Creating a secure place to live may seem like a big job for the average homeowner. But, it need not be time-consuming or costly. Read the following article to learn what steps you can take with regards to home security.
Make sure you trust your house cleaner before you provide them with a key. Only select service people who are totally trustworthy. Do a background check on them. If they work for a firm, call the local Better Business Bureau to find out that firm’s reputation.
You can hide your spare key on your dog. This is a great idea if your dog is outside all the time, or they can get out through a doggy door. You can attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!
A good security system has many more features than sounding the alarm during a break-in. You can have your system alert you of any movement in certain areas of your home. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are.
After you purchase a new home, change the locks. You have no clue how many people were given keys by the former owner. Speak with a locksmith to get a unique lock for your home. Do the same thing if you happen to misplace a key.
Compare different systems when looking into home security. You would be surprised to see that the prices are much different for each company, even though it’s for the same type of protection. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.
Is your dog outside when you are away? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Hook your key to the dog’s collar in a place that is shielded from view. Your dog is an especially good key hiding spot if he doesn’t react well to strangers, since they won’t approach him, but the key will be there if you need it.
Buy fire-resistant building materials. This ensures your home won’t be a tinderbox. Lowering or eliminating the risk of a fire is an extremely important home security strategy because a fire can cause extreme destruction very quickly.
Ask friend for any advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. 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. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.
Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. If the phone continues to ring while you’re gone, this lets an intruder know that the home is empty.
Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. They are a potential fire hazard during warmer months. Regularly clear away your yard to keep your home in good standing and safe for your family.
Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. This is the first rule of keeping your home secure.
If you own a garage, be sure to use it to place your car, as opposed to using it as a storage. It won’t be vandalized or stolen this way. Hiding your car away from plain view is a good way to keep intruders from knowing when you are at home or not.
Check someone’s references carefully before letting them come into your home. Perform a background check to learn about their criminal history, too. You never know if the maid, repairman or contractor you hire is on the up and up, and letting them in or giving them a key could be a fatal mistake.
Security starts with new locks. Anyone from an old roommate to a former tenant could have access to your home if you leave the old locks in place. Changing the locks can typically be done very cheaply and quickly.
When you are trying to hire a home security contractor, read all the small print on your contract before signing it. There may be hidden costs involved that you were not aware of. You can easily avoid these fees if you do your research.
Do you have skylights? If so, you should keep them in mind when protecting your home. They look great and provide light, but also are another access point. Make sure that you use safety hardware when the skylights are installed and maintained.
Be sure to make good use of the Internet when you’re trying to select your home security company. Check out reviews you find on the web. You’ll find it easy to narrow your choice down to three top contenders; your next step is to arrange to meet each of them to discuss your specific security needs.
Don’t put your spare key in an obvious place near your front door. Instead of letting you into your home in the event you are locked out, you are providing criminals with easy access to your home. Thieves know about all these hiding spots. Instead, give your extra key to a neighbor whom you trust.
Think about safety when designing your home. There should be no plants or greenery in front of doors or windows. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. If you want to have a garden around your home, keep trees and shrubs away from your house.
Possible Entry Points
Light up your home’s exterior. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. Be sure and have a light next to any entry point in your home. This can include garages, doorways, porches, and even near any windows on the ground floor.
You want an alarm system that protects more than your doors. All of your windows are possible entry points for a thief too. Make sure the alarm is attached to all of them, and that monitoring is offered for all possible entry points. This can mean the difference between a safe home and one that is an easy target.
If you will be away from your home, arrange to have whoever is collecting your mail to also pick up fliers placed inside your door. This is a way people who are casing out your house can tell whether you are home or not. If the flier is not removed, they will know you are not home.
If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. One of the ways an intruder can get around a security system is by disconnecting or cutting the wires. Hide them in the walls or bury them underground to keep people from tampering with them. You’ll be safer.
Put a surveillance system in your home. Both hidden and visible security cameras are effective in protecting your home. Visible cameras can scare intruders, and hidden ones can catch them in the act. Many surveillance systems will allow you to access them through your cell phone; therefore, you can ensure your home is safe even when you’re gone.
If you are throwing away the box an expensive item came in, wait until trash day to put the box out. They show the world you have money and lots of valuables inside.
Make sure that your garage is not visible from the outside in. Add frosting to your window glass to keep folks from looking in the house. Also, do not leave doors open.
Be sure to replace all of the old locks as soon as you move into a new domicile. It may seem as if the former owners of the home are honest, but really you don’t know much about them. And, other people could have lived in the home previously to them as well.
When you purchase an expensive item such as a computer or TV, be sure to take the cardboard box to the recycling center rather than leaving it on your curb for all the world to see. Burglars can see these and they know that you have them in your home, increasing your chances of a break-in. Break them down and put them in a bag or take them to a recycling center.
Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. Having a well-charged flashlight on hand is very beneficial in case of emergency. 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.
Do not purchase spring latch locks. These locks are very easy to pick with something as common as a credit card. Wedging the card into the door crack can cause the lock to release. If you have already installed spring latch locks, consider adding a deadbolt for even more security.
You can secure your home better now that you’ve got smart security tips. Begin making changes where you live. Soon your home will make you feel safe no matter what hour it is. A security system costs money, but you will feel much better once you have one.
If the cost of maintenance is a concern, a hard-wired system may be your best choice. Wireless security systems are great, but need frequent battery changes. The system will cease to work properly if the batteries are not fresh. Replacing all of those batteries will cost a lot, too.
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