Do you know anything about home security systems? You should do more research on this topic if you want to find the ideal home security system. This is a costly outlay that can greatly enhance your home’s safety, and therefore it is worth your time to learn more.

Spare Key

When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Prices can differ a lot among companies for the same type of protection. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Simply attach a spare key to your dog’s collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you’ll be able to retrieve it if you need it.

When you buy a new house, be sure the locks are changed. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. This will help you to reduce the stress that you have on your search for a good one. Ask around to get lots of advice for making a better choice.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? This is where you can put your spare key. The key can be attached to the collar of your dog. This will ensure that burglars cannot see it. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

Buy a small home safe that you can use to keep your valuables in. If a burglar enters your home, he or she will have a hard time making off with your possessions. This safe should be hidden in a location where burglars won’t find it, such as a hole in the wall, the attic, or a basement closet.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. 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.

When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, make sure you comparison shop. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Get a quote from several companies before making a final decision.

Never open the door for a stranger. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.

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

You should regularly check your home security system, regardless of how reliable you believe it is. Have a worker from the security company take a look at it. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. It’s quite possible for there to be a fault in your system even if you can’t see it.

Install lights that use a motion-sensor. Lights like these will automatically turn on whenever someone is near them. This will discourage would be thieves and alert you to any movement on your property. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

Your home security system ought to be checked each year. This should be performed by a technician from your security company. Wild animals or plain old nature can wreak havoc on your home security system. Sometimes it is very difficult to see the problem if you don’t know where it is.

Make sure the wires of your home security system are completely hidden. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Hide them in the walls or bury them underground to keep people from tampering with them. Your system will be far more effective this way.

There is a lot of value in copper wiring. Lots of people don’t know this until their wires are stolen. The copper inside the wire is very valuable and may be stripped off the exterior of the house in a short time span. That’s why it’s important to hide your wiring, or make it hard for criminals to have access to it.

It is not a good idea to hide a spare key on your property. You are allowing people to invade your home when you make it easy for them. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.

Talk to any companies you’re considering hiring to install a security system about how long the company has been around. A company with a long history has proved they can survive and provide great service to people. It also ensures they’re not a fly-by-night firm.

The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Dark houses invite burglars who prefer to operate under cover of darkness. Add lights to any areas you believe are potential entry points for burglars. Don’t forget that this includes ground-level windows as well as doors, garages, and porches.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. Burglars can easily cut the wires if they are visible. Don’t make it easy for an intruder, have the wires buried or hidden within the home’s walls. You’ll be safer.

The number on your house should be easy to find. If an emergency occurs, the police will not be able to find your home as quickly if these numbers are too small or are obscured in some way. Thankfully, you can right this wrong cheaply and quickly.

Spring Latch Locks

If you are new into a house, replace all the locks. Even though the person who sold your home to you may seem honest, you simply can’t know for certain. There are other people who have lived in the home as well.

Try to stay away from spring latch locks. Spring latch locks are the easiest locks to gain entry with, as they can be opened with a simple credit card. Intruders just have to slide a card in between the latch and door for the lock to pop open. Put in a deadbolt for more security if your doors already contain spring latch locks.

When you’re not in your house, all of the window coverings (blinds, curtains, shades, or what have you) should be tightly shut. If you don’t, others can look in and see that the property is currently unoccupied. They’re going to want to get in your house if they can see items they want. Do not forget to close your shades before going to bed.

If your door is set in a rotted frame, you must replace the frame. Rotted wood causes a serious weakness in your home’s security because it makes it easy to pry open doors. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.

Choose an out of the way place to hide your spare key, not the obvious ones. Is anybody really fooled by those fake rocks? Not likely. Doormats are the first place people look at. You should just give a spare key to a trusted neighbor instead. If you cannot do that, try to be creative when it comes to hiding places.

After learning more, what are your thoughts on security systems for your home? The more you know about it, the easier it will be to make a decision. Use the tips you’ve read here to begin.

When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you’re about to sign. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. If you can’t avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.