Home security solutions often conjure up visions of technicians roaming through your house installing a myriad of wires, cables and sensors. Truth be told, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Here are some ways that you can make your house more secure, starting today.

You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. You can purchase timers that can control your household electronics such as lights, TVs and radios. This will make it look like someone is home. That means burglars will pass right by.

Don’t ever let it be apparent that there is no one at home. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. This makes people think you’re home. This is just one of the many precautions you can take to secure your home.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Placing a key above a door or under a doormat is quite obvious! Try hiding the key in your outside dog’s collar.

Those that live in rural area are not as concerned about having their home invaded as those who are located in the city. There are differences between large cities and homes located in the countryside. However, understand that regardless of where you live, a theft can occur anywhere. Therefore, you need to be prepared.

You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This can provide additional safety to the home, particularly in dry regions. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!

Walls are great for hiding things. This is a great way to hide jewelry, for example. All you need is a wall opening you’re not using (something like a phone jack, electrical box, or switch plate). If you do not have any unused plates, it is easy to install a false one.

If you have an extensive online presence that includes a lot of people you don’t know too well, avoid announcing upcoming vacations. It’s exciting going to new places and enjoying your time, but you could alert thieves to an empty home that they can easily break into.

Don’t put your extra key under you doormat, in a planter, or in a cleverly disguised false rock. While you may feel that you are keeping yourself safe by allowing a way in for yourself, you are also allowing everyone else to visit whenever they want. Rest assured, thieves have a good idea about these hiding places. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.

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. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.

Even if you only plan to be gone for a very short time, lock your house. It may be a little surprising, but most burglaries and break-ins happen because the intruder just walks right through an open door. Thieves can steal thousands worth of your belongings very quickly.

Avoid being shy. Converse with those living in your area. Ask them to look after your home, and in return, look out for theirs. It’s best to be in on any rumors in the area. You never know what sort of security issues you might become privy to.

Rather than installing a professional security system in your home, you can look into other ways to keep your home safe. Whether you are comfortable in purchasing a gun, placing a fence or even placing locks to the doors that you have, are all possible options. Keep this advice in mind to boost your home security.

Motion sensor lights are a great investment. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. Motion-sensitive lights will alert you to movement and deter people who want to break into your home. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs to ensure they continue to work properly.