Do security systems confuse you? Are you unsure where you would even start? Luckily there is lots of good information available on this topic. Continue ahead and learn some good tips that can help you in this area.

You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. There is no way to ascertain how many keys the previous owner handed out. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. When you lose your keys, have your locks rekeyed.

Consider the advice of your friends when selecting your home security company. Knowledge of first-hand experiences can be very helpful to you when it comes to making this important decision. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.

Hide your spare key in a place where no one would think to look for it. Avoid cliched hiding places like over the door frame or beneath the doormat. Experienced criminals will check these places immediately. Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.

Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. Even if they tell you a sob story about needing help, this warning remains true. Even home security representatives could be intruders who want to check the kind of protection you have.

Don’t let everyone in your social network know that you are leaving the home unprotected for your vacation trip; especially the people who you aren’t familiar with. While you may want to shout it from the rooftops, you’re letting everyone know that your home will be vacant and easy to rob.

Rid the outside of your home from dead wood, vegetation and overgrowth during the summertime. You risk a house fire if that sits there during the heat of the summer and catches fire. Clear yard regularly to maintain your house safe.

If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. A lot of garage owners fret over burglars entering this way, but there are answers. Using a C-clamp on the garage door will prevent it from opening by staying on the door’s track.

Home protection program details may be available at your police station. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.

Be sure to keep your car in your garage rather than filling your garage with stored belongings. In this way, your car will be safer. If your car is in your garage there is less of a chance to vandalize or steal it. When your car is hidden, it will be hard for intruders to tell if you are home or not.

Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. These lights turn on if someone walks closely to your house. This is a good way of knowing who comes near your home and keeps you safe if you ever come home late. Just remember that you must change the bulbs often in order to keep the lights working in order.

Trust your instincts when it comes to hiring a home security company. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. Remember that every aspect of your home security system should support you in feeling more secure.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. You want your new system to protect you, not be the way the thief gets into your home.

Don’t think you’re not at risk just because you don’t live in a big city. There are some who believe country folk are more at risk because neighbors are not nearby. Other people believe rural areas are less likely to be targeted by burglars.

Avoid leaving spare keys outside of your home. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. Thieves know about all these hiding spots. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.

While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. Each window represents a possible entry for your thief. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. This can keep your family much safer.

A good home security system monitors all entry points to your home. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Get an alarm that will trigger if either the doors or windows are opened. You want the best security possible for your family.

If you make a large purchase, like a big screen television, don’t simply set the box out in front of your home. These types of items are appealing to thieves, and you may as well put a sign in your yard inviting them to steal yours.

Buy flashlights with strong batteries and make sure there is one in each room in case of power outages. If the lights go out, they will ensure everyone stays safe. Your kids should know how to work the flashlights so that everyone can help.

Make sure to have flashlights with fresh batteries in all rooms within your house in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Show your children how to use them so everyone in the family is involved.

If your home isn’t new, replace the locks. Although the tenant before might have turned their key in, they might still have a duplicate key. You can change the locks yourself if you’re feeling really industrious.

Make sure that the person analyzing your home for a home security system is who he says. Thieves may say they are from a certain company to get into your home. This situation presents danger to your home, family and belongings. Proceed with caution.

When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you’re about to sign. There may be hidden costs involved that you were not aware of. You want to try to avoid these fees whenever possible, so make sure you are aware of them.

Keeping your home well lit at night can help keep the burglars away. This will deter crooks from trying your home. With a well-lit home, thieves cannot hide or break in unnoticed. At night, keep your lights turned on to boost security.

Landscape around your home with an eye to safety. Make sure that there is nothing obstructing your doors and windows. This way, no one can hide there if they are attempting to break into your house. Put landscaping farther away from the house for greater safety.

A reputable security company will send a representative to your home to design a custom system. Every homeowner has specific needs for their home and their family. You’ll get the best protection by using a company that can tailor a plan to your requirements.

You need a home security system. Installing hidden and visible video cameras are great for securing your house. Visible cameras deter the majority of intruders, and if they try to disarm them, a camera that is hidden will keep capturing footage. There are surveillance systems that you can access and check by cell phone.

Keep your outdoor areas well lit. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. Light up the dark spots around your home. This can include garages, doorways, porches, and even near any windows on the ground floor.

Whenever you purchase some expensive item, don’t place the empty boxes right outside your home. Don’t advertise that you have expensive new equipment! Break them down and put them in a bag or take them to a recycling center.

If you haven’t gotten a paper shredder, it may be time to purchase one. A thief looking through your discarded papers can find a lot of information you do not want them to have. They may even learn your schedule, so they can burgle your home while you are away. You can also simply tear papers with personal information into small bits before you discard them.

Talk to your security company about the contract; in particular, inquire about the various contract lengths that are available to you. Each probably has its own set of positives and negatives. Long contracts may cost less each month, but it could leave you with a larger bill if you decide to end your service. Short contracts leave you with freedom, but also a larger bill.

Your security company might give you the option to lease and eventually buy your security equipment. Buying it may cost more, but this means there are no monthly charges. While leasing might be less expensive, it also comes with high monthly fees and contracts. Look at both of these to see what works for you.

Now after taking in the above article you should have a good feel towards home security systems. Use what you have learned in this article and apply it to your situation. When you get the job done, you’ll be so pleased with your safety.

Always keep your valuables secure. Irreplaceable valuables, including financial records, family photos, legal documents, passports, etc., should be secured at all times. Floor safes may come in handy for this purpose. To be even more cautious, you can get a safety deposit box at your local bank.