Understanding the various facets of home security is an important focus for every homeowner. However, there is a lot of information out there on this topic, so it may seem overwhelming at first. The information from this article can help you establish the things you need to do and help you implement a home security plan.

Your dog can actually safeguard a spare key. This will only be ideal if you have a dog door or an outdoor dog. Place a spare key on the collar, and when you really need a spare, you know where to go!

Make your home look occupied at all times. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. Potential intruders will stay away from your home if they believe someone is inside. This will help to deter burglars.

Make sure your attached garage is secure. Many people are concerned about people entering their garages to gain access to their homes. A C-clamp is very useful for garage doors that lift on tracks. It will prevent garage doors from opening up whenever it is near the roller and is tight on the track.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. This works with a dog that stays outside or a dog with a pet door. Just place your key on your dog’s collar.

Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. They are a potential fire hazard during warmer months. Regularly clear away your yard to keep your home in good standing and safe for your family.

Any time you buy a new home, have the locks changed. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. Get a locksmith in right away. When you lose your keys, have your locks rekeyed.

Get to know your neighbors. Talk to the people who live in your neighborhood. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. Never neglect gossip. You might find out valuable information related to security, like if there have been any strangers hanging around.

Be sure your roof, floors, and ceiling are fire resistant. This will add an extra protection layer for your house, particularly if you live near power lines or in a dry location. Fire is such a destructive force that it makes excellent sense to reduce fire hazards in your home whenever possible.

Motion sensor lights on the exterior of your home is a great idea. These lights turn on if someone walks closely to your house. They will notify you of any movement and can deter any possible burglars since they like remaining inconspicuous. Be sure to keep these lights working, though.

Before selecting any home-security company, talk to your friends to see who they suggest. You can benefit from the experience of others that have gone before you by paying attention to their recommendations and warnings. Ask around so you’ll have as much advice as you need in order to make a sound decision.

If you buy expensive electronics or appliances, throw the packages away the day that your trash pickup occurs. If you leave the boxes out all week, it lets people know what type of items you have in your home.

Contact the local police department to find out more about the protection programs they offer. Some police departments offer things like code numbers to help find your valuables should they get stolen. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

When moving into a house, ensure that each lock has been replaced. Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.

Annual check-ups are important for alarm systems. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. There are many things that can be problematic with regards to home security systems, like wayward wild animals and the environment. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.

When moving into a previously owned home, change the locks. The previous tenant or owner may not have the keys, but you don’t know if they made copies for themselves or others. This will help safeguard that there is no one else with your key.

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Always get references from anyone you are considering hiring to do work inside your home. Try doing a background check to look at 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.

Follow your instincts when choosing a home security company. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. If you are unsure, contact the security company to make sure that the installer was actually sent by them. Security is supposed to give you peace of mind after all!

Keep safety at the forefront when landscaping your property. There should be no plants or greenery in front of doors or windows. If they can be seen, there will be no place to hide. Keep landscaping away from your house for safety reasons.

When you choose an alarm system, pick one that offers protection that goes beyond the doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Each point of entry for your home should be monitored by the system. Doing this will help ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

Get a custom-designed plan that fits your needs by having the security company do a site visit in your home. Different people require different plans. A good company will tailor your security plan to the needs of you and your family.

When you are trying to hire a home security contractor, read all the small print on your contract before signing it. Look out for hidden charges and surprises, especially if you need to cancel the contract early. You should avoid such expenses if you can, so make yourself aware.

You should not enter your home if you find the door ajar. You have no way of knowing whether the thieves are still inside. Call the cops and let them do the initial walk through.

Having a bright and lit-up home at night deters crooks. Thieves don’t want to be visible. If your house is well-lit, criminals will be hard pressed to be able to go undetected. At night, keep your lights turned on to boost security.

Wireless alarm systems are a great investment. A wired system is probably less expensive, but wires are a hassle. Systems that operate in a wireless environment can be easier to manage and are not as likely to cause extensive rewiring issues.

Think about your personal security needs before you purchase a home security system. Although these systems can protect you and your family, not everybody needs them. In some neighborhoods, it may be better for you to have a dog, or even take self defense classes in order to protect yourself. Ensure that you have considered all your options before making a final decision.

Put a surveillance system in your home. This will allow you to see who is around your house. Visible cameras deter the majority of intruders, and if they try to disarm them, a camera that is hidden will keep capturing footage. Some security systems can be accessed with cell phones, so you can check on your house while you are away.

If you do not already have a paper shredder, you may want to think about investing in one. You will be astonished at how burglars find important information from loose paper that they could use to break into your house. Rip important documents in small pieces before throwing them away if you do not have a paper shredder.

Don’t let anyone peek into your garage. Frosted windows will keep a burglar from being able to see inside. The material needed to do this can be found at home improvement stores. Also, avoid leaving the door open for prolonged periods of time.

A great way to deter criminals from getting into the garage is to make sure nobody sees inside it. Cover windows using frosting, which you can buy at large hardware stores, to keep people from peeking in your window. If you use your garage for working on projects, don’t forget to lock it when you’re through working for the day.

Your precious pooch is one of your best home security weapons. Dogs naturally protect their homes and they make lots of noise when things go wrong. Keeping a huge and ferocious canine is not necessary. Small dogs are noisy and unpredictable and very good at deterring burglars.

Don’t hide your keys in obvious places. Fake rocks are very easy to spot. Many people also know to check under the welcome mat. A better idea is to have a friend or neighbor keep your emergency key. This will reduce the chances of a burglary.

Discuss various contracts offered by any home security provider you are exploring. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. A long term contract should have a lower monthly rate but it also requires you to commit for a long period of time. With a shorter contract, you will have a greater level of flexibility. The downside is you will also have larger monthly bills.

Every homeowner should learn all they can to protect their home. You need to sift through the mounds of information available to find the reliable tips you can use. Therefore, it pays to refer back to the information found above whenever you require guidance on the subject of keeping your home safe and sound.

Think about hard-wired security systems if you’re worried about long term maintenance costs. While there is a greater level of convenience if you go wireless, there is also a requirement that several batteries be changed, sometimes multiple times a year. Neglecting this maintenance can cause faults in your security system and leave you improperly protected. Furthermore, it can be costly to replace multiple batteries.