Keeping your home safe is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, knowing where to start can be tough. This article should help you go forward.
Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Simply affix a spare key to the collar of the animal. You’ll always have a backup plan if you lose your 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. Try to get two or three quotes before making a decision.
Spare Key
Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Common places to hide a spare key are above your door frame or underneath your doormat. Therefore, thieves are more likely to check these places out first. Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.
Get roofing, flooring and ceilings that are fire resistant. This will make your home more safe, especially if you are in a dry climate that has many power lines. It’s best to prevent a fire before it starts.
Don’t talk about your vacations on social media. Although it’s fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you’re gone.
You should clean your yard of vegetation and dead wood. These could catch on fire during the summer, especially if you live in a dry area. Clear your yard often if you want to prevent a fire from starting.
Security System
There’s no security system so durable that it can go without regular maintenance and inspections. Have yours checked out once a year. Ask someone who works at the security company to do a maintenance check. Wild animals, domestic pets, and weather are all factors that can affect the reliability of your home security system. If it’s not visible, you might not even know there’s a problem.
Don’t be shy. Speak with your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, and do the same thing for them. Don’t ignore any gossip either. You may end up hearing about things such as odd folks roaming about the neighborhood.
Be sure to secure the skylights to your home. While they are an excellent source of natural light, they are also an easy way for thieves to enter your home. Having heavy duty, reliable hardware is best when it comes to skylights.
Make sure to have flashlights with fresh batteries in all rooms within your house in the event of a power outage. Having these in an easy to find place will allow you to see in the dark much quicker. Your kids should know how to work the flashlights so that everyone can help.
Prior to allowing access to anyone, make sure you are shown proper identification. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. It is not a good idea to give anyone a key to your home, even contractors or repairmen.
When you hire a security firm, be certain to review all contracts carefully. There may be hidden expenses involved if you terminate service before the contract term is up, and there may be added equipment fees. You want to try to avoid these fees whenever possible, so make sure you are aware of them.
Think about safety when designing your home. Your doors and windows should not be obstructed by shrubs or fences. This way, no one can hide there if they are attempting to break into your house. Landscaped features should be set further away for safety, yet keeping beauty in mind.
Before signing up for a particular home-security company, find out how long they’ve been around. A company that has been in business for several years has shown that they can sustain in this industry and proven they provide reliable services that people recommend. Whenever you know you aren’t doing business with a fly-by-night company, you will be more assured your home is protected.
Never enter your house if the door is open or something doesn’t feel right. It can be dangerous to walk in on an intruder. Just contact the police and sit tight until they arrive.
Wireless System
A wireless security system for your home is a great option. These systems are much more efficient and can save you time and hassle. A wireless system is easy to install and to maintain. Besides, you will still be able to count on your wireless system in case of a power outage.
You want to always keep your home and family safe. There is no denying this truth. Effective methods of home security are not always obvious, but hopefully this article has opened your eyes to some possibilities.