Every homeowner should learn about sound home security. It can be overwhelming, though, to sort through the large volumes of information that exist on the subject.The following article will help you learn the most important home security.
Make sure that you change the locks once you’ve taken possession of the house. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. Speak with a locksmith to get a unique lock for your home. You should also do this if your keys ever get lost.
Be sure your home is always looks occupied. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV’s, TVs, radios and other types of electronics to go on at various times. This will give your home look like someone being there. This is a great way to give people up to no good think that you are home.
Your faithful dog can safeguard an extra key. This will only be ideal if you’ve got an outdoor dog or if you’ve got a pet door. You can purchase a special collar that will hold your spare key, so it is always handy.
Carefully consider where you hide your outside spare key. Intruders will more than likely check under your doormat or above your door frame. Try hiding your key somewhere more unique, like your outside dog’s collar.
Above doors or under a mat are much too common to hide them and potential criminals will check them first. One good place to hide your key inside the collar of a dog that does not take kindly to strangers.
This will help you protect your home be safer.
The walls are a perfect hiding place. This is a great way to hide jewelry, for example. All you need is a wall opening you’re not using (something like a phone jack, electrical box, or switch plate). If you use all of them, you can always have fake ones installed.
Don’t let any person you don’t completely know into your house that you don’t know. Even if the person has a compelling story, needs help or has something to sell, ignore them. This person might just be casing the first rule of keeping your home secure.
Local Police Department
When selecting a home alarm system, choose one that protects many areas of your home, not just the doors. The best systems are those that cover windows as well. Be sure your home alarm covers all entry points into your home. This is a way to make sure your family will be safe.
See if your local police department has any home protection programs. Many police departments offer programs that can include home inspections, like on self-defense or other things related to your home. Call the local police department and see what is available.
Put motion sensor lights into your home. These are lights that turn on if someone walks closely to your home. Make sure you keep fresh light bulbs to ensure they will work properly.
If someone from the security company comes to your home, ask to see their ID before allowing them in. It is easy for potential thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to gain access to your home. This can be extremely dangerous to your home and loved ones. Be deliberate in preventing hazards.
The first thing to do is get new locks. Maybe you had a roommate move out or have a disgruntled ex-lover, so changing the locks can keep you safer. It is pretty cheap and the job won’t take more than a day.
This is particularly true if you’re uneasy with those who are installing the actual system. Don’t hesitate to request a different technician or get another company. The point of that system is to feel at ease.
Your home’s exterior needs to be well lit. Burglars tend to commit crimes at night. Install lighting anywhere a possible intruder might break in. Consider all your doors, porches, patios, decks, garages and all ground-level windows.
Some people feel that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Some people think that there are less burglars in rural parts.
Don’t ever place your spare key under floor mats or plants. These are the first places for you when you misplace your key. Thieves are familiar with these spots.
There is no need to have keyed locks on interior doors. Use a code-access lock for any door you don’t want others opening. You can have your home security company install it for you, or you can do it yourself.
Make sure that your valuables cannot be seen from the outside. Large windows at the home’s front can be beautiful, but they also allow outsiders to see inside your living space.
Be certain to read all of the entire contract when you hire a security firm. There could be fees if you break a contract early or need additional equipment. You want to try to avoid these fees whenever possible, so make yourself aware.
You should not keep your auto registration papers in the glove compartment. This is not wise since anyone who has access to them will know where you live. Keep them in your wallet or in another safe place in your car. If a cop pulls you over, you will need them anyway.
The areas outside your house should be well lit. Burglars prefer the cover of darkness to commit their criminal activities. Install lights in areas that possible criminals can see everything outside. This can include garages, porches, porches, which can invite an intruder.
If you are going to be out of town for more than a day or so, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and check your home for flyers. Some burglars place a flyer at your home to see if the flyer is removed immediately or not.
It is always best to go with a solid heavy wooden door, or a metal door for extra security. This sort of door will deter intruders. This makes it much more difficult for a burglar to kick in the door and break in. It should be possible for you to find replacements for all of your doors for a good price, so do it right away.
You need to get a home security system. Installing hidden and visible video cameras are great for securing a home. Visible cameras deter the majority of intruders, and if they are disabled, hidden cameras can capture the events that unfold. You can sometimes access security systems using your cell phone, too.
Every homeowner should learn all they can to protect their home. That said, it isn’t simple to figure out what to learn. Keep these tips handy, so you can refer back to them as you proceed to make your home more secure.
The sliding doors made of glass that you see on many modern homes are actually a big security concern. The glass doors can easily be unlocked or broken. Without a security system to protect your home, you should shove a pipe or rod behind the sliding door–between the sliding half of the door and the door frame–to brace it against the frame. This jams the door so it just can’t open.