Are security systems something that confuses you? Do you feel that there are too many options? You need to explore all your different options before purchasing a security system. Read on and lean what options are available to you.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.

Buy a safe and use it to hold all of the valuables in your home. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.

Do not let people you don’t know in your house. Even if they tell you a sob story about needing help, this warning remains true. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. Prices vary quite a bit. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

In summer, take care to trim back branches and plants near the house. You risk a house fire if that sits there during the heat of the summer and catches fire. Keep these cleared away regularly to maintain your home’s safety and to keep it in good shape.

Consider the advice of your friends when selecting your home security company. Your loved ones likely have dealt with this situation before. Ask around so that you can have the advice that you need to make a good choice.

Regardless of the type of home security system you choose, be sure to have regular inspections and maintenance performed. Get a professional in to check it out. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. You might be unaware of problems that arise in some cases.

Do not open your door for people you do not know. You have no way of knowing if the stranger on the other side of the door wishes to do you harm. Keep a hard, fast rule that says you only open the door for invited guests in order to keep your family safe.

It will not benefit you to be shy. Talk to your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. Don’t ignore the gossip. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Do not be reluctant to meet your neighbors. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Ask them to watch your home if you are on vacation. You shouldn’t neglect gossip. You will learn a lot from your neighbors, including details about recent break ins in the area and the shady individuals they noticed.

Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. These are lights that turn on whenever any living thing gets too close to your home. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. Remember that the bulbs need to be changed so that the lights keep working.

When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. You should be very picky when it comes to letting people inspect your home. Ask the company to send a different installer or simply change companies. You need to feel secure with the entire process.

Keep valuables hidden within the walls. You do not have to cut pieces out of the walls to do this. There should be pre-cut spaces throughout your home that will suffice. You could removed the wiring from an electric socket that you aren’t using, and stash jewelry inside it.

Don’t think you’re not at risk just because you don’t live in a big city. Nonetheless, people in the country may be at greater risk due to being far away from neighbors. You need to do some research on the areas where you live to get an idea of how frequent break ins are.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Large windows allow you to keep an eye on who is approaching your home, but keep in mind that potential intruders will be tempted if they can see your valuables. Make sure you keep your blinds closed or arrange your possessions in such a way that they can’t be seen from outside.

Walls are great for hiding items. You can hide small valuables inside the walls. Just open up an electrical outlet or a phone jack that is not in use. If you haven’t got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.

You should change all the locks if you just bought or rented a new home. Regardless of how you feel about the sellers, you never know someone’s true intentions. People may have lived in the home before those owners, too.

Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. Though you may think you are giving yourself a way into your home if you lose your key, you are actually inadvertently inviting intruders into your home. Thieves are tricky, diabolical, and familiar with any and every hiding place. You should have a trusted neighbor keep a spare key.

Make sure that the person analyzing your home for a home security system is who he says. Posing as a security professional is an excellent way for an experienced thief to get inside your house and plan a less-friendly return visit. This puts your household and valuables at considerable risk. Be cautious to stay away from those potential dangers.

Now at this point you should a better grasp on your options. There’s a vast range of possibilities out there, and the tips outlined above are just a few of the ways that you can make your home a safer, more secure place. You won’t be sorry you did this. The time for utilizing home security strategies is now.

Light up your home’s exterior. Thieves like to commit crimes when no one can see. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. This means by the garage, in the doorways, around windows and much more.