If you’re concerned about home security, the following article has some useful information. Security measures can be expensive and time-consuming; it’s important to educate yourself before picking the ones that are right for you. There’s no better way to prepare for this buying decision than to educate yourself thoroughly on the topic first.

Keep your jewelry, vital documents and other expensive items in a safe. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.

A spare key must be carefully hidden and not in the obvious spots that a person might think. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. An example would be to attach a key to your dog’s collar, if he stays outdoors.

If you have an extensive online presence that includes a lot of people you don’t know too well, avoid announcing upcoming vacations. There may be a thief within this list and you would have been inviting him straight through your front door!

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. You can benefit from the experience of others that have gone before you by paying attention to their recommendations and warnings. Ask around so you’ll have as much advice as you need in order to make a sound decision.

Before leaving for vacation, turn off the ringers in your house. Intruders might be attracted by a phone that rings constantly without anyone picking up.

Shut off the ringer for all of the telephones in your home if you are planning to go on vacation for a long time. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

Do not let people you don’t know in your house. This includes a salesperson or people looking for help. 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.

Home protection program details may be available at your police station. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. Call and see what is available.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. If you use all of them, you can always have fake ones installed.

Criminals often pick houses where they can see the valuables inside. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

Try not to have a shy attitude. Talk to your neighbors. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. Don’t disregard gossip either. 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.

You should always lock up your house, even if you’re only planning to be gone for a short time. It may be a little surprising, but most burglaries and break-ins happen because the intruder just walks right through an open door. A thief can take plenty of valuables in minutes.

Be on the lookout for rotten wood anywhere near your doors or windows. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Replace the rotting door frame with a new one and keep your home much safer.

Do you live outside the city? You might be less worried about home invasions than if you lived in an urban area. With neighbors so far away, it may seem like a tiny risk. Still there are those that think that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

Keep a flashlight with good batteries in every room of your home, just in case you lose power. Flashlights are critical, and provide you with the freedom to move about as needed. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.

If you move to a dwelling that has had prior occupants, make sure you get the locks changed. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. You can purchase the locks and install them yourself to ensure you’re the only person that has a key.

Understand certain safety precautions when it comes to having skylights for your home. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.

Now that you know what you need to do, you are prepared to make the right purchase. It is vital to grasp the gravity of the topic, as it can help keep your family secure. Apply the knowledge that you have gained to implement your security plan.