The average homeowner has a lot of work to do to secure their home. You do not have to spend a lot to get an efficient home security system. By reading the below article, you’ll realize that you can take significant steps in protecting your home.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. 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!

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. Lights like these will automatically turn on whenever someone is near them. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. If you are unsure, contact the security company to make sure that the installer was actually sent by them. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. If they need the keys and plan on being in there for more than an hour, try to ensure that they are honest, hardworking, and reputable. Check out their references thoroughly. If they work for a firm, call the local Better Business Bureau to find out that firm’s reputation.

Make sure that none of your valuables can be seen from the outside. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. If you’ve got street facing windows, be sure and keep them covered.

Regardless of how long you think you’ll be gone, make sure to lock your doors. Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door is left open and an intruder just walks in. Thieves can steal a lot of valuable stuff in mere minutes.

Does your dog like to play in your yard? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. The key can be attached to the collar of your dog. This will ensure that burglars cannot see it. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.

When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. Intruders can disable a system if they see the wires. Do not make entry into your home easy. Make sure the wires are not exposed either inside or outside your home. This way, you will be safer.

If you move to a dwelling that has had prior occupants, make sure you get the locks changed. You do not want anyone to have a copy of the key. It’s easy to install locks, so you can just purchase them at the home improvement store and swap them out to be sure you have the only keys.

Do not open your door for people you do not know. Nowadays, people invent many stories of why they should come in. For instance, they may say they need to call a mechanic or the police. However, their true intent is to rob you. Therefore, only allow people you know and are expecting to enter your home.

Make sure that the person analyzing your home for a home security system is who he says. It is simple for a thief to pose as a representative of your home security company as a means of gaining access to your house. This proves rather dangerous for both your family and also your valuables. Be careful to avoid any potential dangers.

Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.

If you have a garage, increase your home security by using it to house your car, rather than just for storage. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. When your car is hidden, it will be hard for intruders to tell if you are home or not.

A good way to scare off intruders is to keep your house lit at nighttime. They don’t want visibility. If your house is well-lit, criminals will be hard pressed to be able to go undetected. Keep your home lit up all night long.

Wireless home security systems are becoming more popular. Wired systems could cost less, but they can also require intrusive electrical work inside your house and can fail when the power goes out. The easy of installation and maintenance when it comes to wireless set-ups makes them the best bet.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. This is especially important when it comes to the company employees who will be installing your system. Ask the company to send a different installer or simply change companies. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.

If you are planning to be away, and you have someone picking up your mail, ask them to also double-check your door for fliers. Sometimes burglars leave fliers in an attempt to see if anyone is home to remove them. If the flier is not removed, they will know you are not home.

Keeping a dog provides a great way to boost your home’s defense. Dogs protect your home by barking if something is wrong. That is not to say that a big, scary dog is required. Small dogs also help, because intruders don’t want people to notice the barking.

Don’t think you’re not at risk just because you don’t live in a big city. Some think residents of the country are even more vulnerable because there are no close neighbors. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

If you have kids or roommates that you don’t want in certain household areas, it’s not necessary to lock multiple doors and tote around tons of keys. You can have key-less locks which require a code. These can be installed either by you, or a home security company.

Avoid keeping auto registration in your glove compartment. This isn’t smart because anyone can reads them can see where you live. You should keep them on your person, or find another place in your vehicle to hide them. Remember that you have to have access to them in case you’re stopped by the police.

Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. These are the first places criminals will look when they try to enter your home. Thieves know about all these hiding spots. A better option is to entrust an honest neighbor with a spare key.

If the window of your living room faces the street, close your curtains at night. There is no need to have outsiders looking into your living room. If thieves can see your things, they might think about paying you a visit. Reduce the risk of being burglarized by being careful about what people can see.

Ask the security company if they’re currently offering an motion sensitive lighting. Most companies offer this option which detects within a given distance of your home and alerts you that someone is approaching. This can give you a heads up if a robbery was about to happen.

If you are throwing away the box an expensive item came in, wait until trash day to put the box out. They show the world you have money and lots of valuables inside.

Now that a wealth of home security information has been made available to you, go out and make your house a little safer. Start to make changes in your house. You should soon feel much safer in your home and be ready to install a security system. This can create a much safer environment for you and your family.