If you are woman who is single or mother who needs peace of mind in your home, you may be very concerned about home security. You can take certain steps to help yourself feel better and less afraid. Review the advice in this piece on home security.

Do you have an outside dog? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Fasten the key to your dog’s collar to hide it from view. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

Always change the locks after moving into a new home. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. Changing the locks will give you peace of mind that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.

There are more features to a home alarm system besides making sounds when people break in. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This could be valuable for parents who have small children, making them aware when their kid has closed or opened a door.

Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you’re not at home? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. This is an especially good idea if your dog doesn’t like strangers, and gives you easy access to get in your home.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. 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.

Compare different systems when looking into home security. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Get quotes from no less than three companies before choosing the best one.

Do not tell anyone that you are going on vacation out of your friend circle. This can indicate that your home will be free and vulnerable during the time.

If you have a stranger at your door, do not open it. There are many different tactics that crooks use to enter homes, and a common way is simply to walk up to the door and ask for help. Make sure everyone in your house knows not to open the door unless they know the person standing outside.

Talk to people you know for referrals when choosing home security systems. This will help you to reduce the stress that you have on your search for a good one. Ask around so you’ll have as much advice as you need in order to make a sound decision.

Don’t be shy. Talk to your neighbors and those on your block. Keep watch of their homes when they are away, and ask if they will return the favor. Never neglect gossip. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

Never allow any strangers into your home. No matter what the excuse the person presents, keep them from entering your home. This is the first rule of keeping your home secure.

Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. The lights will notify you of motion and also deter would be burglars. Replace bulbs regularly and check the sensors once a month.

Buy flashlights with strong batteries and make sure there is one in each room in case of power outages. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Train your kids how to use flashlights so that all members of the family can contribute.

Always change the locks if you have someone move out of your home. Perhaps your roommate left town or you have gone through a messy divorce, and you need to feel that the home is safe. It does not cost much, and can be handled very quickly.

Before allowing any security company reps to come into your home, make sure they have on a uniform and they have valid ID. Thieves can pass themselves as workers, which can end up in a robbery of your home. This can be risky for you and your belongings. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.

Remove and replace any wood that is not up to par. It is simple for a robber to pry away rotting wood and enter your home. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.

Safety should be kept in mind when you are planning your landscape. All of your windows and doors should be unobstructed by plants, shrubs, trees or fences. No one can easily break into a window which everyone can see. This will give your home additional safety.

Moving into an apartment or home that you’ve lived in should involve changing the locks first to maker them safer. You do not want anyone to have a copy of the key. You can install locks yourself to make sure you’re the only one who has a key.

Make sure the outside of the house is well lit. Burglars love to operate in the dark. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.

If you are seeking home safety ideas that are simple and inexpensive, you should buy outdoor lights with motion sensors. At night, the lights will keep things bright round the house, but they are also efficient and cost-effective ways to help your security. Whenever you properly position these lights, they will make it almost impossible for burglars to sneak in.

If you get home and your door is open, do not enter ti investigate. The burglar may be on the premises. The best thing to do is call the police and wait for them to arrive before doing anything else.

When you are trying to hire a home security contractor, read all the small print on your contract before signing it. Look out for hidden charges and surprises, especially if you need to cancel the contract early. Avoid as many fees as you can by reading everything.

Dogs are an excellent way to protect your home. Dogs protect your home by barking if something is wrong. The dog doesn’t have to be huge or even vicious. Little dogs can also make big noise, which is the main thing that burglars care about.

Keep your home safe and secure affordably. You can do it yourself. You don’t have to allow a stranger into your home to install a security system. There are many things you can do on the cheap that will scare criminals off. Keep this information in mind if you want your home to feel safer.

When you are out of the house, your drapes and blinds should be fully closed. Keeping them up can let intruders see directly inside your home. They may break in if they see things they like. Curtains and blinds should be drawn shut while you are asleep.