Learning about home security is something every homeowner really needs to do. However, there is a lot of information out there on this topic, so it may seem overwhelming at first. This article can help you glean the most important pieces of information that can help you develop the most effective home security plan.
Buy a safe for very valuable items in the house so you can keep them inside a single location. You would hate for your expensive jewelry, personal family belongings, etc. to be stolen in case a burglar breaks into your home. Keep your safe in a hard-to-get-to place, such as a basement closet or your attic.
Have your home always look occupied. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals. This will give the appearance that someone is at your house at all times. This will help safeguard your house to the best of your ability.
You should talk to your friends and family about advice concerning certain home security companies. There are likely people you know that have had either good or bad experiences with these companies. Taking a little time to listen can make you a much better decision maker when it comes to home security.
Spare Key
If your garage is attached to your home, always keep it secure. Intruders can enter your home through an unlocked garage door. A C-clamp placed on the garage door track will stop it from opening when you don’t want it to.
Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? This will come in handy if your dog is outdoors most of the time or if it can go outside through a pet door. Keep a spare key around the dog’s collar.
People in rural areas are not usually as worried about burglaries as people in cities. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. However, understand that regardless of where you live, a theft can occur anywhere. Therefore, you need to be prepared.
After getting a new home, make sure to change its locks. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure. Get a locksmith in right away. This is also a good idea in the event that you misplace your keys.
Do not choose a home alarm system that monitors only your doors. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Therefore, ensure the windows have an attached alarm. All potential entry points should have an alarm. This is great for keeping the family secure.
Do not open your door for people you do not know. You have no way of knowing if the stranger on the other side of the door wishes to do you harm. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.
Be certain your wires are hidden, if you have installed a security system in your home. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. Do not make things simple for a burglar, but rather bury all wires or hide them in the wall. Your system will be far more effective this way.
Do not forget to secure the garage attached to your home. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.
Make sure to ask for identification for any home security company representative. Criminals can easily pretend to be from a security firm as a means to gain entry to the house. This is dangerous for your family and your possessions. Trust your gut and if something does not feel right, it is okay to go with your feelings.
Regardless of the quality of your home security system, you need to check it annually. Get a professional in to check it out. There are quite a few things that can negatively impact the effectiveness of home security equipment. For example, adverse weather conditions or pests such as raccoons can cause problems. It’s quite possible for there to be a fault in your system even if you can’t see it.
A simple way to increase your home security is to add motion lights around the house. At night, the lights will keep things bright round the house, but they are also efficient and cost-effective ways to help your security. Positioned correctly, these lights can make it impossible for intruders to get on your property undetected.
Don’t be afraid to know the people who live near you. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. Also consider listening in on some of the neighborhood gossip. You could learn important security information, such as if strangers have been lurking around the neighborhood.
If you hire a security company, read any fine print. There may be some hidden fees, or a need to buy more equipment later. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.
Be sure to replace all of the old locks as soon as you move into a new domicile. While the person that previously had the home may seem okay, you don’t know who they actually are. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.
Consider home security and safety when you are planning your landscaping. Don’t obstruct windows or doors with shrubs, plants, fences or trees. If you have them visible, people can’t hide in those areas while they try to break in. This should be planned in advance for your safety.
You need flashlights and plenty of batteries in each room just in case your power ever goes out. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Also show your children how to use them so they can help out in emergencies.
Keep your home’s exterior well lit. Nothing is as attractive to a burglar as a dark, deeply-shadowed house. The most important parts of your home to light are all of its potential access points. Be sure to consider your front and back porch, garage, ground floor windows and any basement entryway.
The Internet is your friend when searching for a home security company, so you should use it wisely. Look at various sites and read customer testimonials, along with details on various packages. You can then make three solid selections and make appointments with them.
If you see that the door is open, do not enter the house. The thief may remain inside. Instead, call the police to inform them of what happened, and wait on them.
