If you’ve got jewelry, original art or a lot of cash, someone else likely knows about it. Therefore, you will need to bolster your security. Read these tips to make your home a safer place.

After you purchase a new home, change the locks. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. Contact a locksmith to make sure that only you have access to your home. Make sure you do the same thing if you lose your keys sometime.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. This isn’t just for burglars; parents with young children can also use it as a valuable tool to know when their child has come inside.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. The majority of systems are able to be set to put out an alert when any individual enters the home. This is useful for parents who have small kids, as it helps keep them from leaving the house.

Don’t allow a complete stranger to come in your home. People you do not know could have bad intentions or want to get an idea of how many valuable objects you own. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Most companies have different price schemes for the the same general level of protection. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.

Request information from your local law enforcement agencies about home protection packages. Some police departments offer things like code numbers to help find your valuables should they get stolen. Contact the police department to see if they have something similar.

If you own a garage, be sure to use it to place your car, as opposed to using it as a storage. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. Storing your car in the garage will also make it difficult for anyone casing your home to figure out when no one is going to be there.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.

Get in the habit of checking your security system regularly. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. There are quite a few things that can negatively impact the effectiveness of home security equipment. For example, adverse weather conditions or pests such as raccoons can cause problems. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.

You need to change our locks as your first step to ensuring your safety. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. This is something that you can do yourself and does not cost much money at all.

Check out your garage to ensure that it is secure. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. Place a C-Clamp on the door track near the roller. This will prevent the door from lifting.

If you do not reside in a big city, you may not worry as much about home burglaries. Nonetheless, people in the country may be at greater risk due to being far away from neighbors. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

Stashing your most precious possession right inside the walls of your home can be a great idea. You don’t have to damage the walls to do so. Take a closer look at your walls and note just how many access points there are already. For instance, consider using an electricity socket that is unused, and stash your precious jewelry in there.

Walls can be a great hiding spot. If you have small valuables you want to protect, consider hiding them inside your walls. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. Installing a false unused plate is very easy to do if your home doesn’t have one.

It is important that your valuables are not visible from anywhere outside your house. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. If your windows face a street, be sure they’re always covered and have your valuables safe.

Plug a rechargeable flashlight into an outlet in each room of your house in the event of power outage. The flashlights are important because they make you able to get around the house in an emergency. Your whole family should be trained on the proper use and maintenance of flashlights.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. You might think that you are providing yourself a safe way into the house if you misplace your keys, but you are really inviting attackers inside. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. You should have a trusted neighbor keep a spare key.

If you are entering a house that has already been occupied, you should first change your locks. Previous tenants may have given the keys back to the landlord, but it is always possible to make copies of keys. This will help safeguard that there is no one else with your key.

Err on the side of caution when you are dealing with home security. There’s no need to live in fear, but addressing some basic security concerns is always the prudent course of action. Keep these tips in mind, and set out to protect your home and family.

If you have just bought any pricey new goods, never toss the boxes onto the curb prior to the garbage man’s arrival. Having these type of boxes hanging around will give robbers a good idea of what type of merchandise you have inside of your home.