Do you wonder what options you have when it comes to the security of your home? The below article will help. It can be tough to make this type of expensive decision. To make a great decision, you need proper knowledge about it.

Be sure your home appears to always be occupied. Invest in timers to automatically turn on and off any electronics at various times. This way, it will appear that you are at home. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

When you buy a new house, change the locks. You have no way of knowing how many folks might have keys to your house. Having a locksmith replace the locks will ensure that no strangers have a key. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.

Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If they will be there over an hour and you are thinking of giving them your home key, be certain they are honest, reputable and hard-working. Make sure you verify all references. Contact your local Better Business Bureau to find out more about the reputation of the cleaner you hired.

Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. Sometimes, you may need a professional to locate the problem.

Is your dog outside when you are away? If so, you can use your dog to hide your spare key. Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn’t react well to strangers, since they won’t approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. If you have small valuables you want to protect, consider hiding them inside your walls. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. You can easily install fake unused plates.

When looking to buy a security system, shop around. You would be surprised to see that the prices are much different for each company, even though it’s for the same type of protection. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

Lock up your house every time you leave. It may be shocking, but many home invasions and burglaries occur by intruders walking through the front door that was left open. A thief can steal lots of stuff in a little amount of time.

Aim to purchase fire-resistant ceilings, roofs and floors. These materials will protect your home from both internal fires and the spread of fires that start on other properties. Keeping fire hazards away is a great safety precaution since fire can cause lots of destruction.

While an alarm system or other security measures can make your home much safer, you must be sure that your security wiring isn’t exposed. One of the ways an intruder can get around a security system is by disconnecting or cutting the wires. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. This way, you will be safer.

Get advice from your friends before selecting a provider for home security. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. Therefore, ask everyone you can in order to obtain the most advice. With thorough advice, the best decision can be made.

If you’ve recently moved into a house, get any locks changed out. Regardless of how you feel about the sellers, you never know someone’s true intentions. Also, there have likely been other owners of the home, and you don’t know them either.

Your garage should be as secure as your home. It is possible for an intruder to get in the garage and then gain access to the house; however, you can do something about it. A C-clamp can prevent a garage door from even opening if the clamp is tightened on the door track near the roller.

Your flashlights should always be equipped with good, working batteries. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Make sure each member of your family knows where the flashlights are and how to operate them.

In the summertime, you should rid your yard of dead bushes and vegetation. This sort of thing is a fire hazard in the heat of summer. Therefore, you need to regularly clean your yard so that your home is protected.

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 sometimes fees if you break a contract or need additional equipment. Be aware of these particular fees so you can steer clear of them.

Before letting someone from a security company into a house, get some sort of official identification. You would be surprised how many thieves will impersonate security representatives to get into your house. This is dangerous to your valuables and your family. Trust your gut and if something does not feel right, it is okay to go with your feelings.

Always use online resources to identify the very best home security firm. Check out reviews you find on the web. You can then make three solid selections and make appointments with them.

If you don’t own a paper shredder, get one. You’d be shocked at how many times thieves search trash looking for personal documents to see when you’re not home so that they can get into your home. If paper shredders don’t fit into your budget, you can manually rip up important documents yourself.

Keep your home’s exterior areas illuminated well. It will be easier for intruders to keep an eye on you and approach your home if they can hide in the dark. Install a light in any area a potential intruder can get into your home. This will include doorways, porches, your garage, and ground floor windows that criminals can use.

Make sure your address numbers are clearly visible from across the street. During an emergency crisis, smaller numbers prevent emergency personnel from finding your home quickly. If you notice a problem, you should be able to fix it fairly cheaply, though.

If a friend picks up your mail while you’re away, have them check for fliers on your door. This is a way people who are casing out your house can tell whether you are home or not. Intruders can get a good idea of what your schedule is like or figure out that you are on vacation if the flyer stays on your door for a long time.

Keeping a dog provides a great way to boost your home’s defense. Dogs protect their territory diligently, and tend to make noise if something goes awry. A dog with a vicious attitude and large size isn’t necessary. Small dogs are noisy and unpredictable and very good at deterring burglars.

Make sure no one can look inside your garage. Cover windows using frosting, which you can buy at large hardware stores, to keep people from peeking in your window. Also, don’t leave your door open for long periods of time when you work there.

If there are areas of your home you want to keep locked off, you do not need keys. Install key-less locks instead. These locks use codes instead of keys. You can even install it yourself.

Are you able to see the numbers on your house from the street? If your numbers cannot be plainly seen, then the police will struggle to locate your home very quickly in case of emergency. There is a cheap and quick fix if you see an issue.

Ask about different contract lengths that your home security company may offer. There are of course pros and cons for each contract. Your bill may be lower with a long-term contract, but you could wind up paying for a service you’re not using if you decide to move. Shorter contracts have more freedom, but the monthly costs could be higher.

Don’t utilize spring latch locks. These are very easy to pick by simply using a credit card. A card can be placed between the latch and the door, and this will open it. If you are already using locks that operate on spring latches, improve your security by adding a deadbolt.

Don’t put your key in an obvious hiding place. Fake rocks are easy to spot. The first place an intruder will likely look is under the doormat. It is probably best to find someone you trust to hold a key for you. If that isn’t possible, think outside the box when you hide it.

If you aren’t at the house, keep the windows and curtains closed. You don’t want potential thieves knowing you are gone. Leaving the curtains up invites people to peer into your living room. If they spot something desirable, they will seek access. You should keep them closed while you are asleep.

Any priceless items need to be secured. Items like family photos, pricy jewelry, legal documents, financial records, and passports need to be kept in a safe location. Floor safes are great for keeping these items inside the home. A better choice is storing them outside your home in a deposit box at the bank.

Always close your curtains, especially if a passerby can easily look in your windows. You never want to make it easy for folks to peer into your home. If valuable items can be seen from outside your home, it is an open invitation to burglars. Keep your possessions out of the public eye to minimize your chances of becoming a burglary victim.

Ask the security company whether or not that have motion sensitive lighting. Most companies offer this option which detects within a given distance of your home and alerts you that someone is approaching. You will find your entrances are well-lit and safe, as will intruders.

If you have a door that isn’t solid wood or metal, change it for either one. Those are the most durable materials available. If the burglar tries to kick their way in, they have a hard time doing so. Make sure to replace exterior doors for the cheapest amount possible.

Sliding glass doors are a big security problem in many homes. The glass doors can easily be unlocked or broken. If your security system is not connected to the doors, cut a board or pipe the exact length of the door channel, and drop it in the space to secure the doors. This will keep the door closed tight and harder to force open.

If you have understood this information, then you’re ready. Security is a major undertaking. Use the information you’ve learned to make this a part of your daily life.

Make friends with a talkative neighbor who is home a lot. If suspicious people are lurking around your place, the busybody may notice it right away. As a friend, they will be sure to notify you.