Are you interested in getting a home security system? If you’re lost when making this decision, you must learn more about it. This is an expensive investment that means everything to the safety of your family, so continue reading to learn more.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). Most of them can be programmed to alert you to anyone entering your home. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.

Place your spare key securely on your dog’s collar. This works with a dog that stays outside or a dog with a pet door. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

If you want to have a spare key close to your house in order to prevent lockouts, make sure you give its hiding place some careful thought. Never put a spare key under a doormat or above a door jam. One good place to hide a spare key is in the collar of a dog that does not take kindly to strangers.

Providing a key to the person cleaning your home can be acceptable, but you must be sure they are honest and worthy of your confidence. If they will be there over an hour and you are thinking of giving them your home key, be certain they are honest, reputable and hard-working. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. Avoiding fire hazards is a great way to keep things safe.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.

When you’re picking out home security equipment and services, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help. Others have likely had both good and bad experiences that they can share with you that can then save you a lot of stress and time. Ask a number of people to get a several different opinions.

Avoid opening the door if you don’t know who is standing on the other side. People try many ways to convince others to open up their doors so that they can commit burglary or worse. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. Many people worry about burglars getting into their attached garage and then entering their home, but there is a fix. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house. This includes a salesperson or people looking for help. Some folks will enter to scout for security systems, and upon seeing you lack one, will resolve to return at a later time.

Is your garage used for storage? Consider removing those items and keeping your car there instead. It will be far more secure against thieves. Having the car in the garage will prevent it from getting broken into or stolen. Hiding it will help to deter people from tracking the times you aren’t there.

Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. They pose a fire risk. Clear yard regularly to maintain your house safe.

It’s a good idea to have motion sensor lights installed. These lights will come on if someone walks near your house. These lights will not only let you know when someone gets too close, they will also stop potential burglars from breaking in. After all, burglars don’t want anyone to know they are there. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

Don’t be shy. Converse with those living in your area. Ask them to watch your home if you are on vacation. Pay attention to gossip. You may hear valuable information regarding security, such as if any strangers have been hanging around.

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. Changing locks is not very expensive and should be done within a few hours.

How does it feel to know a lot more regarding home security systems? The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you’ll be with regards to home security. Keep the information above close as you consider the options.

Be sure to secure the skylights to your home. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Your skylights need durable and reliable hardware for true protection.