Keeping the bad guys on the outside is what you want to do as a homeowner. It can sometimes seem hard to know exactly where to to start. This article will be a huge help to you.

Don’t use social media to announce that you will be gone for an extended period of time. 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.

You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. Buy timers that will make your TVs, radios and other electronics turn on and turn off at various times. This helps to create the illusion that someone is presently at home. This is an effective deterrent against burglars.

Eliminate dead vegetation and rotting wood from the yard each summer. This sort of thing is a fire hazard in the heat of summer. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. You need to ensure that they are honest and reputable according to references before you have handed over the key. Be sure to make sure their references check out. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

You should always park your car inside your garage instead of using your garage to store some belongings. This will help to keep your vehicle safe. Hiding your car away from plain view is a good way to keep intruders from knowing when you are at home or not.

Look at the prices for all of the security systems that you are interested in. Prices can be very different from one product to another. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

Security starts with new locks. 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. It shouldn’t cost too much, and the process can be completed very quickly.

You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This can provide additional safety to the home, particularly in dry regions. Avoiding fire hazards is a great way to keep things safe.

Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. Many home thefts start with the thief simply walking in an unlocked door or window. It won’t take long for thieves to steal lots of expensive valuables.

Never allow a stranger to enter your home. Do not give in, even if a person uses a convincing story, asks for help or says they are selling something. Even home security representatives could be intruders who want to check the kind of protection you have.

Remove and replace any wood that is not up to par. Rotten wood is easily removed and can give an intruder a way into your home. Replace any wood that has begun to rot with new wood so that your house stays safe.

Attached Garage

Before allowing anyone into your home, check their references carefully. You should do a background check as well to find out their criminal history. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.

Secure your attached garage. Often people are concerned that burglars can enter the home via the attached garage . Happily, there is a solution to this problem. If your garage lifts up on a track, try using a C-clamp. This will prevent your door from opening up if the clamp is close to its roller.

Whenever you sign with a home-security company, it is important that you thoroughly read the contract. You need to find out about hidden costs, such as cancellation fees in case you want to cancel your contract before it expires. You can easily avoid these fees if you do your research.

The police department in your area may offer a home protection program. There are many that offer programs that include items, such as home inspection, how to use engraving tools to mark code numbers to identify valuables if yours are stolen, and protective measures advice. Call them up to find out more.

Keep lights on at all times if you want to prevent break-ins from happening. They don’t wish to be seen. Making your home’s exterior nice and bright will make it impossible for crooks to go undetected. This makes it a good idea to keep the lights on.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spent, you should have an annual test. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. Many different things can make problems for your security system. You may not even know there is a problem if it is not visible.

Don’t limit security to the inside of your home; the outside needs attention too. There should be no plants or greenery in front of doors or windows. Intruders should have nowhere to hide near your home. Put these features at a greater distance from your house; let beauty also complement safety.

Always lock your home when you leave it, no matter how soon you plan to return. In a lot of cases, home intruders enter through unlocked doors. A thief can steal lots of stuff in a little amount of time.

You should think about your own safety when comparing different home security options. Although these systems can protect you and your family, not everybody needs them. In some neighborhoods, you might be better off taking a self defense class or owning a dog, while in others, the latest innovations in home security will protect you best. Be aware of your risks to make an intelligent purchasing decisions.

When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Get an alarm that will trigger if either the doors or windows are opened. This is just one more thing you can do to protect your home.

If you will be going out of time, have someone you trust get your mail. Also, have them look for fliers stuck in your door. Burglars often put fliers on the door to see if the owner removes them. The more flyers pile up or the longer they are there, the more likely it is that the house is empty.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. You don’t want a burglar to get access to them and disable your system. This is why it is so important to make sure all your wires are well hidden. This will make you much safer.

Don’t leave the boxes of any high priced electronics on the curb of your house. Burglars will see these boxes and recognize that there are new valubles in your house. Break them down and put them in a bag or take them to a recycling center.

