Maintaining a secure home is important if you are a home owner, and it should never be left to chance. There are a lot of options to choose from when developing a home security system. This article provides some valuable advice that can help lead you down a path to a more secure home.
Have your dog protect the spare key. This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Put a key on the dog’s collar so you have access to it when necessary!
Change all of your locks when you move in. You have no clue how many people were given keys by the former owner. Call a locksmith to make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.
Compare various home security systems when shopping. Prices vary significantly, even for similar levels of protection. Before choosing which company to go with, ask for quotes from a minimum of three companies.
Don’t let any person you don’t completely know into your house. Even if they tell you a sob story about needing help, this warning remains true. Some people may simply be trying to determine whether or not you have a home security installed; if you don’t, they may plan to return later if you are away from your home.
In the summertime, you should rid your yard of dead bushes and vegetation. These items have a higher chance of catching fire during the hot months. You can prevent disasters by keeping your yard clean.
Put motion-sensor lights into your home. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. Then you will know someone is present, and if the person is a burglar, he or she will be very likely to turn around and leave. Just do not forget to replace the bulbs periodically to keep them functioning at all times.
You have a choice on who installs your security system, don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.
Don’t put your spare key in an obvious place near your front door. Instead of letting you into your home in the event you are locked out, you are providing criminals with easy access to your home. Burglars always know just where to look. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.
Make sure that none of your valuables can be seen from the outside. It is wise to invest in coverings for large windows that can give criminals a large view of your home. Keep your windows covered and your belongings private.
Always check references before letting anyone work on your home. A background check which includes any criminal history is warranted. You can’t know for sure about the integrity of people you hire, and blindly giving them access to your home can be a huge mistake.
Landscape your home with safety in mind. There should be no plants or greenery in front of doors or windows. If windows and doors can be easily seen from all areas, then burglars cannot hide as well, which will hinder their plans. Landscaped features should be set further away for safety, yet keeping beauty in mind.
Security Company
See how long the home security company has been around before you make any decisions. A reliable home security company is one that has a long history in the community and can offer references from satisfied customers. You get better peace of mind if you deal with someone you know you can trust for the long haul.
For maximum safety, your home needs bright exterior lighting. Thieves like to commit crimes when no one can see. You should put a light on any area where a person could break in. All doors, porches, garages and windows should be well lit.
It is impossible to feel safe in your home without certain security measures in place. This is a fact of life. Hopefully you now have a better understanding about how to really secure your home.
