Many companies will try to sell you a security system. No matter where a person lives, it seems as if burglary is on the rise. In fact, the most burglarized homes are the ones that don’t appear to worry about home security. Read this article to learn how to make your home safer and keep intruders away.

The only time you should give out house keys to house cleaners is if you absolutely trust them. You need to ensure that they are honest and reputable according to references before you have handed over the key. Check out their references thoroughly. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.

Man’s best friend can also be trusted to secure a spare key. This works with a dog that stays outside or a dog with a pet door. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. Put it on your dog’s collar, making sure it is hidden. Especially if pets don’t like strangers, this can be a useful way for having easy access to your house.

Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. Parents riding herd on small children will be thankful for this feature which makes it harder for kids to sneak outside without supervision.

When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Some companies offer comparable levels of protection that can be priced very differently. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.

Home protection program details may be available at your police station. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. Call and see what is available.

Consider the advice of your friends when selecting your home security company. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. Taking a little time to listen can make you a much better decision maker when it comes to home security.

Security System

Secure your garage. A lot of garage owners fret over burglars entering this way, but there are answers. A C clamp helps for garage doors on a track. The clamp actually keeps the door closed if tightened close to the track roller.

Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. Many things can impact the performance of a security system, such as animals and weather. There are always ways your home is vulnerable, even if you don’t know it.

Avoid being shy. Talk to your neighbors. Watch out for their homes, and ask them to do the same for you. Pay attention to gossip. You may find out helpful information about strangers lurking around.

Don’t forget to secure your skylights too. They look great and provide light, but also are another access point. Your skylights need durable and reliable hardware for true protection.

Always change the locks if you have someone move out of your home. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. It doesn’t cost much and they can usually show up within a day.

Walls are great for hiding things. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Target any unused phone jacks or electrical outlets for an easy hiding spot. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

Keep valuables out of sight of windows. If you have big windows near your big entertainment system, it can seem like an invitation to thieves. If you’ve got street facing windows, be sure and keep them covered.

You should always lock up your house, even if you’re only planning to be gone for a short time. Surprisingly, lots of burglaries occur because the burglar was able to simply walk in without having to actually break in. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.

If there is any rotted wood around your door frame, replace it. The rotten wood will be simple to remove, allowing a thief access to your home. Wood that is beginning to rot should always be replaced to make sure your home stays safe.

When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. This way, you will be safer.

Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. Try doing a background check to look at their criminal history. Avoid giving keys out to contractors, maids and repairmen.

You should have several flashlights and batteries in all your rooms. Flashlights are essential since they let you move around in an emergency. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the flashlights are.

A great way to achieve extra security is to install exterior lighting equipped with motion detectors. At night, the lights will keep things bright round the house, but they are also efficient and cost-effective ways to help your security. If you position motion detectors properly, it is very hard for someone to sneak onto the property.

When a security company wants in your home ask for an ID and see if they’re in uniform. Thieves may say they are from a certain company to get into your home. This is a danger to your belongings and your family. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.

It is a good idea to get some history on any home security companies you are thinking about doing business with. It doesn’t take long for a quality company to prove itself in the security business, and you should look for a track record of satisfied customers and successful work. Whenever you know you aren’t doing business with a fly-by-night company, you will be more assured your home is protected.

Check references before giving anyone access to your home. Conduct background checks if necessary. It is not a good idea to give anyone a key to your home, even contractors or repairmen.

If you haven’t bought a paper shredder yet, make it a point to do so. Your trash contains so much personal information a thief would love to have. You could also simply take care to tear up your discarded papers.

Motion Detectors

If you plan to go away and have asked someone to get the mail, see if they will also remove fliers that may have been left at the door. This is a way people who are casing out your house can tell whether you are home or not. If their fliers are not moved, the crook knows the home is unattended.

A great way to achieve extra security is to install exterior lighting equipped with motion detectors. These lights not only give off light at night, but can also offer security around your home. If strategically placed, motion detectors ensure that it’s difficult for intruders to break into your home sight unseen.

Make sure the inside of your garage isn’t visible. Use frosting to cover the garage window, so people cannot peer inside. Do not keep your door open long enough for people to get an idea of what you own.

You want to know what is included in a contract if you’re signing up with a security company. There may be hidden costs in the event you wish to cancel before the end of the contract. This may also be true if you need more or different equipment in the future. You should avoid these fees as much as you can; therefore, you need to know of their existence.

Don’t leave the boxes of any high priced electronics on the curb of your house. A burglar sees this as an invitation to procure the item themselves. When you have emptied the boxes, make sure you cut them up.

When you landscape your house, make it safe. 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.

Are your house numbers visible from the street? Small or obscured numbers can make it difficult for emergency personnel to locate your home. Thankfully, you can easily fix this problem very quickly and cheaply.

Find out how long a company has been in operation before signing a home security contract. Look for a security company that is well-established and has extensive experience in the industry. It will make you feel better knowing that the company you choose is not fly by night.

Put in a door that is solid wood or metal. These doors hold. A burglar could not kick a solid wood or a metal door. Replace outside doors as quickly as possible.

You should find a home security company that will inspect your home and put together a customized system. There are always going to be unique things about your home as well as your specific needs, so make sure you think about these things. Doing this helps you get the best security you can get from the company, helping you to relax.

The windows on your second floor always need to be locked. People often overlook their second floor windows, assuming that thieves won’t check them. They do use this method of entry though. Criminals are aware of this vulnerable area.

If you are planning to be away, and you have someone picking up your mail, ask them to also double-check your door for fliers. Thieves will drop off flyers to see if home owners are away. 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.

Indoor locks are nice, but outdoor locks are better. Use a deadbolt which has a key on the outside and inside for the best security.

The best way to keep a burglar out of your garage is to ensure no one can see inside. Use frosted, adhesive backed plastic to cover the windows. You can purchase this at a home improvement store. Do not keep your door open long enough for people to get an idea of what you own.

Get security systems directly through the company. A re-seller might not offer the same kind of services you can get from a home security company, and they will sell the same products for more. The manufacturer will give you a good deal and ensure your device works as it should.

Can you locate your house number if you are standing on the street? If your house numbers are not easy to see, the police may have difficulty finding you in an emergency. This is a very easy issue to have rectified.

Try not to leave any toys in the yard when your children are not out there playing with them. A thief may assume that women and children reside inside. Burglars may target homes where women live. Why? Women, in general, have more expensive jewelry.

Your family will kept safe if your home is properly secured. Crimes can occur at any time. Use the tips in this article to make sure that your home is as safe as possible. Do not delay. Don’t wait until you have a burglary to install a home security system.

What you do with your garbage can actually increase your risk of robbery. If you have purchased high end electronics, a thief will key in on these boxes in front of your home and plan on coming back to steal them. Even a simple appliance may be enough to entice a thief.