Home maintenance includes home security. Looking around you may feel overwhelmed by all that you need to do. This article is filled with information and tips you can use to find the ideal home security system.

If you need to leave a key for a maid service, make sure that that whoever cleans your house is professional and trustworthy. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. Be sure to make sure their references check out. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

Make your home look occupied at all times. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times. This makes it look as though people are home no matter what. This is an excellent method for avoiding burglary and keeping your home secure.

Get in the habit of checking your security system regularly. Ask a qualified worker who specializes in security systems to take a look. Many different things can make problems for your security system. There are always ways your home is vulnerable, even if you don’t know it.

Spare Key

Try not to have a shy attitude. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. Listen for gossip too. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.

Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. Simply affix a spare key to the collar of the animal. You’ll always have a backup plan if you lose your key!

Compared to city dwellers, you might feel more safe in your rural home. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.

You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. You’re not aware of any copies that have been made by the previous owners of the house. Speak with a locksmith to get a unique lock for your home. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. If you have small valuables you want to protect, consider hiding them inside your walls. Just access unused switch plates, outlets or phone jacks. If there are no unused plates, you can easily install fake ones.

The only time you should give out house keys to house cleaners is if you absolutely trust them. If they will be there over an hour and you are thinking of giving them your home key, be certain they are honest, reputable and hard-working. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Criminals often pick houses where they can see the valuables inside. A big front window gives you a good view; however, it also gives burglars a good view of the interior of your house. By reducing visibility into your home, you protect your belongings, safety, and you improve the interior beauty of your home.

Do you keep your dog outdoors when you are away from home? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Secure the key on the inside of the dog’s collar. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.

Are you aware that the wires located on the exterior of your house have value? Many people never realize this value until wires are stolen right out of their home. The reason they are valuable is because of their copper. A burglar can easily strip off your wires from the outside of your home very quickly. Be sure that you keep all your wiring hidden and make it hard to access.

Get a good safe to store your valuables in your home. Doing so can protect your valuables in the event of a robbery. Keep your safe in a hard-to-get-to place, such as a basement closet or your attic.

Anytime a security installer comes to the house, make sure they display proper identification. Potential burglars can easily claim they are security company representatives so that they can enter your home. This leads to danger. You want to use caution to prevent danger.

Do not allow anyone you do not know into your home. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. It’s quite possible that your charming guest is only interested in evaluating the security of your home; if they find it lacking, they may be back later to relieve you of some of your possessions.

Don’t let anyone in your house without knowing their work history and checking their references. Be sure to perform a background check and look for any criminal history that might be in evidence. You can’t always be sure that maids, service workers or contractors are honest, and therefore giving out keys can be a big error.

Try not to have a shy attitude. Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. Agree to watch each other’s homes while you are away. Listen to gossip also. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.

If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. There may be hidden expenses involved if you terminate service before the contract term is up, and there may be added equipment fees. If you can’t avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.

Keeping the home safe is something you need to do for a calmer mind. This is something that is not disputable. It may not be apparent at first until you study the subject. This article should have helped you start that.

You can keep intruders away by always having your house lit up. They do not want to be seen. Thieves have a hard time stealing things when there are lots of lights around. Keep those lights shining brightly at night.