Home security is a topic that you, hopefully, take extremely seriously. If it is not, it should be. However, knowing the right security steps to take is not easy. Read this article to learn some very helpful strategies to help you get started.
Always make your house appear to be occupied. You can buy timers to have radios, TVs, lights and other electronics go off and on at different times. This makes it look as though people are home no matter what. This will keep people from breaking in.
Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. You can purchase inexpensive timers that will control different electronics and lights in your home. This makes it appear that someone is home. This will help to deter burglars.
When you buy a new house, be sure the locks are changed. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Have a locksmith install a brand new lock. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.
Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.
Check around for prices, reputation, and reliability when choosing a home security provider. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.
Change the locks after buying a new house. You never know how many copies of the keys the previous owners made and handed out. To ensure that you are the only one who has access to your house, call a locksmith. Also, if you lose your keys, change the locks.
Be sure your roof, floors, and ceiling are fire resistant. This is a good way to protect your home against fires, for instance if you live near power lines or in a dry area. Fire prevention is always a good idea, and sometimes it can be a lifesaving idea!
Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you’re not at home? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Put it on their collar. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.
Do not open your door for people you do not know. Burglars have many clever ways to convince householders to open the door. Make it a habit to only open your home’s door to people you were expecting.
Before selecting any home-security company, talk to your friends to see who they suggest. Most will be willing to share their likes, loves and loathes, especially as they realize how important it is to you. Be sure you seek out advice by asking those people.
When dealing with companies that install home security systems, it’s important to trust your gut. This goes for the installer, too. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or to hire a new company altogether. The point of having a security system is to make yourself feel at ease.
If your garage is attached to your house, make it secure. It is possible for an intruder to get in the garage and then gain access to the house; however, you can do something about it. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.
Don’t ever place your spare key under your mat or next you a plant box. You might think this protects you against being locked out of your home, but it also gives intruders access to your home. Burglars are familiar with these hiding spots. Ask a reliable neighbor or a friend to keep your spare key.
Security System
Don’t allow the wires of your home security system to be visible to others. Intruders can easily disable your home security system by cutting or unplugging the wires. Don’t make it easier for them, so have wires hidden in the house’s walls or buried. You will be much safer.
It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Ask a home security employee to give it a look. Many things can impact the performance of a security system, such as animals and weather. If you don’t see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.
Be certain to read the entire contract when you hire a home security firm. Sometimes, hidden costs can be incurred if you get rid of the service before a certain date. It’s best to know about these fees in advance so that you can avoid them when possible.
If you live in a rural area, you may not be as concerned about home break-ins as people who live in the city. Others think that living in the country is more risky than other areas because houses are so far apart. Other people believe rural areas are less likely to be targeted by burglars.
Request that prospective security firms design a system specifically for your home. There are always going to be unique things about your home as well as your specific needs, so make sure you think about these things. A good company will tailor your security plan to the needs of you and your family.
A skylight is another area that needs to be protected for home security. Intruders could use skylights to enter your home. Having heavy duty, reliable hardware is best when it comes to skylights.
Think about your personal security needs before you purchase a home security system. Although automated electronic systems are powerful, they’re not necessarily the cost-effective solution for every home. Some individuals are more comfortable with a canine alarm, while other people enjoy the feeling of security that a sophisticated alarm system can bring. Think about your risk factor when making a decision.
Rotted Wood
If you don’t own a paper shredder, get one. 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.
Your door frame should be replaced if the wood around it is rotting. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Replace rotted wood with fresh wood to make your home safer.
Don’t let anyone peek into your garage. Add frosting to your window glass to keep folks from looking in the house. Don’t let your door hang open for lengthy periods of time.
Before letting a home security representative inside, ask for identification. It is simple for a thief to pose as a representative of your home security company as a means of gaining access to your house. Don’t allow this to happen, as it is a direct threat to your house and its contents. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.
Break down the boxes from your new TV or computer rather than leaving them on the side of the road. If thieves see these type of boxes outside your home, they may want to break in to steal the items. Break them down and put them in a bag or take them to a recycling center.
When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you’re about to sign. There might be hidden costs or other things you should know about. Avoid nasty charges or fees regarding early termination, contract expiration and additional features or equipment.
Ask whether companies offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. While you will pay more to buy, you don’t have to keep paying for it month after month. You’ll pay higher monthly fees if you lease the equipment, and that will add up over time. Look at both of these to see what works for you.
Keeping your home well lit at night can help keep the burglars away. These crooks do not wish to be noticed or seen. A well-lit home will make it hard for intruders to hide and take your valuables without being detected. This makes it a good idea to keep the lights on.
It can be worthwhile to invest in a security system that is hard-wired into your home. A wireless system is handy, but the frequent battery changes can really amount to a large expense. If you neglect to switch out the batteries regularly, your security system won’t function properly. Additionally, it can be expensive to replace a lot of batteries.
Before signing up for a particular home-security company, find out how long they’ve been around. Many years of service bode well for the company’s performance. You may not feel as safe if you opt to go with a company that has not been in business for long or that does not have a stable history.
If you have a door that isn’t solid wood or metal, change it for either one. Doors made of these materials are sturdy. Burglars would have a hard time kicking such doors down. It is easy and affordable to replace all of your home’s exterior doors, so ensure you do this immediately.
Be sure to get a home security service that will inspect your home and tailor a home security system just for you. Every homeowner has specific needs for their home and their family. If you find a company that will tailor the plan you choose to your needs, you can get the highest level of security that makes you feel comfortable.
Although inside locks are extremely useful, their usefulness is limited whenever it is not possible to lock it outside. Deadbolts are the best option. Double key locks are good as well, since burglar can’t easily open them.
Keeping the home safe is something you need to do for a calmer mind. This is a fact of life. The smartest way to do so isn’t always obvious, unless you’ve been studying it; hopefully this article has given you some useful tips.
Try to purchase your security system direct from the company, rather than from a re-seller. Re-sellers are out to score quick money, and they likely won’t offer you any guarantees. When going through the company, you generally won’t have to pay as much, and you can rely on them to fix anything that goes wrong with the system.
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