If you own a home, then you understand the importance of keeping it safe. Nothing is worse than seeing your home destroyed or seriously damaged. Besides being a valuable possession in its own right, your home is also the stage upon which you live your life. Read on for advice to keep this most precious asset secure.

Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. You don’t know the exact number of copies of that key the previous owners have or have handed 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.

Always make your house appear to be occupied. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. In this way, it will always seem that someone is in your home. This is great for keeping a home safer from burglaries.

Does your dog like to play in your yard? This is a good spot for keeping your spare key. Attach your key to your dog’s collar, ensuring that it can’t be seen. If your dog is suspicious of strangers, you have found a good hiding place for your key.

Always go with your gut when it comes to choosing a security firm. This is definitely the case if you’re not quite sure about the actual installation people. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or to hire a new company altogether. After all, you’re investing in a system that helps you to feel safe, so make sure the process involved in obtaining that system does the same.

Beware giving keys to your maid unless the service has your absolute trust. Anyone you give the keys to your home to should be unarguably honest. Make sure you check references. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

People who live rurally often don’t think about home security. Some people think that country folk are mainly targeted since they don’t have nearby neighbors. Other people believe rural areas are less likely to be targeted by burglars.

Always lock your house, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. Most burglars gain entry to a home through an unlocked door. A thief can steal your most valuable possessions in a short amount of time.

Home security systems are able to do more than just sounding the alarm whenever you have an intruder. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. Parents riding herd on small children will be thankful for this feature which makes it harder for kids to sneak outside without supervision.

It doesn’t have to be the most difficult thing to keep your home protected. You must know certain things. Use the ideas written here to maximize your home’s security. Don’t miss one, or you may leave your security with a hole.