When a person thinks of making their home safe, they think of spending a fortune on someone to come to their home and install a system. That said, it can also be quick and easy. Look at this advice to quickly and easily secure your home.

Your home should looked occupied all the time. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. This will make your home look like someone is in it. This will help to deter burglars.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. Most companies have different price schemes for the the same general level of protection. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.

A good security system has many more features than sounding the alarm during a break-in. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. This is great for parents that have small children so that they know when their kids open or close doors.

If your social networking accounts are filled with folks you do not really know, do not announce vacations on the sites. Potential intruders could get a good idea of when you will be gone by monitoring what you share on social networks.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. An example would be to attach a key to your dog’s collar, if he stays outdoors.

If your garage is attached to your home, always keep it secure. There is a way to prevent burglars from entering your home through the garage. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

You should clean your yard of vegetation and dead wood. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. Always clear the yard to ensure safety.

You should not let anyone inside your home. Even if this stranger has a believable story or is trying to sell you something, do not let them in. It’s quite possible that your charming guest is only interested in evaluating the security of your home; if they find it lacking, they may be back later to relieve you of some of your possessions.

See what your local police department offers in terms of home protection programs. There are many that offer programs that include items, such as home inspection, how to use engraving tools to mark code numbers to identify valuables if yours are stolen, and protective measures advice. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

You should not be shy. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. Don’t ignore any gossip either. Important security details (like the presence of strangers in your neighborhood) can come out of the most innocent conversations.

Always change the locks if you have someone move out of your home. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. This is something that you can do yourself and does not cost much money at all.

Security starts with new locks. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

Be sure to secure the skylights to your home. Although a skylight can bring light into one’s home and look good, it’s also a common entrance way for burglars. Make sure that you use safety hardware when the skylights are installed and maintained.

Do not let people on the street see valuable items in your home. 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 house has street-facing windows, make sure they are always covered and your make sure your valuables are hidden away.

Even if you only plan to be gone for a very short time, lock your house. This is often a surprise, but the majority of burglaries are due to someone just waltzing right into an unlocked home. A thief could steal all your valuables in only a few minutes.

Rather than getting a personal home security system, think about alternatives for protecting your family. There are quite a few options. You could put stronger locks on your doors, build a fence and/or purchase a weapon. It’s really up to you. Keep these things in mind when thinking about home security.

Keep your home security system’s wires under cover. Burglars can easily cut the wires if they are visible. This is why it is so important to make sure all your wires are well hidden. This can make you safer.