If you own a home, you realize the necessity of security. There aren’t many feelings worse than your house damaged or destroyed. This article shows you how to protect it.

Always have the locks after moving into a new home.You have no clue how many people were given keys by the previous owners made and handed out. Do the same thing if you misplace a key.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Your loved ones likely have dealt with this situation before. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.

Home security plans have additional features along with an alarm that goes off during a break-in. Most security systems can facilitate alarm when someone enters the home. This can be valuable to parents with small children so that they know when their kids open or closed a door.

Buy a safe to keep your valuables in one place at home. Keep it hidden in your basement or attic to make it hard to find location.

Get to know your neighbors. It is important to communicate with others who also live in your area. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. It’s best to be in on any rumors in the area. You can learn of important security information, including if strangers have been lurking.

Comparison shop when you are ready to buy a security system. Get quotes from several companies before choosing the best one.

This will help you protect your home be safer.

Meet with representatives from the security company you are considering to determine if they are trustworthy. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. Make sure that the installer has experience installing your type of security system. Your security system is supposed to help you, not cause you more stress.

Ask friend for some advice they have prior to purchasing a security companies and systems. You can benefit from the experience of others that have already dealt with these companies. Ask around to get lots of advice that you need to make a better choice.

Turn the ringer off on all your phones if you are going to be away. A phone lets thieves know that you’re not home and could increase the chances of you getting robbed.

People in rural areas are not usually as worried about burglaries as people in cities. Interestingly, many think those living in rural areas are actually more susceptible to break-ins since neighbors may not live close by. Some people think burglaries are less prevalent in rural parts.

There is a solution for people that are worried about burglars from entering your home through the garage. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened.

Regardless of the quality of your home security system, be sure to have regular inspections and maintenance performed. Get a professional in to check it. You may not be able to tell there is an issue if you can’t see it.

If your home has skylights, don’t neglect to secure them. They look great and provide light, but also are another access point. Your skylights should have strong components that can withstand tampering.

This is very true if you’re uneasy about the person installing the system. Ask for someone else to come out or simply change companies. The point of having a security system and the company should put your mind at ease.

Replace all the locks in a new house.Even if the previous owner or tenant seems trustworthy, you simply can’t know for certain.

Use the space in walls to store your prized possessions. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. Take a closer look at your walls and note just how many access points there are already. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.

Flashlights are key because they allow you navigate your home in the dark. Make sure each member of your family knows where to find them and how to operate them.

If you move into a home or apartment that has been previously lived in, replace the locks. The person who used to live there may still have made some copies of the key. You might even purchase and install locks so that you are assured of having the only keys.

Be sure your valuables are not visible from the outside of your house. Large windows allow you to keep an eye on who is approaching your home, but keep in mind that potential intruders will be tempted if they can see your valuables. Windows facing the street need to be covered to keep inside possessions safe.

It is easy for thieves to pretend to be company reps in order to get into your home. This proves rather dangerous for both your family and your valuables. Be careful if you want to avoid any potential dangers.

Be sure to read all of the fine print to any contracts you hire a home security company. There might be hidden costs involved that you should know about. You want to try to avoid these fees whenever possible, so know about them up front.

Do not choose a home alarm system that monitors only your doors. The best systems are those that cover windows as well. Make sure you have a monitored alarm on every one of them. They are the most effective.

Having your home at night is a good way to scare intruders. They do not to be seen. Keep lights turned on during the night.

Ask the home security company how long they have been running prior to signing up. A company that’s been around for a while has proven that their service to people. Knowing that you are not dealing with a fly by night company gives you calm when making this crucial decision.

If you install a security system, make certain to hide the wires well. You don’t want a burglar to get access to them and disable your system. To provide maximum security, wiring should be laid underground or installed safely within the walls of your house. This will add security.

If you are going to be out of town for more than a day or so, have them remove fliers from the door. Thieves sometimes place fliers on front doors and then wait to see if people are home to take them down.

Your pup is a great tool for protecting your home from intruders. Dogs are protective of their families and generally make noise when uneasy. It doesn’t even have to be a huge dog either. Even small dogs that make a ton of noise will deter a potential crime.

Just moved in? Time for new locks! Even if the previous owner or tenant seems trustworthy, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the key they made and distributed. There are other people who have lived in the home as well.

You need to know your options with companies concerning either leasing or lease the home security equipment.Buying outright costs a lot more in the beginning, but will save you a monthly bill. Leasing is usually cheaper, but it comes with strings attached through contracts or continuing fees and charges. Look into both choices to know which one is better for you.

You shouldn’t keep your car registration papers in the glove compartment. This isn’t smart since anybody who gets them is going to know where you live. Keep them with you or hide them somewhere else in your vehicle. You should have them if you are pulled over.

Don’t let anyone in your house without knowing their work history and checking their references. Conduct background checks if necessary. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.

Think about hard-wired security systems if you have concerns about maintenance issues. It can also be pretty expensive to replace many different batteries.

Financial Records

Keep the outside areas of your home well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. This means by the garage, in the doorways, around windows and much more.

Secure valuables that is as safe as possible. Items like passports, family photos, financial records, expensive jewelry and financial records need to be placed at a secure location. Floor safes are excellent locations for keeping these particular items inside the home. You can also look into getting a bank safe deposit box.

Deadbolts that have captive keylocks are usually your wisest choice. These have a thumb latch so that no one can reach around and opening the lock via a nearby broken window nearby. If you are home, simply lodge the key on the lock.

Purchase a paper shredder to prevent your discarded papers from providing burglars with valuable information. Thieves can get lots of information simply by looking through your trash. If a shredder is too expensive, at least tear relevant paperwork into small bits.

As this article has demonstrated, keeping your home safe does not have to be difficult. There is some education that is required though. Use the tips you just read to improve your home security. Don’t neglect home security; stay safe.