For the sake of your family, your home should be as safe as you can possibly make it. That includes when they’re not at home. The article below is a compilation of tips that can be used to keep your home secure.

Don’t ever let it be apparent that there is no one at home. Put timers on the TV, lights and radios. This will make your home appear as if someone is there. This will help to deter burglars.

Make your house look like it’s always 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 an effective deterrent against burglars.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Attach the spare key to your dog’s collar. By doing this, you have a handy spare key whenever you need it.

Do you have an outside dog? This is where you can put your spare key. The key can be attached to the collar of your dog. This will ensure that burglars cannot see it. This is quite effective if your pet does not respond well to strangers.

Compare various home security systems when shopping. You’ll find a wide range of prices from different companies. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.

Home security systems have different kinds of features that can sound an alarm when someone breaks into your house. Modern systems are often capable of detecting any open door or window and announcing that fact. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.

Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. This includes a salesperson or people looking for help. Some people just want to know if there is a security system so they can plan on coming back later or not.

Buy housing materials that are fire resistant. This adds more protection to a house, especially if you’re in a dry area with some power lines. It’s best to prevent a fire before it starts.

When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. If you don’t feel comfortable, go with someone else. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.

Do not invite strangers into your home. Do not give in, even if a person uses a convincing story, asks for help or says they are selling something. Some people will simply knock on your door to see whether or not there is a security system installed, and if there isn’t, they may target you later when you’re away.

Walls can be a great hiding spot. If you have small valuables you want to protect, consider hiding them inside your walls. Just open up an electrical outlet or a phone jack that is not in use. If you have no unused plates, you can easily install false ones.

Don’t open your door if a stranger is on the other side. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

You can hide your valuable items inside your walls. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. Most homes are pre-equipped with these handy spaces. Perhaps you can use an old electricity socket as a place to hide your valuables.

Have lights that sense motion. These lights will come on if someone walks near your house. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Test the bulbs frequently, though.

You need to make sure you’re making use of the Internet when looking at different home security companies. Research the possibilities, check out package options and pricing and analyze customer feedback. Then, you can choose a top three to contact and compare details and pricing.

Your risks of being the target of home intruders really doesn’t depend on the area in which you live. However, there is the belief that rural dwellers are more susceptible to break ins simply because there are no nearby neighbors. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.

If you come home and see your door ajar, never investigate it alone. This is a delicate situation as the burglar might still be in your home. Your best bet is to contact the authorities and wait outside for them to get there.

Do not hide your spare key under your doormat or in a nearby planter. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Thieves are aware of all these spots. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.

Put a surveillance system in your home. Having visible or hidden cameras can help immensely. Visible cameras can deter many intruders and if they disable them, the hidden cameras can still capture footage. Some security systems are accessible via mobile phone, which lets you look in on your house when away.

Rotted Wood

Keep burglars on the outside of your garage by making sure nobody can actually see inside the garage. Cover your windows in frosting, which can be bought at big box hardware stores, so people can’t peek inside. Avoid leaving the door open for extended periods of time.

Replace rotted wood that surrounds your door frame. Anyone can gain access to our home by prying away the rotted wood. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.

If you just purchased electronics, do not leave empty boxes outside. These boxes are a signal to burglars that you have something worth stealing. Cut the boxes and wait until the garbage truck comes to put them outside.

Motion sensitive lights are an inexpensive way to increase your home’s security. These lights not only give off light at night, but can also offer security around your home. Properly-situated motion detectors will give your home a complete field of protection and make it impossible for a miscreant to approach undetected.

Do not buy spring latch locks. These are the easiest for criminals to open with a credit card. Wedging the card into the door crack can cause the lock to release. A deadbolt should be added for security purposes if you have locks that are spring latch.

Consider home security and safety when you are planning your landscaping. Keep your doors and windows clear of any shrubbery. Intruders should have nowhere to hide near your home. Plan your greenery and shrubbery for areas away from the direct path to your home to add beauty while still keeping your house safe.

Ask whether or not your home security company gives you the option to lease and/or buy your equipment. Buying will cost you more initially for the equipment, but will save you a monthly bill. Leasing is usually cheaper, but monthly fees can be high and you will need a contract. Look at what you can afford, as well as what is offered and make an informed choice.

A reputable security company will send a representative to your home to design a custom system. Every family is different, and so your security needs will be unique. If you’ve found a company that can tailor a system to you, you can receive the greatest amount of security to make you feel much more comfortable.

If you’ve got a keypad to lock your door, do not make a password which is obvious. Your birthdate can be found on Facebook or pieces of mail and you have given entry into your home. Use a random number instead.

Consider all of your individual security needs before looking into any alarm systems. While these systems could be good for protecting your family, they aren’t for everyone. In some areas, a class on self defense or a guard dog might be more suitable, yet in others, an advanced home security system will fit the bill. Ensure that you have considered all your options before making a final decision.

You should think about a wired system if maintenance is a concern. A wireless system is a good option but you will have to replace batteries regularly. Forgetting to add new batteries can cause your system to not work as it should. It can also be pretty expensive to replace batteries.

Having read this article, you have lots of good information to choose from. The question is, what will you do with what you learned here? Keep researching the ever changing topic of home protection so that you can always stay on top of security issues in and around your home.

Using a timer on lights is a great idea. A timer will prevent the need of flipping the switch. In addition, it will help ensure the lights keep turning themselves on and off when you are not home. This will help deter potential burglars.