How much do you understand about home security? If you discover that you don’t know much about the subject, read on. It is a cheap way to be sure your family is safe in your home, so keep reading.

Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!

Your home should looked occupied all the time. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. This gives off the appearance that someone is home. This will help safeguard your house to the best of your ability.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

Ask friends for some advice before choosing home security companies and systems. They have likely had interactions with home security providers that they can tell you about, saving you time and stress. Making a great choice is important, so this advice will come in handy.

Put your spare key on your dog. If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Hide a key inside the collar of your dog in case you need a spare.

Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. These people might want to actually do you harm or could be casing out your house for a future break-in.

Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.

Invest in a safe in order to secure very valuable items. This is vital since it means all of your things will be safe if someone breaks in your home. Hide your safe in a hard to find place like the basement or attic.

Regardless of the type of home security system you choose, be sure to have regular inspections and maintenance performed. The security company should have a specialist come to look at it. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. Sometimes it is very difficult to see the problem if you don’t know where it is.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. You need to feel secure with the entire process.

It is important to invest in building supplies that are as fire resistant as possible. This will help you protect your home under all circumstances. Avoiding fire hazards is a great way to keep things safe.

Do you live outside the city? You might be less worried about home invasions than if you lived in an urban area. There are differences between large cities and homes located in the countryside. Still there are those that think that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

Place your valuables in cut-outs in your walls. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. There are many places in your home that are pre-cut and available. For example, you might remove the cover of an electrical outlet, disconnect the wires, and use the space to hide small valuables.

You should not let anyone inside your home. Even if someone has a good story, requires help or has a great product to sell, ignore them. Some people want to enter your home just to see if there is a security system in place. They may be scoping the place to come back when you’re gone.

While an alarm system or other security measures can make your home much safer, you must be sure that your security wiring isn’t exposed. Intruders can easily disable your home security system by cutting or unplugging the wires. Don’t make it easy for an intruder, have the wires buried or hidden within the home’s walls. This can make you safer.

Are you aware of the value contained in your home’s wiring? Often homeowners are unaware of this fact until they find that their wiring has been stolen. Copper, found in many wires, can be removed in little time, and is worth quite a bit of money. Be sure to hide your wires or make sure they are hard to get to.

Put up motion activated lighting. These lights turn on if someone walks closely to your house. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Remember to keep working bulbs in them at all times.

Rotted Wood

Replace rotted wood around any door frames. Rotted wood can be easily removed by thieves. Replace wood that is starting to rot with fresh new wood to keep your home as safe as possible.

If you’ve got skylights, don’t forget about it when it comes to home security. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Be certain to have skylights that incorporate strong, durable hardware.

Having your house lit up during the night is a good way to scare intruders. Burglars don’t want to be visible. With a well-lit home, thieves cannot hide or break in unnoticed. Keep the lights on when it’s dark.

You need to think about what you need as far as home security before you look at different systems. Some systems aren’t necessary for some, while others may have a need for them. In some neighborhoods, you might be better off taking a self defense class or owning a dog, while in others, the latest innovations in home security will protect you best. Comprehend the risks associated with your home security so you now can make a more well-informed buying decision.

You could hide some valuables within your walls. It is unnecessary cut space into your wall. There are many places in your home that are pre-cut and available. For example, you might remove the cover of an electrical outlet, disconnect the wires, and use the space to hide small valuables.

Make sure a surveillance system is part of your home security system. Adding video cameras on the property can be a good idea. Cameras that can be clearly seen have a powerful deterrent effect, while concealed cameras are difficult or impossible for intruders to disable. Many surveillance systems can even be accessed via cell phone, allowing you to check up on your home when you are away.

Inquire about various contract lengths which your security company might offer. There are going to be ups and downs for each one. Your bill may be lower with a long-term contract, but you could wind up paying for a service you’re not using if you decide to move. If you want more freedom, it is best to purchase a more expensive but shorter contract.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Thieves are aware of all these spots. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.

If you keep a spare key outside, make sure it is not kept in an obvious location. Fake rocks are particularly simple to spot. The thief will check under the mat before anything else. A better plan is to ask someone you trust to keep your extra key in case you need it. If that option isn’t available to you, be creative with your hiding spots.

Don’t use your birth date as the password for your security alarm. It is easy for anybody to learn your birthday, which makes it easy for them to access the house. Make it a random number that you and your family can commit to memory.

Choose an alarm which monitors other areas outside your doors. Windows are a way for thieves to enter your home as well. Get an alarm that will trigger if either the doors or windows are opened. Doing this will help ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you should feel confident that you can make your home a secure one. The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you’ll be with regards to home security. Remember these tips when you start.