Home security is a topic that you, hopefully, take extremely seriously. If it is not, it should be. However, knowing the right security steps to take is not easy. You can pick up some great security ideas to help you get off to a good start by checking out the tips provided here.

It is important for your home to always look lived in. There are timers you can use to make electronics turn on and off at random times. This will make your home appear as if someone is there. This is a simple way to give people up to no good think that you are home.

Be sure that your home is always occupied. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. This makes it look as though people are home no matter what. This is a simple way to give people up to no good think that you are home.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Hide a key inside the collar of your dog in case you need a spare.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. Make sure they are honest, reputable and hardworking. Check references thoroughly. If the cleaner has been sent by a company, call the Better Business Bureau to check on the company’s reputation.

When you’re going away, turn off your phone ringers. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. You’ll find a wide range of prices from different companies. Get quotes from several companies so that you can get the best price for your home security system.

Speak with the police in your town regarding the home security programs they have. Home inspections or engraving identifiers can help protect you. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.

Do not tell anyone that you are going on vacation out of your friend circle. Although your first instinct is to share the news about an upcoming trip that excites you, the info may well fall into the hands of people who’d be interested in burglarizing your home while you’re away.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. If you simply are not comfortable with a company’s technician, request for another technician or simply hire another company. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

Garage Doors

When selecting an alarm set-up, think about getting one that protects not just the doors in your home. Burglars can gain entry through your windows as well. Therefore, ensure the windows have an attached alarm. All potential entry points should have an alarm. This is great for keeping the family secure.

If your garage is attached to your home, always keep it secure. Many people are concerned about people entering their garages to gain access to their homes. A C-clamp is very useful for garage doors that lift on tracks. It will prevent garage doors from opening up whenever it is near the roller and is tight on the track.

Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Many other people could have keys to the property, and you probably don’t want them to all have access to your home.

Request information from your local law enforcement agencies about home protection packages. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. A quick call to the non-emergency number at the police station in your town will tell you all you need to know.

There is a lot of value in copper wiring. Many people never realize this value until wires are stolen right out of their home. Experienced criminals can make a decent amount of money quickly by stripping copper wiring off of houses in order to sell it at a scrapyard. Keep your wiring hidden or inaccessible to potential burglars.

Install lights that use a motion-sensor. They turn on only if someone is nearby. Motion-sensitive lights will alert you to movement and deter people who want to break into your home. But keep in mind that the bulbs to the security light should be routinely changed to ensure that the deterrent system functions properly.

Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. You can’t know for sure about the integrity of people you hire, and blindly giving them access to your home can be a huge mistake.

Get creative and hide valuables inside your walls. You do not have to cut pieces out of the walls to do this. Many spots are already cut that can be used for this purpose. How about unwiring an electricity socket and using it as cover for a place to stash valuable jewelry?

When you hire a type of home security company, read the contract’s fine print before signing. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. You want to try to avoid these fees whenever possible, so make sure you are aware of them.

Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Burglars are well aware of these hiding places. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

As you work on your home’s landscape, don’t forget about safety. The doors and windows of your home should not be obstructed by trees, fences or shrubs. If they can be seen, people will not hide there and attempt a break-in. Plan your home with safety in mind.

If you are throwing away the box an expensive item came in, wait until trash day to put the box out. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

Inquire with your home security service as to how long they’ve been in business. Find a home security company that has a good reputation and many years of experience to get excellent service. You should not trust a company that does not have a good record with your local Better Business Bureau or few years of experience.

Rotten wood on door and window frames needs to be repaired. Rotted wood causes a serious weakness in your home’s security because it makes it easy to pry open doors. Replace dead wood with thick, firm pieces to maintain a high level of security.

Install a home surveillance system. Setting up hidden and visible video cameras is a good way to keep your home secure. Cameras that can be clearly seen have a powerful deterrent effect, while concealed cameras are difficult or impossible for intruders to disable. A lot of surveillance systems are accessible using your cell phone, so you can monitor your home while you are out of town.

If you’re hiring a company for home security, be sure to read any fine print before you sign that contract. There may be some hidden fees, or a need to buy more equipment later. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.

Put the boxes of any expensive electronic items in your trash can so would-be burglars won’t know see them. Burglars will see these boxes and recognize that there are new valubles in your house. After removing the contents from these boxes, tear or cut them up.

It’s smart to use the Internet when you are looking for a good security company for your home. Research the possibilities, check out package options and pricing and analyze customer feedback. You’ll find it easy to narrow your choice down to three top contenders; your next step is to arrange to meet each of them to discuss your specific security needs.

See if your security company only sells equipment, or if they will lease it to you instead. Although purchasing the equipment will likely cost you more money initially, this cost will only occur one time. It won’t be a cost you have to pay for every month. Leasing is often less expensive, but it may involve contracts and higher monthly fees. Check out both options and determine which is best for you.

Before signing up for home security, find out how long they’ve been in business. Companies that have been around for years have shown that they know the industry and that their services are reliable and great enough for recommendations. You’ll have a lot more confidence in your choice if you stick with a company that has a proven track record.

Choose an out of the way place to hide your spare key, not the obvious ones. The classic fake rock is too common and too easy to detect. The doormat is the first place someone will look. Instead, you should keep your spare keys with a trusted neighbor. If you want to keep it at your house, find a spot that’s not obvious.

Invest in a good paper shredder. Thieves can use this information to figure out your schedule and determine the best time to break in. You can also simply tear papers with personal information into small bits before you discard them.

Owning a big, scary dog has many benefits. Burglars don’t want to put themselves in the position of being attacked. Of course, the animal should be protective and also safe as a companion to your children or yourself. A dog with a temper may be scary, but the animal must also be friendly enough to interact with you.

A dog is a great alarm system. They are protective about their territory, plus they make noises that keep burglars at bay. That is not to say that a big, scary dog is required. As long as he is noisy when strangers approach, he’s a great addition to the security of your home.

You need to replace the locks of a home you just bought, no matter who previously lived there. This should be done for rented and bought homes. Do your own lock replacement, or see if a locksmith or landlord will do it.

Avoid storing car registration in your glove compartment. Anyone having access to this information can see where you live. You should carry them with you or find some other hiding place inside your vehicle. Make sure you can easily and quickly access them in the event that a police officer pulls you over.

Keep your home’s rooms from being seen from the outside of the house. If you are able to see your expensive stuff from your front lawn, so are thieves. Put up window coverings so that anything of value is hidden from outside view. If you can’t cover every window, keep your valuables in rooms that are blocked from view.

Having a safe home helps you have a peaceful mind. There is little doubt among homeowners that this is true. The best way to know this can sometimes be elusive, though, unless you have reviewed the information above.

Keep your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors well cleaned. Dust can build up and cause the sensors to not be as effective as they should be. Your detectors will be much less effective at protecting the home from carbon monoxide and smoke.