Any homeowner should be doing everything they can to ensure their family’s safety. Unfortunately, burglaries are becoming more and more common these days, and there are also other things to consider such as flood and fires. Keep reading to learn a few things you can do to protect yourself.

Always take time to compare and research before investing in an expensive security system for your home. Prices vary greatly in regards to the same protection for each company. Be sure and get a minimum of three quotes from different companies prior to choosing one.

Do you have an outside dog? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

If you like to have a key hidden in case you lose yours, place it in a safe place. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Wild variations in pricing can exist for similar security products. Get quotes from no less than three companies before choosing the best one.

Request information from your local law enforcement agencies about home protection packages. The police can offer you some great advice, help you engrave valuables and even come check out your home. Contact your local police department to find out if they offer this type of program.

Store your car in the garage if you have it. Keeping the car inside is a good way to keep criminals from stealing or harming it. This will also make it more difficult for burglars to track when you away from home.

Keep your car in your garage. If your car is in your garage there is less of a chance to vandalize or steal it. Keeping your car out of sight is also a good way to prevent intruders from determining whether or not you are home.

End your shyness. Speak to your neighbors. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. Pay attention to gossip as well. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. As time passes, keys end up getting into the wrong hands. It shouldn’t cost too much, and the process can be completed very quickly.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. If the installers give you the heebie-jeebies, it’s not a good sign. Never be afraid to ask for a new installer or to get an entirely new firm. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.

You can hide certain valuables within your walls. You don’t have to damage the walls to do so. There are lots of places around the home that have pre-cut areas that you can use. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.

Those living in rural areas often don’t worry as much about intruders compared to city dwellers. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. However, understand that regardless of where you live, a theft can occur anywhere. Therefore, you need to be prepared.

No matter how soon you plan to return home, you should lock your doors. A lot of times, burglaries happen due to carelessness. It does not take long for thieves to steal your expensive stuff.

Be sure to secure the skylights to your home. Though skylights bring light into your home and look nice, it is also a very common way for burglars to get into your home. Use heavy-duty hardware to secure your skylights to the roof.

While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. All of your windows are possible entry points for a thief too. The alarm and monitoring system should be set for all windows and doors. With this method, your family will be safer.

Walls are great for hiding things. If you own smaller things that need protection, think about keeping them hidden in the walls. Target any unused phone jacks or electrical outlets for an easy hiding spot. Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.

When you purchase big, expensive items be sure to break down the boxes and take them to the recycling center yourself. Empty boxes might draw the attention of robbers and let everyone know you own new and expensive goods.

Stashing your most precious possession right inside the walls of your home can be a great idea. You don’t have to cut out pieces of the wall to do this. There should be pre-cut spaces throughout your home that will suffice. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.

Were you aware of how valuable your house wires are? Many people do not realize this until a crook steals it off of their home. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. Hide your wiring to secure it.

Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Burglars are well aware of these hiding places. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.

Replace rotted wood that surrounds your door frame. A burglar can easily strip away wood that has rotted. As a result, this will assist them in breaking into your home. Replace it as soon as possible.

Don’t just consider alarming your doors when you’re considering an alarm system. All windows can be entry spots for thieves. Therefore, ensure the windows have an attached alarm. All potential entry points should have an alarm. This is the pinnacle of safety.

Keep lights on at all times if you want to prevent break-ins from happening. They do not desire to be seen. When your home is lit well, the crooks have nowhere to hide, making it difficult for them to steal from you undetected. Keep the lights on if you want your home to be secure.

Before allowing someone into your house, be sure to carefully check their references. Be sure to perform a background check and look for any criminal history that might be in evidence. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.

Ask a home security company to come to your house and design a security system that is perfect for your needs. Every homeowner has specific needs for their home and their family. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

Think about getting a wireless security system for the home. These systems are much more efficient and can save you time and hassle. On the other hand, wireless systems use their own power and have easier installations.

Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. They aren’t the right fit for everyone. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Know the risks so that you can make a better decision.

Many things can be threats to your home, which is why you need a good security system. The ideas in this article will keep your residence protected. Apply what you’ve just learned, and keep your home safe.

Keeping thieves from the contents of your garage can be as simple as making sure they can’t easily look inside. 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. Keep your garage door closed as often as possible, too.