Creating a secure place to live may seem like a big job for the average homeowner. But, it need not be time-consuming or costly. By reading this advice, you will see it is simpler and cheaper than you imagined.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. To make sure you’re the only person that can get into your home, contact a locksmith. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

Make your house look occupied all the time. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This makes people think you’re home. This is just one of the many precautions you can take to secure your home.

Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

Do you keep your dog outdoors when you go out? If so, you can use your dog to hide your spare key. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can’t be seen. This is a good way to ensure easy home access, especially if your pet does not associate well with strangers.

Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. As it gets hotter, the chances of these igniting and putting your house at risk increase. Therefore, you need to regularly clean your yard so that your home is protected.

If you want to have a spare key close to your house in order to prevent lockouts, make sure you give its hiding place some careful thought. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.

Follow your instincts when choosing a home security company. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. Never be afraid to ask for a new installer or to get an entirely new firm. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

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. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!

Don’t forget to secure your skylights too. While they are an excellent source of natural light, they are also an easy way for thieves to enter your home. Keep them secure with heavy duty hardware that closes them off to potential thieves.

Remove old plants and debris from your yard. These are vulnerable to fires and put your home in danger. Always clear the yard to ensure safety.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. If you own smaller things that need protection, think about keeping them hidden in the walls. Repurpose phone jacks and electrical outlets as tiny wall safes. If you do not have any unused plates, it is easy to install a false one.

Is your garage used for storage? Consider removing those items and keeping your car there instead. It will be far more secure against thieves. This will keep it away from thieves and vandals. Additionally, if your car is put away, burglars will not be able to tell whether or not you are home.

Purchase an alarm system that has a few “bells and whistles;” you don’t just need protection for your doors. Intruders can enter through your windows too. Make sure the alarm is attached to all of them, and that monitoring is offered for all possible entry points. This is a way to make sure your family will be safe.

You should have a better idea of what you can do to make your home safer. Start the change today. You will soon have a home that you feel completely safe in at all times of the day and night. You are going to be able to put your feet up and relax very soon.

One of the best things you can do to protect your home at night is to deter intruders with plenty of exterior lighting. Most burglars rely on concealment to approach a home. When you have a well-lit home, crooks won’t be able to hide and it will be hard for them to break in undetected. Thus, you should always keep lights on at nighttime.