Homeowners needs to take the right steps to protect their families. Sadly. burglaries are all too common, as are fires and floods. This article will show you how to keep your home safe.
Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you’re not at home? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. Especially if your dog is not very friendly, this will help keep your key safe.
If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. Doormats and door frames are predictable places that burglars will always check. Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.
Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.
If you’ve got lots of people you don’t know on your social networks, don’t let them know that you’re going to be on vacation. It’s great to see new places and take a lot of photos, but posting them while still overseas lets thieves know your home is empty.
Turn the ringer off on your telephone if you are going to be away. If your phone rings and is not being answered, criminals will realize that you’re away.
If you have a garage, increase your home security by using it to house your car, rather than just for storage. This will keep it away from thieves and vandals. It will also keep any intruders from knowing when you’re home.
Motion-sensor lights can alert you of a robbery before it even happens. They turn on only if someone is nearby. They will notify you of any movement and can deter any possible burglars since they like remaining inconspicuous. However, make sure to put in fresh bulbs every now and then.
Use exterior lights that have motion sensors. If someone enters their proximity, they will light automatically. You will receive advance warning of any potential issues, and a would-be intruder will probably be scared off. Remember to keep working bulbs in them at all times.
Any program to improve the security of your home should begin with complete replacement of your door locks. Whether an old roommate left or a relationship ended, changing your locks is a good idea. Most locksmiths can accomplish the job within 24 hours.
If you live more out in the country, you may think that you’re not at risk. Interestingly, many think those living in rural areas are actually more susceptible to break-ins since neighbors may not live close by. However, understand that regardless of where you live, a theft can occur anywhere. Therefore, you need to be prepared.
Do you live out in the country? If so, you might not be as worried about burglars breaking in as those people in the city are. Nonetheless, people in the country may be at greater risk due to being far away from neighbors. You need to do some research on the areas where you live to get an idea of how frequent break ins are.
Keep valuables hidden within the walls. You don’t have to damage the walls to do so. There are many spots in your home that already have areas that are pre-cut. 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.
Hide your security system’s wiring. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. Make sure the wires are installed inside the walls of your home. You will be much more safe.
If you purchase big-ticket items, don’t throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. Having these boxes around will let thieves know the type of items that are inside your home.
If there is any rotted wood around your door frame, replace it. Home invaders interested are able to pry off any rotted wood to get inside. Find a reliable contractor who can replace the door frame for you.
Replace all locks in a new house. You don’t really know the people you purchased the house from or all the folks they shared keys with, so don’t place too much trust in the old locks. Also, there have likely been other owners of the home, and you don’t know them either.
Before letting someone from a security company into a house, get some sort of official identification. Many thieves use this tactic to enter a house. This could be quite dangerous. Make sure you are as cautious as you can be.
Do you know how valuable the wires within your home are? This is something few homeowners realize until they become victims of wiring theft. The copper in the wiring is valuable and can be stripped off of the outside of the home in a relevantly short period of time. Keep your wiring hidden or inaccessible to potential burglars.
A good way to scare off intruders is to keep your house lit at nighttime. Most intruders avoid anything that could reveal their identity. By minimizing dark and shady areas, you are taking away a potential burglar’s hiding spots. If you want to stay secure, keep your house brightly lit.
Check someone’s references carefully before letting them come into your home. Run a criminal background check on them, as well. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.
See how long the home security company has been around before you make any decisions. A company that has been in business for several years has shown that they can sustain in this industry and proven they provide reliable services that people recommend. You should not trust a company that does not have a good record with your local Better Business Bureau or few years of experience.
Having your house lit up during the night is a good way to scare intruders. That’s because they want to remain hidden. If your home is well lit, thieves won’t have any place to hide, so they may not want to steal anything from you. That’s why it’s a good idea to light your home well for optimum safety.
Consider all of your individual security needs before looking into any alarm systems. You might find that an alarm isn’t necessary at all. It may be better for you to take a self-defense class or buy a dog. The neighborhood you live in makes a difference. Know what you want and make your decisions based on that.
Before signing up for a particular home-security company, find out how long they’ve been around. Many years of service bode well for the company’s performance. Realizing you at involved with a stable firm will give you a sense of calm that is important.
Wireless alarm systems are a great investment. While the wired systems are less expensive, they usually mean rather intrusive wiring for your house, which can also go out during power outages. Wireless systems are easier to install and maintain, and they do not rely on the power in your home to work correctly.
You want the security company to actually come to your house and install the system according to your needs. They should take your concerns seriously and address any issues you have. Working with a business that will look out for your specific interests will help you be much safer at home.
Keep burglars on the outside of your garage by making sure nobody can actually see inside the garage. Cover your windows in frosting, which can be bought at big box hardware stores, so people can’t peek inside. Keep your garage door closed as often as possible, too.
Due to the numerous threats that can damage a home, it is important for every homeowner to do all they can to ensure their home’s safety. In this article, you will find excellent information on making your home secure and keeping your family safe. Implement all these ideas in order to get the most out of your home security efforts.
If you live with children or others whom who don’t want entering some parts of the house, keys and lock sets aren’t the only option. There are key-less locks that open with a push-button security code. You can install them yourself or you can hire a home security firm.