Keeping the integrity and security is something that you need to be serious about and something that can’t be neglected. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to know exactly where to start. You can pick up some great security ideas to help you get off to a good start by checking out the tips provided here.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. You have no way of knowing how many folks might have keys to your house. Having a locksmith replace the locks will ensure that no strangers have a key. If you lose your keys, you should do the same thing.

Make sure you have a safe to keep valuable items in one place. You would hate for your expensive jewelry, personal family belongings, etc. to be stolen in case a burglar breaks into your home. Be sure to put your safe in an out of the way place like the basement, attic or under the floorboards.

Make sure you trust your house cleaner before you provide them with a key. You need to ensure that they are honest and reputable according to references before you have handed over the key. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. Each company has different rates for their security system. Before choosing which company to go with, ask for quotes from a minimum of three companies.

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? Use him or her to help hide your spare key! Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. 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.

Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. It is generally cheap and may be done in a little under a day.

Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it. Never put a spare key under a doormat or above a door jam. A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.

Walls are the perfect place to hide. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. Just use an unwired electric plug, light switch or phone box. If you have no unused plates, you can easily install false ones.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. Even if this stranger has a believable story or is trying to sell you something, do not let them in. This person might just be casing the joint to see if there is home security equipment.

Keep lights on at all times if you want to prevent break-ins from happening. They do not desire to be seen. If you have your home lit up, then you have made it hard for burglars to hide and rob your home. Keep lights on during the night.

When summer comes around, eliminate all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. When summer heats up, such debris can catch fire. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.

Whenever you are landscaping your home, you should consider safety. Make sure that there is nothing obstructing your doors and windows. If these things can be seen by the naked eye, they won’t offer hiding places to potential criminals. Put landscaping farther away from the house for greater safety.

Talk to your local police department about what they offer. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. Get in touch today.

You should find a home security company that will inspect your home and put together a customized system. Everyone has specific needs and wants when dealing with the security of their house, belongings and family. By locating the company that will create the best plan for you, you will be assured you are receiving the best possible home security.

No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. Call the company and have them send someone to check it out. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. If you don’t see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.

Before you think about home security, consider personal security and safety. While these systems are great and can help protect your family, they are not necessary for everyone. In some cases the security system is your best investment, in others you well-served with an alert dog or reinforced locking systems. Understand completely the risks and rewards in order to make an informed purchase decision.

Install lights that use a motion-sensor. The motion sensors turn on the lights whenever anyone approaches your home. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Just remember to change out the bulbs every so often so the lights remain in working order.

If you haven’t bought a paper shredder yet, make it a point to do so. You will be astonished at how burglars find important information from loose paper that they could use to break into your house. If you can’t afford to buy a paper shredder, tear your papers up into tiny bits before throwing them away.

Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. Don’t hire anyone who makes you uncomfortable. Make sure that the installer has experience installing your type of security system. Ultimately, the whole point is for you to have peace of mind.

Consider a surveillance system for your home and property. Both hidden and visible security cameras are effective in protecting your home. Intruders will stay away from your home if they notice cameras and hidden cameras can help identify intruders if they disable the most visible cameras. You can often view these feeds over the Internet, too.

No matter how soon you plan to return home, you should lock your doors. It may be a little surprising, but most burglaries and break-ins happen because the intruder just walks right through an open door. It won’t take long for thieves to steal lots of expensive valuables.

Ask about the different contract durations that a security company can offer you. There are going to be ups and downs for each one. You may pay less if you sign up for longer, but you might also get left with a contract if you have to sell your house. While the monthly rates may be higher for a short-term contract, this option is more flexible.

If you have just moved into a new home, have every single lock replaced. While the person you bought the home from may seem on the up and up, you have no idea who they really are. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.

A safer home will bring you peace of mind. There is no doubt about this. Take what you’ve learned here, and use it to keep your home secure and your family safe.

Replace rotted wood around entryways. It is simple for a robber to pry away rotting wood and enter your home. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.