Home owners have a responsibility to keep their houses as safe as possible. While an alarm is a good place to start, there are other steps that can be equally effective. The following article will give you some great ideas to help you secure your home and everything inside of it.
Buy a safe. Doing so can protect your valuables in the event of a robbery. Conceal the safe in an out-of-the-way and not easily accessible spot, such as an attic or a basement area.
Do you allow your dog to stay in your yard while you are away? This is where you can put your spare key. Attach the key to the dog’s collar so that it is hidden from view. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.
Shop around when looking for a good home security system. Prices vary quite a bit. Get quotes from several companies so that you can get the best price for your home security system.
If your home has a lot of valuable items inside, then you need to purchase a safe so that all of these items can be kept in a single location. If an intruder breaks into your home, at least these valuables will be secure. Hide your safe in a place that is hard to get to, like a basement closet or an attic.
If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. Too many people put their extra key under the mat in front of their door; burglars know to check there. Think outside the box and put the key someplace unusual, like hidden in your dog’s collar.
Never allow a stranger to enter your home. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, they should not be given access. 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.
Buy fire resistant flooring, roofing and ceiling. This adds more protection to a house, especially if you’re in a dry area with some power lines. Investing in fire-resistant materials will help you save a lot since a fire can cause extensive damage.
Do not be reluctant to meet your neighbors. Meet your neighbors. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. Don’t discount what sounds like idle gossip. 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.
Use your garage for your car, not just storage. Keeping the car inside is a good way to keep criminals from stealing or harming it. Keeping your car out of sight is also a good way to prevent intruders from determining whether or not you are home.
Walls are great for hiding things. You should think about hiding certain small valuables within your walls. Use an old switch plate, outlet or phone jack. Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.
Changing your locks first can help make your home much more secure. Whether you just bought your home or someone just moved out that you were living with, this is an important step to any new situation. It is pretty cheap and the job won’t take more than a few hours.
When choosing an alarm system, consider one that offers protection for more than just your doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Make sure you have a monitored alarm on every one of them. This will help to keep your family safe.
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 installers make you feel uncomfortable, heed your feelings. If you are unsure, contact the security company to make sure that the installer was actually sent by them. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.
If you have just moved into a new home, have every single lock replaced. Even though the person who sold your home to you may seem honest, you simply can’t know for certain. People may have lived in the home before those owners, too.
When you pick an alarm system, it’s a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. It should protect the windows too. Be certain they are also alarmed and monitored. This helps ensure your family stays safe.
When you landscape your house, make it safe. Shrubs, trees, fences, etc. should not obstruct the view of your doors and windows. If criminals know you can see them, they are less likely to break in. For a beautiful yard that’s also safe, keep the landscaping separated from the house.
If you have any boxes to discard from large, expensive items, wait until the evening before the trash is scheduled for collection. If you set these boxes out with the trash, thieves will know you have expensive items in your house.
The best way to keep a burglar out of your garage is to ensure no one can see inside. 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. It’s also a good idea to avoid leaving your garage door open for any longer than absolutely necessary, even if you’re at home.
Buy flashlights with strong batteries and make sure there is one in each room in case of power outages. If the power goes out, you will be able to see everything. Teach your children how to properly use flashlights.
Inquire about different choices for contract lengths available from the home security provider. There are usually pros and cons in each contract. Your bill may be lower with a long-term contract, but you could wind up paying for a service you’re not using if you decide to move. While a short contract provides you with extra freedom, it can cost you more for each month.
Your first priority when you move to an apartment or house where others have lived in before is to replace all the locks. Even if you’ve gotten a key from the previous owner or tenant, there could still be a lot of people out there who have keys to your home. You might even purchase and install your own locks so that you are assured of having the only keys.
Ask whether or not your home security company gives you the option to lease and/or buy your equipment. Purchasing equipment outright will cost more initially, but may offer savings over the long term. You’ll pay higher monthly fees if you lease the equipment, and that will add up over time. You need to think about each option to think about what is right for your home.
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 can easily avoid these fees if you do your research.
If you want to hide your house key, find a spot that is not obvious. Fake rocks are very easy to spot. The doormat is the first place someone will look. The best idea is just to ask a friend or neighbor to hang on to a key for you. If you have no trustworthy neighbors, try to be more creative.
A reputable security company will send a representative to your home to design a custom system. Everyone has different needs, and your security system should be designed to protect your home and family. If there is a company that can come up with a customized plan, you will get what you really need.
After reading these tips, your home should be safe. There is a lot of information to take in, but you are better prepared to create your security system. The excellent advice you have just read will help you in achieving this.
The number on your house should be easy to find. It is important for the authorities to find your address in the event of an emergency. Luckily, you can fix this quickly and cheaply if you see there’s a problem.
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