Do you know anything about home security? You need to educate yourself so you can make an informed decision when setting up your home security system. It is a cheap way to be sure your family is safe in your home, so keep reading.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.

Always make your house appear to be occupied. You can purchase inexpensive timers that will control different electronics and lights in your home. This way, it will appear that you are at home. This helps you keep your house burglar-free.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? They may provide you with a useful place to hide your key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. This is the perfect place to store a spare key, especially if your dog doesn’t care for strangers.

Home security systems offer other triggering features besides having an alarm sound. Many can be set for sounding their alarm if anyone enters. This is a valuable safety feature for parents of small children since they know if their child has exited the home.

Look at the prices for all of the security systems that you are interested in. Every company offers different pricing. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.

Before selecting any home-security company, talk to your friends to see who they suggest. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access. Some folks will enter to scout for security systems, and upon seeing you lack one, will resolve to return at a later time.

If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.

Don’t open up your door for someone who is a stranger. People are coming up with all sorts of ways to convince people to open their door to them, with the intent of committing burglary or worse. Therefore, only allow people you know and are expecting to enter your home.

Speak with the police in your town regarding the home security programs they have. They may offer neighborhood watch programs, home inspections, engraving tools for marking code numbers onto items so that they will be easily identified if stolen. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.

You need to be sure the attached garage of yours is secure. A lot of garage owners fret over burglars entering this way, but there are answers. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.

Trust your instincts when it comes to hiring a home security company. If the installers make you feel uncomfortable, heed your feelings. If you simply are not comfortable with a company’s technician, request for another technician or simply hire another company. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

Since reading this article, what is your feeling about home security? The more you learn, the better off you’re going to be when it comes to making a decision like this. Have this advice handy when making a decision.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Be sure that the skylights for your home are durable and reliable.