It’s every homeowner’s duty to do all they can to make sure their house is safe. While an alarm system can be very helpful, there are also other things to consider. Continue reading for some expert tips on making your home a safer place.

Change all of your locks when you move in. You don’t know how many keys have been handed out previously. Contact a locksmith to make sure that only you have access to your home. Also, if you ever lose your keys, do the same.

A home security system has other features in addition to sounding an alarm when there is a break-in. They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are.

A spare key must be carefully hidden and not in the obvious spots that a person might think. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. You should hide it in your dog’s collar.

Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. This is a good way to protect your home against fires, for instance if you live near power lines or in a dry area. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!

Talk to people you know about their security systems. There are likely people you know that have had either good or bad experiences with these companies. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

If you have a garage, increase your home security by using it to house your car, rather than just for storage. Protect your car from vandals by keeping it in the garage. Hiding it will help to deter people from tracking the times you aren’t there.

Motion sensor lights are a great investment. They turn on only if someone is nearby. They will signal movement to you but will also serve as deterrents to the thieves. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.

You need to secure your garage if it is attached to your home. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.

When it comes to securing your home, start by changing your locks. As time passes, keys end up getting into the wrong hands. It is usually inexpensive and can be done in less than 24 hours.

When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. If the installers make you feel uncomfortable, heed your feelings. Don’t hesitate asking for another technician or get another company. The point of having a security system is to make yourself feel at ease.

Get in the habit of checking your security system regularly. Get a security comapny tech to check it. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. It’s quite possible for there to be a fault in your system even if you can’t see it.

Don’t put extra keys under doormats or in planters. Though you may think you are giving yourself a way into your home if you lose your key, you are actually inadvertently inviting intruders into your home. Thieves know about all these hiding spots. Instead, have a trustworthy neighbor hold on to your spare key.

You should always lock up your house, even if you’re only planning to be gone for a short time. It may be a little surprising, but most burglaries and break-ins happen because the intruder just walks right through an open door. It does not take long for thieves to steal your expensive stuff.

Be outgoing. Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Ask them to look after your home, and in return, look out for theirs. Don’t ignore any gossip either. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

After having read these tips, you should now feel much safer. While it can seem like a complicated hassle, it’s crucial to keep everyone in your family safe. These tips and tricks will make you feel more comfortable with your layout.