Establishing a safe living environment might seem like a huge task to the average homeowner. But there is no need for it to be tough or costly. These tips will show you how easy and inexpensive it can be.

Don’t give the keys to your home to a professional cleaner unless you trust them completely. Be sure to check out the background of any housekeeper you plan to provide with a key to your home. Check out their references thoroughly. If the person is an employee of a firm, call your local BBB to check their reputation.

Don’t ever let it be apparent that there is no one at home. Invest in timers to automatically turn on and off any electronics at various times. This way it will always look as if someone is home, even when you are away. This is an excellent technique that helps avoid robberies while keeping the property safe.

When looking to buy a security system, shop around. Different companies can provide equivalent levels of service and security, but their prices can vary wildly. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

Don’t let strangers into your home. Folks are always thinking up new schemes to get people to open the door so that they can commit their crimes. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. In order to make this work, your dog either needs to stay outside or have access to a pet door. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

Garage Door

Secure your attached garage. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. If your garage door happens to lift on a track, using a C-clamp can help. the C-clamp prevents the door from opening if it’s tightened on the track close to the roller.

If you will be away from your house for an extended period of time, turn the ringers off for all your phones. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.

Store your car in the garage if you have it. You will not have to worry about thieves taking your car if it is inside your garage. Besides, intruders will have a hard time determining whether or not you are home if you keep your car inside your garage.

Don’t forget about the skylights when securing your home. They look great and provide light, but also are another access point. Fix your skylights so they cannot be accessed as an entry point by intruders.

If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. You can prevent this from happening easily. A C-clamp can prevent a garage door from even opening if the clamp is tightened on the door track near the roller.

Walls are great for hiding things. You can hide small valuables in your walls. Just open up an electrical outlet or a phone jack that is not in use. You can easily install fake unused plates.

Any time you let a stranger into your home that is doing some kind of work, it is best to ask for references. It wouldn’t hurt to also perform a background check. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.

An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the locks. Whether an old roommate left or a relationship ended, changing your locks is a good idea. It is usually inexpensive and can be done in less than 24 hours.

Motion-sensitive exterior lighting is a must. This is a fairly inexpensive way to provide light and security to your property. By carefully placing them around the outside of your property, you create a perimeter that cannot be breached.

Whenever you sign with a home-security company, it is important that you thoroughly read the contract. Look out for hidden charges and surprises, especially if you need to cancel the contract early. You can easily avoid these fees if you do your research.

Your risks of being the target of home intruders really doesn’t depend on the area in which you live. People who live in the country may even be more vulnerable because they do not have nearby neighbors. Still, there are those who are of the opinion that rural properties are less of a temptation to burglars.

Keeping the home illuminated during evening hours helps keep criminals away. They want to avoid being seen. It makes it look like you are home and makes it difficult for thieves to hide. Keep lights on in the evening for a safer home.

Invite a security company to come to your house and figure out a system that will work for you. Everyone has different needs, and your security system should be designed to protect your home and family. If you are able to secure a company willing to tailor a system to your needs, there is a good chance that you will be satisfied.

Hide your valuables in the walls. Keep small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. Target any unused phone jacks or electrical outlets for an easy hiding spot. If you’re using all your outlets, you can install phony ones.

Always keep your home’s exterior well lit. It will be easier for intruders to keep an eye on you and approach your home if they can hide in the dark. Install a light in any area a potential intruder can get into your home. Some examples include first story windows, garages, doorways and porches.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. Some systems aren’t necessary for some, while others may have a need for them. You could, for instance, invest in an alarm system, some outside lights, adopt a dog or take some self-defense classes. Understanding your neighborhood, risks and budget constraints can help you to make the best choices.

Keep your most valuable possessions inside your walls. You don’t have to cut pieces out of the walls. Most homes are pre-equipped with these handy spaces. You could removed the wiring from an electric socket that you aren’t using, and stash jewelry inside it.

If someone looks after your house when you’re gone, have them remove fliers from the door. Canny burglars will often produce and distribute their own fliers so that they can see whether or not anyone takes them down. If the flier is not taken down, the burglar assumes the homeowner is not in town.

For improved security, put your home under video surveillance. This will allow you to see who is around your house. While a visible camera is a deterrent, a burglar might try to disable the camera, but a separate hidden camera can solve this problem. Surveillance systems often allow you to access videos through your cell phone, too.

When a security company wants in your home ask for an ID and see if they’re in uniform. Thieves often pose as security company representatives in order to enter homes and look for valuables. This can be risky for you and your belongings. You want to use caution to prevent danger.

With the above advice, you can better secure your home. You can get right to work on improving your home’s security. These changes will allow you to sleep well at night. You are going to be able to relax completely soon!