It may seem a little overwhelming determining the ins and outs of security. Improving home security is not necessarily expensive or time-consuming. Keep reading to discover some great home security tips and advice.

Be very cautious about entrusting a maid service with a key to your home. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Carefully check their references. If they work for a firm, call the local Better Business Bureau to find out that firm’s reputation.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? Your furry friend is also a great storage place for your extra key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.

When you’re going away, turn off your phone ringers. If the phone continues to ring while you’re gone, this lets an intruder know that the home is empty.

Spare Key

Remove all of the vegetation outside in the hotter months. You risk a house fire if that sits there during the heat of the summer and catches fire. Clearing your yard keeps your home, belongings and family much safer.

Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.

Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. This type of light will come on when they detect motion within a certain distance of your home. Motion-sensitive lights will alert you to movement and deter people who want to break into your home. Get in the habit of checking and replacing the bulbs as necessary to ensure the lights remain effective.

Never open the door for a stranger. People you do not know could have bad intentions or want to get an idea of how many valuable objects you own. Keep a hard, fast rule that says you only open the door for invited guests in order to keep your family safe.

When securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. While they are there to let light in, if you do not care for it properly it could also let in a thief. Be certain to have skylights that incorporate strong, durable hardware.

You need to secure your garage if it is attached to your home. Often people are concerned that burglars can enter the home via the attached garage . Happily, there is a solution to this problem. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. It’s not necessary to cut out parts of your wall to do this. Most homes are pre-equipped with these handy spaces. Unused electrical sockets can be great for hiding expensive jewelry.

If you’ve got a garage, make sure to use it for your car rather than extra storage space. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. Keeping your car out of sight is also good for thwarting burglars’ attempts to determine when you are likely to be away from home.

While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. Burglars can gain entry through your windows as well. Make sure you have a monitored alarm on every one of them. Doing this will help ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

When it comes to securing your home, start by changing your locks. 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. Changing locks is not very expensive and should be done within a few hours.

Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. Having these in an easy to find place will allow you to see in the dark much quicker. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Although a skylight can bring light into one’s home and look good, it’s also a common entrance way for burglars. Fix your skylights so they cannot be accessed as an entry point by intruders.

Make sure that the person analyzing your home for a home security system is who he says. Burglars are creative, and they often pose as a member of the security team to get inside. This puts your household and valuables at considerable risk. Be careful if you want to avoid danger.

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. Your home should have a few pre-cut areas that can be used. Unused electrical sockets can be great for hiding expensive jewelry.

One of the best things you can do to protect your home at night is to deter intruders with plenty of exterior lighting. That’s because they want to remain hidden. By minimizing dark and shady areas, you are taking away a potential burglar’s hiding spots. Thus, you should always keep lights on at nighttime.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Large windows allow you to keep an eye on who is approaching your home, but keep in mind that potential intruders will be tempted if they can see your valuables. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.

As the company that is doing your home security how long they’ve been providing this service. Many years of service bode well for the company’s performance. You may not feel as safe if you opt to go with a company that has not been in business for long or that does not have a stable history.

The alarm system you choose should protect more than just the doors to your home. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. You want to be sure that the alarm is connected to all windows and entry points. This is vital to keeping your family safe.

If you think something looks odd when you get back home, don’t go inside. This can be dangerous since the intruder might still be on the property. Instead, call the police to inform them of what happened, and wait on them.

Motion sensing lights are a good way to increase home security. These lights illuminate your home during the night. As an added bonus, they are affordable and quite efficient. With good positioning and properly set motion detectors, intruders will not be able to sneak up on your home unnoticed.

Put up video surveillance. This will allow you to see who is around your house. Most intruders are discouraged by visible cameras. But, if they attempt to disable the camera, you will still be able to see them if you have a hidden camera. Find a security system that gives you the option to view the video feed from your phone so you can check on your home at anytime.

Before signing up for home security, find out how long they’ve been in business. Any business with multiple years of history has a proven record in being reliable. When you know that you’re dealing with a company of some repute, you can feel more at ease making that decision.

Keeping thieves from the contents of your garage can be as simple as making sure they can’t easily look inside. Use frosted, adhesive backed plastic to cover the windows. You can purchase this at a home improvement store. Do not keep your door open long enough for people to get an idea of what you own.

For maximum safety, your home needs bright exterior lighting. Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their crimes. You should put a light on any area where a person could break in. This includes doorways, windows, and your garage.

If you buy a new, expensive electronic, such as a television or computer, do not leave the empty boxes on your curb. A burglar may see the box and decide to target you as a result. Remember to cut up or break down those boxes and take them to the recycling center.

Wireless Systems

If the living room window in your home is facing the street, you must keep the curtains closed. It’s best to discourage peeping toms. When your valuables are on display, burglars will see it as a veritable buffet. Make sure you’re discreet concerning your belongings so you can keep your chances of being robbed at a minimum.

A wireless home security system could be just the option you are looking for. While wireless systems are often cheap, the cost of installation can be sky high. Wireless systems are much more simple to install and upkeep, and the power inside your home will not affect them.

Captive keylock deadbolts are your best bet. This makes it impossible to open the lock from the outside because of the thumb latch. When at home you should keep the key securely in the lock. In this way you will be able to exit quickly in case of emergency.

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. If the burglars see the empty boxes, then they will realize you have the items in your home. As a result, they’ll be more likely to break in so they can steal it. Break up the boxes into smaller pieces before you put them near the curb.

It’s sadly true that women who live on their own or with children are especially tempting targets for burglars and home invaders. A pair of big muddy boots placed outside your door gives the impression that a man lives there. This visual can deter burglars from targeting your home.

Now that you’ve got some useful home security tips, they can be used to better secure your home. Alter your home for maximum security. In no time at all, you will have round the clock peace of mind about your home security. This can create a much safer environment for you and your family.

A big dog that barks loud can help protect your home and your family. Burglars are unlikely to desire an encounter with such an animal. Consider getting a large dog that may protect your family, but is also great with your kids.