When moving into a previously owned home, change the locks. The person who used to live there may still have a key. It is possible to purchase and put in locks on your own so you can be assured you have the only keys.

Can you read your house numbers while in the street? If you need assistance, emergency vehicles may not locate your home in a timely manner if the numbers don’t stand out. Luckily, this is a quick and inexpensive fix if you notice that there is a problem.

Security Company

Don’t keep your car registration inside the glove compartment. If someone breaks into your car, that person can view your registration and instantly know where you reside. Instead, carry them with you or find a more secure location in your car. If a cop pulls you over, you will need them anyway.

Before letting someone from a security company into a house, get some sort of official identification. Thieves often pose as security company representatives in order to enter homes and look for valuables. This can be extremely dangerous to your home and loved ones. Be deliberate in preventing hazards.

Think about a security system that is hard-wired if you really have concerns about maintenance costs. While there is a greater level of convenience if you go wireless, there is also a requirement that several batteries be changed, sometimes multiple times a year. Forgetting to change out the batteries leaves you insecure. Also, frequent battery replacements can be costly.

Don’t allow your landscaping make it easier for burglars to break into your home. You should not let plants and shrub block your doors and windows. With areas like these visible, there will be no hiding while attempting a break-in. Plan these features for further away from your home.

Look for captive keylocks when picking out a new deadbolt. A thumb latch prevents outsiders from accessing your door locks through an adjacent window. Anytime you are home, keep the key inside the lock in case you need to exit your home during an emergency, like a fire.

Think about your specific needs and risks prior to investigating security systems. Some systems aren’t necessary for some, while others may have a need for them. In some particular neighborhoods, classes for self defense or acquiring a dog may be the best option. However, the newest home security technology may be the best protection in other regions. See to it that you understand the risks involved in making these purchasing decisions.

Although locks that are sealed inside are fine, they won’t be too useful if you cannot lock them from outside. Deadbolts are the best locks. The ones that are key operated on the interior and the exterior are burglar proof.

If you will be away from your home, arrange to have whoever is collecting your mail to also pick up fliers placed inside your door. Burglars sometimes place fliers as a means to see if anyone is home to remove them. If the flier is not removed, they will know you are not home.

No matter how lovely the people were who lived in your home before you, rekey the lock or replace it. If you’re renting, ask the landlord to re-key the lock for you.

It’s a good idea to install a surveillance system in your home. Installing video cameras, both visible and hidden, are a great way to secure your home. Cameras that can be clearly seen have a powerful deterrent effect, while concealed cameras are difficult or impossible for intruders to disable. Surveillance systems often allow you to access videos through your cell phone, too.

Consider a home security program that gives you more than just an alarm and monitoring system. A great home security company will visit your home and make recommendations that can help to keep your family safe. They may install more locks or recommend better windows for added security. You want to feel like the company is worried about your security as a whole, rather than just their bottom line, and when they are willing to go the extra mile it helps you to feel confident.

Are you able to see the numbers on your house from the street? It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. Luckily, this is a quick and inexpensive fix if you notice that there is a problem.

If you use window air conditioning units, be certain they are secured well and are surrounded by bars. They can be removed quite easily otherwise. During the winter time, make sure to remove them from your windows altogether for increased security.

Discuss various contracts offered by any home security provider you are exploring. They probably each have their pluses and negatives. Long contracts may cost less each month, but it could leave you with a larger bill if you decide to end your service. If you want more freedom, it is best to purchase a more expensive but shorter contract.

Your trash plays a big role in how safe your home is. If you put out boxes for expensive items, it can be a tip-off that your home is worth hitting. If you have purchased a kitchen appliance, the empty box can signal burglars that you might have some money. This will entice them to explore your home.

You will have a better peace of mind when your home feels safe. There is no question that this is true. Effective methods of home security are not always obvious, but hopefully this article has opened your eyes to some possibilities.

Make sure anyone approaching your home is aware you have a security system in your home. Window decals or signs will deter intruders. If the burglar doesn’t know you have an alarm, he or she may go in and grab some of your stuff and get away.