No matter if you own or rent, you need a safe place to call home. Perhaps you are unsure of the steps necessary to secure your home. Read on to find out! Keep reading to find out how.

Home security systems do more than sounding an alarm in case of a break in. They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.

Change all of your locks when you move in. You’re not aware of any copies that have been made by the previous owners of the house. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. Make sure you do the same thing if you lose your keys sometime.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Prices can differ a lot among companies for the same type of protection. Get quotes from several companies before making a decision.

Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you’re not at home? Using Fido to hide your spare key can be a clever trick. Put it on their collar. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. You could hide the key with your dog on the collar.

Buy a safe for very valuable items in the house so you can keep them inside a single location. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.

Before selecting a security firm, ask for recommendations. 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. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

When planning to go away for a holiday, be sure to turn off the ringers on your home phones. A phone which rings forever is a sign to burglars that you’re not there.

Don’t let any person you don’t completely know into your house. Do not give in, even if a person uses a convincing story, asks for help or says they are selling something. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

Don’t let strangers enter your house. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. There are some people who will just come in to see if you have a home security system, and if you do not, they could come back later when you are not home.

Try not to have a shy attitude. Talk to your neighbors and those on your block. You’ll find that friendly neighbors make for a powerful support network. Keep an eye on their properties and they’ll respond in kind. Also consider listening in on some of the neighborhood gossip. You never know what sort of security issues you might become privy to.

In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. These could catch on fire during the summer, especially if you live in a dry area. To make sure your home is safer, clear your yard periodically.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with someone else. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. You can also just put in a false plate to cover a hiding place.

If your home has skylights, don’t neglect to secure them. Skylights have a good function, but unfortunately they also often provide a way for a burglar to enter. Your skylights need durable and reliable hardware for true protection.

Stashing your most precious possession right inside the walls of your home can be a great idea. You do not have to damage your walls to keep your valuables safe. Instead, you can use the small spaces that are already there. Why not take the guts out of an electrical socket you’re not using? You can convert it into a convenient and covert little wall safe.

Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. If you need to protect expensive items in your home, put them inside the walls. Just use an unwired electric plug, light switch or phone box. If you don’t have unused plates, it’s easy to put in a fake one.

Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. It might shock you to learn that most break-ins occur due to unlocked doors. Thieves can steal thousands worth of your belongings very quickly.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

You can now start making your home more safe and secure. Don’t hesitate so you can keep the ideas learned here fresh in your mind. You may simply use them as a starting point to brainstorm with yourself for good security solutions. You’ll find that you’ll sleep much better with the comfort of a secure home.

Choose an alarm which monitors other areas outside your doors. Windows are all potential entry points for burglars. The alarm and monitoring system should be set for all windows and doors. This is just one more thing you can do to protect your home.