Creating a secure place to live may seem like a big job for the average homeowner. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you take the time to read the tips below, you will find that it can be easier and less costly than you had originally thought.

Have your dog protect the spare key. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.

Man’s best friend can also be trusted to secure a spare key. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Place a spare key on the collar, and when you really need a spare, you know where to go!

Keep your most precious belongings inside a safe. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. Your safe should be placed somewhere it is not readily noticeable.

Always take time to compare and research before investing in an expensive security system for your home. Different companies can provide equivalent levels of service and security, but their prices can vary wildly. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.

Buy a safe to contain everything of great value. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. For a better solution, try tucking your spare key into your dog’s collar, provided you have an outside dog.

Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. This can provide additional safety to the home, particularly in dry regions. Fire prevention is paramount.

If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. Keep the car within the garage will make sure no one harms or steals it. Besides, intruders will have a hard time determining whether or not you are home if you keep your car inside your garage.

It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. Even if they tell you a sob story about needing help, this warning remains true. Some people just want to know if there is a security system so they can plan on coming back later or not.

Don’t let strangers into your home. Burglars have many clever ways to convince householders to open the door. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

Try not to have a shy attitude. Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Keep an eye out for their houses, and request that they return the favor. You never want to ignore gossip. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.

Don’t hide an extra key under a rock or in a planter. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. Rest assured, thieves have a good idea about these hiding places. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

Ensure that valuables are stored in a hidden area that isn’t visible from outside your home. It may be great to have large windows with a view, but this means that people can look in. Blinds are a great way to allow the light in, without allowing people to see in at the same time.

Your home may be equipped with skylights, and if so you must not neglect them in your security planning. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Be certain that skylights in your home can be locked securely.

Be certain the wires to your home security system are neither visible nor accessible. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. You don’t want to help them by doing this, so make sure you have the wires within the walls. This will add security.

Change all of the locks in your new residence. Though you may not suspect that the seller is up to something, you still need to be careful. Remember that different families might have dwelt there before this person.

Don’t put your spare keys under floor mats or plants. 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. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.

Obtain flashlights with solid batteries, and ensure they are kept in all the rooms of your home in the event of a power outage. These items will help you remain safe when there is no electricity. Make sure your whole family knows where to find them and how to operate them.

Unless you’re moving into a brand-new apartment or home, changing the locks should be one of your top priorities. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. It may be great to have large windows with a view, but this means that people can look in. If your windows face a street, be sure they’re always covered and have your valuables safe.

Screen the references of anyone who would have access to your house. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.

Get your neighbors to not only pick up your mail, but also any flyers left at your door. Some burglars place fliers to see if they’ll be quickly removed. Intruders can get a good idea of what your schedule is like or figure out that you are on vacation if the flyer stays on your door for a long time.

After installing a security system in your home, make sure any wires are hidden. One of the ways an intruder can get around a security system is by disconnecting or cutting the wires. This makes it much easier for a thief to get inside your home. Keep the wires protected. This will help to deter intruders that are looking to quickly disable your alarm system.

For improved security, put your home under video surveillance. Adding video cameras on the property can be a good idea. Visible cameras can scare intruders, and hidden ones can catch them in the act. Many surveillance systems can even be accessed via cell phone, allowing you to check up on your home when you are away.

A dog is an excellent burglar alarm. Dogs are quite protective of their masters and home, and they can display quite a bark if someone comes near the house. You do not need a large, vicious guard dog. Small dogs also have the ability to scare away burglars who definitely don’t want lots of ruckus when they appear.

Keep a flashlight with good batteries in every room of your home, just in case you lose power. The flashlights are important because they make you able to get around the house in an emergency. Teach everyone in your home to use the flashlights so all family members can see and help each other.

Spring Latch

Try to stay away from spring latch locks. Defeating a spring latch lock is a trivial endeavor; experienced burglars can get through one using nothing more than a credit card. The lock can be triggered to open by simply wedging the card in the lock. If your doors have locks that are spring latch, add a deadbolt for extra security.

If you hire a security company, read any fine print. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so read everything.

If your door is not made out of solid wood or metal, you should replace it. This sort of door will deter intruders. This makes it much more difficult for a burglar to kick in the door and break in. Make sure to replace exterior doors for the cheapest amount possible.

Armed with your new knowledge of home security, you ought to be ready to make your home safer. Start making changes around your home. In no time at all, you will have round the clock peace of mind about your home security. A security system costs money, but you will feel much better once you have one.

The Internet is great for searching for home security companies, so use it to your advantage. Many websites offer reviews, recommendations, and detailed pricing information. From there, you can make appointments with your top three selections to compare final package pricing and specific details about plans and monitoring.