Home security may be a big priority for you, specially if you live by yourself or if you’re a single parent. Rather than living in fear, you can take simple measures in order to improve your security. Continue reading to learn more about home security systems.

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? Your furry friend is also a great storage place for your extra key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. This is the perfect place to store a spare key, especially if your dog doesn’t care for strangers.

Any time you buy a new home, have the locks changed. You cannot be sure of the number of key copies that the former owner gave out. Hire a locksmith so that you can be sure you are the only person who can access your home. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.

When looking for a system to secure your home, do comparison shopping. Wild variations in pricing can exist for similar security products. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.

Buy a safe and use it to hold all of the valuables in your home. This will keep your stash of diamonds, gold and other valuable items out of view and inaccessible to burglars. 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.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. If the phone rings when you are away, burglars will know there’s nobody home, making the house vulnerable to a break-in when you are out.

When placing your spare key outside for emergencies, give careful consideration to where you put it. Above doors or under doormats are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. You could hide the key with your dog on the collar.

Make sure to clear your yard of brush and dead wood in the summertime. They pose a fire risk. Make sure your yard is clean for the sake of your safety – and that of your family!

Consider the advice of your friends when selecting your home security company. This will help you to reduce the stress that you have on your search for a good one. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

Walls are great for hiding things. Hide valuables inside of your walls. Repurpose phone jacks and electrical outlets as tiny wall safes. Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. Nowadays, people invent many stories of why they should come in. For instance, they may say they need to call a mechanic or the police. However, their true intent is to rob you. 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. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Thieves are aware of all these spots. A better solution is to give your key to a neighbor you trust.

Your garage should be as secure as your home. Many people are concerned about people entering their garages to gain access to their homes. However, you can use a C-clamp to help keep the door secure.

Replace rotted wood around any door frames. It is simple for a robber to pry away rotting wood and enter your home. Replace rotting wood with fresh wood to improve your home’s security.

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. Lights like these will automatically turn on whenever someone is near them. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.

Any time you let a stranger into your home that is doing some kind of work, it is best to ask for references. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for their criminal history. There is no way of knowing whether or not service people are honest, so you should not give them keys to your home.

You could hide some valuables within your walls. You do not need to remove segments from your walls. There’s plenty of places in a house with pre-cut areas that can be used. For instance, consider using an electricity socket that is unused, and stash your precious jewelry in there.

Consider home security and safety when you are planning your landscaping. You should not let plants and shrub block your doors and windows. If they are visible, people won’t be able to hide there while trying to break in. Keep landscaping away from your house for safety reasons.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to safeguard your home. There are many things you can do on the cheap that will scare criminals off. Keep the advice you’ve read in mind to help make your home much safer.

Keep your home’s exterior areas illuminated well. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. Be sure all vulnerable exterior areas of your home are equipped with good lighting. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.