Do you know anything about home security systems? You need to educate yourself so you can make an informed decision when setting up your home security system. This is a costly investment that can keep your family safe, so you should read more about it.
Don’t give your keys to a house cleaner unless you totally trust them. If you plan to give them a key so they can clean in your home while you are away, ensure they are reputable and honest. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If you hire a cleaner who works for a company, speak with your local BBB about the company’s reliability.
Do you have an outdoor dog? You could let your dog carry a spare key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. If your pet does not get along with strangers, this will ensure your spare key stays safe.
Home security systems do more than sounding an alarm in case of a break in. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.
Think very carefully about where to hide your spare key. People will check your doormat and frame first. You could hide the key with your dog on the collar.
The materials of your home should be fire resistant. This adds more protection to a house, especially if you’re in a dry area with some power lines. Preventing fires is the best way to deal with them.
It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Get a professional in to check it out. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. You may not know there’s an issue if you can’t see it.
No one should be able to see your valuables from outside. A big front window gives you a good view; however, it also gives burglars a good view of the interior of your house. If your house has street-facing windows, make sure they are always covered and your make sure your valuables are hidden away.
Don’t leave the packaging from any electronics or expensive purchases sitting on the curb until trash day. Having these boxes around for a while will give people an idea of what is inside your house.
The wiring outside of your home can be valuable. Many people never realize this value until wires are stolen right out of their home. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home. In order to protect yourself from this risk, make sure wires on your house are difficult to find and hard to access.
If you move to a dwelling that has had prior occupants, make sure you get the locks changed. The previous owners or tenants might have made some copies of the key. You can install locks yourself to make sure you’re the only one who has a key.
Do your landscaping keeping safety in mind. You should not let plants and shrub block your doors and windows. With areas like these visible, there will be no hiding while attempting a break-in. Have your landscape several feet away from your house for better safety.
Consider all of your individual security needs before looking into any alarm systems. Although automated electronic systems are powerful, they’re not necessarily the cost-effective solution for every home. In some neighborhoods, it may be better for you to have a dog, or even take self defense classes in order to protect yourself. Be aware of your risks to make an intelligent purchasing decisions.
Consider a wireless home security system. A wired system might cost less, but they can require extensive rewiring work and may be rendered useless if the power fails. The wireless systems are simpler to maintain and install and they don’t need power from the home to run.
Discourage burglars by making your garage windows opaque. Frosted windows will keep a burglar from being able to see inside. The material needed to do this can be found at home improvement stores. Also, do not leave doors open.
If you buy something that is expensive, you need to make sure you don’t leave empty boxes curbside. If thieves see these type of boxes outside your home, they may want to break in to steal the items. Cut up the boxes completely instead.
Inquire whether a security company offers variable contract lengths. There are going to be ups and downs for each one. Longer contracts may create a lower bill per month, but you you could maintain those monthly expenses if you discontinue service or sell the home. A shorter contract gives you more freedom, but it may cost you more per month.
You should have a good idea of how you can protect your home after going over this article. Learning all you can is key to home security. Keep these tips handy as you make your decision about a good security system.
