Maintaining a secure home is important if you are a home owner, and it should never be left to chance. Unfortunately, just getting started in this important area is sometimes confusing. This article should give you some helpful tips and ideas.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Carefully check their references. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. Of course, your dog has to be an outdoor dog (or you at least need to have a doggy door) for this to work. Place the alternative key on your dog’s collar in case of an emergency.

When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Prices can differ a lot among companies for the same type of protection. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.

Hiding places for spare keys must be chosen with extreme care and caution. Hiding it beneath the doormat is very common and most intruders will look there. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

Be very cautious about entrusting a maid service with a key to your home. When giving your house cleaner the key to your home, you need to be sure that they are reputable and honest. Be sure to make sure their references check out. If the cleaner is from a firm, try calling the local BBB to find out about the firm’s reputation.

If you will be vacationing for an extended period of time, turn off the ringer on all the phones in your house. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

In summer, take care to trim back branches and plants near the house. Due to the heat, these items in your yard are more likely to catch on fire. As a result, your home could be caught on fire. Regularly clear away your yard to keep your home in good standing and safe for your family.

A home security system has other features in addition to sounding an alarm when there is a break-in. They can be programmed to alert the homeowner if a person enters the home. Parents of children can track their kids this way.

Motion sensor lights are a great investment. Lights like these will automatically turn on whenever someone is near them. 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. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. They look great and provide light, but also are another access point. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

Don’t use social media to announce that you will be gone for an extended period of time. While you may want to shout it from the rooftops, you’re letting everyone know that your home will be vacant and easy to rob.

Spare Keys

Avoid placing spare keys under door mats or in plant boxes. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. Rather, keep your spare keys with a neighbor you trust.

Talk to people you know about their security systems. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Ask a number of people to get a several different opinions.

Make certain no one can see your valuable belongings through windows and doors. Having large windows in front of your home may be a great way to see what is happening outside, but it can also give crooks a view inside your home. Keep your curtains drawn to keep your valuable items safe.

To stay sane, you must maintain good home security. There is no doubt about that. The best home security methods are not always obvious. We hope this article has given you some insight into planning the best home security measures for your home.

Do not let people you don’t know in your house. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. There are some people who will just come in to see if you have a home security system, and if you do not, they could come back later when you are not home.