You probably want to feel safe in your home, whether you own it or you rent it. If you are interested in taking security precautions for your home, you will benefit from these tips. Check out the advice below and pick up some handy ideas that can improve the security of your home.
It is important for your home to always look lived in. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. This will make it look like someone is home. This should help you make your home safer and not attract the attention of potential intruders.
Your dog can safeguard an extra key. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!
Always take time to compare and research before investing in an expensive security system for your home. Prices vary significantly, even for similar levels of protection. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.
If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. A better place to keep your key is inside your outside dog’s collar.
Don’t post information about an upcoming vacation anywhere on the web. Though trips are always fun to talk about, you may be doing little more than telling burglars the best times to visit your house.
Never allow a stranger to enter your home. Even if someone has a good story, requires help or has a great product to sell, ignore them. Some folks will enter to scout for security systems, and upon seeing you lack one, will resolve to return at a later time.
See if your area police department has any home security programs. There are lots of different programs, like home inspections, that will help you take the proper steps to make sure your home adequately protected. Call them up to find out more.
An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the locks. Changing the locks will ensure that you are the only one who knows the combination. It is pretty cheap and the job won’t take more than a few hours.
You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. Though you might think that you’re giving yourself something you could use to get into your house when you’ve lost your keys, you’re actually inviting intruders inside your house. Thieves are aware of all these spots. If you have a neighbor you can trust, have them hold your extra key.
You should always lock up your house, even if you’re only planning to be gone for a short time. A lot of times, burglaries happen due to carelessness. It does not take long for thieves to steal a lot from your home.
It is important to always have fresh batteries and flashlights handy around the house. Having these in an easy to find place will allow you to see in the dark much quicker. Show your children how to use them so everyone in the family is involved.
After moving into a pre-owned apartment or home, change the locks. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You can change the locks yourself if you’re feeling really industrious.
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’ll want to avoid any surprises so be sure and read your contract carefully.
Ask about the history of any home security company you are considering. Companies who have been around for years will show that they have what it takes to succeed. In addition, it proves that they provide people with reliable services they can depend on. 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.
Now is the time to get started in making your home a more secure place! You should not wait, especially if you have reasons to believe your home could be a target. Use this article as a starting point to begin securing your own home. You are sure to rest more comfortably, so don’t wait another minute.