Making sure your home is secure is definitely the job of every homeowner. You do not have to make it an efficient home security system. Keep reading for some great home security tips and advice.

Always have the locks after moving into a new home.You have no way of knowing how many keys to the old locks are floating around. Do the same thing if you misplace a key.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. This really only works if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!

Check out their references fully.If you hire a cleaner from a company, check with the BBB.

Do you keep your dog outside when you leave the house? Your furry friend is also a great storage place for your spare key. Put the key on their collar. This is especially useful if your pet does not take kindly to strangers.

Get a good safe to store your valuables in your home. This will keep your stash of diamonds, gold and other valuable items out of view and inaccessible to burglars. This safe should be hidden in a location where burglars won’t find it, such as a hole in the wall, the attic, or a basement closet.

Buy a safe to keep all of great value. Keep your safe in a hard to find.

Comparison shop when seeking a security system for the home. Be sure and get a minimum of three quotes from different companies prior to making your choice.

If you retain a space key for when you get locked out, consider the place you hide it carefully. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. You should hide it in your dog’s collar.

Ask friend for any advice before you choose a security system or service. Your friends have gone through both bad and good experiences and they will be able to share them with this situation before. Ask around so you’ll have as much advice for making a sound decision.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, you should have an annual test. Ask someone from your security company to do a look. You might not know there’s an issue if you can’t see it.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Your friends have gone through both bad and good experiences and they will be able to share them with you. Keep asking to get the advice that will help you make the right choice.

This is doubly true if you are uneasy with those who are installing the installers. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or get another company. The point of having a security system is to feel safer after all.

Some maintain that rural residents lead riskier lives because they are far away from neighbors.Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural places have less of a chance of being targets for burglars.

Remove all of the vegetation outside in the hotter months. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. Always clear the yard to ensure safety.

Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door left open and an intruder just walks in. It does not take a quick job for a robber to pilfer items of dollars.

Flashlights are essential since they allow you move around if an emergency should arise. Make sure your whole family knows where the flashlights are and how to operate them.

Keep your car in your garage if you have one. If your car is in your garage there is less of a chance to vandalize or steal it. Hiding it will help to deter people from tracking the times you aren’t there.

Motion Detectors

A simple way to achieve extra security is to add motion detectors. If strategically placed, your motion detectors can make it impossible for strangers to sneak around.

Get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Watch their homes and ask them if they’ll watch yours as well. Don’t ignore any gossip either. You may find out helpful information about strangers lurking around.

Be sure to read all of the entire contract when you plan on signing for a home security company. There are sometimes fees if you break a contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. You are going to want to avoid these kinds of hidden fees, so make sure you are aware of them.

Although these systems can protect you and your family, they’re not necessarily the cost-effective solution for every home. In some neighborhoods, you might be better off taking a self defense class or owning a dog, while in others, an advanced home security system will fit the bill. Be sure to assess the risk level you face before deciding what sort of security is best for you.

Use motion sensor lights. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. You will be alerted when there is activity outside, and any potential burglars will be deterred because they do not want to be seen. Replace bulbs regularly and check the sensors once a month.

Think about a home security system for your home. Systems that are wired can be a little cheaper, but they need unattractive wiring inside your home and may malfunction when you have a power outage.

The best way to keep a burglar out of your garage is making sure nobody can see inside. Don’t leave doors open for long lengths of time when you are working in the garage or yard.

Walls are great for hiding things. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. If you haven’t got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.

You can have key-less locks that work using a code. You can even install these locks yourself or have them professionally installed.

Keep your curtains closed when you aren’t at home.Intruders can look into your house if the blinds are left up. You should also have the windows covered when you’re asleep.

Don’t put spare keys inside plant boxes or beneath the welcome mat. A key that is easily found is a convenience for a burglar, not just for you. Thieves are tricky, diabolical, and familiar with any and every hiding place. Instead, trust a neighbor to hold your spare key.

Do not store your car registration in your car’s glove box. This is not wise since anybody who gets them is going to know your address. Keep them on you or hide them elsewhere.You should have easy access to them if you are pulled over.

Replace your doors with some that are solid wood or metal versions. Metal or solid wooden doors cannot be broken. A burglar could not kick a hollow door. The cost of replacing these doors is worth it in the end.

You want all wires of an installed security system to be hidden. An intruder can easily disable your security system by cutting the wires. This makes it much easier for a thief to get inside your home. Keep the wires protected. Your safety will increase.

You must always make sure your second story windows are locked. Many people overlook this since they don’t think a criminal won’t check them. This is not always the truth. Criminals know that this is a vulnerable area.

Deadbolts that have captive keylocks are the best locks on the market. These locks have a thumb latch that prevents others from opening the lock via a broken window pane to reach in. When you are at home, leave your key in this kind of lock for easy egress in the event of fire.

Replace all locks in a new house. You don’t really know the people you purchased the house from or all the folks they shared keys with, so don’t place too much trust in the old locks. You should also keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home before the previous homeowner.

Look for a home security company that have more than just a security systems. Great home security companies are willing to come assess the house and make specific recommendations. This could mean adding additional locks, removal of brush or new windows. You need to ensure that the firm really takes its work seriously, and they will discuss these types of things with you if they do.

There have been many instances where someone has knocked on a door to say they need help, and then when the door is answered, they burst into the house and wreak havoc. If someone tells you they need help, just make a call for them from inside.

Any time you let a stranger into your home that is doing some kind of work, it is best to ask for references. Try doing a background check to look at their criminal history. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

Having been given some good information, you stand ready to make your home safe and sound. Use them to do the necessary security alterations. You’ll feel safe living in your home at any point of the day. This sense of security will enable you to relax and enjoy yourself.