Do you feel at a loss on the subject of home security systems? Do you feel that there are too many options? Never fear; picking up a little basic knowledge will make you feel much more confident about making home security choices. Read on to find out what sort of steps you can take.

Comparison shopping is essential when seeking a security system for the home. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

Make your house look occupied all the time. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. This way, it will appear that you are at home. It is also another way to secure your home.

Before selecting a security firm, ask for recommendations. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Therefore, ask everyone you can in order to obtain the most advice. With thorough advice, the best decision can be made.

Spare Key

If you’re in a rural place, you might not be as worried about break-ins as those that are in the city. Others think that living in the country is more risky than other areas because houses are so far apart. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. The doormat is too obvious of a place to hide it, as robbers will look there first. One good place to hide a spare key is in the collar of a dog that does not take kindly to strangers.

A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Though skylights bring light into your home and look nice, it is also a very common way for burglars to get into your home. Check that skylights have heavy duty hardware that can stand up under unwanted tampering.

If you have an extensive online presence that includes a lot of people you don’t know too well, avoid announcing upcoming vacations. It can be exciting to tell everyone about your vacation, but you could potentially be letting a burglar in on your whereabouts.

Walls are excellent hiding spots. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. You could use a phone jack, electrical outlet or a switch plate. If you have no unused plates, you can put in a fake one.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Others have likely had both good and bad experiences that they can share with you that can then save you a lot of stress and time. Making a great choice is important, so this advice will come in handy.

Use your walls as hiding spaces. You do not need to remove segments from your walls. Many places around your house have areas that are already pre-cut. For example, you might remove the cover of an electrical outlet, disconnect the wires, and use the space to hide small valuables.

Turn the ringers off on all your phones if you will be away for a prolonged period of time. If the phone continues to ring while you’re gone, this lets an intruder know that the home is empty.

Don’t hide an extra key under a rock or in a planter. Remember that you are not the only one who is aware of these sorts of hiding places. Thieves aren’t stupid and also know common hiding spots. The wisest course of action is to leave a spare key with a trusted friend or a reliable neighbor.

Don’t allow a complete stranger to come in your home. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

You never want people to be able to see your valuables from outside of your home. A big front window gives you a good view; however, it also gives burglars a good view of the interior of your house. Cover all street-facing windows.

Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. This doesn’t usually cost much, and it can be accomplished in less than a day.

You want all wires of an installed security system to be hidden. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Don’t let this happen; bury or hide the wires. This way, you will be safer.

If you’ve got skylights, don’t neglect them when ensuring your home’s security. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Use heavy-duty hardware to secure your skylights to the roof.

After making major (i.e. expensive) purchases, don’t dump the packaging out front if your next scheduled garbage pick-up is several days away. Doing so is like giving a burglar an invitation to target your home; he or she will know there is something good inside.

While choosing your alarm system, ask about protection for windows and motion detection as well as doors. It should protect the windows too. Each point of entry for your home should be monitored by the system. This will make your family safer.

You can keep intruders away by always having your house lit up. They wish to avoid detection. Good lighting in your home means that crooks have no hiding places. Thus, you should always keep lights on at nighttime.

Are you aware of the value present in the wiring in your home? Many folks are not aware of this until a thief steals it. Copper wiring is quite valuable, and it’s quick and easy for criminals to strip it right off the outside of your house! Be sure to hide your wires or make sure they are hard to get to.

A wireless security system could be a good option. Systems that are wired are cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage. Wireless systems are much easier to install, and they can work independently of your home’s power.

Purchase flashlights that have good batteries, and keep them in every room in your home in case the power goes out. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Train your kids how to use flashlights so that all members of the family can contribute.

If you just purchased electronics, do not leave empty boxes outside. Burglars will notice these boxes and know what kind of valuables you have. Break the boxes down, or take a scissors to them to help them fit in your trash can.

Alter the locks and the keys when you change homes. Even if you’ve gotten a key from the previous owner or tenant, there could still be a lot of people out there who have keys to your home. You can purchase locks and install them yourself to ascertain that only you have a key.

If you have rooms that are off limits to kids and company, the following is a great solution. There are locks that use a code for entry, rather than a key. Either you or a security company can install them.

Since reading this article, do you feel as though you know more about what home security offers you? Use the information here to create a security plan that will work for you. You will never regret taking this important step.

Steer clear of locks with spring latches. These locks are easy to pick, and it can be done with an ordinary credit card. Intruders simply wedge a credit card between the door and latch, triggering the lock to open. If you already have spring latch locks, install a deadbolt for added security.