It is likely that you know someone who has been burglarized at one time. If home invasions have become more frequent in your area, it is time to invest in an efficient home security system. Break-ins can happen anywhere. The following article shows you some of the things you can do for your own security.

Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? This only makes sense if your dog is outdoors a lot or you have a pet door. You can attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!

Make sure you trust your house cleaner before you provide them with a key. If you plan on giving them the key so that they can work in your home for over an hour, make sure that they’re reputable, hardworking, and honest. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.

Change all of your locks when you move in. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure. To make sure no one else can get into your home, call a locksmith. Also, if you ever lose your keys, do the same.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? If so, you can use your dog to hide your spare key. Attach your key to your dog’s collar, ensuring that it can’t be seen. This is the perfect place to store a spare key, especially if your dog doesn’t care for strangers.

The only time you should give out house keys to house cleaners is if you absolutely trust them. Make sure you know they are legitimate before giving out the key. It is best to do a reference check on them. If it is a known company, check with your local BBB.

Before selecting any home-security company, talk to your friends to see who they suggest. Other people are sure to have opinions and experiences to share. Keep asking to get the advice that will help you make the right choice.

When placing your spare key outside for emergencies, give careful consideration to where you put it. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

If you’re going on a trip for an extended period of time, switch the ringer off on all home phones. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.

If you have a stranger at your door, do not open it. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

Put up motion activated lighting. These kinds of lights will pop right on when they detect motion near your home. You will be alerted to movement, but most importantly, it will deter burglars or at least make you aware of their presence. Remember to keep working bulbs in them at all times.

In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. As things heat up in the summer, items may catch on fire and threaten your home. Regularly clear away your yard to keep your home in good standing and safe for your family.

The fist thing you’ll need to do for home security is to get new 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. It is pretty cheap and the job won’t take more than a few hours.

People who live rurally often don’t think about home security. Some think residents of the country are even more vulnerable because there are no close neighbors. Still, there are those who are of the opinion that rural properties are less of a temptation to burglars.

Security System

Walls are great for hiding things. If you own small valuables that require protection, try hiding them in the walls. You can use phone jacks or electric outlets as hiding spots. If you have no unused plates, you can easily install false ones.

You have a choice on who installs your security system, don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. 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. Remember that every aspect of your home security system should support you in feeling more secure.

Criminals often pick houses where they can see the valuables inside. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. If you’ve got street facing windows, be sure and keep them covered.

If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. Don’t make it easier for them, so have wires hidden in the house’s walls or buried. This will make you much safer.

Always lock your home, even if you plan on coming back within a few minutes. You may be surprised to know that many burglars simply turn the doorknob and walk right in. It can be a quick job for a burglar to steal items of great value.

Even the wires inside your home are worth something. Lots of people don’t know this until their wires are stolen. Copper, found in many wires, can be removed in little time, and is worth quite a bit of money. Be sure that your wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep your wires safe.

Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. You should do a background check as well to find out their criminal history. You don’t know whether the contractor, maid, or repairman that you’ve hired is trustworthy and handing them your keys could be a costly mistake.

Avoid thinking that burglaries only happen to expensive houses. Any home that appears it can be broken into is a target for burglars. If you use the advice mentioned in this article, you can help protect both your home and your family.

Having light on in your home at night will scare crooks away. They don’t wish to be seen. If you have your home lit up, then you have made it hard for burglars to hide and rob your home. Secure your property by creating a well-lit area.