Is home security something you care about? Do you think that you cannot afford home security? Do you wish there were cheaper solutions available to you? Thankfully, now there are! Read this article for helpful and cheaper security ideas.

Make your house look like it’s always occupied. There are timers you can use to make electronics turn on and off at random times. This will make your home look like someone is in it. This will keep people from breaking in.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? This is a good spot for keeping your spare key. Stash the key on the pup’s collar to keep it out of sight. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Simply attach a spare key to your dog’s collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you’ll be able to retrieve it if you need it.

Good home security systems sound a loud alarm when breached, and that’s not all. They can be programmed to alert the homeowner if a person enters the home. This isn’t just for burglars; parents with young children can also use it as a valuable tool to know when their child has come inside.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. You have no way of knowing how many folks might have keys to your house. To make sure your home can only be accessed by you, enlist the help of a locksmith. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Sometimes, you may get great advice from the people you know.

It’s important to shop around before you settle on the right security system for your home. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

You should mute your land line phone if you are going on a vacation. A loud ring that goes unanswered can alert people to the fact that you aren’t home. This makes you more likely to be the victim of a burglary.

Is your ceiling resistant to fire? What about your flooring or roofing? This helps protect your home when you dwell in a more dry climate. Avoiding fire hazards is a great way to keep things safe.

In the summer, remove vegetation and dead wood from your yard. These can quickly become fire hazards when hit by direct sunlight, placing your house at risk. You can prevent disasters by keeping your yard clean.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. Burglars can easily cut the wires if they are visible. Keep the wires hidden in the walls or underground to keep intruders from getting in. This will add security.

Consider changing your locks as a part of your home security program. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

If you allow a security company to come to your house, make sure they appear professional and can present identification. 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 is a danger to your belongings and your family. Be careful to avoid this sort of danger.

If you have skylights, do not neglect them when making sure your home is secure. Skylights have a good function, but unfortunately they also often provide a way for a burglar to enter. Your skylights should have strong components that can withstand tampering.

Feeling safe in your home shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. While some options might seem rather expensive, there are always cheaper methods as well. The tips here really run the basics of pricing. This will help you set up a great fortification in and around your home.

Walls can be a great hiding spot. If you have small valuables you want to protect, consider hiding them inside your walls. Simply take advantage of an unused switch plate, electrical outlet, or phone jack. If you have no unused plates, you can easily install false ones.