No one is safe from burglaries and other dangerous situations. Home break-ins are increasing, so people should be extra vigilant about protecting their home. All neighborhoods are targets for break-ins. Here are some ways to help you keep your home secure and safe.

Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. Many systems sound an alert whenever people enter the house. If you have little ones wandering about the house, this makes it easy for you to know if they have come in or gone out.

Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? If your dog lives outside or is able to come and go through a dog door, this is a viable idea. Just place your key on your dog’s collar.

Make sure you have a safe to keep valuable items in one place. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. The safe should be situated in an inconspicuous area of your home.

When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. Prices vary significantly, even for similar levels of protection. Get quotes from several companies so that you can get the best price for your home security system.

Secure your garage. Often people are concerned that burglars can enter the home via the attached garage . Happily, there is a solution to this problem. Simply attach a C-clamp near the roller on the door track.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. Folks are always thinking up new schemes to get people to open the door so that they can commit their crimes. Make it mandatory that doors in your home are only opened for expected visitors.

Your garage needs to be secure. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.

Speak with the police in your town regarding the home security programs they have. Many programs include how to use some engraving tools to create code numbers for identifying valuables that are stolen, home inspection, and advice on protective measures. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.

If you’ve got a garage, boost home security just by using it for only a car instead of storage. This will keep thieves from stealing it or harming it. Keeping your car in your garage also keeps a thief from knowing whether you are at home or not.

Don’t be afraid to know the people who live near you. Engage your neighbors in conversation. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. It’s best to be in on any rumors in the area. You may find out helpful information about strangers lurking around.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spent, you should have an annual test. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. Your security system’s quality can be impacted by numerous factors, such as the weather and wild animals. You might be unaware of problems that arise in some cases.

Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. Windows facing the street need to be covered to keep inside possessions safe.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. You do not want the wires exposed for easy manipulation. You don’t want to help them by doing this, so make sure you have the wires within the walls. This makes it much less likely that your system will be compromised.

Avoid coming across as overly shy. Talk to the people who live in your neighborhood. Keep on eye on their home and ask neighbors to return the favor. Do not ignore gossip either. You may end up hearing about things such as odd folks roaming about the neighborhood.

Before you let anyone go into your home, look at their references thoroughly. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

Whenever seeking out home-security companies, the Internet can be a valuable resource, so utilize it. You can check out their packages and rates and also read some customer reviews. Once you do this, make appointments with the three best companies you find so that you can compare pricing and other important details.

Change your locks if someone you don’t trust moves out of your home. Anyone from an old roommate to a former tenant could have access to your home if you leave the old locks in place. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.

Ask the home security companies to visit your home and design a system tailored to your needs. Different people require different plans. If you have found a company that could cater to your needs, then it is easy to get the security that will make you and your loved ones comfortable.

Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. Generic systems aren’t for everyone. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Understand completely the risks and rewards in order to make an informed purchase decision.

Understand certain safety precautions when it comes to having skylights for your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. The hardware that secures your skylights should be sturdy and durable.

Avoid thinking that burglaries only happen to expensive houses. Thieves target any house that looks like it can be easily broken into. By using these tips, you can keep your home protected from thieves.