Do you know anything about home security systems? If you’re lost just pondering this subject, you need some facts. This is an expensive investment that means everything to the safety of your family, so continue reading to learn more. Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it.
Do you know anything about home security systems? If you’re lost just pondering this subject, you need some facts. This is an expensive investment that means everything to the safety of your family, so continue reading to learn more.
Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.
Beware giving keys to your maid unless the service has your absolute trust. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. It is best to do a reference check on them. If they work through a larger firm, you can check up on the company with your local Better Business Bureau.
Don’t let strangers into your home. People are coming up with all sorts of ways to convince people to open their door to them, with the intent of committing burglary or worse. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.
Do you keep your dog outside when you aren’t home? He or she is actually a great place to store your spare key. Put it on their 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.
If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. There is a solution for people that are worried about burglars going into their home through an attached garage. Place a C-Clamp on the door track near the roller. This will prevent the door from lifting.
When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.
Regardless of the type of home security system you choose, be sure to have regular inspections and maintenance performed. Get someone from the security firm to inspect it. Many different things can make problems for your security system. Sometimes it is very difficult to see the problem if you don’t know where it is.
Avoid opening the door if you don’t know who is standing on the other side. People are coming up with all sorts of ways to convince people to open their door to them, with the intent of committing burglary or worse. Therefore, only allow people you know and are expecting to enter your home.
Be more proactive when you are determining the safety of your neighborhood. Talk to your neighbors and those on your block. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. Listen for gossip too. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.
Use your garage for your car and not for storage. This will keep it away from thieves and vandals. This can also keep people from knowing your schedule.
Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. Don’t forget to replace the bulbs when they burn out.
When securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. Skylights are excellent for beauty and light, but it’s easy for burglars to gain access to your home through them. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.
Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. After all, the point of the system itself is to help you feel more at ease.
Keep valuables hidden within the walls. It is not necessary to cut out pieces from your wall. Your home should have a few pre-cut areas that can be used. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.
Compared to city dwellers, you might feel more safe in your rural home. People who live in the country may even be more vulnerable because they do not have nearby neighbors. That said, stranger things have happened.
Always lock your house, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. Break-ins are often the result of unlocked windows and doors. A thief could steal all your valuables in only a few minutes.
Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. You might think this protects you against being locked out of your home, but it also gives intruders access to your home. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Rather, give your key to a neighbor you find trustworthy.
Just moved in? Time for new locks! Regardless of how trustworthy you consider the last owners to be, neither you nor they can be sure that there aren’t others out there with keys to those locks. Aside from that, other people lived in the home even before the ones from whom you purchased the home.
When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. Intruders can easily disable your home security system by cutting or unplugging the wires. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. Your safety will increase.
Did you know that the wires on your home are valuable? Lots of people don’t know this until their wires are stolen. The reason they are valuable is because of their copper. A burglar can easily strip off your wires from the outside of your home very quickly. Be sure to keep your wiring hidden or difficult to reach.
Are you aware of the value of your home’s wires? The majority of people aren’t aware of this fact until a burglar steals these wires. The copper in the wiring is valuable and can be stripped off of the outside of the home in a relevantly short period of time. Make sure your wiring is hidden or hard to access to keep this valuable property safe.
Equipping each room in your house with a reliable flashlight (charged with good batteries, of course!) is an excellent safety investment. It is extremely important that you have flashlights because they allow you to move around easier in the dark, which is especially useful in an emergency. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.
Replace rotted wood around any door frames. An intruder could pry the rotten wood easily to open the door. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.
Carefully check the references of everyone before allowing them to enter your home. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.
There are wireless systems available for home security, as another option. Systems that are wired can be a little cheaper, but may need significant reworking of your home’s electrical wiring and can fail in a power outage. Wireless systems are easier to install and maintain, and they do not rely on the power in your home to work correctly.
You want to know what is included in a contract if you’re signing up with a security company. There may be hidden expenses involved if you terminate service before the contract term is up, and there may be added equipment fees. If you can’t avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.
Invest in a good paper shredder. You would be surprised at how often thieves look through trash to find personal information to find out when you will be away from home so they can break in. Cutting the papers into small pieces with a pair of scissors is another option.
Keeping your home well lit at night can help keep the burglars away. They wish to avoid detection. Ample lighting makes it difficult for would-be burglars to approach undetected, and this turns your home into a less attractive target. Keep the lights on when it’s dark.
Never enter your house if the door is open or something doesn’t feel right. Your home and the area surrounding it may still be in danger. Just contact the police and sit tight until they arrive.
You do not want to use spring latch locks. They give intruders and easy time breaking in, since they can be unlocked with a credit card. Intruders simply wedge a credit card between the door and latch, triggering the lock to open. If you already have spring latch locks, install a deadbolt for added security.
When you purchase an expensive item such as a computer or TV, be sure to take the cardboard box to the recycling center rather than leaving it on your curb for all the world to see. Burglars pay attention to this, and it will make them want to break in and get the items. Cut the boxes and wait until the garbage truck comes to put them outside.
If you aren’t at the house, keep the windows and curtains closed. You don’t want potential thieves knowing you are gone. By failing to do so, you are granting a prime view of your house and your belongings. They may break in if they see things they like. You should keep them closed while you are asleep.
Talk to your home-security company to see if they provide buy and lease options for your equipment. It may be more expensive to buy equipment at the outset; however, you may save money in the long run if you are free from monthly payments. Leasing is cheaper, but there may be hidden fees and contracts. You need to think about each option to think about what is right for your home.
Do not store your car registration in your glove box. Anyone with access to your car can find out where you live, so it is not a smart thing to do. Keep them on you, or another place to hide them. You still need to have them close in case you are pulled over.
Women are more likely than men to be a target for burglary. This is especially true if they live on their own with children. Make it seem as if there is a man living in your home by putting large mud boots on your porch and a man’s hat in your car. This will make criminals think twice before breaking into your home.
Now you have learned the basics, and you should feel better about your upcoming purchase. When you know more, the more likely you are to make a smart choice when deciding security issues. Remember what you’ve read as you begin your home security plans.
It is better to buy equipment from a security company directly, instead of from someone re-selling it. Re-sellers are after making a profit; therefore, they don’t have your best interests in mind. Dealing with the company directly can help ensure that your system will be installed and serviced correctly.
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