What is security worth? Are you finding out that the price tags on major home security systems out of your range? Do you want to utilize cheaper options? Well, now there are, and they’re right under your nose. This article has some cheap tips for home security.

Always make your house appear to be occupied. Purchase timers for electronics, lights, radios and TVs so that they will turn on and off at varied intervals. It’ll make it seem like someone is home. This will help to deter burglars.

It is a good idea to replace all the locks on the new home you buy. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. When you lose your keys, have your locks rekeyed.

Turn the ringer off on your telephone if you are going to be away. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. Some folks will enter to scout for security systems, and upon seeing you lack one, will resolve to return at a later time.

Purchase a safe to lock all of the extremely valuable items in your home 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. Keep the safe hidden somewhere remote.

You should regularly check your home security system, regardless of how reliable you believe it is. A security professional should visit to help with the testing process. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. You may not know there’s an issue if you can’t see it.

Change your locks if someone you don’t trust moves out of your home. Perhaps you aren’t sure who owned the home before you or maybe an old roommate has a key and never returned it. Regardless, changing the locks will ensure your security. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

Ask friend for any advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. There are likely people you know that have had either good or bad experiences with these companies. Therefore, ask everyone you can in order to obtain the most advice. With thorough advice, the best decision can be made.

The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. Jewelry and other small items can be protected very well when placed in hiding places in your walls. Simply take advantage of an unused switch plate, electrical outlet, or phone jack. You put in a fake plate if there aren’t any unused in your home.

Before you let any strangers enter your home, be sure you look over their references. A background check may also be a good idea. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.

When planning to go away for a holiday, be sure to turn off the ringers on your home phones. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.

Add motion detector lighting to the exterior of your home for increased security. These lights provide extra light for your home and are very cost efficient. Positioned correctly, these lights can make it impossible for intruders to get on your property undetected.

A bright home is a safe home. Thieves don’t want to be visible. Ample lighting makes it difficult for would-be burglars to approach undetected, and this turns your home into a less attractive target. Keep lights on in the evening for a safer home.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Only open the door for people you are expecting.

Consider home security and safety when you are planning your landscaping. You should have a clear view out of all your windows and an unobstructed path to any doors. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. For a beautiful yard that’s also safe, keep the landscaping separated from the house.

Research how long a security company has been in the business before contracting with them. You can be sure that an established company has a good track record of providing solid and reliable service. It also ensures they’re not a fly-by-night firm.

You should always park your car inside your garage instead of using your garage to store some belongings. This will help to keep your vehicle safe. It will also keep any intruders from knowing when you’re home.

The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. Install lights by each and every entryway to your home. This extends to doorways, porches, garages and lower windows.

Wireless home security systems are becoming more popular. A wired system should be less expensive but you might have to spend your money on getting your home rewired. Wireless systems are much easier to install, and they can work independently of your home’s power.

Regardless of the quality of your home security system, you need to check it annually. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. 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 may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.

Feeling safe in your home shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you aren’t able to spend too much, there are cheaper alternatives that are equally effective at keeping you safe. Apply all the tips you read in this article to keep your family safe. These tips will prove to be invaluable.