Your house must be a safe haven for you and your family at all times. When they leave, it should be just as safe when they get back. Begin protecting your home by reading the excellent information presented here.

Put your spare key on your dog. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Simply attach a spare key to your dog’s collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you’ll be able to retrieve it if you need it.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. Be sure to cal a locksmith if you were to lose your keys as well.

Invest in a safe in order to secure very valuable items. This is vital if you don’t want diamonds, gold or other personal items exposed to a home intruder. Keep the safe hidden somewhere remote.

Purchase a safe to lock all of the extremely valuable items in your home in one place. This will help to keep your jewelry and other valuables secured in the event of a break in. Hide your safe in a hard to find place like the basement or attic.

Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. This give your home an extra protection layer. Preventing a fire hazard is one of the safest precautions that you can take due to the level of destruction that it can cause.

It can be a good idea to only leave one ringer on in your home when you are away. A burglar might hear your phone ring and ring and ring, then realize that you are not home to answer it.

Remove all of the vegetation outside in the hotter months. They pose a fire risk. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.

Do not open your door for people you do not know. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. Only open the door for people you are expecting.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. If the installers give you the heebie-jeebies, it’s not a good sign. Never be afraid to ask for a new installer or to get an entirely new firm. You need to feel secure with the entire process.

Do not be shy. Get to know other people who live next door and others in your neighborhood. Ask them to look after your home, and in return, look out for theirs. Do not ignore gossip either. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. Remember that you are not the only one who is aware of these sorts of hiding places. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Rather, give your key to a neighbor you find trustworthy.

Skylights need to be secure, too. While they are an excellent source of natural light, they are also an easy way for thieves to enter your home. Fix your skylights so they cannot be accessed as an entry point by intruders.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Having large windows in front of your home may be a great way to see what is happening outside, but it can also give crooks a view inside your home. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.

When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Your windows should also be protected because burglars can also break into them. Each point of entry for your home should be monitored by the system. This can mean the difference between a safe home and one that is an easy target.

When in the process of selecting an alarm system, you should select a system that protects more than simply the doors of your home. All of your windows are possible entry points for a thief too. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. This can mean the difference between a safe home and one that is an easy target.

If you buy expensive electronics or appliances, throw the packages away the day that your trash pickup occurs. These boxes sitting outside your home serve as a flag for thieves to target your home.

Are you aware of the value contained in your home’s wiring? People often don’t think about this until they have it stolen from their home. Copper wiring is very valuable and susceptible to being stripped from the outside of your home. Hide your wiring for optimum security.

Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. It wouldn’t hurt to also perform a background check. You never really know if you can trust a service person, and giving access to the wrong one can prove disastrous.

Replace rotted wood around entryways. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Replace rotting wood with fresh wood to improve your home’s security.

You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. These lights will keep your property well lit and give you a good idea of who approaches your home. If placed strategically around the house, motion detectors can make it very tough for criminals to get to your property.

It is important to always have fresh batteries and flashlights handy around the house. This is important for you to be able to see should your power go out or you suffer an emergency. Also show your children how to use them so they can help out in emergencies.

If you have your home brightly lit, burglars are likely to avoid it. They wish to avoid detection. When your home is lit well, the crooks have nowhere to hide, making it difficult for them to steal from you undetected. So keep those lights on at night for a secure home.

Motion sensitive lights are an inexpensive way to increase your home’s security. At night, not only will these lights be handy to light up areas around your home,they are also a cost-effective and efficient security addition. When placed appropriately, no one will be able to break in unannounced.

Consider your own personal safety needs and security risks before exploring home security systems. You might find that an alarm isn’t necessary at all. It may be better for you to take a self-defense class or buy a dog. The neighborhood you live in makes a difference. Know the risks so that you can make a better decision.

Be sure to read all of the fine print to any contracts you plan on signing for a security company. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. Try avoiding these fees when you can so that you know about them.

Now that you have read this article, you have the knowledge you need to protect your home. Are you ready to put your newly found knowledge to use? Keep reading to learn about how to protect your home and the people you love.

Ask a home security company to come to your house and design a security system that is perfect for your needs. Every person has specific needs and wants when dealing with securing your family, home, and items. A custom set-up will make sure you’re as safe as can be.