Most homeowners don’t know much about security systems. If you are having trouble making the decision on home security, you should do some more research. This is a costly outlay that can greatly enhance your home’s safety, and therefore it is worth your time to learn more.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. This works with a dog that stays outside or a dog with a pet door. You could simply put a key onto your dog’s collar, so it is always handy.

Put your spare key on your dog. This will only be ideal if you have a dog door or an outdoor dog. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

Keep your jewelry, vital documents and other expensive items in a safe. This is very important, as you do not want your gold, diamonds and personal items exposed if someone were to break into your house. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.

Secure your garage. A common concern expressed among homeowners is that someone might enter their garage and use that as an entrance to their home. There is a solution, however. If the garage door lifts via a track, you can use a C-clamp to stop your door from opening at the hands of intruders.

Do you let your dog outside when you leave the house? Use him or her to help hide your spare key! Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn’t react well to strangers, since they won’t approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.

Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spent, you should have an annual test. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. There are quite a few things that can negatively impact the effectiveness of home security equipment. For example, adverse weather conditions or pests such as raccoons can cause problems. You might be unaware of problems that arise in some cases.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). Some give offer the option to monitor all entries into the house. Parents of children can track their kids this way.

The first step in making your home more secure is to change out your locks. As time passes, keys end up getting into the wrong hands. This doesn’t usually cost much, and it can be accomplished in less than a day.

Security System

Hiding places for spare keys must be chosen with extreme care and caution. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. Try hiding the key in your outside dog’s collar.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. Ask for someone else to come out or switch companies. Remember that every aspect of your home security system should support you in feeling more secure.

A wall is a great hiding place. If you have valuables that are small in size, you may want to hide them within your walls. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. Even if every single plate in your home is being used, you can purchase a fake one purpose-built for concealing valuables.

Don’t let any person you don’t completely know into your house. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. There are some people who will just come in to see if you have a home security system, and if you do not, they could come back later when you are not home.

If you have purchased any large and/or expensive items, do not throw the boxes away until the day before the trash man is scheduled to come. They show the world you have money and lots of valuables inside.

Are you aware of the fact that your home wiring is worth money? Some intruders could strip your home of every bit of copper. Copper wiring is quite valuable, and it’s quick and easy for criminals to strip it right off the outside of your house! Therefore, ensure you hide your wires so that burglars cannot see them, or make the wires extremely hard for the burglars to get to.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Make certain the security company you choose provides for regular inspections. A number of factors can cause problems with your security system, including wild animals and mother nature. If you don’t see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.

You should have several flashlights and batteries in all your rooms. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Train your kids how to use flashlights so that all members of the family can contribute.

Your first priority when you move to an apartment or house where others have lived in before is to replace all the locks. Although the tenant before might have turned their key in, they might still have a duplicate key. You can install locks yourself to make sure you’re the only one who has a key.

Motion sensor lights are a great investment. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Remember that the bulbs need to be changed so that the lights keep working.

Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. A background check is also a good idea, so that you know what their criminal history looks like. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.

Anytime you come home and notice that the door is open whenever you are quite certain you closed it, don’t enter on your own to investigate. The thief may remain inside. Your best bet is to contact the authorities and wait outside for them to get there.

Find a home security company you can trust. This is very true when you feel uneasy about the person installing the system. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.

Think about getting a home security system that is wireless. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. Wireless systems are much easier to install, and they can work independently of your home’s power.

If you just purchased electronics, do not leave empty boxes outside. Burglars will instantly take notices of these boxes and what used to be in them, making you an easy burglary target. Cut up the boxes when they’re empty.

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. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.

When you are out of the house, your drapes and blinds should be fully closed. When they’re open, it would be easy to see no one is there. If they spot an item they’re interested in, they will most likely try to enter. Also lower them while you are sleeping.

Ask the company if they offer systems for lease and sale. While you will pay more to buy, you don’t have to keep paying for it month after month. Leasing is usually the cheaper option; however, it does mean higher monthly bills and a contract. Check out both options to discover the best one for you. The option that’s best for one person may not be best for another.

It is not a good idea to hide a spare key on your property. These are the first places criminals will look when they try to enter your home. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. A better solution is to give your key to a neighbor you trust.

We hope you feel more secure now that you know more about security systems for the home. Never forget that you can always improve your security decision-making by learning more on the topic. Use the tips you’ve read here to begin.