Most homeowners don’t know much about security systems. You should do more research on this topic if you want to find the ideal home security system. A security system for your home is a big investment, but one that will pay off in keeping your family safe. Read the tips here for guidance.

When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Prices vary significantly, even for similar levels of protection. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.

Your faithful dog makes a great hiding spot for a spare key. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Just place your key on your dog’s collar.

When placing your spare key outside for emergencies, give careful consideration to where you put it. Above a door frame or under a mat are not smart ideas. Instead, try hiding a key on the collar of an outside dog.

Buy fire resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling materials. This will add an extra protection layer for your house, particularly if you live near power lines or in a dry location. Home security also includes taking steps to prevent a fire from completely destroying your home.

If you need to leave a key for a maid service, make sure that that whoever cleans your house is professional and trustworthy. When giving your house cleaner the key to your home, you need to be sure that they are reputable and honest. It is best to do a reference check on them. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

If you have a stranger at your door, do not open it. Folks are always thinking up new schemes to get people to open the door so that they can commit their crimes. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.

Attached Garage

Do you keep your dog outdoors when you are away from home? They may provide you with a useful place to hide your key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. If your pet does not get along with strangers, this will ensure your spare key stays safe.

Be sure you have secured your attached garage. There is a solution for people that are worried about burglars going into their home through an attached garage. You can use a C-clamp to stop the door from being opened.

Regardless of the quality of your home security system, you need to have it checked each year. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. You may not know there’s an issue if you can’t see it.

Security systems are more than just an alarm. Modern systems are often capable of detecting any open door or window and announcing that fact. This is important to parents who have small children, because they will want to know if the children have opened a door.

It will not benefit you to be shy. Get to know other people who live next door and others in your neighborhood. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. You never want to ignore gossip. You could learn important security information, such as if strangers have been lurking around the neighborhood.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. If you have valuables that are small in size, you may want to hide them within your walls. You could utilize an electrical outlet, phone jack, or unused switch plate. If you haven’t got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.

Always lock your house, no matter how briefly you expect to be gone. Break-ins are often the result of unlocked windows and doors. A thief can take plenty of valuables in minutes.

If you bought any expensive or large items, don’t throw the boxes out until the day trash is scheduled to be removed. These boxes sitting outside your home serve as a flag for thieves to target your home.

Power Outage

If someone from the security company comes to your home, ask to see their ID before allowing them in. Criminals can easily pretend to be from a security firm as a means to gain entry to the house. This can put your family and possessions in danger. You want to use caution to prevent danger.

Obtain flashlights with solid batteries, and ensure they are kept in all the rooms of your home in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Keep in mind that your family might be separated during a power outage, and make sure you children know where to find and how to use your flashlights.

When allowing a representative from any security company to enter your home, look for someone in uniform and ask to see an identification. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This is dangerous to your valuables and your family. Use caution to stay out of danger.

Your landscaping should be designed based on what will be safest for your home. There should be no plants or greenery in front of doors or windows. If criminals know you can see them, they are less likely to break in. Plan these features for further away from your home.

If you are seeking home safety ideas that are simple and inexpensive, you should buy outdoor lights with motion sensors. In the evening hours, this lighting can provide extra security and an economical way to light your front entrance way when you arrive. By carefully placing them around the outside of your property, you create a perimeter that cannot be breached.

Keep your home’s exterior well lit. Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their crimes. Install lights by each and every entryway to your home. This can include the garage, doorways, porches and other areas which invite an intruder in.

You should find out how many years of experience your home security service has. A company that’s been around for a while has proven that their service is reliable. It can ease your mind when you know you’re not doing business with a company that might not be around tomorrow.

If you arrive home and you see that your door is ajar, never enter to investigate on your own. This is very dangerous due to the fact that the thief can still be inside your property. Call the authorities and let them take care of the situation.

Are the numbers of your home visible from the street? Small or obscured numbers can make it difficult for emergency personnel to locate your home. Thankfully if you notice a problem it’s an easy and cheap thing to fix.

If you haven’t gotten a paper shredder, it may be time to purchase one. Thieves might go through your trash bags to find bills for valuables or personal information. If you don’t have a paper shredder, tear the papers up.

Are you feeling a bit better informed on the subject of home security? The more you know the better it is for you to make a decision regarding these things. Keep the tips that you’ve read in mind as you get started with your choice today.