Whether you have children in your home, valuable possessions, or you live in a high crime area, home security is often a top priority. Protect your household by taking precautionary steps instead of regretting an intruder coming in later. Read the tips in this article to make your home safer.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. Outdoor dogs or pet doors make this possible. You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.



Compare various home security systems when shopping. You'll find a wide range of prices from different companies. Get at least 3 quotes from security system companies and compare features and services as well as monthly costs.

If you've recently bought a home, make sure you change the locks and alarm pass codes. Many people just take these items as is and don't give them another thought, but consider that just about anyone could have a copy of the key or the pass code. That can include neighbors who you don't really know. Be safe and change out both when you buy.

Get your garage clean. Homeowners often use their garage for storage, filling it so full that you can no longer fit a car in. Parking your car in the garage can foil potential thieves in several ways. First of all, they will not be able to break into your car. Additionally, when visit the following website is hidden away in the garage, it is harder to track whether you are actually home or not.

If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, give people the illusion that someone is there. Leave a TV, radio or light on, so burglars will skip over your home when they are on the hunt for a house to break into.

Once you have your home security system in place, do not be scared to place a sign in your front lawn announcing you have it. When intruders see this sign, they will know you have an alarm system, so they will avoid your home. You can also place a "beware of dog" sign in your window or on your door if you have one.

One of the best ways to keep your home safe is to get to know your neighbors. Neighbors will look out for each other. Also, getting to know your neighbors is a great way to find out what is happening in your neighborhood. They will let you know if strangers have been around and other useful information on keeping your home safe.

Install outside lighting to deter intruders, especially if you live on a dark street or a rural area. To save electricity and enhance the surprise factor, install motion detecting light fixtures that only activate when there is activity. Mount these fixtures, using bright lights, at entrances and other potential points of unauthorized entry.

Be certain the wires to your home security system are neither visible nor accessible. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. Do not make things simple for a burglar, but rather bury all wires or hide them in the wall. This makes it much less likely that your system will be compromised.


Do not list your full name in the phone book or on your mail box. This can give possible intruders a lot of information about you and allow them break into your home a lot easier. Instead, only list your last name and possibly your first initial, this is much safer.

If anyone knocks on your door and asks to use your phone, tell them you can make the call for them. In this day and age of cell phones and pay phones, there is little reason for anyone to appear on your doorstep asking for help. Take it as a red flag.

Perform landscaping for your home which enhances your home's safety. Do not obstruct read more and windows with plants or furniture. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Plan your home with safety in mind.

If you live in a building that has a secured door, do not allow anyone into the building that you don't know. Many people will hang around and pretend to be a resident or someone else that should be there, so be very careful. If you do not recognize the person, let them know that you cannot let them in.

Have someone you trust come and cut your lawn if you will be out of town for awhile. If you do not want to hire someone, have a family member or friend do it. If you grass gets too high, burglars will know that no one is home, giving them the desire to break into your home.

Some home security system companies require their customers to sign long term contracts. Depending on which company you purchase your system from, the terms of the contract may be negotiable. Do not avoid getting a home security system if you feel you need one just because you do not want to sign a contract.

If you are searching for ways to make your home more secure, one inexpensive way to accomplish this is to purchase exterior lights that have motion detectors. These lights illuminate your home during the night. As an added bonus, they are affordable and quite efficient. If strategically placed, motion detectors ensure that it's difficult for intruders to break into your home sight unseen.

Look at the doors that lead to the outside of your home. Pay special attention to the hinges. If the hinges are on the outside, you are vulnerable. Breaking into your home is simply a matter of knocking out the pin that holds the door in place. Change those doors so that the hinges are inside the home.

A lot of people try avoiding the neighborhood gossip. Try to listen to them when you need to. They will let you know if they see someone suspicious near your home. Being friendly will bring you great security.

There are often catchy prices, advertisements and high-pressured sales tactics involved when checking into your home security options. To make the best decision, you should thoroughly look over reviews and establish good contact with each given company you're choosing from. You want to know what you're getting into before you take the dive.

You now have what it takes to make sure you keep your family safe and secure. It's best that you know as much as you can about your options and the system itself that you purchase. Keep what you've read in mind so that you are in control concerning your family's safety.