Although any homeowner can benefit from a well-thought-out security plan, many fail to give their home’s safety adequate consideration. Advice can go a long way when it comes to better understanding home security. Read on to find out more.
When you buy a new house, be sure the locks are changed. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Call a locksmith to make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. If you lose your keys, you should do the same thing.
Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. All references should be checked. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.
Beware giving keys to your maid unless the service has your absolute trust. If you do give out a key to such individuals, be certain you know their reputation for honesty. Make sure you check references. If you’re hiring from a company, call the BBB for more information.
Do you keep your dog outdoors when you go out? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. Especially if pets don’t like strangers, this can be a useful way for having easy access to your house.
Don’t make a habit of giving strangers access to your home. Do not give in, even if a person uses a convincing story, asks for help or says they are selling something. Some people will simply knock on your door to see whether or not there is a security system installed, and if there isn’t, they may target you later when you’re away.
When you set out to purchase home security equipment, remember to comparison shop. Prices vary quite a bit. Make sure you get quotes from at least three companies before you decide on which one you think is the best option.
Secure your garage. Often people are concerned that burglars can enter the home via the attached garage . Happily, there is a solution to this problem. Use a C-clamp to secure the door if it’s off track.
Talk to people you know about their security systems. 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. Ask a number of people to get a several different opinions.
If you’ve got a garage, boost home security just by using it for only a car instead of storage. Protect your car from vandals by keeping it in the garage. When it is in hiding, people won’t know if you’re home.
Turn off ringers on land line phones while you are on vacation. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.
Install motion-sensor lights. They turn on only if someone is nearby. Motion-sensitive lights will alert you to movement and deter people who want to break into your home. Test the bulbs frequently, though.
If you have a garage, increase your home security by using it to house your car, rather than just for storage. It won’t be vandalized or stolen this way. Keeping your car out of sight is also good for thwarting burglars’ attempts to determine when you are likely to be away from home.
Be sure your valuables are not visible from the outside of your house. Though it is nice to have big windows to get a great view of the outdoors, it is also easier for burglars to look into your home. You should cover any windows that are facing the street so your valuables will be safe.
Switch Plate
When deciding on an alarm system, be sure and get one that protects more than your doors. It should protect the windows too. Attach an alarm to every one of them, and make sure all entry points are monitored. The safety of your family will be ensured.
Walls are excellent hiding spots. Concealing small valuables in your walls is an easy and highly effective way to protect them. All you need is a wall opening you’re not using (something like a phone jack, electrical box, or switch plate). If you haven’t got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.
Replace all the locks in your newly purchased home. The old owners may seem nice, but you don’t know everything about them. Don’t forget that there were likely other owners and residents in the house before the last set.
Don’t put extra keys under doormats or in planters. You might think that you are providing yourself a safe way into the house if you misplace your keys, but you are really inviting attackers inside. Potential burglars know the usual hiding places. Rather, give the key to a neighbor to hold.
Equipping each room in your house with a reliable flashlight (charged with good batteries, of course!) is an excellent safety investment. Flashlights are very important, as they will give you the ability to move around in the event of an emergency. If you have kids, teach them how to properly use the flashlights so everyone in the family can help out during a power outage.
Don’t allow the wires of your home security system to be visible to others. If the wires are exposed, an intruder can bypass the system by cutting its wires. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. You will be much more safe.
Before allowing someone into your house, be sure to carefully check their references. Check if they have any history of criminal activity. You never really know if you can trust a service person, and giving access to the wrong one can prove disastrous.
Flashlights in your home should always have newer batteries if your power goes out. The flashlights are important because they make you able to get around the house in an emergency. Show your children how to use them so everyone in the family is involved.
Keeping your house bright and lit at night will deter many crooks. They prefer not to be seen. It makes it look like you are home and makes it difficult for thieves to hide. Make sure the lights stay on to keep your home safe.
Home security can be quite mysterious. For those who own a home and want to keep their home and belongings safe, it is crucial to learn about home security. Hopefully this article has served as a useful foundation for further investigation.
Look online for a reputable home security business. Take a look at various websites and read over customer testimonials and details about various packages. Then, you can set appointments to make price and service comparisons before you choose.