Is a home security system of interest to you? A lot of people buy one without considering if they really need one. Things like locking the doors may be enough security for you.

Place the spare key that you make on your dog. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Place a spare key on the collar, and when you really need a spare, you know where to go!

Never open the door for a stranger. 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. Keep a hard, fast rule that says you only open the door for invited guests in order to keep your family safe.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

Buy fire-resistant building materials. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. Stopping fire hazards is a key precaution to take since the damage it causes can be considerable.

Trust your instincts when it comes to hiring a home security company. This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those that install your actual system. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. After all, you’re investing in a system that helps you to feel safe, so make sure the process involved in obtaining that system does the same.

Do not open your door for anyone you don’t know. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.

Always lock your house, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. It might shock you to learn that most break-ins occur due to unlocked doors. Once a thief is inside, he can steal a lot of valuables in a short amount of time.

Consider changing your locks as a part of your home security program. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. It should protect the windows too. Every single entry point needs to have monitoring on it. This is the pinnacle of safety.

Be cognizant of what others can see when they look in your windows. 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.

When you purchase big, expensive items be sure to break down the boxes and take them to the recycling center yourself. Exposing the box to view ahead of time signals a burglar that he will find this item in your home.

No matter how soon you plan to return home, you should lock your doors. Most real-world burglars aren’t master lock-breakers; they simply stroll in through a door left carelessly unlocked. It does not take a long time for a robber to pilfer items worth thousands of dollars.

Once you’ve moved to a new house, make it a priority to replace all locks. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

When moving into a house, ensure that each lock has been replaced. You really don’t know much about the people who sold you the home, regardless of how competent they may seem. Bear in mind that other people may have lived in the home before the previous owner.

Plug a rechargeable flashlight into an outlet in each room of your house in the event of power outage. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? A lot of people do not know this until a thief steals them from the house. It does not take much time to strip off the expensive copper wires from the exterior of your house. Be sure to hide your wires or make sure they are hard to get to.

Check references before giving anyone access to your home. A background check which includes any criminal history is warranted. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

Don’t let anyone in your house without knowing their work history and checking their references. You need to do background checks in order to find out about their criminal history. You can never be certain if the contractor, repairman, maid, etc. that you hire to do services in your home is honest. If you let these people in without knowing anything about them, you could experience significant losses.

Whenever seeking out home-security companies, the Internet can be a valuable resource, so utilize it. Go through different websites and investigate testimonials about different companies and packages. From there, you can make appointments with your top three selections to compare final package pricing and specific details about plans and monitoring.

Take advantage of the Internet while comparing your home security options. You should look at testimonials from customers and different information you can find. You’ll find it easy to narrow your choice down to three top contenders; your next step is to arrange to meet each of them to discuss your specific security needs.

A wireless security system could be a good option. While wired systems may seem cheaper, they need your home to be rewired and they can fail due to a power outage. On the other hand, wireless systems use their own power and have easier installations.

Find out how long a company has been in operation before signing a home security contract. Find a home security company that has a good reputation and many years of experience to get excellent service. You should not trust a company that does not have a good record with your local Better Business Bureau or few years of experience.

If you haven’t gotten a paper shredder, it may be time to purchase one. Thieves may look through your garbage for information. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.

Make sure the outside of the house is well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Install lights by each and every entryway to your home. This includes porches and doorways, the garage, as well as ground floor windows, which can invite an intruder.

If you are going to be out of town for more than a day or so, have someone check your mailbox and door for mail and fliers. Thieves will drop off flyers to see if home owners are away. If the fliers isn’t removed, the criminal knows that no one is home.

You should not enter your home if you find the door ajar. This can be quite dangerous because the burglar may still be on your property. Go to a neighbor’s or another safe area and call the police.

Home security systems are often the best choice for some families. You may actually just need to make some adjustments around the house. Be certain to do your research so that you make the very best choice.

If you’ve got guests that you don’t want in particular areas of the home, close the area off so it is not accessible. Each entrance can be fitted with a keyless lock that requires a code to enter. Either you or a security company can install them.