Is home security something you care about? Have you come to believe that you simply cannot afford the services of a security company? Do you wish more cheap options existed? They do exist, and they are much more cost-effective than you may think. The following information can help you devise a good home security plan.

Your dog can safeguard an extra key. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. Place the alternative key on your dog’s collar in case of an emergency.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. In this way, it will always seem that someone is in your home. That means burglars will pass right by.

Once you buy a house, switch out the locks. You don’t know how many keys have been handed out previously. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. Make sure you do the same thing if you lose your keys sometime.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. 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. Be sure to make sure their references check out. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

After you purchase a new home, change the locks. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. Get a locksmith in right away. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Prices vary greatly in regards to the same protection for each company. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.

Don’t post information about an upcoming vacation anywhere on the web. Potential intruders could get a good idea of when you will be gone by monitoring what you share on social networks.

Security systems are more than just an alarm. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. This is a good way to know if your small child has opened a door or closed it.

Make sure your attached garage is secure. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.

It will not benefit you to be shy. Speak with your neighbors. Keep an eye out for their houses, and request that they return the favor. You shouldn’t neglect gossip. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.

Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!

Consider changing your locks as a part of your home security program. Whether you just bought your home or someone just moved out that you were living with, this is an important step to any new situation. Changing locks is not very expensive and should be done within a few hours.

Find a home security company you can trust. This goes for the installer, too. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

You should never give details about your vacations and other plans on social networks. Though trips are always fun to talk about, you may be doing little more than telling burglars the best times to visit your house.

Use your wall spaces to hide your valuables. You do not have to damage your walls to keep your valuables safe. Many places around your house have areas that are already pre-cut. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

Lock up your house every time you leave. Surprisingly, lots of burglaries occur because the burglar was able to simply walk in without having to actually break in. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.

Get advice from your friends before selecting a provider for home security. They have likely had interactions with home security providers that they can tell you about, saving you time and stress. Ask around to get lots of advice for making a better choice.

Think about safety when designing your home. Don’t obstruct windows or doors with shrubs, plants, fences or trees. If windows and doors can be easily seen from all areas, then burglars cannot hide as well, which will hinder their plans. Landscaped features should be set further away for safety, yet keeping beauty in mind.

You should find out how many years of experience your home security service has. A company with a long history has proved they can survive and provide great service to people. It can ease your mind when you know you’re not doing business with a company that might not be around tomorrow.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. Even if someone has a good story, requires help or has a great product to sell, ignore them. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

The best defenses you can afford are what home security is all about. While some options might seem rather expensive, there are always cheaper methods as well. This article should have inspired you to think about your options. They might just do the trick.