Homeowners are often daunted by the topic of home security. However it doesn’t have to be all that hard or expensive. If you take the time to read the tips below, you will find that it can be easier and less costly than you had originally thought.

Always change the locks after moving into a new home. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

Make your home look occupied at all times. Put timers on the TV, lights and radios. This gives off the appearance that someone is home. This is just one of the many precautions you can take to secure your home.

Never let a stranger inside. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. There are people that just want to go into your home to see if you’ve got a type of home security system, and if they see that you don’t, they’ll return when you’re not home.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? This is where you can put your spare key. Attach your key to your dog’s collar, ensuring that it can’t be seen. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

Do not open your door for people you do not know. People are coming up with all sorts of ways to convince people to open their door to them, with the intent of committing burglary or worse. Enforce a rule within your house that no one opens the door to unexpected people.

Buy a safe for very valuable items in the house so you can keep them inside a single location. This is vital since it means all of your things will be safe if someone breaks in your home. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.

Your garage needs to be secure. Some people are concerned about burglars entering through an attached garage. A C-clamp can prevent a garage door from even opening if the clamp is tightened on the door track near the roller.

Use the space in walls to store your prized possessions. You don’t have to damage the walls to do so. There are lots of places around the home that have pre-cut areas that you can use. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

Switch your locks. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. It shouldn’t cost too much, and the process can be completed very quickly.

Spare Key

Go with your gut when you invite a home security company representative into your house. If the installers make you feel uncomfortable, heed your feelings. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Thieves are tricky, diabolical, and familiar with any and every hiding place. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

You want all wires of an installed security system to be hidden. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. Do not make things simple for a burglar, but rather bury all wires or hide them in the wall. Your system will be far more effective this way.

Lock your home at all times to err on the side of caution. It may be shocking, but many home invasions and burglaries occur by intruders walking through the front door that was left open. A thief could steal all your valuables in only a few minutes.

Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. Power outages are common to all sorts of emergency situations, so having flashlights handy will enable you to maneuver in the dark. Train your kids how to use flashlights so that all members of the family can contribute.

Be certain the wires to your home security system are neither visible nor accessible. Intruders can disable a system if they see the wires. You don’t want to help them by doing this, so make sure you have the wires within the walls. You will be much safer.

When moving into a previously owned home, change the locks. Even though the previous tenant may have turned in their key, you never know if they have a copy. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.

Replace rotted wood around any door frames. A burglar can easily strip away wood that has rotted. As a result, this will assist them in breaking into your home. Replace rotting wood with fresh wood to improve your home’s security.

To increase your home’s security, buy some outdoor lights that are motion activated. These lights are not only handy when you get home late, they also help deter criminals from entering your home. This is a great way to deter prowlers and potential intruders at night.

Armed with the tips presented here, you are ready to make your home safe and secure. Start making changes around your home. Soon your home will feel safe and secure 24/7. You will soon be relaxed.

Landscape around your home with an eye to safety. The doors and windows of your home should not be obstructed by trees, fences or shrubs. If they are visible, people won’t be able to hide there while trying to break in. Put landscaping farther away from the house for greater safety.