Do you feel at a loss on the subject of home security systems? Are you unsure of where to begin? If this sounds like you then most likely you’re looking for good information about finding a good home security system. Read on to learn everything you need to know about home security.

Make sure your home appears occupied. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times. This way, your house will always look occupied. This is a great way to keep your home safe and avoid burglaries.

Always make your house appear to be occupied. Put timers on the TV, lights and radios. This will make your home appear as if someone is there. This can be a terrific method of securing your home and keeping burglars at bay.

Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Make sure you verify all references. If you are using a cleaning firm, make sure it has an excellent Better Business Bureau rating.

Put your spare key on your dog. In order to make this work, your dog either needs to stay outside or have access to a pet door. Attach the key to your dog’s collar, and it will be handy if you ever need a spare.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Security systems are more than just an alarm. Most of them can be programmed to alert you to anyone entering your home. This isn’t just for burglars; parents with young children can also use it as a valuable tool to know when their child has come inside.

Avoid opening the door if you don’t know who is standing on the other side. Nowadays, people invent many stories of why they should come in. For instance, they may say they need to call a mechanic or the police. However, their true intent is to rob you. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

Buy a small home safe that you can use to keep your valuables in. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. Keep the safe hidden somewhere remote.

Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. There is a solution for people that are worried about burglars going into their home through an attached garage. You can use a C-clamp to stop the door from being opened.

Your garage needs to be secure. A lot of garage owners fret over burglars entering this way, but there are answers. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

Consult with your police department to find out about good programs for home protection. There are many that offer programs that include items, such as home inspection, how to use engraving tools to mark code numbers to identify valuables if yours are stolen, and protective measures advice. Discuss the possibility of this sort of program with your police department.

Local Police

You need to have your security system checked once a year. Make certain the security company you choose provides for regular inspections. Wild animals, domestic pets, and weather are all factors that can affect the reliability of your home security system. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.

Take advantage of any and all security resources your local police force makes available to homeowners. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.

Always change the locks if you have someone move out of your home. Whether you just bought your home or someone just moved out that you were living with, this is an important step to any new situation. Changing the locks can typically be done very cheaply and quickly.

Keep your car in the garage. Keeping the car in the garage can keep thieves from vandalizing or stealing it. This will also make it more difficult for burglars to track when you away from home.

If your home security system is installed, be sure its wires are well-hidden. Intruders can get around security systems and into a home by cutting the wires. Make it hard for a burglar to avoid your detection. This will help to deter intruders that are looking to quickly disable your alarm system.

If you allow a security company to come to your house, make sure they appear professional and can present identification. Burglars are creative, and they often pose as a member of the security team to get inside. This is dangerous to your valuables and your family. Act cautiously in order to stay away from potential dangers.

Replace all locks in a new house. As nice as the previous person may seem, you don’t really know them. People may have lived in the home before those owners, too.

Check references before giving anyone access to your home. Don’t be afraid of conducting background checks to determine if they have a criminal history. 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.

If you wish to boot your home’s security, one cheap way to do this is to buy exterior lights with motion detectors. In the dark hours, these lights will provide the illumination necessary to protect your home and also save money by staying off when they’re not needed. If placed strategically around the house, motion detectors can make it very tough for criminals to get to your property.

Be sure your home is well lit on the outside. Criminals love darkness to help mask their crimes. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. This includes doorways, windows, and your garage.

Inquire with your home security service as to how long they’ve been in business. A reliable home security company is one that has a long history in the community and can offer references from satisfied customers. It will make you feel better knowing that the company you choose is not fly by night.

Wireless Systems

The outside of your house should be well lit. Burglars love to operate in the dark. Be sure and have a light next to any entry point in your home. Having these outdoor lights installed can really work as a deterrent to criminals who are considering your house.

There are wireless systems available for home security, as another option. While wireless systems are often cheap, the cost of installation can be sky high. Wireless systems don’t need your home’s power in order to properly work. In addition, they can be usually be installed and maintained easier.

