Every home should have a good home security system, but not everyone does this. To fully understand a great home security plan, studying and researching is necessary. Continue reading to find out more about a good home security plan.

Only allow maids and cleaning services to have a key to the house if they are known to be trustworthy. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Check references thoroughly. If they work for a firm, call the local Better Business Bureau to find out that firm’s reputation.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Get a good safe to store your valuables in your home. This is vital if you don’t want diamonds, gold or other personal items exposed to a home intruder. Keep the safe hidden somewhere remote.

Buy a safe and use it to hold all of the valuables in your home. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Keep the safe hidden in a hard-to-find location like an attic or a basement closet.

Turn the ringers off on all your phones if you will be away for a prolonged period of time. A ringing phone that goes unanswered may signal to a burglar that nobody is home.

Buy housing materials that are fire resistant. This will give your home added security. You can enhance home safety with excellent fire precautions.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. Nowadays, thieves are creative when thinking of ways to get homeowners to open a door and let them in. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.

Social networking sites are great for keeping in touch, but post information sparingly. For example, you might avoid broadcasting when you are going out of town, especially if your friends list contains casual acquaintances. While it is exciting to go to a new place and have a good time, you are letting thieves know that your house will be empty and they can come right in.

Remove all of the vegetation outside in the hotter months. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. Clear up your yard so it looks good and is safe.

Before selecting any home-security company, talk to your friends to see who they suggest. They probably have both positive and negative things to tell you, and those comments will help you make your own decision. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. Ask the company to send a different installer or simply change companies. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

When you’re going away, turn off your phone ringers. Intruders might be attracted by a phone that rings constantly without anyone picking up.

Be cognizant of what others can see when they look in your windows. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.

Try not to have a shy attitude. Talk to your neighbors. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. Pay attention to gossip. You could learn important security information, such as if strangers have been lurking around the neighborhood.

When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. Intruders can disable a system if they see the wires. Don’t make it easier for them, so have wires hidden in the house’s walls or buried. It will keep your family safer.

An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the locks. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. It is usually inexpensive and can be done in less than 24 hours.

You need flashlights and plenty of batteries in each room just in case your power ever goes out. Flashlights are very important, as they will give you the ability to move around in the event of an emergency. Also show your children how to use them so they can help out in emergencies.

Understand certain safety precautions when it comes to having skylights for your home. While they are there to let light in, if you do not care for it properly it could also let in a thief. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

When allowing a representative from any security company to enter your home, look for someone in uniform and ask to see an identification. Potential burglars can easily claim they are security company representatives so that they can enter your home. This means peril for what you own as well as your loved ones. Proceed with caution.

If you purchase big-ticket items, don’t throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. You are alerting thieves that there is something worth stealing inside your home.

Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. Do not hesitate to hire someone to run a background check if you have doubts. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.

Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. Flashlights are critical, and provide you with the freedom to move about as needed. Train kids how to use the flashlights so that everyone may contribute.

If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. Sometimes, hidden costs can be incurred if you get rid of the service before a certain date. You’ll want to avoid any surprises so be sure and read your contract carefully.

Your home’s exterior needs to be well lit. Criminals love darkness to help mask their crimes. Install lights by each and every entryway to your home. This includes doorways and porches, the garage, and windows on ground floors which may invite intruders.

Having a bright and lit-up home at night deters crooks. Most burglars rely on concealment to approach a home. If your house is well-lit, criminals will be hard pressed to be able to go undetected. Keep the lights on if you want your home to be secure.

You may want to get a security system that is wireless. While wireless systems are often cheap, the cost of installation can be sky high. Also, you will have a very easy time installing them.

If you get home and see the door is slightly open, don’t go inside by yourself to investigate. This is dangerous since the thief may still be on your property. Call the authorities and let them take care of the situation.

Home security is an extremely important topic; unfortunately, not many people are knowledgeable on it. Learning about home security should be a main item in your life if you’re seeking to protect your property and the people that you love. With any luck, the article above has given you some useful information about home security.

Inquire whether a security company offers variable contract lengths. There are going to be ups and downs for each one. Long contracts may cost less each month, but it could leave you with a larger bill if you decide to end your service. Shorter contracts allow your greater freedom, however they usually cost more each month.