All homeowners should be well-versed in home security precautions. However, you will need to filter out the large amount of old and misinformation available on the web. The following article will help you learn the ins and outs of home security.

Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

If you need to leave a key for a maid service, make sure that that whoever cleans your house is professional and trustworthy. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

Do you let your dog outside when you leave the house? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Put the key on the dog’s collar. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. Most of them can be programmed to alert you to anyone entering your home. This isn’t just for burglars; parents with young children can also use it as a valuable tool to know when their child has come inside.

Home security systems aren’t just about sounding alarms. Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone enters. This can be useful if you’ve got small children that are able to open doors.

Purchase a safe to lock all of the extremely valuable items in your home in one place. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Be sure to put your safe in an out of the way place like the basement, attic or under the floorboards.

Before leaving for vacation, turn off the ringers in your house. If the phone rings without you there, burglars will suspect that you’re not home, and that can make your home a target for an attack while you’re gone.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. Other people are sure to have opinions and experiences to share. Sometimes, you may get great advice from the people you know.

If you’ve got a garage, boost home security just by using it for only a car instead of storage. Keeping your car inside will deter thieves from stealing or vandalizing it. Besides, intruders will have a hard time determining whether or not you are home if you keep your car inside your garage.

You never want to open up a door to a stranger without proper identification. People try many ways to convince others to open up their doors so that they can commit burglary or worse. Only open the door for people you are expecting.

Don’t be shy. Talk to your neighbors. Watch out for their homes, and ask them to do the same for you. You never want to ignore gossip. You never know what sort of security issues you might become privy to.

Use your garage for what it was intended: your car. Keep the car within the garage will make sure no one harms or steals it. This can also keep people from knowing your schedule.

Do you live out in the country? If so, you might not be as worried about burglars breaking in as those people in the city are. There are differences between large cities and homes located in the countryside. Others feel rural residents have a lower risk of being burglarized.

Always go with your gut when it comes to choosing a security firm. Don’t hire anyone who makes you uncomfortable. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or to hire a new company altogether. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

The walls are a perfect hiding place. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. You could use a phone jack, electrical outlet or a switch plate. If you don’t have unused plates, it’s easy to put in a fake one.

When you choose an alarm system, pick one that offers protection that goes beyond the doors. Your windows should also be protected because burglars can also break into them. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. This is great for keeping the family secure.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Large windows let in light and give you a great view outside, but that works both ways. If you’ve got street facing windows, be sure and keep them covered.

After bringing home a big-ticket item, such as an appliance or electronic device, avoid leaving the packages on the curb before trash day. Letting such packaging sit out will signal to criminals that there are good things to be found in your house.

A good home security system monitors all entry points to your home. Burglars often enter through windows as well. Make sure the alarm is attached to all of them, and that monitoring is offered for all possible entry points. Do this to keep you and your family safe.

Landscape your home with safety in mind. There should be no plants or greenery in front of doors or windows. If you have them visible, people can’t hide in those areas while they try to break in. Keep this in mind as you design.

If you buy expensive electronics or appliances, throw the packages away the day that your trash pickup occurs. Having these type of boxes hanging around will give robbers a good idea of what type of merchandise you have inside of your home.

Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. The most important parts of your home to light are all of its potential access points. This includes porches and doorways, the garage, as well as ground floor windows, which can invite an intruder.

Just moved in? Time for new locks! Regardless of how you feel about the sellers, you never know someone’s true intentions. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. While alarm systems are great, they aren’t necessary for every family. Some individuals are more comfortable with a canine alarm, while other people enjoy the feeling of security that a sophisticated alarm system can bring. Comprehend the risks associated with your home security so you now can make a more well-informed buying decision.

You need flashlights and plenty of batteries in each room just in case your power ever goes out. Flashlights are critical, and provide you with the freedom to move about as needed. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.

Wireless home security systems are becoming more popular. A wired system might cost less, but they can require extensive rewiring work and may be rendered useless if the power fails. On the other hand, wireless systems use their own power and have easier installations.

Alter the locks and the keys when you change homes. The previous tenants may have returned the keys, but they could have a copy. This will help safeguard that there is no one else with your key.

If you don’t own a paper shredder, it would be a good idea for you to buy one. You’d be shocked at how many times thieves search trash looking for personal documents to see when you’re not home so that they can get into your home. If you can’t afford to buy a paper shredder, tear your papers up into tiny bits before throwing them away.

Before you let a security company representative enter your home, make sure they are in uniform, and don’t hesitate to ask them for identification. Intruders could disguise themselves to inspect your home. This is dangerous to your valuables and your family. Be careful to avoid any potential dangers.

For improved security, put your home under video surveillance. This will allow you to see who is around your house. Cameras that can be clearly seen have a powerful deterrent effect, while concealed cameras are difficult or impossible for intruders to disable. It is possible to use your cell phone to look at your surveillance camera, meaning you can see your house when you’re gone.

Motion-sensitive exterior lighting is a must. At night, the lights will keep things bright round the house, but they are also efficient and cost-effective ways to help your security. With good positioning and properly set motion detectors, intruders will not be able to sneak up on your home unnoticed.

The more effort put into your home security education, the better. You need to sift through the mounds of information available to find the reliable tips you can use. Keep these tips handy, so you can refer back to them as you proceed to make your home more secure.

Look online for a reputable home security business. The sites of the companies themselves will provide you with details about their services, testimonials from their customers, and pricing information. With this information, you can contact the companies you feel comfortable with and compare the rates to each other.