It can sometimes seem hard to know how to start. This article delves into the different options that can help lead you down a path to a more secure home.

Buy a safe so you can use to keep your valuables in. The safe should be situated in a basement or attic.

Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. This approach is useful if your dog is a large breed that lives outdoor, or if your house has a doggy door. Simply attach a spare key to your dog’s collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you’ll be able to retrieve it if you need it.

Above a door frame or under a mat are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. You could hide it in your dog’s collar.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, you should have an annual test. Get a professional in to check it. You may not know there’s an issue if they aren’t easily sighted.

Buy a safe to contain everything of great value. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. Hide your safe in a place that is hard to get to, like a basement closet or an attic.

The first thing to do is get new locks. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, so changing the locks can keep you safer. It is not expensive and you can be done in less than 24 hours.

Use the spaces in your home’s walls as hiding spaces. You don’t have to damage the walls to do this. Many spots are already accessible for this purpose.

Don’t just hide your spare key anywhere. Hiding it beneath the doormat is very common and most intruders will look there. A possible solution is to attach a key to your outdoor dog’s collar.

Don’t ever place your spare key under floor mats or plants. These are the first places criminals will look when you misplace your key. Thieves know about all these spots.

When choosing an alarm system, you should select a system that protects more than simply the doors of your home. Burglars can gain entry through windows as well. You want a security system that the alarm is connected to all your windows and entry points. This can keep your family safer.

Use your garage for your car, not just storage. This will help to keep your vehicle safe. Hiding your car away from plain view is a good way to keep intruders from knowing when you are at home or not.

Replace all locks in your newly purchased home. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you have no idea who they really are.

Rotted Wood

Be outgoing. Talk to your neighbors and those on your block. Keep an eye on their houses and yards and request that they return the favor. Also consider listening in on some of the neighborhood gossip. It is often a good way to find out about security issues, such as strangers in the neighborhood.

Replace any wood surrounding your door frame. An intruder could pry away that rotted wood and enter your home. Replace rotted wood with fresh wood to keep your home as safe as possible.

A simple way to increase your home security is to add motion detectors. If the lights are positioned correctly on your home, it is very hard for someone to sneak onto the property.

Have lights that sense motion. These kinds of lights will pop right on when they detect motion near your home. Not only will you know that someone is out there, it will also deter burglars because they want to be inconspicuous. Don’t forget to replace the bulbs when they burn out.

The areas outside of your house should be kept well lit. Burglars prefer the cover of darkness to commit their criminal activities. Install lights in areas that possible criminals can see everything outside. This extends to doorways, doorways, and windows on ground floors which may invite intruders.

Make sure that your address numbers are visible from the street. If there is need for cops to come to your home, it will take longer for the police to locate your home if the numbers are concealed in any way or too small.

When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those that install your actual system. If you are unsure, contact the security company to make sure that the installer was actually sent by them. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

You want to always keep your home and family safe. About this, there can be little doubt. Hopefully you now have a better understanding about how to really secure your home.