It is critical that each homeowner educates himself on proper home security. There is a lot of information out there about the subject. This article will alert you to the top things to keep in mind when it comes to home safety.

You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. You simply do not know how many keys to the old locks are floating around. Find a good locksmith who can replace the lock and make a few copies of your key. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.

Place your spare key securely on your dog’s collar. This works with a dog that stays outside or a dog with a pet door. Simply attach a spare key to your dog’s collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you’ll be able to retrieve it if you need it.

Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you’re not at home? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. If your dog doesn’t like strangers, it’s even better.

Before agreeing to work with a security company, check with your friends and family for recommendations. Other people are sure to have opinions and experiences to share. Ask around so that you can have the advice that you need to make a good choice.

When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Get quotes from several companies before making a decision.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. Many people are devising many different schemes to get into homes and burglarize them. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.

Request information from your local law enforcement agencies about home protection packages. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. Contact your local police department to find out if they offer this type of program.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spent, you should have an annual test. Call the company and have them send someone to check it out. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. Never be afraid to ask for a new installer or to get an entirely new firm. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

If you do not reside in a big city, you may not worry as much about home burglaries. People who live in the country may even be more vulnerable because they do not have nearby neighbors. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.

Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. There should be pre-cut spaces throughout your home that will suffice. How about unwiring your electric socket and using that as an area to stash your jewelry?

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. You don’t have to cut pieces out of the walls. Your home should have a few pre-cut areas that can be used. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Therefore, ensure the windows have an attached alarm. All potential entry points should have an alarm. This is the pinnacle of safety.

Don’t put your spare key in an obvious place near your front door. While it may seem like a convenient way to give you access to your home, intruders are aware of this practice. Any thief knows all the typical hiding spots. A better option is to entrust an honest neighbor with a spare key.

Carefully check the references of everyone before allowing them to enter your home. Try doing a background check to look at their criminal history. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.

Purchase an alarm system that has a few “bells and whistles;” you don’t just need protection for your doors. The best systems are those that cover windows as well. Each point of entry for your home should be monitored by the system. This is the pinnacle of safety.

Keeping your home very bright during the night hours is an excellent way to prevent thieves. They don’t want visibility. Good lighting in your home means that crooks have no hiding places. At night, keep your lights turned on to boost security.

Make sure your flashlights have charged batteries and are found throughout your home. Power outages are common to all sorts of emergency situations, so having flashlights handy will enable you to maneuver in the dark. Also show your children how to use them so they can help out in emergencies.

Ask about the history of any home security company you are considering. Companies that have been around for years have shown that they know the industry and that their services are reliable and great enough for recommendations. It also ensures they’re not a fly-by-night firm.

Ask the home security companies to visit your home and design a system tailored to your needs. Every homeowner has specific needs for their home and their family. Doing this helps you get the best security you can get from the company, helping you to relax.

Wireless security systems are the next generation in protection. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. A wireless system, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and is simpler to install.

Be sure and keep the outside of your house well lit. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. Install lights in areas that possible criminals can use to enter your home. This includes doorways, windows, and your garage.

Consider installing a surveillance system for your home. Installing video cameras, both visible and hidden, are a great way to secure your home. Cameras that can be seen are an excellent tool for preventing most burglars from breaking into your home. However, if they are brave enough to try to disable your cameras, hidden cameras will capture them. A lot of surveillance cameras could be accessed through your phone, giving you the chance to check it even when you’re away.

Home security is an important consideration for all homeowners. Still, since there is contradictory information out there, you may not be sure exactly what you need to do. Print off this article so you always have it handy.

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. Keyless locks require a code to unlock the door. Either you can install them or home security companies can.