How valuable is home security in your book? Are you having a hard time finding a home security system you can afford? Are you interested in a cheaper solution? If so, you’ll be interested to know that you have many options to choose from. Read on for home security tips, both big and small.
When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, make sure you comparison shop. Prices vary quite a bit. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.
Look at the prices for all of the security systems that you are interested in. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Before choosing which company to go with, ask for quotes from a minimum of three companies.
Don’t let everyone in your social network know that you are leaving the home unprotected for your vacation trip; especially the people who you aren’t familiar with. Although your first instinct is to share the news about an upcoming trip that excites you, the info may well fall into the hands of people who’d be interested in burglarizing your home while you’re away.
Do not let people you don’t know in your house. Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. This is the first rule of keeping your home secure.
Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Others have likely had both good and bad experiences that they can share with you that can then save you a lot of stress and time. Ask a number of people to get a several different opinions.
Security System
Talk to your local police department about what they offer. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Get in touch with the department to determine their offerings.
Always have your security system checked each year. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. Wild animals, domestic pets, and weather are all factors that can affect the reliability of your home security system. If you cannot see a problem, you might not know one exists.
Use your garage for what it was intended: your car. Having the car in the garage will prevent it from getting broken into or stolen. Hiding it will help to deter people from tracking the times you aren’t there.
Be brave! Talk to your neighbors and those on your block. Ask them to watch your home if you are on vacation. Don’t discount what sounds like idle gossip. You will learn a lot from your neighbors, including details about recent break ins in the area and the shady individuals they noticed.
Be bold. Talk to your neighbors. Watch their houses, and ask if they’d do the same. It’s best to be in on any rumors in the area. You may stumble across valuable security information, like if someone has noticed a stranger lurking around the neighborhood.
Put up motion activated lighting. They’ll flip on when people walk within a certain distance of your house. They will signal movement to you but will also serve as deterrents to the thieves. Get in the habit of checking and replacing the bulbs as necessary to ensure the lights remain effective.
People who live rurally often don’t think about home security. Interestingly, many think those living in rural areas are actually more susceptible to break-ins since neighbors may not live close by. Some think that there are less burglars in rural areas.
The first step in making your home more secure is to change out your locks. It might be that you have an angry ex-roommate or a bitter ex-partner, so changed locks will boost your security. It is not expensive and you can do it in less than a day.
You can hide things in your walls. This is a great way to hide jewelry, for example. Simply take advantage of an unused switch plate, electrical outlet, or phone jack. If you have no unused plates, you can put in a fake one.
When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. This is definitely the case if you’re not quite sure about the actual installation people. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. Remember, the new security apparatus is meant to make you feel safe and secure.
Do that put spare keys above door frames or under door mats. These seem like great places for you when you misplace your key. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. If you have a neighbor you can trust, have them hold your extra key.
Don’t forget about the skylights when securing your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. Your skylights should have strong components that can withstand tampering.
Criminals often pick houses where they can see the valuables inside. Having large windows in front of your home may be a great way to see what is happening outside, but it can also give crooks a view inside your home. Keep your curtains drawn to keep your valuable items safe.
Make sure that none of your valuables can be seen from the outside. Large windows at the home’s front can be beautiful, but it can make it easier for criminals to see inside. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions.
Even the wires inside your home are worth something. Lots of people don’t know this until their wires are stolen. Copper wiring can easily be removed. Be sure that your wiring is concealed or difficult to access in order to keep your wires safe.
When installing your home security system, make sure to hide the wires. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. This is why it is so important to make sure all your wires are well hidden. This can make you safer.
If you scheduled an appointment for a member of the security company to come to your house, ask them to show you some identification first. Thieves often pose as security company representatives in order to enter homes and look for valuables. This is dangerous for your family and your possessions. Be careful if you want to avoid danger.
Purchase flashlights that have good batteries, and keep them in every room in your home in case the power goes out. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Keep in mind that your family might be separated during a power outage, and make sure you children know where to find and how to use your flashlights.
