All homeowners need to be aware of safety and security. In order to do this, however, one must sort the good information from the garbage that is out there. The tips in this article will help you learn the basics of how to protect your family and your possessions.

Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? Of course, your dog has to be an outdoor dog (or you at least need to have a doggy door) for this to work. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This will make your home look like someone is in it. This is an effective deterrent against burglars.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. To make sure no one else can get into your home, call a locksmith. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.

Do you have an outdoor dog? This is where you can put your spare key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. If your dog does not like strangers, this can help ensure consistent access to the house.

Place the spare key that you make on your dog. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Simply affix a spare key to the collar of the animal. You’ll always have a backup plan if you lose your key!

There are more features to a home alarm system besides making sounds when people break in. You can have your system alert you of any movement in certain areas of your home. This could be valuable for parents who have small children, making them aware when their kid has closed or opened a door.

Buy a safe. This is vital, as you want to safeguard your valuable items in case of home burglary. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.

Don’t let strangers enter your home. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

Security System

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Each company has different rates for their security system. Be sure and get a minimum of three quotes from different companies prior to choosing one.

You have a choice on who installs your security system, don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with someone else. After all, the point of the system itself is to help you feel more at ease.

Do not tell anyone that you are going on vacation out of your friend circle. Potential intruders could get a good idea of when you will be gone by monitoring what you share on social networks.

Don’t let strangers into your home. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

Those that live in rural area are not as concerned about having their home invaded as those who are located in the city. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. Not everyone believes this, though.

Security starts with new locks. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. It shouldn’t cost too much, and the process can be completed very quickly.

Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. You do not need to remove segments from your walls. Many spots are already cut that can be used for this purpose. How about unwiring an electricity socket and using it as cover for a place to stash valuable jewelry?

When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Windows need to be monitored too. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and doors. This is vital to keeping your family safe.

You should always lock up your house, even if you’re only planning to be gone for a short time. Most burglars gain entry to a home through an unlocked door. They can get a ton of stuff quickly and be long gone before you return.

Be sure to replace all locks on a home you have bought. Although the person you purchased the house from might seem good, you really have no clue as to who they really are. Besides, other tenants or owners might have copies of the key if the previous owners did not change the locks.

You want all wires of an installed security system to be hidden. Easily-accessible security wiring is a definite weak point in your home’s protection; the best alarm system in the world is useless if it’s easily disabled. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. This way, you will be safer.

Replace any wood surrounding your door frame that is rotting. An intruder can simply pry away that rotted wood and enter your home. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

Don’t allow your landscaping make it easier for burglars to break into your home. You should not let plants and shrub block your doors and windows. If you have them visible, people can’t hide in those areas while they try to break in. If you want to have a garden around your home, keep trees and shrubs away from your house.

Alter the locks and the keys when you change homes. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You might even purchase and install your own locks so that you are assured of having the only keys.

Security Systems

Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. Even though these security systems can guard you and your family, that doesn’t mean they’re for everyone. In some cases the security system is your best investment, in others you well-served with an alert dog or reinforced locking systems. Learn about all of your options before choosing anything.

Keep safety in mind when doing landscaping. You should have a clear view out of all your windows and an unobstructed path to any doors. If they can be seen, there will be no place to hide. Keeping the areas around your windows free of plants can help to deter criminals from lurking too close to your home, without you noticing.

If you come home and see your door ajar, never investigate it alone. The thief might still be inside, and you don’t have any idea whether or not they are armed. Your best bet is to call the cops and wait until they arrive before you do anything else.

Don’t let anyone peek into your garage. If your garage door has windows, make sure they have a frosted coating. This is easy to find at any major hardware store, and installation is a breeze. Do not keep your door open long enough for people to get an idea of what you own.

It is a good idea to get some history on any home security companies you are thinking about doing business with. Companies that have been around for years have shown that they know the industry and that their services are reliable and great enough for recommendations. Being in the hands of a good company helps you have peace about your decision.

Are your house numbers visible from the street? If an emergency occurs, the police will not be able to find your home as quickly if these numbers are too small or are obscured in some way. Luckily, this is a quick and inexpensive fix if you notice that there is a problem.

Dogs make a great security system. Dogs are quite protective of their masters and home, and they can display quite a bark if someone comes near the house. You do not need a large, vicious guard dog. Even tiny dogs that make a ton of noise will deter a potential crime.

You should not enter your home if you find the door ajar. This is dangerous since the thief may still be on your property. Your best bet is to call the cops and wait until they arrive before you do anything else.

Inquire whether a security company offers variable contract lengths. They probably each have their pluses and negatives. 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. While a short contract provides you with extra freedom, it can cost you more for each month.

The more effort put into your home security education, the better. But there are so much information about home security that may not suit your situation. Just review the tips given here to help you make your home secure.

If someone looks after your house when you’re gone, have them remove fliers from the door. This is a way people who are casing out your house can tell whether you are home or not. The more flyers pile up or the longer they are there, the more likely it is that the house is empty.