If you have valuables like jewelry, art or lots of money, don’t assume that only you know about it. A good home security system is the best way to protect yourself from thefts. To learn more about home security, read on.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. Only select service people who are totally trustworthy. Make sure you check references. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

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. Contact a locksmith to make sure that only you have access to your home. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

A spare key must be carefully hidden and not in the obvious spots that a person might think. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. An example would be to attach a key to your dog’s collar, if he stays outdoors.

Make sure you trust your house cleaner before you provide them with a key. When giving your house cleaner the key to your home, you need to be sure that they are reputable and honest. Make sure you verify all references. If they work for a firm, call the local Better Business Bureau to find out that firm’s reputation.

It is important to invest in building supplies that are as fire resistant as possible. This will add an extra protection layer for your house, particularly if you live near power lines or in a dry location. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!

Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. Your home will get added protection, especially if your environment is dry and has power lines. Fire prevention is paramount.

Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. There is a way to stop thieves from entering your home from the garage. If your garage door happens to lift on a track, using a C-clamp can help. the C-clamp prevents the door from opening if it’s tightened on the track close to the roller.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. Even if this stranger has a believable story or is trying to sell you something, do not let them in. Some people want to enter your home just to see if there is a security system in place. They may be scoping the place to come back when you’re gone.

See what your local police department offers in terms of home protection programs. Many programs include how to use some engraving tools to create code numbers for identifying valuables that are stolen, home inspection, and advice on protective measures. Call and see what is available.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. Call the local police department and inquire as to what programs they offer.

Listen to your intuition as to whether your system is being installed by a trustworthy home security company. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. Don’t hesitate asking for another technician or get another company. Security is supposed to give you peace of mind after all!

Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. Jewelry and other small items can be protected very well when placed in hiding places in your walls. Just open up an electrical outlet or a phone jack that is not in use. If you don’t have unused plates, it’s easy to put in a fake one.

When securing your home, don’t forget about skylights. While they are nice and help with lighting, they also provide the burglars help with access to your home. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

When selecting a home alarm system, choose one that protects many areas of your home, not just the doors. Windows need to be monitored too. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and doors. They are the most effective.

Use your walls as hiding spaces. You do not have to damage your walls to keep your valuables safe. There are many places in your home that are pre-cut and available. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.

Rotted Wood

Change all of the locks in your new residence. You don’t really know the people you purchased the house from or all the folks they shared keys with, so don’t place too much trust in the old locks. Remember that other families may have lived there before that person as well.

Replace rotten wood near door frames. Anybody wanting to break into your house can just pry off rotted wood and get inside. Replace rotted wood with fresh wood to make your home safer.

Replace rotten wood on your door frame. Anybody wanting to break into your house can just pry off rotted wood and get inside. Replace rotting wood with new wood to stay safe.

If you are entering a house that has already been occupied, you should first change your locks. You do not want anyone to have a copy of the key. If you own, you can have the locks replaced and only you will have had the key.

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. After narrowing down your top five choices, you can then take the next step by contacting each one.

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. When you know that you’re dealing with a company of some repute, you can feel more at ease making that decision.

If you see that the door is open, do not enter the house. The thief might still be inside, and you don’t have any idea whether or not they are armed. You should call the cops and then wait for them before you do anything else.

Ask a home security company to come to your house and design a security system that is perfect for your needs. Everyone has specific wants and needs when it comes to securing their home, family and belongings. By locating the company that will create the best plan for you, you will be assured you are receiving the best possible home security.

Your auto registration is best kept somewhere other than your glove compartment. These documents contain a lot of sensitive personal data, like your home address. Hide them somewhere else in the car, or carry them with you. They have to be accessible in the event you are in an accident or receive a speeding ticket.

Consider a wireless home security system. These systems are much more efficient and can save you time and hassle. A wireless system is easy to install, and will not become inoperable if your power goes out.

Do not make a number-code password your birthday or other obvious number. Anyone could get your date of birth from Facebook and could have access into your house. Rather, try and make your combination the answer to an equation so that you only need to remember an equation instead of an actual series of numbers.

See if your security company only sells equipment, or if they will lease it to you instead. Purchasing equipment outright will cost more initially, but may offer savings over the long term. Leasing is a good way to avoid the initial expense, but you will have to pay monthly fees. Look into both choices to know which one is better for your personal circumstances.

If you have a living room window that faces the street, draw your curtains at night. You wouldn’t want strangers leering into your home. If burglars spot the expensive items in your house, they may want to hit you next. Be discreet when showing off what everyone can see, and you can be more likely to avoid burglaries.

Avoid keeping your key somewhere expected. An easily moved object close to the door is the first place a burglar will look. Many people will look under your doormat. A better plan is to ask someone you trust to keep your extra key in case you need it. Otherwise, you should be more creative when it comes to hiding your key.

If your door isn’t either metal or solid wood, replace it with one that is. Those materials will hold. If a robber tried to break in, it would be hard for him to do that. It is easy and affordable to replace all of your home’s exterior doors, so ensure you do this immediately.

Keep your most valuable possessions secure. Passports, jewelry and expensive electronics must be secured at all times. Floor safes may come in handy for this purpose. A better idea could be to store these inside a box outside of your house.

Investing in a home alarm is great, but only if someone calls the police when it goes off. You want a system that is monitored from a central location that can call the police when the alarm goes off. It is not safe to assume the neighbors will call the police.

Put in a door that is solid wood or metal. Doors made of metal or wood are much sturdier than those that aren’t. If the burglar tries to kick their way in, they have a hard time doing so. It shouldn’t be too costly to replace your exterior doors, so go do it.

If you are female and live by yourself, you are a major target. Consider displaying large boots outside your home to make others think that you have a man living in your home. This will drive away thieves.

Sliding doors are a huge security issue. By simply lifting the door and shaking it, it can be easily unlocked. A piece of pipe or wood (e.g. a hefty broomstick) cut to the proper length and used to block the door channel can provide affordable security if you don’t have an alarm system. This helps keep your door closed and makes it not easy to open.

Buy a security system from a reliable company instead of a re-seller. If you buy from a re-seller, you may not get the best deal. You can avoid these additional fees and have access to quality service by going through a reliable company.

When you can’t lock your door from the outside, your home isn’t secure. The best lock is a deadbolt and those that have keys for the inside and outside can prevent burglars from opening them.

Remember that all external wiring is a tempting target. The copper and other metals found in electrical components, wires, and plumbing is valuable enough as scrap metal to make it worth stealing. Keeping your wires hidden prevents the thieves from seeing them and wanting to take them.

Rather than hoping you won’t ever be the victim of burglary, take the steps to ensure it never happens. Of course, this does not mean living in fear. Simply take some wise precautions. Follow the excellent tips presented here to provide your home, your family and yourself with great security.

Burglars hate video security systems. Burglars with masks like you see in movies are not really the norm. Most thieves won’t cover their faces simply because they don’t plan to run into anyone. Burglars who see a surveillance camera in place usually beat a hasty retreat.