If you have valuables like jewelry, art or lots of money, don’t assume that only you know about it. In order to protect the things you own, putting a little thought into home security is a must. Read these tips to make your home a safer place.

Is your dog outside when you are away? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Attach your spare key inside the collar of your dog. If your dog is suspicious of strangers, you have found a good hiding place for your key.

Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Make sure you verify all references. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.

There are more features to a home alarm system besides making sounds when people break in. Many systems sound an alert whenever people enter the house. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. The majority of systems are able to be set to put out an alert when any individual enters the home. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are.

If your garage is attached to your home, always keep it secure. Intruders could easily break into your garage and access your home. Get a C-clamp to secure your garage door if it is mounted on a track.

Talk to people you know about their security systems. Your loved ones likely have dealt with this situation before. Be sure you seek out advice by asking those people.

Keep your car in the garage. Keeping the car inside is a good way to keep criminals from stealing or harming it. Hiding your car from plain view will also keep potential intruders from tracking when you are home and when you aren’t.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. Some folks will enter to scout for security systems, and upon seeing you lack one, will resolve to return at a later time.

Avoid coming across as overly shy. Speak with your neighbors and friends in the area. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. It does not necessarily pay to steer clear of gossip. You might actually learn a thing or two concerning people that have been hanging around.

Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. They will notify you of any movement and can deter any possible burglars since they like remaining inconspicuous. Remember that the bulbs need to be changed so that the lights keep working.

Don’t forget about the skylights when securing your home. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Fix your skylights so they cannot be accessed as an entry point by intruders.

Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from outside the home. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. Keep your windows covered and your belongings private.

A wall is a great hiding place. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

Make sure all the wood around your doors is in great shape. If a person wants to enter your home, rotted wood can easily be pried away. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.

Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. A lot of times, burglaries happen due to carelessness. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.

When moving into a previously owned home, change the locks. The previous tenants may have returned the keys, but they could have a copy. You can purchase the locks and install them yourself to ensure you’re the only person that has a key.

Make sure your flashlights have charged batteries and are found throughout your home. If the lights go out, they will ensure everyone stays safe. Teach your children how to use the flashlights so that everyone in your household can help.

Don’t limit security to the inside of your home; the outside needs attention too. You should have a clear view out of all your windows and an unobstructed path to any doors. If these things can be seen by the naked eye, they won’t offer hiding places to potential criminals. Keep this in mind as you design.

Instead of thinking that your house will never be threatened by a criminal, always prepare for the worst. You do not need to live in fear, but you must be cautious. These tips can put your family in the safest position possible.

It is a good idea to get some history on any home security companies you are thinking about doing business with. Companies in business for many years engender great confidence and trust. It also ensures they’re not a fly-by-night firm.