Learning the basics of home security is something that all homeowners need to do. In order to do this, however, one must sort the good information from the garbage that is out there. By reading this article, you’ll get a good overview of the basics of home security.

Be sure that your home is always occupied. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. This way, your house will always look occupied. This will keep people from breaking in.

Do you allow your dog to stay in your yard while you are away? They can help you with your spare key. Conceal it in the dog’s collar. This is an especially good idea if your dog doesn’t like strangers, and gives you easy access to get in your home.

Buy a safe to contain everything of great value. If an intruder breaks into your home, at least these valuables will be secure. Keep it hidden in a hard to find location.

If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. Try to find somewhere less obvious.

It’s important to comparison shop for alarm systems. Prices vary quite a bit. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

Be sure your roof, floors, and ceiling are fire resistant. This helps protect your home when you dwell in a more dry climate. Because of the amount of damage fires can cause, it is important to protect your home from them.

When you’re picking out home security equipment and services, don’t forget to ask your friends and family for help. You can benefit from the experience of others that have gone before you by paying attention to their recommendations and warnings. Ask around so that you can have the advice that you need to make a good choice.

Is your ceiling resistant to fire? What about your flooring or roofing? Your home will get added protection, especially if your environment is dry and has power lines. Because of the amount of damage fires can cause, it is important to protect your home from them.

Avoid opening the door if you don’t know who is standing on the other side. 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.

When summer comes around, eliminate all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. As it gets hotter, the chances of these igniting and putting your house at risk increase. Keep your yard clear so it is a safe area.

You should mute your land line phone if you are going on a vacation. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.

There’s no security system so durable that it can go without regular maintenance and inspections. Have yours checked out once a year. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. If the problem isn’t visible, you may be unaware of it.

Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Get in the habit of checking and replacing the bulbs as necessary to ensure the lights remain effective.

Do not open your door for anyone you don’t know. Folks are always thinking up new schemes to get people to open the door so that they can commit their crimes. Enforce a rule within your house that no one opens the door to unexpected people.

Home security is an important consideration for all homeowners. That said, it isn’t simple to figure out what to learn. For this reason, you should remember the information in this article when you consider keeping your home secure.