Creating a secure place to live may seem like a big job for the average homeowner. You do not have to make it an expensive endeavor. Reviewing the security advice provided here can go a long way towards making you a safer, more security-conscious homeowner.
Don’t give the keys to your home to a professional cleaner unless you trust them completely. If they need the keys and plan on being in there for more than an hour, try to ensure that they are honest, hardworking, and reputable. It is best to do a reference check on them. Contact your local Better Business Bureau to find out more about the reputation of the cleaner you hired.
Use your dog as the protector of your spare key. Of course, your dog has to be an outdoor dog (or you at least need to have a doggy door) for this to work. You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so when you forget your keys your dog can let you in.
Do you allow your dog to stay in your yard while you are away? If so, the dog can be a terrific spot to keep a spare key. Hook your key to the dog’s collar in a place that is shielded from view. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.
Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. Anyone you give the keys to your home to should be unarguably honest. Carefully check their references. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.
Buy a small home safe that you can use to keep your valuables in. Doing so can protect your valuables in the event of a robbery. The safe should be situated in an inconspicuous area of your home.
There are more features to a home alarm system besides making sounds when people break in. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. This is a valuable safety feature for parents of small children since they know if their child has exited the home.
Ask friend for any advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. They probably have both positive and negative things to tell you, and those comments will help you make your own decision. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.
Purchase a safe to lock all of the extremely valuable items in your home in one place. You can’t have your valuable personal items and jewelry out in the open for anyone to see. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.
Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.
Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Prices vary quite a bit. Get three quotes or more before making a choice.
You need to be sure the attached garage of yours is secure. It is possible for an intruder to get in the garage and then gain access to the house; however, you can do something about it. If your garage door happens to lift on a track, using a C-clamp can help. the C-clamp prevents the door from opening if it’s tightened on the track close to the roller.
Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. It is probable that you will hear some great stories about some companies as well as some not so great stories about others. This can save you the hassle of having to research everything on your own. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.
Don’t be shy. Get to know other people who live next door and others in your neighborhood. Ask them to watch your home if you are on vacation. It’s best to be in on any rumors in the area. This might provide you with some valuable information, at times related to security, including information about potential strangers who you might not want near your home.
Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. This can be a fire hazard, especially if you live in an area with high heat. Keep your yard clear of debris to keep your house safe.
Install lights that use a motion-sensor. These are lights that turn on whenever any living thing gets too close to your home. These lights will make you aware of, and can also scare off, potential burglars. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs to ensure they continue to work properly.
If you own a garage, be sure to use it to place your car, as opposed to using it as a storage. If your car is in your garage there is less of a chance to vandalize or steal it. When it is in hiding, people won’t know if you’re home.
Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Perhaps you aren’t sure who owned the home before you or maybe an old roommate has a key and never returned it. Regardless, changing the locks will ensure your security. It’s generally cheap can can take less than a day to do.
Security System
Those living in rural areas often don’t worry as much about intruders compared to city dwellers. Some people think that the people out in the country without neighbors are actually at a much greater risk. Some people think burglaries are less prevalent in rural parts.
Always have your security system checked each year. This should be performed by a technician from your security company. Many different things can make problems for your security system. If the problem isn’t visible, you may be unaware of it.
Lock your home when you leave, even if you don’t think you will be away for long. It may be shocking, but many home invasions and burglaries occur by intruders walking through the front door that was left open. A thief could steal all your valuables in only a few minutes.
The first thing to do is get your locks changed out. Changing the locks will ensure that you are the only one who knows the combination. Changing the locks can typically be done very cheaply and quickly.
When you are trying to hire a home security contractor, read all the small print on your contract before signing it. Look out for hidden charges and surprises, especially if you need to cancel the contract early. Try avoiding these fees when you can so that you know about them.
Choose an alarm which monitors other areas outside your doors. Intruders can enter through your windows too. Be sure your alarm is secured to them all and that monitoring is in place for every point of entry. This can keep your family much safer.
Keeping your home well lit at night can help keep the burglars away. They don’t wish to be seen. When your home is lit well, the crooks have nowhere to hide, making it difficult for them to steal from you undetected. Keep those lights shining brightly at night.
Carefully check the references of everyone before allowing them to enter your home. For a relatively small fee, you can also run a background check for their criminal history. You can never be too sure about anyone you hire to enter your home, and giving them access can work against you.
Have your home security company inspect your home and suggest safety improvements. You need some features which other families may wish to do without. If you find a company that will tailor the plan you choose to your needs, you can get the highest level of security that makes you feel comfortable.
If you’re going to hire a company that provides home security, read everything in the contract before you sign it. Look out for hidden charges and surprises, especially if you need to cancel the contract early. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so read everything.
If you think something looks odd when you get back home, don’t go inside. This can be quite dangerous because the burglar may still be on your property. The best thing to do is call the police and wait for them to arrive before doing anything else.
When you landscape your house, make it safe. Keep your doors and windows clear of any shrubbery. If they can be seen, potential burglars will not be able to use them as hiding places before breaking in. Plan your greenery and shrubbery for areas away from the direct path to your home to add beauty while still keeping your house safe.
A dog is an excellent burglar alarm. Dogs become extremely protective of their families and bark when uneasy. You do not need a large, vicious guard dog. Even tinier canines can ward off intruders with enough noise.
Always keep your home’s exterior well lit. It will be easier for intruders to keep an eye on you and approach your home if they can hide in the dark. Motion sensor lights can work great because they can also alert you when someone does come onto the property. All doors, porches, garages and windows should be well lit.
Think about a security system that is hard-wired if you really have concerns about maintenance costs. Wireless systems, while convenient, will require much more maintenance. If you do forget to have them changed, the system will not work right. Furthermore, it can be costly to replace multiple batteries.
Can you see the number of your house from the street? It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. Just replace them if you need to.
Make sure you have the curtains drawn if your windows are faced toward the street. It’s best to discourage peeping toms. If burglars spot the expensive items in your house, they may want to hit you next. Minimize your chances of burglary by minimizing what in your home is visible to the public.
Armed with your new knowledge of home security, you ought to be ready to make your home safer. Start with small changes. You’ll feel safe living in your home at any point of the day. You can then relax quickly.
Refrain from buying a security system from a re-seller. Dealers just want to make money, and sometimes they do not back up the products that they carry. When you go through the company, they will offer a guarantee and won’t charge extra fees.
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