Learning the basics of home security is something that all homeowners need to do. In order to do this, however, one must sort the good information from the garbage that is out there. The tips in this article will help you learn the basics of how to protect your family and your possessions.

Spare Key

Be sure your home always looks occupied. Put timers on the TV, lights and radios. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This will keep people from breaking in.

Your faithful dog makes a great hiding spot for a spare key. This will only be ideal if you have a dog door or an outdoor dog. Place a spare key on the collar, and when you really need a spare, you know where to go!

When you buy a new house, change the locks. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. This is also the thing to do if you lose the keys.

Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If you do give your housekeeper a key or plan on doing so, it is imperative that they are honest and upstanding. Be sure to make sure their references check out. If the cleaner is from a firm, try calling the local BBB to find out about the firm’s reputation.

Do you let your dog outside when you leave the house? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. If your dog doesn’t like strangers, it’s even better.

Security systems are more than just an alarm. Many can be set for sounding their alarm if anyone enters. This is important to parents who have small children, because they will want to know if the children have opened a door.

Do you keep your dog outside when you aren’t home? Store the spare key with them. Attach the key inside their collar and make sure it can’t be seen. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.

Purchase ceiling, flooring and roofing that is fire resistant. These materials will protect your home from both internal fires and the spread of fires that start on other properties. Lowering or eliminating the risk of a fire is an extremely important home security strategy because a fire can cause extreme destruction very quickly.

Don’t post online when you’ll be away from your home. Although it’s fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. Parents riding herd on small children will be thankful for this feature which makes it harder for kids to sneak outside without supervision.

See what the local police offer when it comes to home protection programs. There are plenty of things that can be done, from a safety walk to cataloging expensive items to help protect your investment and your family. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

Don’t be afraid to know the people who live near you. Meet your neighbors. Keep on eye on their home and ask neighbors to return the favor. You never want to ignore 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.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Different companies can provide equivalent levels of service and security, but their prices can vary wildly. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

When having a company install your security system, you must trust your feelings. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. You want the system to make you feel like you’re more comfortable.

Never place a spare key in a plant box or under your welcome mat. While it may seem like a convenient way to give you access to your home, intruders are aware of this practice. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. If you have a neighbor you can trust, have them hold your extra key.

If you will be away from your house for an extended period of time, turn the ringers off for all your phones. A burglar might hear your phone ring and ring and ring, then realize that you are not home to answer it.

Lock your home at all times to err on the side of caution. This is often a surprise, but the majority of burglaries are due to someone just waltzing right into an unlocked home. Thieves can make off with large amounts of valuable merchandise very quickly.

Do you know how valuable the wires within your home are? Some intruders could strip your home of every bit of copper. Copper wiring can easily be removed. Make sure your wiring is hidden or hard to access to keep this valuable property safe.

Don’t let people into your home unless you know them. Even if their story is compelling, they need assistance or want to sell you something. Some people will simply knock on your door to see whether or not there is a security system installed, and if there isn’t, they may target you later when you’re away.

Rotten wood on door and window frames needs to be repaired. An intruder can simply pry away that rotted wood and enter your home. Replace dead wood with thick, firm pieces to maintain a high level of security.

Home security installation technicians should always be in uniform and wearing identification. Burglars are creative, and they often pose as a member of the security team to get inside. This means peril for what you own as well as your loved ones. Use caution to stay out of danger.

If you have an attached garage, make sure it is secure. There is a way to prevent burglars from entering your home through the garage. Simply attach a C-clamp near the roller on the door track.

It is worth your while as a homeowner to invest the time and effort needed to make your home secure. Unfortunately, sorting out the good information from the bad can be difficult. Just review the tips given here to help you make your home secure.