If you want to pick up a few great tips for improving your home’s security, you’ve come to the right place. Security measures can be expensive and time-consuming; it’s important to educate yourself before picking the ones that are right for you. To make a wise choice, you need solid information.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. However, this method is only effective if your dog is large, scary, and stays outdoors. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.

Make sure you trust your house cleaner before you provide them with a key. Anyone you give the keys to your home to should be unarguably honest. It is best to do a reference check on them. If you hire a cleaner from a company, then you should check the company with the BBB.

Buy a safe so you can conceal your valuables in it. If an intruder breaks into your home, at least these valuables will be secure. This safe should be hidden in a location where burglars won’t find it, such as a hole in the wall, the attic, or a basement closet.

When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Prices vary quite a bit. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.

Keep your car in your garage if you have one. If your car is locked up inside, it cannot be stolen or vandalized. When it is in hiding, people won’t know if you’re home.

Carefully consider where you hide your outside spare key. Above doors or under doormats are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.

Get to know your neighbors. Engage your neighbors in conversation. Look out for their property, and see if they will look out for yours. Pay attention to gossip. You might hear helpful information, for instance if strangers have been hanging around.

If your social networking accounts are filled with folks you do not really know, do not announce vacations on the sites. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.

Go with your instincts when choosing a security system company. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or to hire a new company altogether. Security is supposed to give you peace of mind after all!

If you will be away from your house for an extended period of time, turn the ringers off for all your phones. Intruders might be attracted by a phone that rings constantly without anyone picking up.

Use your wall spaces to hide your valuables. You needn’t tear down your walls to do this. Many spots are already cut that can be used for this purpose. For example, place jewelry in an unused electrical outlet.

Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. Make it a rule in your home that you only open your door to people who you were expecting.

Don’t put extra keys under doormats or in planters. While it may seem like a convenient way to give you access to your home, intruders are aware of this practice. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. These can quickly become fire hazards when hit by direct sunlight, placing your house at risk. Make sure your yard is clean for the sake of your safety – and that of your family!

Get some professional assistance by asking a home security company to come to your house and work up a plan for a customized security system. All homeowners and homes differ. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.

Those living in rural areas often don’t worry as much about intruders compared to city dwellers. There are differences between large cities and homes located in the countryside. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.

One of the best home burglary systems is man’s best friend. Dogs protect their territory diligently, and tend to make noise if something goes awry. You don’t have to have a huge, violent guard dog, though. Even a small dog will deter intruders, who do not want a lot of noise when they commit their crimes.

It is important that your valuables are not visible from anywhere outside your house. Large windows at the home’s front can be beautiful, but it can make it easier for criminals to see inside. You should cover any windows that are facing the street so your valuables will be safe.

Find out about the various lengths of contracts your chosen home security company has on offer. Compare the pros and cons of different options. A longer contract might give you a lower monthly bill, but you could be stuck with those monthly costs if you sell your home or decide to discontinue services. Shorter contracts allow your greater freedom, however they usually cost more each month.

Lock up your house every time you leave. It is more common than you would believe for a thief to find a home, try the door and walk right in when it’s unlocked. It doesn’t take long for a thief to steal thousands of dollars worth of stuff.

You should invest in a timer to turn lights on and off at regular times. The automatic timer will keep the lights going on and off on schedule, so a thief will not be able to tell when you are away. Even when you are at home, the timer is convenient because it saves you from having to remember to turn on the lights.

Hopefully, you’ll remember what you have just read as you continue your home security plan. Remember that you’re dealing with nothing less than the safety of your home and your family; there’s no such thing as being too well-informed for these decisions. Apply your new knowledge to make certain things stay safe.

If the living room window in your home has direct line of sight to the street, you’ll want to draw those curtains at night. You do not want to invite people peeking in through your window. If potential thieves see valuable items inside your house, they may target your house. Keep your valuables out of sight and you’ll make yourself less of a target for crime.