How much do you know when it comes to home security systems? You need to educate yourself so you can make an informed decision when setting up your home security system. This investment might be pricey, but it gives you peace of mind and security to those you live with.

Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. 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.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. You can attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!

Change all of your locks when you move in. You don’t know the exact number of copies of that key the previous owners have or have handed out. Changing the locks will give you peace of mind that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.

It is important to invest in building supplies that are as fire resistant as possible. This ensures your home won’t be a tinderbox. Fire prevention should be taken seriously because it can stop a major disaster from happening.

If your social networking accounts are filled with folks you do not really know, do not announce vacations on the sites. It’s great to see new places and take a lot of photos, but posting them while still overseas lets thieves know your home is empty.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Others have likely had both good and bad experiences that they can share with you that can then save you a lot of stress and time. Ask a number of people to get a several different opinions.

Your friends may have some great advice for choosing the right company. You can benefit from the experience of others that have gone before you by paying attention to their recommendations and warnings. Be sure you seek out advice by asking those people.

Take advantage of any and all security resources your local police force makes available to homeowners. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.

Don’t let strangers enter your home. While their story may seem legit, that doesn’t mean it is true. Some people may simply be trying to determine whether or not you have a home security installed; if you don’t, they may plan to return later if you are away from your home.

Get to know your neighbors. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Ask them to look after your home, and in return, look out for theirs. Don’t ignore any gossip either. While this is unorthodox, it may clue you into a possible home security threat.

Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. Lots of folks are concerned about burglars gaining access to the garage and then the home, but this can be addressed. A C-clamp placed on the garage door track will stop it from opening when you don’t want it to.

Motion-sensor lights can alert you of a robbery before it even happens. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs to ensure they continue to work properly.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Ask someone who works at the security company to do a maintenance check. There are many reason why a home security system can have problems, and it might be the weather or wild animals that cause it to malfunction. You might not even discover these problems if they aren’t easily sighted.

When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. If the installers make you feel uncomfortable, heed your feelings. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. You should be very picky when it comes to letting people inspect your home. If you are unsure, contact the security company to make sure that the installer was actually sent by them. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

Since reading this article, what is your feeling about home security? If you know more, you will be more prepared in terms of making your decisions. Remember these tips when you start.

If you do not reside in a big city, you may not worry as much about home burglaries. With neighbors so far away, it may seem like a tiny risk. That said, stranger things have happened.