Do you know anything about home security systems? You should do more research on this topic if you want to find the ideal home security system. This is costly and can affect your family’s safety, so keep reading.

Is your dog outside when you are away? They may provide you with a useful place to hide your key. Hook your key to the dog’s collar in a place that is shielded from view. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.

Home security systems aren’t just about sounding alarms. They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. This is useful for parents who have small kids, as it helps keep them from leaving the house.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This is a valuable safety feature for parents of small children since they know if their child has exited the home.

It’s important to shop around before you settle on the right security system for your home. You’ll find a wide range of prices from different companies. Before choosing which company to go with, ask for quotes from a minimum of three companies.

Never open the door for a stranger. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Establish a rule where you and your family only open the door for expected visitors.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. Ask around to get lots of advice for making a better choice.

You should not be shy. Engage your neighbors in conversation. By knowing the people in your neighborhood, you can rest a little easier knowing that people are looking out for each other. You never want to ignore gossip. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Your garage needs to be secure. There is a way to stop thieves from entering your home from the garage. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.

Alter the combination of the locks in your home. Anyone from an old roommate to a former tenant could have access to your home if you leave the old locks in place. Changing locks is not very expensive and should be done within a few hours.

Motion-sensor lights can alert you of a robbery before it even happens. This type of light will come on when they detect motion within a certain distance of your home. These lights will not only let you know when someone gets too close, they will also stop potential burglars from breaking in. After all, burglars don’t want anyone to know they are there. But keep in mind that the bulbs to the security light should be routinely changed to ensure that the deterrent system functions properly.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Skylights are nice to bring extra light into your house, but they are also easy ways for burglars to enter your home. Make sure that you use safety hardware when the skylights are installed and maintained.

Walls are the perfect place to hide. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. Installing a false unused plate is very easy to do if your home doesn’t have one.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. Large windows let in a lot of light, but they also allow outsiders to see inside your living space. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.

Do that put spare keys above door frames or under door mats. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.

Whenever you move to a new dwelling, make certain to get each lock replaced. While the person you bought the home from may seem on the up and up, you have no idea who they really are. There are other people who have lived in the home as well.

Door Frame

Add motion detector lighting to the exterior of your home for increased security. Motion detection lights will turn on as soon as something or someone enters your yard. If the lights are positioned correctly on your home, then it makes it much less likely for a burglar to enter.

Replace rotten wood on your door frame. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Replace the rotting door frame with a new one and keep your home much safer.

If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. There may be hidden costs in the event you wish to cancel before the end of the contract. This may also be true if you need more or different equipment in the future. Be aware of these particular fees so you can steer clear of them.

If you scheduled an appointment for a member of the security company to come to your house, ask them to show you some identification first. Intruders can easy pass themselves off as an employee of a security company just to get inside your house. This can put your family and possessions in danger. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.

Consider home security and safety when you are planning your landscaping. Your doors and windows should not be obstructed by shrubs or fences. Do not give robbers a chance to hide in any area. This will give your home additional safety.

Always go over the small print on contracts offered by your home security company. You need to find out about hidden costs, such as cancellation fees in case you want to cancel your contract before it expires. If you can’t avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.

Make an appointment with a home security company to evaluate the security needs of your home specifically. You need some features which other families may wish to do without. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

Do you feel confident now? The more you’re learning, the better it will be when you have to make this decision. Keep all of this in your mind as you make your choice.

Be sure your home is well lit on the outside. Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their crimes. Be sure all vulnerable exterior areas of your home are equipped with good lighting. This includes doorways and porches, the garage, and windows on ground floors which may invite intruders.