Home security may be a big priority for you, specially if you live by yourself or if you’re a single parent. Instead of remaining afraid, you can take steps to feel better. Continue reading to learn some excellent home security ideas.

Do you keep your dog outside when you aren’t home? He or she is actually a great place to store your spare key. Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. If your pet does not get along with strangers, this will ensure your spare key stays safe.

Get a good safe to store your valuables in your home. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. The safe should be situated in an inconspicuous area of your home.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Every company offers different pricing. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.

If your social networking accounts are filled with folks you do not really know, do not announce vacations on the sites. It’s natural to be excited about your trip, but this is as good as throwing out the welcome mat for people who know your home is unoccupied.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Never put a spare key under a doormat or above a door jam. A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.

Security System

Get in the habit of checking your security system regularly. Get someone from the security firm to inspect it. Many different things can make problems for your security system. You may not be able to tell there is an issue by yourself.

The materials of your home should be fire resistant. This will add an extra protection layer for your house, particularly if you live near power lines or in a dry location. Keeping fire hazards away is a great safety precaution since fire can cause lots of destruction.

Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. Perhaps you aren’t sure who owned the home before you or maybe an old roommate has a key and never returned it. Regardless, changing the locks will ensure your security. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This goes for the installer, too. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. Ultimately, the whole point is for you to have peace of mind.

You should never give details about your vacations and other plans on social networks. It can be exciting to tell everyone about your vacation, but you could potentially be letting a burglar in on your whereabouts.

If you’ve got skylights, don’t neglect them when ensuring your home’s security. While they are nice and help with lighting, they also provide the burglars help with access to your home. Check that skylights have heavy duty hardware that can stand up under unwanted tampering.

Lock your home at all times to err on the side of caution. Most real-world burglars aren’t master lock-breakers; they simply stroll in through a door left carelessly unlocked. A thief can take plenty of valuables in minutes.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

If your home security system is installed, be sure its wires are well-hidden. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. Do not make things simple for a burglar, but rather bury all wires or hide them in the wall. You will be much more safe.

Are you aware of the value of your home’s wires? Some intruders could strip your home of every bit of copper. Copper wiring is quite valuable, and it’s quick and easy for criminals to strip it right off the outside of your house! To keep the wiring safe, be sure that the wire is hidden from view.

Don’t allow a complete stranger to come in your home. Criminals find ways to get people to open doors so they can commit crimes. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.

Before allowing someone into your house, be sure to carefully check their references. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for their criminal history. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.

Your landscaping should be designed based on what will be safest for your home. All doors and windows must be unobstructed by shrubs, trees, fences, or plants. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. Plan these features for further away from your home.

When summer comes around, eliminate all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. Due to the heat, these items in your yard are more likely to catch on fire. As a result, your home could be caught on fire. Keep your family and your house protected by regularly clearing out your yard waste.

Think about your specific needs and risks prior to investigating security systems. They aren’t the right fit for everyone. Some neighborhoods may do better with self-defense classes or having a dog, while others may require the best home security technology you can get. Know what you want and make your decisions based on that.

One of the best home burglary systems is man’s best friend. Usually, dogs protect their homes and when they sense something is wrong, they bark. It doesn’t need to be a huge dog either. A terrier will make enough of a fuss to stop someone from breaking in.

Take advantage of any and all security resources your local police force makes available to homeowners. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. If your police department does not offer these programs, find a private security company.

You don’t need expensive equipment in order to keep your home secure. There are alternatives out there that are much cheaper and they can really help keep criminals away. Apply these tips and make your home a safer place for you and your family.