Even though home security means a great deal to virtually every homeowner, many of them are woefully under educated on the subject. You should do more research on home security and learn about the different systems available. Keep reading for great tips on home safety.

When you buy a new house, be sure the locks are changed. You simply do not know how many keys to the old locks are floating around. Contact a locksmith to make sure that only you have access to your home. In addition, replace your locks if your keys ever get lost.

It is important for your home to always look lived in. You can purchase inexpensive timers that will control different electronics and lights in your home. This will give the appearance that someone is at your house at all times. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.

Do you allow your dog to stay in your yard while you are away? This is where you can put your spare key. Put it on their collar. This is an especially good idea if your dog doesn’t like strangers, and gives you easy access to get in your home.

Always change the locks after moving into a new home. There is no telling how many key copies were made and given out by a previous owner. Get a locksmith in right away. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.

Compare various home security systems when shopping. Several different firms may offer similar protection for wildly divergent prices. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.

Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. If they will be there over an hour and you are thinking of giving them your home key, be certain they are honest, reputable and hard-working. It is best to do a reference check on them. If the house cleaner is employed by a company, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.

You should invest in fire-resistant roofing, flooring and ceiling. This will make your home more safe, especially if you are in a dry climate that has many power lines. Preventing fires is the best way to deal with them.

Home security systems are able to do more than just sounding the alarm whenever you have an intruder. Many systems can alert you whenever anyone has entered your home. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.

Do not tell anyone that you are going on vacation out of your friend circle. Although your first instinct is to share the news about an upcoming trip that excites you, the info may well fall into the hands of people who’d be interested in burglarizing your home while you’re away.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Placing a key above a door or under a doormat is quite obvious! Try hiding your key on a lawn statue or in a potted plant.

Get to know your neighbors. Speak with your neighbors. Ask them to look after your home, and in return, look out for theirs. Don’t ignore the gossip. You may stumble across valuable security information, like if someone has noticed a stranger lurking around the neighborhood.

If you have a lot of unfamiliar people on you social networking accounts, avoid letting everyone know you will be going on vacation. There may be a thief within this list and you would have been inviting him straight through your front door!

Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. This is a very easy process that you can complete within a day.

Ask friends for some advice before choosing home security companies and systems. Others have likely had both good and bad experiences that they can share with you that can then save you a lot of stress and time. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

Those that live in rural area are not as concerned about having their home invaded as those who are located in the city. People who live in the country may even be more vulnerable because they do not have nearby neighbors. Others feel rural residents have a lower risk of being burglarized.

Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. Home inspections or engraving identifiers can help protect you. If your police department does not offer these programs, find a private security company.

Purchase an alarm system that has a few “bells and whistles;” you don’t just need protection for your doors. Windows need to be monitored too. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. You want the best security possible for your family.

A lot of people understand the role that home security systems play when it comes to our everyday lives. Many feel lost when it comes to choosing a home security system. Hopefully, this article has given you some useful hints about securing your home.

Be sure to replace all locks on a home you have bought. You really don’t know much about the people who sold you the home, regardless of how competent they may seem. Besides, other tenants or owners might have copies of the key if the previous owners did not change the locks.