Surely, you know how important it is to keep your dwelling safe. Having your home destroyed or damaged is one of the worst experience you can have. Your house is your biggest investment, but it also represents your sense of security. This article will show you how to protect it.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. You don’t know the exact number of copies of that key the previous owners have or have handed out. Call a locksmith to make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. Make sure you do the same thing if you lose your keys sometime.

Change the locks after buying a new house. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. To make sure you have the only access to the home, hire a locksmith. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.

Beware giving keys to your maid unless the service has your absolute trust. Before you give a cleaner full access to your home for extended periods of time, you have to be certain that they’re trustworthy and reliable. Go over their references and do some background research on the company they work for. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. You should not let cleaners have your keys if you feel like you cannot trust them, or if they will be working in your home while you are away. Make sure you verify all references. If this professional is from a company, it’s best to check with the Better Business Bureau to see what kind of reputation they have.

Install lights that have motion sensors. These kinds of lights will pop right on when they detect motion near your home. These lights will make you aware of, and can also scare off, potential burglars. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.

If you like to have a key hidden in case you lose yours, place it in a safe place. Avoid cliched hiding places like over the door frame or beneath the doormat. Experienced criminals will check these places immediately. Try hiding your key on a lawn statue or in a potted plant.

Go with your gut when you invite a home security company representative into your house. This is very true when you feel uneasy about the person installing the system. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.

If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. A lot of garage owners fret over burglars entering this way, but there are answers. A C-clamp can prevent a garage door from even opening if the clamp is tightened on the door track near the roller.

You can hide things in your walls. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. If you do not have any unused plates, it is easy to install a false one.

Remember to have an annual inspection of your home security system. Make certain the security company you choose provides for regular inspections. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. If you don’t see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.

Do not place your spare keys under your mat or even in plant boxes. You might think this protects you against being locked out of your home, but it also gives intruders access to your home. Burglars are well aware of these hiding places. Instead, have a trustworthy neighbor hold on to your spare key.

Be bold. Speak with your neighbors. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. You shouldn’t neglect gossip. You could learn important security information, such as if strangers have been lurking around the neighborhood.

If you bought any big or expensive things, wait until trash day to throw away the boxes. Empty boxes might draw the attention of robbers and let everyone know you own new and expensive goods.

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Replace bulbs regularly and check the sensors once a month.

If you have just moved into a new home, have every single 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.

Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. As time passes, keys end up getting into the wrong hands. It’s generally cheap can can take less than a day to do.

Did you know that the wires on your home are valuable? Many people have their wires stripped each year. A skilled intruder could remove all the copper from your home within less than an hour. That’s why it’s important to hide your wiring, or make it hard for criminals to have access to it.

Those that live in rural area are not as concerned about having their home invaded as those who are located in the city. Some people feel that rural residents lead riskier lives because they are far away from neighbors. That said, stranger things have happened.

Rotten wood on door and window frames needs to be repaired. It is simple for a robber to pry away rotting wood and enter your home. Be sure and replace rotted wood with fresh wood in order to ensure home safety.

Ensure that valuables are stored in a hidden area that isn’t visible from outside your home. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. If you have windows that face the street, always keep them covered and keep your valuables safe.

Keep a flashlight with good batteries in every room of your home, just in case you lose power. Flashlights are essential since they let you move around in an emergency. Make sure your whole family knows where to find them and how to operate them.

Make sure that the person analyzing your home for a home security system is who he says. It is easy for potential thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to gain access to your home. This leads to danger. Be careful to avoid any potential dangers.

If you are moving into a home that had a previous owner, then you should immediately change the locks. They previous occupants may have made copies of the keys. You might even install new locks yourself so that you know you have the only keys.

Always get references from anyone you are considering hiring to do work inside your home. A background check is also a good idea, so that you know what their criminal history looks like. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.

Add motion detector lighting to the exterior of your home for increased security. During the night hours, these lights help light up the outside of your home, which makes them an excellent addition to your home security strategies. In addition, they are very affordable. If strategically placed, motion detectors ensure that it’s difficult for intruders to break into your home sight unseen.

Take advantage of the Internet while comparing your home security options. You can check out their packages and rates and also read some customer reviews. After that, choose your top three for consultations.

Keep lights on at all times if you want to prevent break-ins from happening. Burglars don’t want to be visible. Making your home’s exterior nice and bright will make it impossible for crooks to go undetected. At night, keep your lights turned on to boost security.

Don’t leave the boxes of any high priced electronics on the curb of your house. Don’t advertise that you have expensive new equipment! Remember to cut up the boxes when they’re emptied.

An important part of vetting any security company before you sign a contract with them is finding out how long they’ve been providing security services in your community. A company with a long history has proved they can survive and provide great service to people. Being in the hands of a good company helps you have peace about your decision.

Try to stay away from spring latch locks. These locks are very easy to pick with something as common as a credit card. This is achieved by sliding the card into the space between the latch and the door. This causes the lock to click open. If this is the kind of lock on your doors, strongly consider adding a deadbolt for safety.

Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. Although automated electronic systems are powerful, they’re not necessarily the cost-effective solution for every home. In some particular neighborhoods, classes for self defense or acquiring a dog may be the best option. However, the newest home security technology may be the best protection in other regions. Be sure to understand the sorts of risks you face before deciding what sort of security is best for you.

See if your firm gives you the choice of leasing and/or buying security equipment. Buying the equipment might cost more up front, but it means a one time cost that does not continue every month. While leasing might be less expensive, it also comes with high monthly fees and contracts. Check out both options and determine which is best for you.

If you buy a new, expensive electronic, such as a television or computer, do not leave the empty boxes on your curb. Burglars will see those boxes and realize that there are valuable things in your home for them to get. When you empty the boxes, cut them up and throw them away so that burglars do not see them.

As stated in this piece, making sure your house is safe need not be tough. You just need to be knowledgeable on home security ideas. Utilize the tools provided here to make the best home security decisions for your unique situation. Don’t neglect anything you read here. Make your home as safe as possible.

The number on your house should be easy to find. If the numbers aren’t legible, police may drive right by. Thankfully, you can right this wrong cheaply and quickly.