Maybe you’ve been considering installing a security system for your home. There are many people who don’t think about their needs for a security system before buying one. The tips below will help you make the decision.

Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? In order to make this work, your dog either needs to stay outside or have access to a pet door. Just hide a spare house key on the inside of your dog’s collar. Then when you need an extra key, you will be able to access this one.

Make your home look occupied at all times. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This will give the appearance that someone is at your house at all times. It is also another way to secure your home.

A spare key must be carefully hidden and not in the obvious spots that a person might think. Placing a key above a door or under a doormat is quite obvious! Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? You could let your dog carry a spare key. Put the key on the dog’s collar. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.

Motion sensor lights are a great investment. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. These lights will not only let you know when someone gets too close, they will also stop potential burglars from breaking in. After all, burglars don’t want anyone to know they are there. However, make sure to put in fresh bulbs every now and then.

If you have a lot of unfamiliar people on you social networking accounts, avoid letting everyone know you will be going on vacation. If you do, burglars will know you’re not home and strike.

The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. Has a roommate or ex-lover moved out recently? If so, then you need to change out the locks in order to keep you and your home safe. This doesn’t usually cost much, and it can be accomplished in less than a day.

You should talk to your friends and family about advice concerning certain home security companies. Other people are sure to have opinions and experiences to share. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

Listen to your intuition as to whether your system is being installed by a trustworthy home security company. This goes for the installer, too. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

Be brave! Talk to the people who live in your neighborhood. Ask them to look after your home, and in return, look out for theirs. You never want to ignore gossip. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

Do you have skylights? If so, you should keep them in mind when protecting your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. Having heavy duty, reliable hardware is best when it comes to skylights.

Hide your security system’s wiring. An intruder can cut the wires or disconnect them and avoid the system. Hide them in the walls or bury them underground to keep people from tampering with them. This will help to deter intruders that are looking to quickly disable your alarm system.

Conceal valuable spaces within your walls. You do not have to damage your walls to keep your valuables safe. Many areas in your house are already accessible for this purpose. Consider unwiring an electrical socket that isn’t used and storing your valuable jewelry.

If you buy expensive electronics or appliances, throw the packages away the day that your trash pickup occurs. Doing so is like giving a burglar an invitation to target your home; he or she will know there is something good inside.

Don’t give outside people the ability to see into your home. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.

Replace all locks in a new house. It may seem as if the former owners of the home are honest, but really you don’t know much about them. There are other people who have lived in the home as well.

Make sure you have several flashlights that are charged and ready to go in the event of a power outage. If the power goes out, you will be able to see everything. Train your kids how to use flashlights so that all members of the family can contribute.

You might need a security system. It may be, however, that you simply need to start doing a few things differently around your house. Research all of your options to choose the best one.

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 represents a danger to your possessions and your family. Be cautious to stay away from those potential dangers.