Misfortune may strike at any time. Not taking the proper home security steps and assuming that nothing will ever happen to you, can end up putting you at an increased risk. Read this article to learn more about home security and find out how you can make your home safer.

Always change the locks after moving into a new home. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. To make sure no one else can get into your home, call a locksmith. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Just hide a spare house key on the inside of your dog’s collar. Then when you need an extra key, you will be able to access this one.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. This ensures during a break in that the most important things are not stolen. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.

If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Do you have an outdoor dog? She or he is actually a good place to keep the spare key. Hook your key to the dog’s collar in a place that is shielded from view. Especially if pets don’t like strangers, this can be a useful way for having easy access to your house.

Buy roofing, flooring and interior paneling that is flame resistant. This will make your home more safe, especially if you are in a dry climate that has many power lines. Stopping fire hazards is a key precaution to take since the damage it causes can be considerable.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Create the rule that you just open a door to people that you expect to arrive.

Home security systems are able to do more than just sounding the alarm whenever you have an intruder. They can be programmed to alert the homeowner if a person 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.

Keep your car in your garage. Keeping the car in the garage can keep thieves from vandalizing or stealing it. Besides, intruders will have a hard time determining whether or not you are home if you keep your car inside your garage.

If you live more out in the country, you may think that you’re not at risk. On a different note, some people believe homeowners in more rural areas are more likely to experience robberies because of the lack of nearby neighbors. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.

Make sure to use caution when deciding if and where to hide an extra key outside of your home. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Think outside the box and put the key someplace unusual, like hidden in your dog’s collar.

Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. It may be great to have large windows with a view, but this means that people can look in. If your house has street-facing windows, make sure they are always covered and your make sure your valuables are hidden away.

While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. Your windows are easy entry points for crooks too. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. This will make your family safer.

If you reside in the country, you may be less worried about break-ins than urban dwellers are. On a different note, some people believe homeowners in more rural areas are more likely to experience robberies because of the lack of nearby neighbors. That said, stranger things have happened.

The Internet is your friend when searching for a home security company, so you should use it wisely. You should look at testimonials from customers and different information you can find. After that, choose your top three for consultations.

The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Burglars love to operate in the dark. You should put a light on any area where a person could break in. Over doors, near windows and especially your back yard need to be lit.

Walls are great for hiding items. Keep small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. All you have to do is place them behind any unused phone jack, electrical outlet or switch plate. You can also install a fake one.

It’s a good idea to install a surveillance system in your home. You can make a huge difference in your home’s security by putting in cameras whether they’re concealed or out in the open. If a burglar can see them, they are likely to go away. There are surveillance systems that you can access and check by cell phone.

If there are parts of your home you want no one else to enter, there is no need to lock doors or have a set of keys on you at all times. Use a code-access lock for any door you don’t want others opening. Install them yourself or get a local home security company to do that.

While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. All of your windows are possible entry points for a thief too. You want to be sure that the alarm is connected to all windows and entry points. You want the best security possible for your family.

Ask about the various contract lengths offered by a home security company. There are going to be ups and downs for each one. A contract that is longer might offer lower monthly payments, but you may have to continue with these if you decide to sell the house or discontinue services. If you want more freedom, it is best to purchase a more expensive but shorter contract.

Criminals can be unpredictable, so it’s difficult to tell whether your residence may be a burglar’s target. Rather than assuming you won’t be this unlucky, be prepared and utilize strategies to ensure your home’s safety. Keep this advice in mind to prevent burglars from getting into your home.

If you make a large purchase, like a big screen television, don’t simply set the box out in front of your home. They show the world you have money and lots of valuables inside.