A wireless security system could be a good option. Wired systems may be cheaper, however it usually means you’ll have to rewire your home, and your system may get finicky in the event of a power outage. On the other hand, wireless systems use their own power and have easier installations.

Put up video surveillance. Adding video cameras on the property can be a good idea. Cameras that can be seen are an excellent tool for preventing most burglars from breaking into your home. However, if they are brave enough to try to disable your cameras, hidden cameras will capture them. A lot of surveillance systems may be accessed through a cell phone, letting you check on your house when you’re away.

Put in a surveillance system. Installing hidden and visible video cameras is great for securing a home. If a burglar can see them, they are likely to go away. You can often view these feeds over the Internet, too.

Keep your curtains pulled tight when you are away from home. If you leave them open, potential burglars can look in and case the joint. They may break in if they see things they like. It’s good to have them down at night, too.

Ask the security company about various contract lengths. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The longer the contract, the lower your monthly bill, but if you move or become dissatisfied, you are stuck with the monthly fee. Short contracts leave you with freedom, but also a larger bill.

Does your security company offer leasing and buying? Purchasing equipment outright will cost more initially, but may offer savings over the long term. Leasing usually proves cheaper at first, but it comes with strings attached through contracts or continuing fees and charges. Explore both options to see which works best for you.

When you are out of the house, your drapes and blinds should be fully closed. If you don’t, others can look in and see that the property is currently unoccupied. If they see something they like, they will then break in. These should also be kept down while you’re sleeping.

Don’t put the registration to your car in your glove box. If someone breaks into your car, that person can view your registration and instantly know where you reside. Instead, keep the registration in your wallet or a lock box in the trunk. You still need to have them close in case you are pulled over.

Ask whether companies offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. Buying equipment can be pricey upfront, but it’s a single cost versus a monthly cost. On the other hand, while leasing is more expensive overall, it can get you a better system if you don’t have funds available immediately. Find out which will work best for your needs.

If you keep a spare key outside, make sure it is not kept in an obvious location. An easily moved object close to the door is the first place a burglar will look. Someone is going to look under your doormat. It is best to simply ask a neighbor or trusted friend to hold on to an extra key for you. If you want to keep it at your house, find a spot that’s not obvious.

If you always turn your lights on or off at the same time, use a timer. A timer will prevent the need of flipping the switch. In addition, it will help ensure the lights keep turning themselves on and off when you are not home. This will help deter potential burglars.

Make sure that your valuables are kept in a secure location. Passports, jewelry and expensive electronics must be secured at all times. A floor safe is a great place to keep these items within the home. It is even better to rent a safe deposit container for absolute security.

Most people try to avoid the neighborhood gossip, but you should try to get them in your good graces. These individuals are aware when anything suspicious happens in the neighborhood and can alert you if strangers have been hanging around. As a friend, they will be sure to notify you.

A home security system can be really nice, but it’s only completely effective if someone notifies the police. The only way to ensure this is to use a system that calls the police for you. You really cannot depend on your neighbor to contact the police.

Always lock second story windows. These are easy to overlook because no one expects a criminal to make the effort to break in through an upstairs window. Burglars watch for open second story windows. Criminals know that this is a vulnerable area in home security.

Try not to get sliding glass doors in your home if security is a serious issue. A quick heave is usually enough to open these doors, even if they’re locked. If you do not have a security system hooked up to them, cut a length of pipe to fit in the door channel. This helps keep your door closed and makes it not easy to open.

The wiring on the outside of your home can draw burglars in. Electrical wires contain copper, which is extremely valuable. Hiding your wiring will thwart robbers from removing the copper and leaving the bill with you for the extensive repair costs.

Are you now more aware of your options? Use this advice and tips to devise your plan and use home security in your own home. You won’t be sorry you did this. The time for utilizing home security strategies is now.

Few security measures are more powerful deterrents to thieves than video cameras. Burglars with masks like you see in movies are not really the norm. Many intruders will not wear masks to be less noticeable. If they see surveillance systems, they will probably leave.