Like practically everybody, you want to live in a place where you feel safe, whether you own your own home or just rent it. You might not know how to improve security, so keep reading to learn more. This article will show you what to do.

Change the locks after buying a new house. You don’t know the exact number of copies of that key the previous owners have or have handed out. To make sure you are the sole person with access to the home, engage the services of a locksmith. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

Does your dog remain outside while you’re gone? He or she is actually a great place to store your spare key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden 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.

Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. They often even alert you to any time a door is opened. This is important if you have small kids.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a home security system. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Look at a number of different companies and get at least three quotes before selecting what you feel is the ideal plan for your home.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Some give offer the option to monitor all entries into the house. For families with young children, this is excellent for alerting when a child has entered or left the house.

The materials of your home should be fire resistant. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Preventing a fire hazard is one of the safest precautions that you can take due to the level of destruction that it can cause.

When you’re picking out home security equipment and services, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help. They may have had experiences with certain companies and can lead you in the right direction. Keep asking to get the advice that will help you make the right choice.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. If a burglar enters your home, he or she will have a hard time making off with your possessions. Keep it hidden in a hard to find location.

You should always park your car inside your garage instead of using your garage to store some belongings. Keep the car within the garage will make sure no one harms or steals it. When your car is hidden, it will be hard for intruders to tell if you are home or not.

Be sure to secure the skylights to your home. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Make sure that you use safety hardware when the skylights are installed and maintained.

End your shyness. Speak with your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. Listen for gossip too. You may learn some great information about security, such as if any strangers have been hanging around.

Always lock your home when you leave it, no matter how soon you plan to return. You may be surprised to know that many burglars simply turn the doorknob and walk right in. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.

Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.

Be sure to secure the skylights to your home. Skylights are excellent for beauty and light, but it’s easy for burglars to gain access to your home through them. Use heavy-duty hardware to secure your skylights to the roof.

Keeping your home well lit at night can help keep the burglars away. They want to avoid being seen. A well-lit home is like a red flag to a burglar. Keep the lights on if you want your home to be secure.

Do your landscaping keeping safety in mind. Make sure that there is nothing obstructing your doors and windows. If these things can be seen by the naked eye, they won’t offer hiding places to potential criminals. Plan your home with safety in mind.

You can hide things in your walls. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Use an old switch plate, outlet or phone jack. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

A reputable security company will send a representative to your home to design a custom system. Each customer wants certain things as far as home security goes. By locating the company that will create the best plan for you, you will be assured you are receiving the best possible home security.

Think about what you need to feel safe before considering security systems. You might find that an alarm isn’t necessary at all. Some individuals are more comfortable with a canine alarm, while other people enjoy the feeling of security that a sophisticated alarm system can bring. Know the risks so that you can make a better decision.

Consider hiding valuables within your walls. You do not have to damage your walls to keep your valuables safe. You can find areas in your walls that are pre-cut and use those. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.

Look into wireless security systems. Systems that are wired can be a little cheaper, but may need significant reworking of your home’s electrical wiring and can fail in a power outage. The easy of installation and maintenance when it comes to wireless set-ups makes them the best bet.

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You want all wires of an installed security system to be hidden. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. You will be much more safe.

Try to stay away from spring latch locks. These type of lock is the easiest lock to pick, it could even be opened by a credit card. Intruders can just wedge the credit card in between the latch and the door, causing it to open. If you are already using locks that operate on spring latches, improve your security by adding a deadbolt.

When you’re dealing with a security company that provides you with significant equipment to install, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of buying versus leasing. Buying will save you a ton of money over time. By leasing equipment, you can get the protection you want for less, but you may be paying for it over and over as time goes on. Compare these two options before making your decision.

Your flashlights should always be equipped with good, working batteries. The flashlights are important because they make you able to get around the house in an emergency. Train kids how to use the flashlights so that everyone may contribute.

Take extra measures to keep valuables that cannot be replaced secure. Items like passports, family photos, financial records, expensive jewelry and legal documents are best kept in a secure location. One option is a floor safe inside your home. Safety deposit boxes are another great idea.

Don’t avoid your neighborhood gossip. Instead, get to know him or her. They will let you know if they see someone suspicious near your home. When you’re on good terms with them, you are more likely to receive word of any unusual activity.

Motion-sensitive exterior lighting is a must. In the dark hours, these lights will provide the illumination necessary to protect your home and also save money by staying off when they’re not needed. When placed appropriately, no one will be able to break in unannounced.

Try to purchase your security system direct from the company, rather than from a re-seller. Re-sellers are after making a profit; therefore, they don’t have your best interests in mind. The home security equipment company will not charge you added fees, and you will be able to trust the warranty that comes with your equipment.

Now after taking in the above information you should have some great tips to begin securing your home. There is no reason to procrastinate. Allow them to serve as a sounding board for all of your notions about home security. Once you improve your home’s security, you will sleep better at night.

Having a well-lit home that’s bight in the evening can really deter crooks. They wish to avoid detection. With a well lit home there is no place for burglars to conceal themselves. Secure your property by creating a well-lit area.