The market for home security is huge. No matter where you live, you probably have a concern in the back of your head about people breaking in. In fact, the most burglarized homes are the ones that don’t appear to worry about home security. If keeping your house safe is a priority, reading this piece is a must.

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. 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 will keep people from breaking in.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. Call a locksmith to make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

Before selecting any home-security company, talk to your friends to see who they suggest. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.

Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. When giving your house cleaner the key to your home, you need to be sure that they are reputable and honest. Check out their references thoroughly. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.

Never let a stranger inside. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. Some folks will enter to scout for security systems, and upon seeing you lack one, will resolve to return at a later time.

Do not open your door for people you do not know. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

Does your dog like to play in your yard? If so, you can use your dog to hide 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.

Be sure you have secured your attached garage. There is a way to stop thieves from entering your home from the garage. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

End your shyness. Talk to your neighbors. By knowing the people in your neighborhood, you can rest a little easier knowing that people are looking out for each other. Don’t disregard gossip either. You may end up hearing about things such as odd folks roaming about the neighborhood.

Home security systems aren’t just about sounding alarms. They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. This is a good way to know if your small child has opened a door or closed it.

Do not place your spare keys under your mat or even in plant boxes. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Any thief knows all the typical hiding spots. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. If your windows face a street, be sure they’re always covered and have your valuables safe.

When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, make sure you comparison shop. Most companies have different price schemes for the the same general level of protection. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.

If your home security system is installed, be sure its wires are well-hidden. You do not want the wires exposed for easy manipulation. Don’t let this happen; bury or hide the wires. It will keep your family safer.

If you are moving in your new home, ensure all the old locks are replaced. The previous owner may be perfectly respectable, but you can’t know that for sure. If the previous owners have never changed the locks, there could be people out there who owned the house before them and still have keys to your house.

Buy fire resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling materials. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. It’s best to prevent a fire before it starts.

Rotted Wood

Replace rotted wood that surrounds your door frame. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. 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.

After moving into a pre-owned apartment or home, change the locks. The previous tenants may have returned the keys, but they could have a copy. It’s easy to install locks, so you can just purchase them at the home improvement store and swap them out to be sure you have the only keys.

If you purchase an expensive item, get rid of the box rather than allowing it to sit outside your home. Burglars will see these boxes and recognize that there are new valubles in your house. Remember to cut up the boxes when they’re emptied.

Speak with the police in your town regarding the home security programs they have. They often offer home inspections, seminars and even the ability to purchase items. Contact your local police department to find out if they offer this type of program.

Are the numbers of your home visible from the street? If an emergency occurs, the police will not be able to find your home as quickly if these numbers are too small or are obscured in some way. Luckily, this is a quick and inexpensive fix if you notice that there is a problem.

Discuss various contracts offered by any home security provider you are exploring. There are of course pros and cons for each contract. Longer contracts can lower your monthly bill; however, you may have to continue paying the bill even if you move or discontinue with their services. A shorter contract gives you more freedom, but it may cost you more per month.

Keep your car in your garage. If your car is in your garage there is less of a chance to vandalize or steal it. 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.

Never hide keys in obvious locations. The classic fake rock is too common and too easy to detect. Many people will look under your doormat. Talk to a neighbor or someone that you know to hold your key. This will reduce the chances of a burglary.

A home alarm investment is well worth the money, provided someone contacts 911 when it is set off. Having it centrally monitored is your best bet. You really cannot depend on your neighbor to contact the police.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. You should be very picky when it comes to letting people inspect your home. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. After all, the point of the system itself is to help you feel more at ease.

Captive keylock deadbolts are your best bet. They include thumb latches that prevent anyone from breaking a window and reaching around to unlock the door. As a safety measure, keep the key inserted on the inside, so if there is a fire you will be able to open the door quickly.

Keeping your family safe means looking into home security options. Crime always strikes whenever it is least expected. What you’ve read here will help you to prepare. Don’t procrastinate in doing this. Protect your home now before burglary occurs.

Your risks of being the target of home intruders really doesn’t depend on the area in which you live. There are differences between large cities and homes located in the countryside. Some people, though, believe that you will not be at risk for a burglary.