Having someone come to your home to install a security system may seem like the most annoying project you have ever started. But, things can actually be easier than all of that. Use the information in the body of this article to smooth the road to home safety.

It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. You don’t know how many keys have been handed out previously. You want to be sure that you’re the only one with a key. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.

Look for ways to make your home seem occupied. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. In this way, it will always seem that someone is in your home. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. You’ll find a wide range of prices from different companies. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Store a spare key within your dogs collar so you always have access to your home.

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. This will keep thieves from stealing it or harming it. This can also keep people from knowing your schedule.

Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. These lights will come on if someone walks near your house. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.

Change the locks after buying a new house. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. To make sure you have the only access to the home, hire a locksmith. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

Stashing your most precious possession right inside the walls of your home can be a great idea. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. Your home should have a few pre-cut areas that can be used. Perhaps you can use an old electricity socket as a place to hide your valuables.

Don’t hide an extra key under a rock or in a planter. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Intruders know about the usual hiding spots. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Simply put the key onto your dog’s collar so that robbers cannot locate it. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.

Are you aware of the fact that your home wiring is worth money? People don’t realize this until it is stolen. Copper wiring is quite valuable, and it’s quick and easy for criminals to strip it right off the outside of your house! In order to protect yourself from this risk, make sure wires on your house are difficult to find and hard to access.

If you move to a place that was occupied before, you should change the locks right away. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.

Good home security systems sound a loud alarm when breached, and that’s not all. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. If you have little ones wandering about the house, this makes it easy for you to know if they have come in or gone out.

Before allowing someone into your house, be sure to carefully check their references. A background check is also a good idea, so that you know what their criminal history looks like. There is no way of knowing whether or not service people are honest, so you should not give them keys to your home.

Ask about the history of any home security company you are considering. Any business with multiple years of history has a proven record in being reliable. You can feel confident when you choose a well established, reputable home security company.

You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This can help your home be safer. Preventing a fire is important since it can cause a lot of damage.

Have home-security companies come to your home so they can design the best possible system for it. Every house and every family will produce a unique set of security concerns that are best addressed with tailor-made security arrangements. The right company will make you feel more safe and secure in your home.

For maximum safety, your home needs bright exterior lighting. Burglars tend to commit crimes at night. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Keep asking to get the advice that will help you make the right choice.

If you come to your home and discover that your door has been left open, avoid investigating by yourself. This is dangerous since the thief may still be on your property. Your best bet is to call the cops and wait until they arrive before you do anything else.

Put in a surveillance system. Adding video cameras on the property can be a good idea. Intruders can be deterred to visible cameras, but hidden cameras are better if criminals damage the other cameras. A lot of surveillance cameras could be accessed through your phone, giving you the chance to check it even when you’re away.

If you have an attached garage, make sure it is secure. Lots of folks are concerned about burglars gaining access to the garage and then the home, but this can be addressed. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.

A great way to deter criminals from getting into the garage is to make sure nobody sees inside it. Cover your windows in frosting, which can be bought at big box hardware stores, so people can’t peek inside. Don’t leave the door unlocked for a long time, either.

There are a number of steps that can be taken for home security without installing a formal system. Whether you are comfortable in purchasing a gun, placing a fence or even placing locks to the doors that you have, are all possible options. Do not forget this advice in order to increase security in your home.

Put motion-sensor lights into your home. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. They help notify you of any movement around your house and deter burglars too. Don’t forget to replace the bulbs when they burn out.