As a homeowner, it’s imperative that you take security as a serious manner. Unfortunately, knowing where to start can be tough. Read this article to learn some very helpful strategies to help you get started.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Under the doormat or above the door frame are all too common spaces that will be checked first by potential intruders. One good place to hide a spare key is in the collar of a dog that does not take kindly to strangers.

Does your canine stay in the yard while you go out? This is where you can put your spare key. Hook your key to the dog’s collar in a place that is shielded from view. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.

If your social networking accounts are filled with folks you do not really know, do not announce vacations on the sites. Although you may want to let others in on your excitement, it may inadvertently give burglars a heads up to target your property.

Don’t let everyone in your social network know that you are leaving the home unprotected for your vacation trip; especially the people who you aren’t familiar with. This can indicate that your home will be free and vulnerable during the time.

Seek recommendations from friends and family when choosing a security company or system. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.

You should not let anyone inside your home. Even if their story is compelling, they need assistance or want to sell you something. Some people will knock on your door simply to see whether you have a security system.

Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. They may offer things such as home inspections, engraving tool loans, and other guidance about securing your house. If your police department does not offer these programs, find a private security company.

Be sure to secure your attached garage. A lot of garage owners fret over burglars entering this way, but there are answers. If your garage door happens to lift on a track, using a C-clamp can help. the C-clamp prevents the door from opening if it’s tightened on the track close to the roller.

Keep your car in your garage if you have one. Keeping your car inside will deter thieves from stealing or vandalizing it. Keeping your car out of sight is also a good way to prevent intruders from determining whether or not you are home.

When it comes to securing your home, start by changing your locks. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, changing the locks is the best way to keep yourself safe. This doesn’t usually cost much, and it can be accomplished in less than a day.

Use motion sensor lights. These lights will come on if someone walks near your house. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. Just remember that you must change the bulbs often in order to keep the lights working in order.

Go with your gut when you invite a home security company representative into your house. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. Never hesitate to has for a new technician or even go with a different company altogether. Ultimately, the whole point is for you to have peace of mind.

Walls can serve as a handy hiding place. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Any phone jack or electrical outlet that isn’t being used is a great place to hide valuables. If you do not have any unused plates, it is easy to install a false one.

Get creative and hide valuables inside your walls. It is not necessary to cut out pieces from your wall. There are lots of places around the home that have pre-cut areas that you can use. For instance, consider using an electricity socket that is unused, and stash your precious jewelry in there.

Regardless of how long you plan on being away from your home, always lock all the doors and windows whenever you leave. It might shock you to learn that most break-ins occur due to unlocked doors. It does not take long for thieves to steal a lot from your home.

Be sure your expensive belongings are not visible from the home’s exterior. Open curtains allow people to see inside your home and see exactly what you have. Cover all street-facing windows.

Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. A background check which includes any criminal history is warranted. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.

Replace any wood surrounding your door frame that is rotting. It is simple for a robber to pry away rotting wood and enter your home. Be sure and replace rotted wood with fresh wood in order to ensure home safety.

Look into wireless security systems. While systems with wires are cheaper, you have to rewire your home and worry about power outages. Wireless systems don’t need your home’s power in order to properly work. In addition, they can be usually be installed and maintained easier.

You have to keep your home secure to have an enjoyable life. Your home is your castle, and you should always feel at ease there. The best way to do this might not be clear to you right away, so you should take some time to research the subject. This article may be able to help you.

If you don’t have a paper shredder, you might want to buy one. Thieves often find the trash cans to be a gold mine of pertinent information about potential victims. If paper shredders don’t fit into your budget, you can manually rip up important documents yourself.