are good things to be found in your house.

If you move to a place that was occupied before, you should change the locks right away. Even if the tenants turned their keys in, they may have made copies. If you own, you can have the locks replaced and only you will have had the key.

When moving into a house, ensure that each lock has been replaced. You have no way of knowing whether the previous homeowner is trustworthy. Besides, other tenants or owners might have copies of the key if the previous owners did not change the locks.

When choosing between security companies, read everything on the contract. There could be hidden costs if you were to quit your service prior to the expiration date of the contract, or you decide to add additional equipment later. You can easily avoid these fees if you do your research.

Are you aware of the value contained in your home’s wiring? People don’t realize this until it is stolen. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. Be sure to keep your wiring hidden or difficult to reach.

Consider your own personal safety needs and security risks before exploring home security systems. Security systems are a proven method of reducing your chance of break-ins, but it is not always the right choice. In some cases the security system is your best investment, in others you well-served with an alert dog or reinforced locking systems. Think about your risk factor when making a decision.

To increase your home’s security, buy some outdoor lights that are motion activated. At night, the lights will keep things bright round the house, but they are also efficient and cost-effective ways to help your security. If they are positioned correctly outside of your home, your motion detectors can make it impossible for strangers to sneak around.

If you come to your home and discover that your door has been left open, avoid investigating by yourself. It can be dangerous to walk in on an intruder. The best thing to do is call the police and wait for them to arrive before doing anything else.

Keeping your house bright and lit at night will deter many crooks. Most intruders avoid anything that could reveal their identity. With a well-lit home, thieves cannot hide or break in unnoticed. Keep those lights shining brightly at night.

If a friend picks up your mail while you’re away, have them check for fliers on your door. Robbers will place these on your door and may invade your home if they are not removed. By your neighbor taking the flyer, it appears as if you got it yourself.

Since reading this article, there is no excuse for your home to be unsafe. Although all this may seem complicated and tedious, it’s totally necessary in order to keep your whole family safe. With these tips in hand, you’ll find the job will be easier.

Keeping thieves from the contents of your garage can be as simple as making sure they can’t easily look inside. If your garage door has windows, make sure they have a frosted coating. This is easy to find at any major hardware store, and installation is a breeze. Also keep your garage door closed whenever possible, especially if you will be stepping away from it for an extended period of time.