Are you considering getting a security system installed in your home? Sometimes, you do not actually need one in your home. Even the basics such as locked doors may be all your home needs to be secured.

Make your house look occupied all the time. Buy timers so that lights, radios, TVs and all other electronics turn on and off at various times. This makes people think you’re home. This will help to deter burglars.

Before selecting any home-security company, talk to your friends to see who they suggest. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. Ask around so that you can have the advice that you need to make a good choice.

Buy ceiling, roofing and flooring which is resistant to fire. This will give your home added security. Preventing a fire hazard is one of the safest precautions that you can take due to the level of destruction that it can cause.

If you will be gone for an extended period, turn the ringers off on all telephones in the home. If the phone rings when you are away, burglars will know there’s nobody home, making the house vulnerable to a break-in when you are out.

It is always best to not let people in that just show up out of the blue. No matter how innocent a person may seem or how interesting the product he or she may be offering, you must not allow access. Some criminals will come in, case your house and then come back when you are away.

When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. Don’t hesitate asking for another technician or get another company. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.

Stashing your most precious possession right inside the walls of your home can be a great idea. No need to damage your walls. There are many spots in your home that already have areas that are pre-cut. For example, you might remove the cover of an electrical outlet, disconnect the wires, and use the space to hide small valuables.

If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. Many people are concerned about people entering their garages to gain access to their homes. A C-clamp is very useful for garage doors that lift on tracks. It will prevent garage doors from opening up whenever it is near the roller and is tight on the track.

Keeping the home illuminated during evening hours helps keep criminals away. Most intruders avoid anything that could reveal their identity. A well-lit home is like a red flag to a burglar. Keep lights on in the evening for a safer home.

When seeking out home security firms, the Internet is an indispensable tool. Research the possibilities, check out package options and pricing and analyze customer feedback. You’ll find it easy to narrow your choice down to three top contenders; your next step is to arrange to meet each of them to discuss your specific security needs.

Talk to your local police department about what they offer. Several in various jurisdictions have programs which entail providing a home inspection, what protective measures will help your home and even how to engrave valuable items to make them easier to recover. Speak with the police in your area to see if they have these things.

Ask the home security companies to visit your home and design a system tailored to your needs. Each homeowner has different priorities in terms of home security. By locating the company that will create the best plan for you, you will be assured you are receiving the best possible home security.

It might be time to get yourself a paper shredder if you haven’t already gotten one. Thieves can often be found looking through garbage cans in search of personal information found on bills and credit card slips. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.

If you live in a rural area, you may not be as concerned about home break-ins as people who live in the city. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. Others think that rural places have less of a chance of being targets for burglars.

If a friend picks up your mail while you’re away, have them check for fliers on your door. Burglars sometimes tack these up and watch to see whether or not they are removed. If the flier is not taken down, the burglar assumes the homeowner is not in town.

When you purchase an expensive item such as a computer or TV, be sure to take the cardboard box to the recycling center rather than leaving it on your curb for all the world to see. This will just alert criminals to the fact that you have expensive items in your home. Cut the boxes and wait until the garbage truck comes to put them outside.

You can hide things in your walls. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home’s walls. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. If you haven’t got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.

Spring Latch

Don’t use locks of the spring latch variety. Defeating a spring latch lock is a trivial endeavor; experienced burglars can get through one using nothing more than a credit card. Burglars just slip a card between the latch and the door, causing the lock mechanism to open. If your locks are spring latch, either replace them or put in a deadbolt to protect yourself.

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. To provide maximum security, wiring should be laid underground or installed safely within the walls of your house. This helps keep you and your family safe.

Never keep the registration papers for your vehicle in your glove compartment. These valuable documents provide criminals with information about your home location. Keep them on you or hide them somewhere else in your vehicle. They have to be accessible in the event you are in an accident or receive a speeding ticket.

It is possible that you need a home security service or system in your home. You might just have to adjust your routine. Research each option and pick the best ones for your needs.

Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for 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.