You might know someone who has had their home robbed in the past. If home invasions have become more frequent in your area, it is time to invest in an efficient home security system. No one is immune to robbery; every home is a potential target. The following article will provide you with some useful tips on home security.

Buy ceiling, roofing and flooring which is resistant to fire. This adds more protection to a house, especially if you’re in a dry area with some power lines. Avoiding fire hazards is a great way to keep things safe.

Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. Of course, your dog has to be an outdoor dog (or you at least need to have a doggy door) for this to work. Attach the key to your dog’s collar, and it will be handy if you ever need a spare.

Don’t let everyone in your social network know that you are leaving the home unprotected for your vacation trip; especially the people who you aren’t familiar with. While you may want to shout it from the rooftops, you’re letting everyone know that your home will be vacant and easy to rob.

Is your dog outside when you are away? She or he is actually a good place to keep the spare key. Put it on their collar. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn’t react well to strangers, since they won’t approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.

Seek recommendations from friends and family when choosing a security company or system. Other people are sure to have opinions and experiences to share. Ask a number of people to get a several different opinions.

Security System

You should mute your land line phone if you are going on a vacation. 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.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. Each company has different rates for their security system. Be certain to obtain multiple quotes prior to making your choice.

End your shyness. Talk to your neighbors and those on your block. Keep an eye out for their houses, and request that they return the favor. Don’t discount what sounds like idle gossip. You may learn some great information about security, such as if any strangers have been hanging around.

If you’re going on a trip for an extended period of time, switch the ringer off on all home phones. A loud ring that goes unanswered can alert people to the fact that you aren’t home. This makes you more likely to be the victim of a burglary.

The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. You can change the locks in a single day, and the hardware is not very costly.

It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. Some criminals will use any reason to gain access to look for security systems and easy entryways into your house.

Understand certain safety precautions when it comes to having skylights for your home. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Any skylights in your home should be secured with strong hardware.

Walls can be a great hiding spot. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. You can also just put in a false plate to cover a hiding place.

When you purchase big, expensive items be sure to break down the boxes and take them to the recycling center yourself. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.

Do not place your spare keys under your mat or even in plant boxes. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Thieves are tricky, diabolical, and familiar with any and every hiding place. Rather, give the key to a neighbor to hold.

If your home isn’t new, replace the locks. While you may trust those who lived there before you, you have no idea who lived there before them. You can even buy and install the locks yourself so you know that you are the only one with a key.

It is important that you do not put expensive valuables in plain sight. Having large windows in front of your home may be a great way to see what is happening outside, but it can also give crooks a view inside your home. Be sure to put curtains on your front-facing windows so people can’t see your valuable belongings.

Check someone’s references carefully before letting them come into your home. Conduct background checks if necessary. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.

When you pick an alarm system, it’s a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. Each window represents a possible entry for your thief. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and doors. With this method, your family will be safer.

Keeping your home very bright during the night hours is an excellent way to prevent thieves. They want to avoid being seen. Ample lighting makes it difficult for would-be burglars to approach undetected, and this turns your home into a less attractive target. Keep lights on in the evening for a safer home.

If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. An intruder can cut the wires or disconnect them and avoid the system. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. That will make you safer.

Maintain the exterior areas in your house so they are well lit. Criminals love darkness to help mask their crimes. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. Be sure to consider your front and back porch, garage, ground floor windows and any basement entryway.

If you have purchased any large and/or expensive items, do not throw the boxes away until the day before the trash man is scheduled to come. If you leave the boxes out all week, it lets people know what type of items you have in your home.

Before you think about home security, consider personal security and safety. While these systems are great and can help protect your family, they are not necessary for everyone. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. You need to assess risks and choose a system adapted to the kind of situations you are likely to run into.

If your home isn’t new, replace the locks. The person who used to live there may still have a key. Find a reliable locksmith who can replace the locks or do it yourself.

Consider buying a paper shredder for your home. Your trash contains so much personal information a thief would love to have. Cutting the papers into small pieces with a pair of scissors is another option.

You want the security company to actually come to your house and install the system according to your needs. Each situation is different. You’ll get the best protection by using a company that can tailor a plan to your requirements.

If you purchase a new, pricey electronic like a TV or computer, don’t leave the empty box near your curb. Burglars will see these boxes and recognize that there are new valubles in your house. Cut the boxes up when they are empty.

If someone looks after your house when you’re gone, have them remove fliers from the door. Robbers will place these on your door and may invade your home if they are not removed. If the fliers isn’t removed, the criminal knows that no one is home.

If there are certain rooms you want to keep unoccupied, then you don’t want to keep track of all the keys and locks. You can have key-less locks which require a code. These may be installed by yourself or a security company.

If there are areas of your home you want to keep locked off, you do not need keys. Instead, key-less key code locks can work just as well. Install them yourself or get a local home security company to do that.

Discuss various contracts offered by any home security provider you are exploring. Each likely has its benefits and drawbacks. While your monthly rates may be lower with a lengthy contract, you have no recourse should you list your home for sale or terminate your contract. A short contract will avoid this, but may be more costly.

When you are out of the house, your drapes and blinds should be fully closed. Leaving your windows unguarded exposes the interior of your home to everyone, including criminals looking for tempting targets. They might see something worth breaking in to get. At night when you’re asleep, you should close your shades.

Don’t use spring-latch locks. They are simple to open if you have a credit card. A card can be placed between the latch and the door, and this will open it. IF spring latch locks are already in place, add a deadbolt for that extra layer of security.

Don’t keep your car registration in the glove box of your car. This isn’t smart because that information contains your home address. Keep them in your wallet or in another safe place in your car. You still need to have them close in case you are pulled over.

If your door has a numeric keypad, don’t use your birthday as the password. Your birthday is readily available for burglars to find. Rather, try and make your combination the answer to an equation so that you only need to remember an equation instead of an actual series of numbers.

If you often turn your lights off/on around the same time, consider using a timer. They will go on when you need them, plus they’ll also go on when you’re not home.

Think about a security system that is hard-wired if you really have concerns about maintenance costs. While wireless systems are great, they do require batteries on a consistent basis. If you do not stay on top of your wireless security system, you run the possibility of it failing when you need it most. Also, having to replace batteries on a regular basis can quickly become costly.

If your door is not made out of solid wood or metal, you should replace it. Those materials will hold. Few people can kick down such a door. It’s relatively inexpensive to get new exterior doors for your home.

Consult with your home security provider on whether they can supply lighting that is motion sensitive. A lot of companies provide this, and it makes the exterior lights in your home turn on immediately when someone approaches any entry way. This is a great way to protect the outside of your home.

Do not think that only wealthy people get robbed. Thieves target any house that looks like it can be easily broken into. Follow the advice below to make sure your house and family are safe and secure.

Second floor windows have to be locked tight, too. Burglars may not use the front entrance, so this is important for you to do. This is not the case. Criminals know very well that people think this way, and they will take advantage of that.