If you own a home, then you understand the importance of keeping it safe. Almost nothing is as bad as the thought of having your home broken into and destroyed. Your house is your biggest investment, but it also represents your sense of security. Review this article to learn how you can protect your most valuable asset.

When you’re picking out home security equipment and services, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help. They may have had experiences with certain companies and can lead you in the right direction. Therefore, ask everyone you can in order to obtain the most advice. With thorough advice, the best decision can be made.

Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!

Your garage needs to be secure. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.

Switch your locks. Perhaps your roommate left town or you have gone through a messy divorce, and you need to feel that the home is safe. It shouldn’t cost too much, and the process can be completed very quickly.

You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. Be sure any home cleaner you give your key to is trustworthy and reputable. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If the cleaner has been sent by a company, call the Better Business Bureau to check on the company’s reputation.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. Remember that every aspect of your home security system should support you in feeling more secure.

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. No need to damage your walls. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. For instance, consider using an electricity socket that is unused, and stash your precious jewelry in there.

Is your dog outside even if you are away? They can help you with your spare key. Conceal it in the dog’s collar. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. Large windows at the home’s front can be beautiful, but it can make it easier for criminals to see inside. Keep your curtains drawn to keep your valuable items safe.

If you are new into a house, replace all the locks. Even if the previous owner or tenant seems trustworthy, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the key they made and distributed. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.

Get a good safe to store your valuables in your home. 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.

Even the wires inside your home are worth something. Lots of people fail to appreciate this until they are hit by thieves. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. Therefore, ensure you hide your wires so that burglars cannot see them, or make the wires extremely hard for the burglars to get to.

If you are entering a house that has already been occupied, you should first change your locks. The previous tenant or owner may not have the keys, but you don’t know if they made copies for themselves or others. You can install locks yourself to make sure you’re the only one who has a key.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Intruders will think to look on the top if a door frame and under a doormat. Try hiding the key in your outside dog’s collar.

Before you give a security company employee access to your home, make sure they’re in uniform and that they present acceptable identification. Burglars are creative, and they often pose as a member of the security team to get inside. This is dangerous for your family and your possessions. Trust your gut and if something does not feel right, it is okay to go with your feelings.

If you have your home brightly lit, burglars are likely to avoid it. Thieves don’t want to be visible. Good lighting in your home means that crooks have no hiding places. Keep lights on in the evening for a safer home.

Request information from your local law enforcement agencies about home protection packages. The police can offer you some great advice, help you engrave valuables and even come check out your home. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.

Safety should be kept in mind when you are planning your landscape. Don’t obstruct windows or doors with shrubs, plants, fences or trees. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. Plan features like these further from your home to have a safe, beautiful design.

Ask a home security company to come to your house and design a security system that is perfect for your needs. Everyone has specific needs and wants when dealing with the security of their house, belongings and family. Doing this helps you get the best security you can get from the company, helping you to relax.

Regardless of the type of home security system you choose, be sure to have regular inspections and maintenance performed. Get a professional in to check it out. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. If you aren’t paying attention, you may not be aware of these problems.

Keeping your house safe is not a difficult feat. You must know certain things. Follow the advice in this article to improve your home’s security. Every single one of the tips you just read will improve your chances of keeping your home safe.