Check references before giving anyone access to your home. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. You can’t know for sure about the integrity of people you hire, and blindly giving them access to your home can be a huge mistake.
Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. A background check is also recommended so you know if they have a criminal history. You do not know if the people you hire are trustworthy, so do not give them a key to your home.
If you have your home brightly lit, burglars are likely to avoid it. They don’t wish to be seen. With a well-lit home, thieves cannot hide or break in unnoticed. Have lights that come on when they detect movement for best results.
Motion-sensitive exterior lighting is a must. Nighttime security lights are affordable and effective in terms of security and handy in terms of visibility and safety. Whenever you properly position these lights, they will make it almost impossible for burglars to sneak in.
Keep safety in mind when doing landscaping. Make sure that the doors and windows to your home are not covered by trees, fences, shrubs or any other type of thing. Do not give robbers a chance to hide in any area. Keeping the areas around your windows free of plants can help to deter criminals from lurking too close to your home, without you noticing.
The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Burglars like the cover of darkness to commit their crimes. Be sure all vulnerable exterior areas of your home are equipped with good lighting. This will include doorways, porches, your garage, and ground floor windows that criminals can use.
Install a surveillance system in your home. Installing video cameras, both visible and hidden, are a great way to secure your home. While a visible camera is a deterrent, a burglar might try to disable the camera, but a separate hidden camera can solve this problem. Surveillance systems often allow you to access videos through your cell phone, too.
Security Systems
Don’t give anyone an opportunity to see inside your garage in order to ward off robbers. Cover your windows with frosting; this could be purchased at hardware stores. They prevent people from peeking inside. Don’t leave the door unlocked for a long time, either.
Before looking at home security systems, consider your personal security risks and safety needs. Even though these security systems can guard you and your family, that doesn’t mean they’re for everyone. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Know the risks so that you can make a better decision.
A dog is an excellent burglar alarm. They are protective of their home and owner and will alert you if someone is on your property. You don’t have to have a huge, violent guard dog, though. Even tinier canines can ward off intruders with enough noise.
Wireless home security systems are becoming more popular. While the wired systems are less expensive, they usually mean rather intrusive wiring for your house, which can also go out during power outages. Wireless systems are much easier to install, and they can work independently of your home’s power.
Ask about the different contract durations that a security company can offer you. Each likely has its benefits and drawbacks. Your bill may be lower with a long-term contract, but you could wind up paying for a service you’re not using if you decide to move. While a short contract provides you with extra freedom, it can cost you more for each month.
When you’re dealing with a security company that provides you with significant equipment to install, ask about the benefits and drawbacks of buying versus leasing. Buying equipment may be initially more expensive, but cheaper in the longer term. Leasing is cheaper, but there may be hidden fees and contracts. Compare these two options before making your decision.
You need to know your options with companies concerning either leasing or purchasing equipment. Buying it may cost more, but this means there are no monthly charges. Sometimes it’s more affordable to begin with a lease, even though a continued lease may be costly in terms of ongoing higher monthly fees. Compare both avenues to see which one is better suited for your needs.
Don’t put the registration to your car in your glove box. This will prevent anyone from knowing where you reside. Keep them on you, or another place to hide them. They must still be easily accessible should you be stopped by police.
Don’t hide keys in obvious areas. Fake rocks are easy to spot. Many people will look under your doormat. It is probably best to find someone you trust to hold a key for you. Otherwise, you should be more creative when it comes to hiding your key.
Feeling safe in your home shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. When you are unable to afford these measures, however, this shouldn’t mean you can’t have peace of mind. This article should have inspired you to think about your options. Not only will they provide you with the utmost protection, but they will also save you money.
Women living alone or with only children are easy targets for home invasion. Therefore, consider putting large boots on the front step of your home to make burglars believe a manly man lives in the room. This is one way to deter criminals from breaking into your home.
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