No one is safe from burglaries and other dangerous situations. People have to be very careful about home burglaries these days because they are increasing in frequency. People could break into your home any time. This article discusses strategies for increasing your home’s security.

Make your house look like it’s always occupied. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times. This will make your home appear as if someone is there. This will help safeguard your house to the best of your ability.

Change the locks after buying a new house. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

When you buy a new house, be sure the locks are changed. You’re not aware of any copies that have been made by the previous owners of the house. Having a locksmith replace the locks will ensure that no strangers have a key. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

Compare various home security systems when shopping. Prices vary greatly in regards to the same protection for each company. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? You could let your dog carry a spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

If you will be away from your house for an extended period of time, turn the ringers off for all your phones. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.

Don’t open your door if a stranger is on the other side. Folks are always thinking up new schemes to get people to open the door so that they can commit their crimes. Keep a hard, fast rule that says you only open the door for invited guests in order to keep your family safe.

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. The motion sensors turn on the lights whenever anyone approaches your home. 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.

Police Department

When selecting an alarm set-up, think about getting one that protects not just the doors in your home. The best systems are those that cover windows as well. If you have an alarm attached to each of your windows and doors, you can keep track of all the entry points for your home. This is vital to keeping your family safe.

Consult with your police department to find out about good programs for home protection. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Call the local police department and inquire as to what programs they offer.

Never throw out boxes for expensive items until the day your trash is picked up. If you set these boxes out with the trash, thieves will know you have expensive items in your house.

Install motion-sensor lights. These lights will come on if someone walks near your house. This will discourage would be thieves and alert you to any movement on your property. Just remember to change out the bulbs every so often so the lights remain in working order.

Obtain flashlights with solid batteries, and ensure they are kept in all the rooms of your home in the event of a power outage. The flashlights are important because they make you able to get around the house in an emergency. Train kids how to use the flashlights so that everyone may contribute.

You should always lock up your house, even if you’re only planning to be gone for a short time. It may shock you to know this, but a lot of intruders get inside homes through open doors. It does not take a long time for a robber to pilfer items worth thousands of dollars.

Inquire with your home security service as to how long they’ve been in business. Any business with multiple years of history has a proven record in being reliable. It also ensures they’re not a fly-by-night firm.

If you are seeking home safety ideas that are simple and inexpensive, you should buy outdoor lights with motion sensors. These lights will keep your property well lit and give you a good idea of who approaches your home. If the lights are positioned correctly on your home, then it makes it much less likely for a burglar to enter.

You should find a home security company that will inspect your home and put together a customized system. Every house and every family will produce a unique set of security concerns that are best addressed with tailor-made security arrangements. A custom set-up will make sure you’re as safe as can be.

Use the Internet when you are seeking a new home security company. You should look at testimonials from customers and different information you can find. Also find other companies to get quotes from as well.

Keep your outdoor areas well lit. It will be easier for intruders to keep an eye on you and approach your home if they can hide in the dark. Motion sensor lights can work great because they can also alert you when someone does come onto the property. This includes doorways, windows, and your garage.

It is a good idea to get some history on any home security companies you are thinking about doing business with. Companies that have been around for awhile show that they can provide reliable support. When you know that you’re dealing with a company of some repute, you can feel more at ease making that decision.

A paper shredder can be a good security investment. Thieves often look through garbage, trying to find credit card information or other important documents. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.

If you are going to be out of town for more than a day or so, have someone check your mailbox and door for mail and fliers. Often burglars will place these at homes and wait to see if people take them down. If the fliers isn’t removed, the criminal knows that no one is home.

Are the numbers of your home visible from the street? In an emergency situation, first responders won’t be able to locate your house quickly if the numbers are hidden or are too small to see clearly. Happily, it’s quick and easy to fix this problem.

If you want to keep certain rooms in your home private, you don’t need to lock every door with a key. Instead, use a numeric keypad. Any good security company can provide and install these locks, or you can even put them in yourself.

Your dog is a great tool for protecting your home from intruders. Dogs become extremely protective of their families and bark when uneasy. It is not necessary to have an aggressive dog. A small or medium dog will bark to alert you if it is properly trained.

Ask whether or not your home security company gives you the option to lease and/or buy your equipment. Buying will save you a ton of money over time. Leasing is usually the cheaper option; however, it does mean higher monthly bills and a contract. You must review both options carefully to determine which will best suit your needs.

Try to stay away from spring latch locks. Defeating a spring latch lock is a trivial endeavor; experienced burglars can get through one using nothing more than a credit card. An intruder has only to press the card into the doorjamb between latch and the door and the lock will pop open. If this is the kind of lock on your doors, strongly consider adding a deadbolt for safety.

Put some extra thought into concealing your spare keys. Fake rocks are particularly simple to spot. The first place a person will look is a doormat. It’s better to have a friend, neighbor or relative keep a spare set of keys for you. If that option isn’t available to you, be creative with your hiding spots.

Keep your car registration papers on you at all times. If someone breaks into your car, that person can view your registration and instantly know where you reside. Instead, keep them with you at all times, or hide them somewhere else inside your vehicle. However, make sure you have them in case you were to get pulled over by the cops.

Make sure your valuables, or things that can’t be replaced, are safe. Important legal documents and passports, family photos, expensive jewelry and financial records should always be protected. Keeping such valuables under lock and key (in a floor safe, for example) is a good way to provide the extra protection they need. You could also look into getting a bank safe deposit box.

If you’ve got a keypad to lock your door, do not make a password which is obvious. Anyone could get your date of birth from Facebook and could have access into your house. Think of a number which is the answer to a mathematical question so you can just remember the answer to the question.

Don’t think only expensive houses get robbed. If a home looks easy to break into, a thief will break into it. If you follow the tips written in this guide, you will surely be able to protect your house from unwanted intruders.

If you often turn your lights off/on around the same time, consider using a timer. Not only does this save you a step, you can continue the routine even when you are not home.