Are you well informed in regards to security systems? You need to educate yourself so you can make an informed decision when setting up your home security system. This is a very costly investment that is important to your home’s safety, so make sure to read on and learn.

Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If you plan to give them a key so they can clean in your home while you are away, ensure they are reputable and honest. One way to do this is to check their references. If the person is an employee of a firm, call your local BBB to check their reputation.

Do you keep your dog outdoors when you go out? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Put it on your dog’s collar, making sure it is hidden. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.

Do you keep your dog outdoors when you are away from home? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. Put it on your dog’s collar, making sure it is hidden. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.

Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. This person might just be casing the joint to see if there is home security equipment.

Home security systems offer additional features besides loud alarms during a break-in. Modern systems are often capable of detecting any open door or window and announcing that fact. Parents of children can track their kids this way.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. They may offer neighborhood watch programs, home inspections, engraving tools for marking code numbers onto items so that they will be easily identified if stolen. Get in touch with the department to determine their offerings.

Walls are great for hiding things. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. You can also install a fake one.

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. 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.

You could hide some valuables within your walls. No need to damage your walls. There are lots of places around the home that have pre-cut areas that you can use. 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.

Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. Instead of letting you into your home in the event you are locked out, you are providing criminals with easy access to your home. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. A better option is to entrust an honest neighbor with a spare key.

Turn the ringers off on all your phones if you will be away for a prolonged period of time. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.

Obtain flashlights with solid batteries, and ensure they are kept in all the rooms of your home in the event of a power outage. If the lights go out, they will ensure everyone stays safe. This can come in handy if someone has cut your power and is attempting to break in.

If the home you are moving into is not brand new, you should change the locks on all the doors. They previous occupants may have made copies of the keys. It’s easy to install locks, so you can just purchase them at the home improvement store and swap them out to be sure you have the only keys.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. While their story may seem legit, that doesn’t mean it is true. Some people want to enter your home just to see if there is a security system in place. They may be scoping the place to come back when you’re gone.

The Internet is your friend when searching for a home security company, so you should use it wisely. You should look at testimonials from customers and different information you can find. After reading about these services, you can narrow down the results and use appointments for price comparisons.

After learning more, what are your thoughts on security systems for your home? The better educated you are on the subject, the more informed decisions you can make. Remember what you’ve read as you begin your home security plans.

The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. As time passes, keys end up getting into the wrong hands. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.