It’s important to do your homework in order to make an informed decision with regards to home security. This is not a decision you should take lightly. You need to pay close attention to the security and safety needs of your family.

Do you have an outdoor dog? Use him or her to help hide your spare key! Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. You can attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. The majority of systems are able to be set to put out an alert when any individual enters the home. For families with young children, this is excellent for alerting when a child has entered or left the house.

Buy a safe so you can conceal your valuables in it. This is vital since it means all of your things will be safe if someone breaks in your home. Keep your safe in your basement or attic to make it hard to find.

When looking to buy a security system, shop around. Prices vary quite a bit. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. They may offer neighborhood watch programs, home inspections, engraving tools for marking code numbers onto items so that they will be easily identified if stolen. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.

If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. This will keep it away from thieves and vandals. This can also keep people from knowing your schedule.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Placing a key above a door or under a doormat is quite obvious! A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.

Install lights that use a motion-sensor. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. Then you will know someone is present, and if the person is a burglar, he or she will be very likely to turn around and leave. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

Alter the combination of the locks in your home. Whether an old roommate left or a relationship ended, changing your locks is a good idea. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

Buy housing materials that are fire resistant. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Fire is such a destructive force that it makes excellent sense to reduce fire hazards in your home whenever possible.

You have a choice on who installs your security system, don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. Security is supposed to give you peace of mind after all!

No one should be able to see your valuables from outside. It may be great to have large windows with a view, but this means that people can look in. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.

If you’ve got lots of people you don’t know on your social networks, don’t let them know that you’re going to be on vacation. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.

Your door frame should be replaced if the wood around it is rotting. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

Having read the information presented here, you are ready to make some smart choices about home security. It is your job to learn all you can. You must fee confident that you are providing your family with the best home security possible. Keep these tips on hand as you search for the right home security solutions.

Get advice from your friends before selecting a provider for home security. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Taking a little time to listen can make you a much better decision maker when it comes to home security.