Although any homeowner can benefit from a well-thought-out security plan, many fail to give their home’s safety adequate consideration. Advice can go a long way when it comes to better understanding home security. The following article will give you some great tips regarding home security and how it can benefit you.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? Store the spare key with them. Put the key on the dog’s collar. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.

Your home should looked occupied all the time. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. This makes it look as though people are home no matter what. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

If you like to have a key hidden in case you lose yours, place it in a safe place. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. You could hide the key with your dog on the collar.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. If they will be there over an hour and you are thinking of giving them your home key, be certain they are honest, reputable and hard-working. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If they work through a larger firm, you can check up on the company with your local Better Business Bureau.

Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. This will make your home more safe, especially if you are in a dry climate that has many power lines. It’s best to prevent a fire before it starts.

If you have an extensive online presence that includes a lot of people you don’t know too well, avoid announcing upcoming vacations. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.

Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. These programs can make a big difference to the security of your home, and they may just be a phone call away.

Never allow any strangers into your home. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. Some people may simply be trying to determine whether or not you have a home security installed; if you don’t, they may plan to return later if you are away from your home.

The first step in making your home more secure is to change out your locks. Maybe you’ve had a roommate leave or a bitter ex-lover, so changing the locks can keep you safer. It does not cost much, and can be handled very quickly.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. People you do not know could have bad intentions or want to get an idea of how many valuable objects you own. Create a rule where you only allow those you’ve invited to your home inside.

Go with your gut when you invite a home security company representative into your house. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. If you are unsure, contact the security company to make sure that the installer was actually sent by them. The point of having a security system is to make yourself feel at ease.

Remove old plants and debris from your yard. This sort of thing is a fire hazard in the heat of summer. Clear yard regularly to maintain your house safe.

Hide any valuables in wall spaces. This does not mean that you should make alterations to your walls. Most homes are pre-equipped with these handy spaces. Why not take the guts out of an electrical socket you’re not using? You can convert it into a convenient and covert little wall safe.

Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. A number of things may cause your alarm system to have problems, including mother nature and wild animals. Sometimes it is very difficult to see the problem if you don’t know where it is.

Don’t ever put your spare key under your doormat or in a planter. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Any thief knows all the typical hiding spots. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.

An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the locks. This could be an ex-spouse or roommate you got into a fight with. It does not cost much, and can be handled very quickly.

When selecting a home alarm system, choose one that protects many areas of your home, not just the doors. The best systems are those that cover windows as well. Be sure your home alarm covers all entry points into your home. This is just one more thing you can do to protect your home.

If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. 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. You need to do some research on the areas where you live to get an idea of how frequent break ins are.

Keep your outdoor areas well lit. Criminals like to blend into the shadows, so do your best not to provide too many for them. Install lighting anywhere a possible intruder might break in. Be sure to consider your front and back porch, garage, ground floor windows and any basement entryway.

Home security is crucial and one thing that many people don’t know much about. Anyone with a family to protect and possessions to safeguard can benefit from a bit of extra security know-how. Keep this article handy and refer to it as necessary.

You should think about your own safety when comparing different home security options. While alarm systems are great, they aren’t necessary for every family. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Understanding your needs will help you make a good purchase decision.