As a homeowner, you really should know about security procedures for your home. However, you will need to filter out the large amount of old and misinformation available on the web. The following article contains the most important home security information.
Don’t give the keys to your home to a professional cleaner unless you trust them completely. Anyone you give the keys to your home to should be unarguably honest. Read through their references very carefully, and don’t hesitate to follow up on their references to ensure they actually exist. If the cleaner is from a firm, try calling the local BBB to find out about the firm’s reputation.
Man’s best friend can also be trusted to secure a 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 attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!
The best home security systems do much more than sound the alarm (literally). Many systems sound an alert whenever people enter the house. This can be valuable to parents with small children as they are made aware their child has opened or closed a door.
Change all of your locks when you move in. You will want to have a unique combination to stay secure. Get a locksmith in right away. Give a key to someone you trust in case you get locked out.
When looking to purchase a good home security system, it is best that you look at many companies. Most companies have different price schemes for the the same general level of protection. Get a quote from several companies before making a final decision.
Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.
If your social networking accounts are filled with folks you do not really know, do not announce vacations on the sites. It can be exciting to tell everyone about your vacation, but you could potentially be letting a burglar in on your whereabouts.
Check around for prices, reputation, and reliability when choosing a home security provider. Several different firms may offer similar protection for wildly divergent prices. Before choosing which company to go with, ask for quotes from a minimum of three companies.
Talk to people you know about their security systems. They may have had experiences with certain companies and can lead you in the right direction. Sometimes, you may get great advice from the people you know.
Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Your friends have gone through both bad and good experiences and they will be able to share them with you. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.
Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. When burglars hear phones ringing for an extended period of time in a home, they know that there is no one there to answer.
If your garage is attached to your home, always keep it secure. Many people worry about burglars getting into their attached garage and then entering their home, but there is a fix. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.
You should not let anyone inside your home. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. There are some people who will just come in to see if you have a home security system, and if you do not, they could come back later when you are not home.
Police Department
Check with your local law enforcement agency about home protection plans. These programs may include engraving identification codes on your valuables, home inspections, and advice about home security. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.
See if your local police department offers any home inspection or other protection programs. Several in various jurisdictions have programs which entail providing a home inspection, what protective measures will help your home and even how to engrave valuable items to make them easier to recover. Ask your police department to see if these types of programs are available.
Avoid being shy. Speak with your neighbors. Ask them to watch your home if you are on vacation. Listen to gossip also. You may find out helpful information about strangers lurking around.
An extremely important tactic for keeping your home safe is changing out the 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.
Changing the locks is a fundamental part of adding security to the home. Whether you have a roommate who is about to move out, or a relationship that has run its course, it is a good idea change your locks. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.
People in rural areas are not usually as worried about burglaries as people in cities. Some people think that country folk are mainly targeted since they don’t have nearby neighbors. Others hold that burglars are not as likely to target rural areas.
Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. Concealing small valuables in your walls is an easy and highly effective way to protect them. You could utilize an electrical outlet, phone jack, or unused switch plate. If you’re using all your outlets, you can install phony ones.
Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. Jewelry and other small items can be protected very well when placed in hiding places in your walls. Just open up an electrical outlet or a phone jack that is not in use. You can also install a fake one.
You can hide certain valuables within your walls. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. There’s plenty of places in a house with pre-cut areas that can be used. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.
Purchase an alarm system that has a few “bells and whistles;” you don’t just need protection for your doors. Windows need to be monitored too. Have alarms installed for each window and any other entry point. They are the most effective.
Keep the wires of your home security system hidden. A burglar will simply cut the wires if he can see them. Make sure the wires are installed inside the walls of your home. This way, you will be safer.
Homeowners need to learn everything that they can when it comes to security. However, it isn’t always easy to sort the good information from the bad. Thus, it is wise to review the above information anytime you need advice about how to protect your home.
Anytime a security installer comes to the house, make sure they display proper identification. Intruders could disguise themselves to inspect your home. This can put your family and possessions in danger. Proceed with caution.