Never enter your house if the door is open or something doesn’t feel right. This is dangerous since the thief may still be on your property. Go to a neighbor’s or another safe area and call the police.
Put in a surveillance system. Video cameras are an excellent way to keep your home safe. Cameras that can be seen are an excellent tool for preventing most burglars from breaking into your home. However, if they are brave enough to try to disable your cameras, hidden cameras will capture them. You can often view these feeds over the Internet, too.
A dog is an excellent burglary deterrent system. Dogs can be extremely protective of their space and are great at barking when something is afoot. It doesn’t even have to be a big tough dog. Even the barking of a tiny dog can repel potential burglars, who want to avoid noises as they carry out their crimes.
Always keep your shades, curtains and blinds closed when you are not at home. Potential intruders will see what you are doing and get an idea of how many valuables you own if you keep your blinds open. If they notice this, they may break in. Keep them down when you’re asleep, too.
Ask your home-security company about what contract lengths they provide to their customers. There are sure to be both good points and bad points about each option. Longer contracts may create a lower bill per month, but you you could maintain those monthly expenses if you discontinue service or sell the home. While the monthly rates may be higher for a short-term contract, this option is more flexible.
Choose an out of the way place to hide your spare key, not the obvious ones. Fake rocks are particularly simple to spot. Another obvious location is underneath the doormat. This will be one of the first places that a burglar will look for your spare key. The best strategy is to have a neighbor or good friend hold a spare key in case you need it. If you want to keep it at your house, find a spot that’s not obvious.
Using a timer on lights is a great idea. This makes it easy for you because you do not have to turn the switch. It also makes the lights go off and on even if you are not at home.
Using a timer on lights is a great idea. This makes it easier for you as you won’t have to flip the switch, but it also ensures the lights continue to go on and off, even if you’re not at home for a long period of time.
Make sure that your valuables are kept in a secure location. Legal and financial documentation, IDs, pricey jewelry, and important mementos like family albums should be protected as carefully as possible. Floor safes make for great places to hide such items. If you want to be very secure, you can put it in safety deposit boxes at your bank.
Replace flimsy doors with doors made of solid wood or metal. These doors are much more sturdy. A would-be intruder will have much more trouble getting through one of these than a hollow door. You should be able to replace each of the exterior doors in your home for a minimal amount, so do so as soon as possible.
If you have a door that isn’t solid wood or metal, change it for either one. Durability is key. Few people can kick down such a door. It is easy and affordable to replace all of your home’s exterior doors, so ensure you do this immediately.
Sliding glass doors can create a security issue in a home. They are easily unlocked just by lifting and shaking. If your doors are not equipped with a security system, grab a pipe and cut it so that it fits the channel of the door. This will ensure the door stays tightly shut and it is difficult to force open.
Deadbolts are the best locks you can install, as they have captive keylocks. The devices are equipped with thumb latches that prevent people from reaching around to open the lock via a an adjacent broken window. When at home you should keep the key securely in the lock. In this way you will be able to exit quickly in case of emergency.
No matter how great the previous residents were in your home, re-key the lock or have it replaced. This applies to purchases and rentals, so ask the landlord to change the locks, or do it on your own.
Women have a greater likelihood of being the targets of home invasion, particularly if they live alone or with children. Place something masculine in the front of your home to give off a tough impression. This keeps those criminals away for sure.
Keep carbon monoxide and smoke detectors clean. Dust can build up and cause the sensors to not be as effective as they should be. For this reason, detectors will not do the job of detecting carbon monoxide and smoke.
Every homeowner needs to learn everything they can with regards to home security. Unfortunately, sorting out the good information from the bad can be difficult. Thus, it is wise to review the above information anytime you need advice about how to protect your home.
Look at home security companies that have more than just security systems. A security expert should tour your home to determine the most effective system for your situation. They may install more locks or recommend better windows for added security. You should ensure your company has your security in mind. If they truly care about it, then they will talk to you about these things.
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