All homeowners need to be aware of safety and security. It is necessary, though, to sort through the large volumes of information that exist on the subject. This article will help to boil down the important considerations so you are able to develop a program that works for you.

Use your dog as the protector of 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. Place a spare key on the collar, and when you really need a spare, you know where to go!

Do you let your dog outside when you leave the house? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. This is a good way to ensure easy home access, especially if your pet does not associate well with strangers.

Do you keep your dog outside when you aren’t home? He or she is actually a great place to store your spare key. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.

When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Each company has different rates for their security system. Get quotes from no less than three companies before choosing the best one.

Aim to purchase fire-resistant ceilings, roofs and floors. This is a good way to protect your home against fires, for instance if you live near power lines or in a dry area. Fire prevention is paramount.

Hiding places for spare keys must be chosen with extreme care and caution. Never put a spare key under a doormat or above a door jam. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.

Before leaving for vacation, turn off the ringers in your house. If the phone rings without you there, burglars will suspect that you’re not home, and that can make your home a target for an attack while you’re gone.

Buy fire resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling materials. These materials will protect your home from both internal fires and the spread of fires that start on other properties. Investing in fire-resistant materials will help you save a lot since a fire can cause extensive damage.

If you own a garage, be sure to use it to place your car, as opposed to using it as a storage. Having the car in the garage will prevent it from getting broken into or stolen. Additionally, if your car is put away, burglars will not be able to tell whether or not you are home.

Don’t open up your door for someone who is a stranger. Nowadays, people invent many stories of why they should come in. For instance, they may say they need to call a mechanic or the police. However, their true intent is to rob you. Make a house rule forbidding anyone to open the door for an unexpected visitor.

Install lights that have motion sensors. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. You will receive advance warning of any potential issues, and a would-be intruder will probably be scared off. Test the bulbs frequently, though.

It is important to invest the time and energy into learning about home security. Still, since there is contradictory information out there, you may not be sure exactly what you need to do. Therefore, it pays to refer back to the information found above whenever you require guidance on the subject of keeping your home safe and sound.

Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. Changing locks is not very expensive and should be done within a few hours.