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. Rather, be deliberate about deciding what your family needs in terms of home security.

Your home should always look like it is occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This makes it appear that someone is home. This will keep people from breaking in.

Put your spare key on your dog. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

Place the spare key that you make on your dog. In order to make this work, your dog either needs to stay outside or have access to a pet door. Just place your key on your dog’s collar.

If your home has a lot of valuable items inside, then you need to purchase a safe so that all of these items can be kept in a single location. This is vital if you don’t want diamonds, gold or other personal items exposed to a home intruder. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.

After you buy your new house, get new locks. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. To ensure that you are the only one who has access to your house, call a locksmith. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.

Before selecting a security firm, ask for recommendations. Your loved ones likely have dealt with this situation before. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.

Eliminate dead vegetation and rotting wood from the yard each summer. They pose a fire risk. Always clear the yard to ensure safety.

Don’t open your door if a stranger is on the other side. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. Enforce a rule within your house that no one opens the door to unexpected people.

If you have skylights, do not neglect them when making sure your home is secure. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Your skylights need durable and reliable hardware for true protection.

You need to have your security system checked once a year. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. A number of things may cause your alarm system to have problems, including mother nature and wild animals. You may not even know there is a problem if it is not visible.

No matter how soon you plan to return home, you should lock your doors. You may be surprised to know that many burglars simply turn the doorknob and walk right in. They can get a ton of stuff quickly and be long gone before you return.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. Ask the company to send a different installer or simply change companies. Remember, the new security apparatus is meant to make you feel safe and secure.

When in the process of selecting an alarm system, you should select a system that protects more than simply the doors of your home. Windows need to be monitored too. You want to be sure that the alarm is connected to all windows and entry points. Doing this will help ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.

When selecting a home alarm system, choose one that protects many areas of your home, not just the doors. Each window represents a possible entry for your thief. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. They are the most effective.

If you bought any expensive or large items, don’t throw the boxes out until the day trash is scheduled to be removed. Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your house.

Keep flashlights in your rooms. This is important for you to be able to see should your power go out or you suffer an emergency. Make sure each member of your family knows where the flashlights are and how to operate them.

If you move into a home or apartment that has been previously lived in, the first thing you should do is change the locks. Previous tenants may have given the keys back to the landlord, but it is always possible to make copies of keys. You can purchase and install locks yourself to make sure only you have the key.

If the home you are moving into is not brand new, you should change the locks on all the doors. Although the tenant before might have turned their key in, they might still have a duplicate key. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.

Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. Criminals love darkness to help mask their crimes. Install lights by each and every entryway to your home. This includes porches and doorways, the garage, as well as ground floor windows, which can invite an intruder.

Screen the references of anyone who would have access to your house. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. Avoid giving keys out to contractors, maids and repairmen.

If you get home and see the door is slightly open, don’t go inside by yourself to investigate. This is dangerous because the thief may be right inside. It is best to call the police right away and go to a safe place until the police check your home.

Be certain to read the entire contract when you hire a home security firm. There may be hidden costs in the event you wish to cancel before the end of the contract. This may also be true if you need more or different equipment in the future. Avoid as many fees as you can by reading everything.

Always request that your house or pet sitter remove fliers from your door. Burglars have been known to put these up, waiting to see if they are removed or not. If the flier is not removed, it’s easy for a burglar to suspect that the owner is away.

Consider a surveillance system for your home and property. Installing hidden and visible video cameras is great for securing a home. While a visible camera is a deterrent, a burglar might try to disable the camera, but a separate hidden camera can solve this problem. You can often view these feeds over the Internet, too.

Do not put electronic boxes in the front of your house. A burglar may see the box and decide to target you as a result. You should cut up the boxes once you empty them.

Dogs are an excellent way to protect your home. Dogs protect their territory diligently, and tend to make noise if something goes awry. It doesn’t even have to be a big tough dog. Small dogs also help, because intruders don’t want people to notice the barking.

If you have kids or roommates that you don’t want in certain household areas, it’s not necessary to lock multiple doors and tote around tons of keys. Install key-less locks instead. These locks use codes instead of keys. Install them yourself or get a local home security company to do that.

If you have rooms that are off limits to kids and company, the following is a great solution. Get key-less locks that need a code. You can even install it yourself.

When you aren’t home, make sure your windows are covered. Potential intruders will see what you are doing and get an idea of how many valuables you own if you keep your blinds open. If they see something they like, they will then break in. You should have the windows covered when you’re asleep.

Ask about the different contract durations that a security company can offer you. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Long contracts are cheaper every month, but can outlast your stay in the home. Shorter contracts allow your greater freedom, however they usually cost more each month.

Always lock second story windows. Burglars may not use the front entrance, so this is important for you to do. However, this is actually not how it goes. Criminals know that this is a vulnerable area in home security.

When you will be away from home, keep the curtains and blinds shut. If you leave them open, potential burglars can look in and case the joint. They might see something worth breaking in to get. At night when you’re asleep, you should close your shades.

Although locks are good to use, you could not use them outside. Therefore this will not be of use to you. A deadbolt is always the best choice, and those with keys inside and outside guarantee a burglar cannot open it.

Now that you’ve read this article, you are surely more knowledgeable about the given subject. It’s useless to enter into home security blindly. You need to make the safety of your family your top priority. Keep this advice in mind for the future.

Having a big dog with a loud bark is beneficial. Intruders are not going to risk getting attacked after breaking into your home. Consider getting a large dog that may protect your family, but is also great with your kids.