Every homeowner needs to understand how they can keep their homes. Sadly, home burglaries are very common, in addition to the extensive risks posed by floods or fires. Read on to learn some useful advice to keep your family is safe from outside threats.

Your dog can actually safeguard a spare house key for you. This can be done if you have a dog can come outside. You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so it is always handy.

You should always change the locks after purchasing a home. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Call a locksmith as soon as you can for maximum security. When you lose your keys, have your locks rekeyed.

Above a door frame or under doormats are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. You should hide the key with your dog on the collar.

Don’t talk about an upcoming vacation anywhere on social media. Although you may want to let others in on your excitement, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.

Is your dog outside even if you are away? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Attach your key to your dog’s collar, ensuring that it can’t be seen. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

Talk to the people who live in your neighbors.

Use your home’s walls as hiding spaces. You don’t need to cut out segments from your walls by the way. Many spots are already accessible for this purpose.

Buy a safe and use it to hold all of the valuables in your home. This is vital since it means all of your things will be safe if someone breaks in your home. Your safe should be placed somewhere it is not readily noticeable.

When choosing an alarm system, it’s a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. All of your windows are possible entry spots for a thief too. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and entry points. This can keep your family stays safe.

Flashlights are important for letting you to move around if an emergency should arise. Make sure each member of your family knows where the flashlights are.

Shut off the ringer for all of the telephones in your home if you are planning to go on vacation for a long time. A home phone that rings and rings is a good way for a potential thief to know if anyone is home.

Check references carefully before letting them come into your home. You should do background checks in order to find out about their criminal history. You need to be very careful with the contractors, so do not give them a key to your home.

Get a custom-designed plan that fits your needs by having the security company do a site visit in your needs.

Your home security system ought to be checked each year. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. Mother Nature and wild animals can also cause issues with your home security system. If you aren’t paying attention, you may not be aware of these problems.

Although these systems can protect you and your family, security systems aren’t always necessary.In some neighborhoods, you might be better off taking a self defense class or owning a dog, yet in others, the latest innovations in home security will protect you best. Know the risks so that you want and make a better decision.

Think about a home security system that is wireless. A wired system might cost less, but wires are a hassle.

Avoid being shy. Build up a rapport with the people who own homes close to yours. By knowing the people in your neighborhood, you can rest a little easier knowing that people are looking out for each other. Don’t disregard gossip either. You may find out helpful information about strangers lurking around.

Thieves often be found looking through garbage cans in search of pertinent information about potential victims. Rip important papers up before throwing them away if you can’t get a shredder.

Consider installing a surveillance system for your home and property. You can have great home security by putting in cameras whether they’re concealed or out in the open. Visible cameras are a deterrent to most intruders, but if they disable the cameras that they can see, a camera that is hidden will keep capturing footage. Some security systems are accessible via mobile phone, so you can check on your house while you are away.

Whenever you are selecting a home security company, make sure you go with your gut feelings. This is very true when you feel uneasy about the person installing the system. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. Security is supposed to give you peace of mind after all!

Homeowners make every attempt to make their home safe. This article is full of excellent ideas on how to protect your home from virtually any threat. Apply what you’ve just learned, and keep your home safe.