Most homeowners don’t know much about security systems. If you believe you are clueless on this topic, you should educate yourself on it. An alarm system is a significant investment and you need to know what you are buying.

Do you keep your dog outside when you aren’t home? Use him or her to help hide your spare key! Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. This is a good way to ensure easy home access, especially if your pet does not associate well with strangers.

Man’s best friend can also be trusted to secure a spare key. This only makes sense if your dog is outdoors a lot or you have a pet door. Just hide a spare house key on the inside of your dog’s collar. Then when you need an extra key, you will be able to access this one.

Buy fire resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling materials. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Fire prevention should be taken seriously because it can stop a major disaster from happening.

Home security systems offer additional features besides loud alarms during a break-in. 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.

Don’t allow a complete stranger to come in your home. People are coming up with all sorts of ways to convince people to open their door to them, with the intent of committing burglary or worse. Make it a rule in your home that you only open your door to people who you were expecting.

Do not invite strangers into your home. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access. These people might want to actually do you harm or could be casing out your house for a future break-in.

You need to be sure the attached garage of yours is secure. Many people worry about burglars getting into their attached garage and then entering their home, but there is a fix. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.

Don’t open your door if a stranger is on the other side. Burglars are getting creative, and they will do anything they can to gain access to your home. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

Use your garage for your car and not for storage. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. This can also keep people from knowing your schedule.

See if your area police department has any home security programs. Many programs include how to use some engraving tools to create code numbers for identifying valuables that are stolen, home inspection, and advice on protective measures. Get in touch with the department to determine their offerings.

Regardless of the quality of your home security system, you need to have it checked each year. Get a professional in to check it out. There are any number of problems that can cause malfunctions in your security system, from weather damage to animal activity. The problem might not be obvious to you, though.

Switch your locks. Anyone from an old roommate to a former tenant could have access to your home if you leave the old locks in place. It does not cost much, and can be handled very quickly.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

Were you aware that your home’s wires are valuable? Some intruders could strip your home of every bit of copper. Copper is expensive and most wiring is composed of it, so stripping it is a great way for crooks to make a quick buck. That’s why it’s important to hide your wiring, or make it hard for criminals to have access to it.

Are you aware that your home’s wires are worth something? The majority of people aren’t aware of this fact until a burglar steals these wires. Copper, found in many wires, can be removed in little time, and is worth quite a bit of money. Hide your wiring to secure it.

If your door is set in a rotted frame, you must replace the frame. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Replace any wood that has begun to rot with new wood so that your house stays safe.

It’s smart to use the Internet when you are looking for a good security company for your home. Many websites offer reviews, recommendations, and detailed pricing information. Then, you can choose a top three to contact and compare details and pricing.

Be sure and keep the outside of your house well lit. Burglars tend to commit crimes at night. Install a light in any area a potential intruder can get into your home. Don’t forget that this includes ground-level windows as well as doors, garages, and porches.

Determine how much experience a home security company has before you decide to do business with them. Look for a security company that is well-established and has extensive experience in the industry. You may not feel as safe if you opt to go with a company that has not been in business for long or that does not have a stable history.

You need to think about what you need as far as home security before you look at different systems. Some systems aren’t necessary for some, while others may have a need for them. Some neighborhoods may do better with self-defense classes or having a dog, while others may require the best home security technology you can get. Ensure that you have considered all your options before making a final decision.

If you get home and the door is open, don’t go in. Keep in mind that intruders could still be inside. Instead, you should call 911 and wait in a safe location for the police to arrive.

How does it feel to know a lot more regarding home security systems? This added knowledge will help you make a better decision when choosing a system. Keep the tips that you’ve read in mind as you get started with your choice today.

Think about a wireless security system for your home. These systems are much more efficient and can save you time and hassle. Also, you will have a very easy time installing them.