Most people don’t know enough about the important topic of home security. The more you know about home security, the better off you’ll be. Keep reading for some great tips.

Is your dog outside when you are away? Use him or her to help hide your spare key! Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.

You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. There are timers you can use to make electronics turn on and off at random times. This way, it will appear that you are at home. This is an excellent technique that helps avoid robberies while keeping the property safe.

Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. This will help ensure the safety of your home, particularly if your home is located in a dry area. Home security also includes taking steps to prevent a fire from completely destroying your home.

Don’t let strangers into your home. People often think of ways to trick others into letting them in so they can steal from them. You should only open the door to people you were expecting.

Aim to purchase fire-resistant ceilings, roofs and floors. This adds an extra layer of protection to your home, especially if you live in a very dry area with power lines. Keeping fire hazards away is a great safety precaution since fire can cause lots of destruction.

Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. They’ll flip on when people walk within a certain distance of your house. They will signal movement to you but will also serve as deterrents to the thieves. Get in the habit of checking and replacing the bulbs as necessary to ensure the lights remain effective.

Alter the combination of the locks in your home. Whether an old roommate left or a relationship ended, changing your locks is a good idea. It is inexpensive, and most locksmiths will be available for next day appointments.

Make sure your attached garage is secure. It is possible for an intruder to get in the garage and then gain access to the house; however, you can do something about it. If your garage lifts up on a track, try using a C-clamp. This will prevent your door from opening up if the clamp is close to its roller.

Find a home security company you can trust. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. It’s your home, and you are free to hire any company you like. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

Don’t put your extra key under you doormat, in a planter, or in a cleverly disguised false rock. Though you may think you are giving yourself a way into your home if you lose your key, you are actually inadvertently inviting intruders into your home. Burglars are well aware of these hiding places. Rather, give your spare key to a neighbor or friend that you trust.

During the summer, remove all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. As things heat up in the summer, items may catch on fire and threaten your home. Clear up your yard so it looks good and is safe.

Always lock your house, no matter how briefly you expect to be gone. 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.

Don’t just consider alarming your doors when you’re considering an alarm system. Intruders can enter through your windows too. The alarm and monitoring system should be set for all windows and doors. You want the best security possible for your family.

Remember to have an annual inspection of your home security system. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. Your security system’s quality can be impacted by numerous factors, such as the weather and wild animals. If it’s not visible, you might not even know there’s a problem.

If you are throwing away the box an expensive item came in, wait until trash day to put the box out. You are alerting thieves that there is something worth stealing inside your home.

If you’ve recently moved into a house, get any locks changed out. Although the person you purchased the house from might seem good, you really have no clue as to who they really are. Aside from that, other people lived in the home even before the ones from whom you purchased the home.

Use motion sensors on exterior lighting. Lights like these will automatically turn on whenever someone is near them. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Be sure to keep these lights working, though.

Check each spring for any rotting frames on your doors and windows. Replace them immediately if you spot any problems. Rotten wood is easily removed and can give an intruder a way into your home. Keep your home secure by replacing rotted wood with fresh timber.

Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. They give you and your family the opportunity to move around should the electricity go out. Your whole family should be trained on the proper use and maintenance of flashlights.

Ensure that valuables are stored in a hidden area that isn’t visible from outside your home. Large front windows are great, but they also allow others to peer into your home. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.

If you are moving into a new home, change the locks right away. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You can do your own installation to make sure that no one else has a key.

Just about everyone understands the key role of home security. Not all people understand how to truly protect their homes and personal property. Hopefully, there is some information in the article that will keep your home safe around the clock.

Keep a flashlight with good batteries in every room of your home, just in case you lose power. Flashlights are very important, as they will give you the ability to move around in the event of an emergency. Be sure everyone in your family is aware of the location of emergency flashlights.