Homeowners feel as though it is tough to make their home a safe place. It’s not necessary for that work to be expensive or hard. Keep reading to discover some great home security tips and advice.

It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. You simply do not know how many keys to the old locks are floating around. Having a locksmith replace the locks will ensure that no strangers have a key. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? She or he is actually a good place to keep the spare key. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

Be very cautious about entrusting a maid service with a key to your home. 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 your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. Prices vary quite a bit. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.

If you want to have a spare key close to your house in order to prevent lockouts, make sure you give its hiding place some careful thought. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

Buy fire-resistant building materials. This helps protect your home when you dwell in a more dry climate. Fire prevention is paramount.

Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. Your security company should send a representative to check your system. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. There are always ways your home is vulnerable, even if you don’t know it.

Don’t post information about an upcoming vacation anywhere on the web. Although you may want to let others in on your excitement, it may inadvertently give burglars a heads up to target your property.

Install motion-sensor lights. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. This will discourage would be thieves and alert you to any movement on your property. Remember to keep working bulbs in them at all times.

Don’t let strangers enter your house. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. There are people that just want to go into your home to see if you’ve got a type of home security system, and if they see that you don’t, they’ll return when you’re not home.

Avoid placing spare keys under door mats or in plant boxes. While you may need to prepare if you have a spare key, it is wise to choose ways that do not increase the risk of a criminal gaining entrance to your home. Thieves are tricky, diabolical, and familiar with any and every hiding place. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.

Don’t let strangers into your home. People try many ways to convince others to open up their doors so that they can commit burglary or worse. You should only open the door to people you were expecting.

Look for an alarm system that does more than protect your doors. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. This can keep your family much safer.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. Several in various jurisdictions have programs which entail providing a home inspection, what protective measures will help your home and even how to engrave valuable items to make them easier to recover. Call the local police department and inquire as to what programs they offer.

Armed with the tips presented here, you are ready to make your home safe and secure. Start to make changes in your house. Soon, the home will feel safer every time of day. You are going to be able to put your feet up and relax very soon.

Avoid coming across as overly shy. Converse with those living in your area. Keep watch of their homes when they are away, and ask if they will return the favor. Don’t ignore the gossip. You might hear helpful information, for instance if strangers have been hanging around.