Your home is the most important place in the world for your family. That includes when they’re not at home. The article below is a compilation of tips that can be used to keep your home secure.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. There are timers you can use to make electronics turn on and off at random times. Potential intruders will stay away from your home if they believe someone is inside. This is great for keeping a home safer from burglaries.

Is your ceiling resistant to fire? What about your flooring or roofing? This will give your home added security. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!

Your faithful dog makes a great hiding spot for a spare key. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. You could simply put a key onto your dog’s collar, so it is always handy.

Security System

Don’t post information about an upcoming vacation anywhere on the web. Although it’s fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.

Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Each company has different rates for their security system. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Try hiding your key on a lawn statue or in a potted plant.

Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. This person might just be casing the joint to see if there is home security equipment.

Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. Have a worker from the security company take a look at it. Many things can impact the performance of a security system, such as animals and weather. Sometimes, you may need a professional to locate the problem.

Motion-sensor lights can alert you of a robbery before it even happens. They turn on only if someone is nearby. These lights will make you aware of, and can also scare off, potential burglars. But keep in mind that the bulbs to the security light should be routinely changed to ensure that the deterrent system functions properly.

See if your local police department offers any home inspection or other protection programs. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Contact your local police department to find out if they offer this type of program.

Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Maybe you’ve had a roommate leave or a bitter ex-lover, so changing the locks can keep you safer. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.

Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. Do not hesitate to ask for a different person to install the system or even consider hiring a different company. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spent, you should have an annual test. Get someone from the security firm to inspect it. There are many things that can be problematic with regards to home security systems, like wayward wild animals and the environment. If the problem isn’t visible, you may be unaware of it.

If you reside in the country, you may be less worried about break-ins than urban dwellers are. However, there is the belief that rural dwellers are more susceptible to break ins simply because there are no nearby neighbors. However, understand that regardless of where you live, a theft can occur anywhere. Therefore, you need to be prepared.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. Remember that you are not the only one who is aware of these sorts of hiding places. For obvious reasons, experienced burglars know every possible hiding spot. Instead, have a trustworthy neighbor hold on to your spare key.

Be bold. Speak with your neighbors. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. Do not ignore gossip either. Important security details (like the presence of strangers in your neighborhood) can come out of the most innocent conversations.

The best advice is at your fingertips. Now you have only to decide which steps you wish to take for your own home protection. Keep learning about home security. Technology is rapidly advancing, changing the industry along with it. Stay up to date, and everyone stays safe.