Are you considering getting a security system installed in your home? Many folks buy one without really needing one. There are small things you can do to stay safe, like locking doors, that can really protect you.

Any time you buy a new home, have the locks changed. You don’t know the exact number of copies of that key the previous owners have or have handed out. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. This is also a good idea in the event that you misplace your keys.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. Many can be set for sounding their alarm if anyone enters. This is a valuable safety feature for parents of small children since they know if their child has exited the home.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. They can be programmed to alert the homeowner if a person enters the home. For families with young children, this is excellent for alerting when a child has entered or left the house.

Turn the ringer off on your telephone if you are going to be away. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

When looking for a system to secure your home, do comparison shopping. Prices for home security systems can vary and they do not all offer the same services. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

Make sure to clear your yard of brush and dead wood in the summertime. You risk a house fire if that sits there during the heat of the summer and catches fire. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.

If your social networking accounts are filled with folks you do not really know, do not announce vacations on the sites. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.

Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. You can change the locks in a single day, and the hardware is not very costly.

Understand certain safety precautions when it comes to having skylights for your home. Skylights are nice to bring extra light into your house, but they are also easy ways for burglars to enter your home. Be sure that the skylights for your home are durable and reliable.

Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. Be wary of those who come to your door selling products, asking for help, or telling sob stories. Some people may simply be trying to determine whether or not you have a home security installed; if you don’t, they may plan to return later if you are away from your home.

Walls can be a great hiding spot. Jewelry and other small items can be protected very well when placed in hiding places in your walls. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. If you have no unused plates, you can easily install false ones.

Spare Key

Clear away all the dead and dried out vegetation around your home in the summer. These could catch on fire during the summer, especially if you live in a dry area. Clear yard regularly to maintain your house safe.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. You might think this protects you against being locked out of your home, but it also gives intruders access to your home. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. The wisest course of action is to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or a reliable neighbor.

Are you aware of the value contained in your home’s wiring? Some intruders could strip your home of every bit of copper. A skilled intruder could remove all the copper from your home within less than an hour. This is why the wiring should be hidden or difficult to get to.

Talk to the police department in your area to see what safety programs they have. Many police departments offer programs that can include home inspections, home security training and more. Get in touch today.

Remove and replace any wood that is not up to par. The rotten wood will be simple to remove, allowing a thief access to your home. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. Be sure to perform a background check and look for any criminal history that might be in evidence. You can’t know for sure about the integrity of people you hire, and blindly giving them access to your home can be a huge mistake.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. If you aren’t paying attention, you may not be aware of these problems.

When you hire a type of home security company, read the contract’s fine print before signing. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. You are going to want to avoid these kinds of hidden fees, so know about them up front.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. While these systems could be good for protecting your family, they aren’t for everyone. Some individuals are more comfortable with a canine alarm, while other people enjoy the feeling of security that a sophisticated alarm system can bring. Understanding your needs will help you make a good purchase decision.

An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the locks. As time passes, keys end up getting into the wrong hands. It doesn’t cost much and they can usually show up within a day.

Home security systems are often the best choice for some families. However, you may discover that simply changing some things around your home may be your solution. Ensure you thoroughly research your options so you can select the best home-security plan for your home.