If you are a homeowner, you should know the importance of being safe. Having your home destroyed or damaged is one of the worst experience you can have. Your house represents your biggest investment and the place you call home. Continue reading to learn more about making sure your home stays safe and protected.
Protect your spare key by using your dog. Really this works only if you have a pet door or if your dog is an outdoor dog. Just hide a spare house key on the inside of your dog’s collar. Then when you need an extra key, you will be able to access this one.
Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. Many systems can be used to go off whenever anyone enters your home. If you have little ones wandering about the house, this makes it easy for you to know if they have come in or gone out.
Always change the locks after moving into a new home. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure. Changing the locks will give you peace of mind that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your home. Be sure to cal a locksmith if you were to lose your keys as well.
Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. 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.
Compare different systems when looking into home security. You’ll find a wide range of prices from different companies. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.
Don’t post online when you’ll be away from your home. While you may want to shout it from the rooftops, you’re letting everyone know that your home will be vacant and easy to rob.
Do not post on your social media accounts regarding when you will be away on vacation. Although you may want to let others in on your excitement, it may inadvertently give burglars a heads up to target your property.
Turn the ringer off on your telephone if you are going to be away. Intruders might be attracted by a phone that rings constantly without anyone picking up.
Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. You can learn a lot from people who have already dealt with these companies. Make broad inquiries so that you are able to make a well-informed decision.
Clear away all the dead and dried out vegetation around your home in the summer. Due to the heat, these items in your yard are more likely to catch on fire. As a result, your home could be caught on fire. Keep your yard clear so it is a safe area.
If you will be vacationing for an extended period of time, turn off the ringer on all the phones in your house. This is because a phone that is ringing and ringing can tip of a burglar that nobody is currently home.
If you’ve got a garage, make sure to use it for your car rather than extra storage space. This will keep thieves from stealing it or harming it. It will also keep any intruders from knowing when you’re home.
Talk to the police department in your area to see what safety programs they have. They often offer home inspections, seminars and even the ability to purchase items. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.
It’s a good idea to have motion sensor lights installed. They’ll flip on when people walk within a certain distance of your house. You will receive advance warning of any potential issues, and a would-be intruder will probably be scared off. However, make sure to put in fresh bulbs every now and then.
If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. Keeping your car secured will prevent people from vandalizing it. Hiding your car away from plain view is a good way to keep intruders from knowing when you are at home or not.
Security starts with new locks. Anyone from an old roommate to a former tenant could have access to your home if you leave the old locks in place. It does not cost much, and can be handled very quickly.
Use your walls as hiding spaces. You don’t have to damage the walls to do so. Find a place where there is already a hole to get in through. Why not take the guts out of an electrical socket you’re not using? You can convert it into a convenient and covert little wall safe.
Look for an alarm system that does more than protect your doors. It should protect the windows too. If you have an alarm attached to each of your windows and doors, you can keep track of all the entry points for your home. This will make your family safer.
Make sure you have several flashlights that are charged and ready to go in the event of a power outage. These items will help you remain safe when there is no electricity. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.
If you are entering a house that has already been occupied, you should first change your locks. The previous tenant or owner may not have the keys, but you don’t know if they made copies for themselves or others. You can purchase and install locks yourself to make sure only you have the key.
If you’re going to hire a company that provides home security, read everything in the contract before you sign it. Sometimes, hidden costs can be incurred if you get rid of the service before a certain date. It is best to know all you can about a service you sign up for.
Before you let any strangers enter your home, be sure you look over their references. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. Anyone you bring into your home to work could be your worst enemy.
Having your home lit up and bright at night is a great deterrent to crooks. Intruders will avoid being noticed. Thieves have a hard time stealing things when there are lots of lights around. Keep those lights shining brightly at night.
When hiring a home security company, make sure to read the fine print on the contract you are signing. There are sometimes fees if you break a contract or need additional equipment. Try avoiding these fees when you can so that you know about them.
An important part of vetting any security company before you sign a contract with them is finding out how long they’ve been providing security services in your community. Companies with a long history can give you the best service for many years. Knowing that you are dealing with a shady company can keep you calm when making this crucial decision.
Safety can be simple. You just require knowledge about different ideas. Use these ideas to boost your home’s security. Pay attention to details, and take the time to develop a plan that will allow you to protect your home efficiently.
Invest in a high quality paper shredder. You’d be shocked at how many times thieves search trash looking for personal documents to see when you’re not home so that they can get into your home. If you can’t get a paper shredder, try ripping papers into smaller pieces.