Keeping a security strategy in place is always wise, but it is not always easy to do. To fully grasp the key elements of home security planning, some time spent researching can be quite helpful. Read the information in this article to identify the best security system for your home.

Place your spare key securely on your dog’s collar. This can be done if your dog can come outside. You can attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!

Have your home always look occupied. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. This will give your home the appearance of someone being there. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.

Home security systems offer other triggering features besides having an alarm sound. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. Parents of children can track their kids this way.

The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. This isn’t just for burglars; parents with young children can also use it as a valuable tool to know when their child has come inside.

Invest in a safe in order to secure very valuable items. A safe is the best way to protect your diamonds, gold and important documents. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.

Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. This is essential, because you would never want valuable jewelry and other items to be seen by intruders. This safe should be hidden in a location where burglars won’t find it, such as a hole in the wall, the attic, or a basement closet.

Don’t open your door for strangers. Criminals find ways to get people to open doors so they can commit crimes. Only open the door for people you are expecting.

Look at the prices for all of the security systems that you are interested in. Some companies offer comparable levels of protection that can be priced very differently. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

You should regularly check your home security system, regardless of how reliable you believe it is. Ask someone who works at the security company to do a maintenance check. Mother nature can sneak in and cause many problems. You might not even discover these problems if they aren’t easily sighted.

Your flooring and roofing should be fire resistant. This can provide additional safety to the home, particularly in dry regions. Fire is such a destructive force that it makes excellent sense to reduce fire hazards in your home whenever possible.

Use motion sensor lights. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. This lets you know something is moving and also drives off criminals. Just remember to change out the bulbs every so often so the lights remain in working order.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. Some people may simply be trying to determine whether or not you have a home security installed; if you don’t, they may plan to return later if you are away from your home.

Walls make the perfect hiding spot. If you have small valuables you want to protect, consider hiding them inside your walls. Repurpose phone jacks and electrical outlets as tiny wall safes. If you have no unused plates, you can easily install false ones.

Go with your gut when you invite a home security company representative into your house. This is especially true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. 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.

Avoid placing spare keys under door mats or in plant boxes. You are allowing people to invade your home when you make it easy for them. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Rather, give your key to a neighbor you find trustworthy.

If you reside in a small town or rural area, then you might not be as worried about someone breaking into your home as city dwellers may be. Some people feel that rural residents lead riskier lives because they are far away from neighbors. However, understand that regardless of where you live, a theft can occur anywhere. Therefore, you need to be prepared.

Don’t leave the packaging from any electronics or expensive purchases sitting on the curb until trash day. Empty boxes might draw the attention of robbers and let everyone know you own new and expensive goods.

Walls are great for hiding items. Keep small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. You could utilize an electrical outlet, phone jack, or unused switch plate. You put in a fake plate if there aren’t any unused in your home.

Always get references from anyone you are considering hiring to do work inside your home. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. You can’t always be sure that maids, service workers or contractors are honest, and therefore giving out keys can be a big error.

Home security is very important, however not many people know too much about it. It is important that all homeowners who are concerned about their home’s security take the time to learn about the subject. With luck, this article has proved of benefit to you in this regard.

If you hire a security company, read any fine print. There are early termination fees, and there may be fees for extra equipment procured in the future. It’s best to know about these fees in advance so that you can avoid them when possible.