Learning about home security is something every homeowner really needs to do. You need not read copious amounts of material, however! The article that follows can provide you with essential concepts and help you create an effective home security system.

Home security systems offer additional features besides loud alarms during a break-in. Some give offer the option to monitor all entries into the house. This can be useful if you’ve got small children that are able to open doors.

Do you keep your dog outdoors when you are away from home? You could let your dog carry a spare key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

Don’t announce your vacation agenda on your social networks. This is especially true if you have lots of unfamiliar “friends”. Although it’s fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.

Put motion sensor lights around your house. When a person approaches your home, the lights will blaze. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

Buy a safe and use it to hold all of the valuables in your home. This is very important, as you do not want your gold, diamonds and personal items exposed if someone were to break into your house. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.

When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. This is especially important when it comes to the company employees who will be installing your system. If you are unsure, contact the security company to make sure that the installer was actually sent by them. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

When securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. This is a great way to hide jewelry, for example. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. If you’re using all your outlets, you can install phony ones.

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. This doesn’t require tearing into your walls, of course. There are many spots in your home that already have areas that are pre-cut. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

Buy housing materials that are fire resistant. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!

Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. Though it is nice to have big windows to get a great view of the outdoors, it is also easier for burglars to look into your home. You should cover any windows that are facing the street so your valuables will be safe.

When deciding on an alarm system, be sure and get one that protects more than your doors. It should protect the windows too. Therefore, ensure the windows have an attached alarm. All potential entry points should have an alarm. You want the best security possible for your family.

You should never give details about your vacations and other plans on social networks. This can indicate that your home will be free and vulnerable during the time.

Make sure the wires of your home security system are completely hidden. If the wires are exposed, an intruder can bypass the system by cutting its wires. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. This makes it much less likely that your system will be compromised.

Replace rotted wood around entryways. An intruder could pry the rotten wood easily to open the door. Replace rotting wood with fresh wood to improve your home’s security.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. No matter what the excuse the person presents, keep them from entering your home. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

Be sure and keep the outside of your house well lit. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. Install lighting anywhere a possible intruder might break in. Make sure your porch, garage, doorways and windows are well lit.

Think about getting a home security system that is wireless. A wired system might cost less, but they can require extensive rewiring work and may be rendered useless if the power fails. Wireless systems are much easier to maintain and also to install, and they are not reliant on your central power source.

Contact the local police department to find out more about the protection programs they offer. There are many that offer programs that include items, such as home inspection, how to use engraving tools to mark code numbers to identify valuables if yours are stolen, and protective measures advice. Call and see what is available.

Make sure the inside of your garage isn’t visible. Use a frosted film to cover the windows. This can be purchased at many hardware stores. Also, do not leave doors open.

Can you see the number of your house from the street? If an emergency occurs, the police will not be able to find your home as quickly if these numbers are too small or are obscured in some way. Thankfully if you notice a problem it’s an easy and cheap thing to fix.

When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. Make sure that the installer has experience installing your type of security system. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

If you are away, pull your shades closed. If they remain up, criminals will have no problem seeing right into the house. They may break in if they spot something that they like. Curtains and blinds should be drawn shut while you are asleep.

Never hide keys in obvious locations. If you place it under a rock, a good robber will find it. Many people will look under your doormat. The best strategy is to have a neighbor or good friend hold a spare key in case you need it. If none of these options are possible, try to think of an unusual hiding place.

If you reside in the country, you may be less worried about break-ins than urban dwellers are. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

Never make the password to your keypad your birthday. Anyone could get your date of birth from Facebook and could have access into your house. You should choose a number no one else will be able to guess and change it regularly.

Every person who owns a home needs to take time to learn about home security. That said, organizing the useful information from useless information can be hard. Thus, it is wise to review the above information anytime you need advice about how to protect your home.

Are you aware of the value present in the wiring in your home? Lots of people fail to appreciate this until they are hit by thieves. Experienced criminals can make a decent amount of money quickly by stripping copper wiring off of houses in order to sell it at a scrapyard. Keep your wiring hidden or inaccessible to potential burglars.