Securing one’s home is a step all homeowners should take, but some people don’t bother with it. Research the subject before you make any decisions about what to do about your home’s security situation. The following article will help you set up a solid security plan.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? You could let your dog carry a spare key. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can’t be seen. This is the perfect place to store a spare key, especially if your dog doesn’t care for strangers.

Home security systems aren’t just about sounding alarms. The majority of systems will give an audible alert when someone enters the house. This could be valuable for parents who have small children, making them aware when their kid has closed or opened a door.

Keep your jewelry, vital documents and other expensive items in a safe. This will keep your stash of diamonds, gold and other valuable items out of view and inaccessible to burglars. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.

If you like to have a key hidden in case you lose yours, place it in a safe place. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. You could hide the key with your dog on the collar.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. You don’t want to put them in common spots, such as above the frame of the door or under the doormat. Think outside the box and put the key someplace unusual, like hidden in your dog’s collar.

You can hide certain valuables within your walls. This does not mean that you should make alterations to your walls. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. If you have an electric socket you do not use, hide valuables behind their covers.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. Some criminals will come in, case your house and then come back when you are away.

Make sure that none of your valuables can be seen from the outside. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. Cover all street-facing windows.

If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. Burglars have many clever ways to convince householders to open the door. You should only open the door to people you were expecting.

Always lock your house, no matter how briefly you expect to be gone. It is more common than you would believe for a thief to find a home, try the door and walk right in when it’s unlocked. A thief could steal all your valuables in only a few minutes.

Eliminate dead vegetation and wood in the yard in the summer. These could catch on fire during the summer, especially if you live in a dry area. Always clear the yard to ensure safety.

Keep the wires of your home security system 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. This is why it is so important to make sure all your wires are well hidden. This way, you will be safer.

Trust your instincts when it comes to hiring a home security company. This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those that install your actual system. Don’t hesitate asking for another technician or get another company. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

If you bought any big or expensive things, wait until trash day to throw away the boxes. These types of items are appealing to thieves, and you may as well put a sign in your yard inviting them to steal yours.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. Keeping a spare key is convenient but intruders will have access to your home if your key is too easy to find. Burglars are well aware of these hiding places. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.

If you are moving in your new home, ensure all the old locks are replaced. 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.

When you purchase big, expensive items be sure to break down the boxes and take them to the recycling center yourself. Letting such packaging sit out will signal to criminals that there are good things to be found in your house.

Rotted Wood

If you’ve recently moved into a house, get any locks changed out. Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. Keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home prior to the seller.

If your door is set in a rotted frame, you must replace the frame. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.

Rotten wood on door and window frames needs to be repaired. The rotten wood will be simple to remove, allowing a thief access to your home. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.

Before signing up for a particular home-security company, find out how long they’ve been around. A company with a long history has proved they can survive and provide great service to people. Being in the hands of a good company helps you have peace about your decision.

Make sure that the person analyzing your home for a home security system is who he says. Intruders can easy pass themselves off as an employee of a security company just to get inside your house. This is dangerous for your family and your possessions. Act cautiously to avoid potential dangers.

For improved security, put your home under video surveillance. Placing hidden and visible video cameras is a good way to keep your home secure. Intruders will stay away from your home if they notice cameras and hidden cameras can help identify intruders if they disable the most visible cameras. You can sometimes access security systems using your cell phone, keeping you informed on the go.

Do your landscaping keeping safety in mind. You should have a clear view out of all your windows and an unobstructed path to any doors. If they are visible, people won’t be able to hide there while trying to break in. 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 purchase pricey, new electronics, don’t place empty boxes on the curb. Burglars can see these and they know that you have them in your home, increasing your chances of a break-in. Break them down and put them in a bag or take them to a recycling center.

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. 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 great protection against burglars is owning a dog. Dogs are quite protective of their masters and home, and they can display quite a bark if someone comes near the house. A dog with a vicious attitude and large size isn’t necessary. Small dogs are noisy and unpredictable and very good at deterring burglars.

Stand out in your street, and look toward your home. Are you able to see the numbers of your home? It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. Thankfully, you can right this wrong cheaply and quickly.

Home security is crucial and one thing that many people don’t know much about. This topic needs to be the number one priority for all who want to keep their family safe and protected. The above article should be an excellent starting point for establishing your knowledge on home security.

You should not keep your auto registration papers in the glove compartment. If someone steals your car, this will tell them where you live too. You should keep them on your person, or find another place in your vehicle to hide them. Your papers should be easy to access in case a police officer pulls you over.