Are you interested in purchasing a home security system? Many people buy one without comparing other companies. Always locking your windows and doors, along with a few other simple steps may be just what you need.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. Put it on their collar. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

A home security system has other features in addition to sounding an alarm when there is a break-in. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.

Do not let people you don’t know in your house. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. Some people just want to know if there is a security system so they can plan on coming back later or not.

Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Get in touch today.

Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. If it’s not visible, you might not even know there’s a problem.

Your home security system ought to be checked each year. Get someone from the security firm to inspect it. There are many reason why a home security system can have problems, and it might be the weather or wild animals that cause it to malfunction. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.

Avoid being shy. Converse with those living in your area. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Don’t ignore any gossip either. Important security details (like the presence of strangers in your neighborhood) can come out of the most innocent conversations.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. Make sure that the installer has experience installing your type of security system. After all, you’re investing in a system that helps you to feel safe, so make sure the process involved in obtaining that system does the same.

You need to change our locks as your first step to ensuring your safety. There are many different people who might have keys from your past, and removing the potential of them accessing your home can be a very good idea. This is something that you can do yourself and does not cost much money at all.

If your home has skylights, don’t neglect to secure them. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Be certain that skylights in your home can be locked securely.

Don’t put your spare key in an obvious place near your front door. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. Thieves aren’t stupid and also know common hiding spots. Rather, give your key to a neighbor you find trustworthy.

A wall is a great hiding place. If you have valuables that are small in size, you may want to hide them within your walls. Use an old switch plate, outlet or phone jack. You can also just put in a false plate to cover a hiding place.

Don’t give outside people the ability to see into your home. Large windows let in light and give you a great view outside, but that works both ways. Blinds are a great way to allow the light in, without allowing people to see in at the same time.

Use your wall spaces to hide your valuables. It is unnecessary cut space into your wall. You can find areas in your walls that are pre-cut and use those. For instance, consider using an electricity socket that is unused, and stash your precious jewelry in there.

Get a custom-designed plan that fits your needs by having the security company do a site visit in your home. Every person has specific needs and wants when dealing with securing your family, home, and items. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. Large windows let in light and give you a great view outside, but that works both ways. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.

Security System

Even if you only plan to be gone for a very short time, lock your house. Many home thefts start with the thief simply walking in an unlocked door or window. Thieves can steal a lot of valuable stuff in mere minutes.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. Although automated electronic systems are powerful, they’re not necessarily the cost-effective solution for every home. Some neighborhoods feel more safe than others, but a good security system definitely makes you feel more safe. Know the risks so that you can make a better decision.

Hide your security system’s wiring. Intruders can get around security systems and into a home by cutting the wires. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. Your safety will increase.

Purchase a paper shredder to prevent your discarded papers from providing burglars with valuable information. Thieves often find the trash cans to be a gold mine of pertinent information about potential victims. You can also simply tear papers with personal information into small bits before you discard them.

If you move to a dwelling that has had prior occupants, make sure you get the locks changed. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You can change the locks yourself if you’re feeling really industrious.

If a friend picks up your mail while you’re away, have them check for fliers on your door. Thieves will drop off flyers to see if home owners are away. A flier that hangs around for days on end lets burglars know that there’s no one in the home.

Motion sensing lights are a good way to increase home security. These lights are not only handy when you get home late, they also help deter criminals from entering your home. Properly-situated motion detectors will give your home a complete field of protection and make it impossible for a miscreant to approach undetected.

Don’t leave empty boxes for big-ticket purchases outside on your curb. These boxes are a signal to burglars that you have something worth stealing. Cut up the boxes when they’re empty.

The most useful tool for finding home security is the Internet. You should look at testimonials from customers and different information you can find. With that information, you can make your appointments with the top three companies you’ve chosen so that you can compare pricing and look at specific monitoring and plans.

You don’t have to have a giant key ring full of keys just because you want your home to be secure. Instead, use a numeric keypad. You can install them yourself or you can hire a home security firm.

You need a home security system. Having visible or hidden cameras can help immensely. Also, you can capture the intruder in the act. There are surveillance systems that you can access and check by cell phone.

Do not use locks with spring latches. Defeating a spring latch lock is a trivial endeavor; experienced burglars can get through one using nothing more than a credit card. This isn’t a difficult maneuver either. A deadbolt should be added for security purposes if you have locks that are spring latch.

Can you see the number of your house from the street? It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. If you notice a problem, you should be able to fix it fairly cheaply, though.

You should never use your birthday as the password for your numeric keypad. Personal information, such as a birthday can be acquired on the Internet. If you use this as your password, you may make it easy for a burglar to rob you. Rather, try and make your combination the answer to an equation so that you only need to remember an equation instead of an actual series of numbers.

Devote extra security to your irreplaceable possessions. It is best to keep items such as passports, legal documents, photos and financial records in a spot that is secure. One option is a floor safe inside your home. You can also rent out a safety deposit box.

Home security systems are often the best choice for some families. You might just need to do some things a little differently. Research all of your options to choose the best one.

Any doors that aren’t solid wood or made of metal should be replaced. Durability is key. If a robber tried to break in, it would be hard for him to do that. It’s a good idea to replace all your exterior doors with more secure ones. It really doesn’t cost a lot.