If you have pricey items like art and jewelry in your home, don’t assume that no one knows these things are there. Protect yourself and your valuables by educating yourself on home security. Read the following article for some great tips on how you can make your home more safe and secure.
Look for ways to make your home seem occupied. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. This gives off the appearance that someone is home. This helps you keep your house burglar-free.
Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This could be valuable for parents who have small children, making them aware when their kid has closed or opened a door.
Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? Really this works only if you have a pet door or if your dog is an outdoor dog. Latch the key on his collar and voila–you have a spare key available!
In the summer, remove vegetation and dead wood from your yard. As it gets hotter, the chances of these igniting and putting your house at risk increase. To make sure your home is safer, clear your yard periodically.
If your social networking accounts are filled with folks you do not really know, do not announce vacations on the sites. While these platforms are there for sharing, this is announcing to the world that your home is an open target.
Have lights that sense motion. When a person walks by your home too closely, these lights will go on. Not only will they notify you of movement, they will also deter potential burglars, as thieves want to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Make sure you keep fresh light bulbs in your motion activated lights so that they will work correctly.
Follow your instincts when choosing a home security company. This is particularly true if you feel uncomfortable with a company you are dealing with. Ask the company to send a different installer or simply change companies. Do some background research on the company you select, and look for people who make you feel safe.
When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. If you are hesitant about the company, your gut feeling is especially important. There is nothing wrong with asking for a different technician if you’re uneasy. The system and the company should put your mind at ease.
Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. Your home should have a few pre-cut areas that can be used. Perhaps you could deactivate a few unused electrical sockets to use as a place to store stuff.
Even if you’re not going to be gone long, keep your home locked. In a lot of cases, home intruders enter through unlocked doors. Thieves can make off with large amounts of valuable merchandise very quickly.
When selecting an alarm set-up, think about getting one that protects not just the doors in your home. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Be sure your home alarm covers all entry points into your home. This is a way to make sure your family will be safe.
Purchase an alarm system that has a few “bells and whistles;” you don’t just need protection for your doors. Windows offer easy access to a potential thief. Make sure you have a monitored alarm on every one of them. This will make your family safer.
If your home isn’t new, replace the locks. They previous occupants may have made copies of the keys. You might even purchase and install your own locks so that you are assured of having the only keys.
If you move to a dwelling that has had prior occupants, make sure you get the locks changed. Even if the tenants turned their keys in, they may have made copies. You can do your own installation to make sure that no one else has a key.
You can add a great deal of security to your home by installing a system of motion activated exterior lighting. These lights provide extra light for your home and are very cost efficient. If strategically placed, motion detectors ensure that it’s difficult for intruders to break into your home sight unseen.
It is a good idea to get some history on any home security companies you are thinking about doing business with. A company with a long history has proved they can survive and provide great service to people. You’ll have a lot more confidence in your choice if you stick with a company that has a proven track record.
If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. You need to find out about hidden costs, such as cancellation fees in case you want to cancel your contract before it expires. Avoid nasty charges or fees regarding early termination, contract expiration and additional features or equipment.
The outside of your house should be well lit. A burglar prefers to sneak around in the dark, and a well lit house is always a deterrent. Be sure and have a light next to any entry point in your home. This can include the garage, doorways, porches and other areas which invite an intruder in.
You should think about getting a home security system that is wireless. Although wired systems are usually more affordable, they usually involve changing out the wires of your home. As a result, if a power outage occurs, these wires will probably not be effective. The easy of installation and maintenance when it comes to wireless set-ups makes them the best bet.
Use a wireless security system. Wired systems could cost less, but they can also require intrusive electrical work inside your house and can fail when the power goes out. The wireless systems are simpler to maintain and install and they don’t need power from the home to run.
Do not purchase spring latch locks. Defeating a spring latch lock is a trivial endeavor; experienced burglars can get through one using nothing more than a credit card. Intruders simply use a credit card inside the latch, making the lock open. If you are already using locks that operate on spring latches, improve your security by adding a deadbolt.
Invest in a good paper shredder. Thieves may look through your garbage for information. Cutting the papers into small pieces with a pair of scissors is another option.
You need to know your options with companies concerning either leasing or purchasing equipment. You can avoid interest rates by buying the security system right away. Leasing is cheaper, but there may be hidden fees and contracts. You need to think about each option to think about what is right for your home.
Your furry friend is a great home security system, too. Canines are notoriously protective of their family and domicile. Keeping a huge and ferocious canine is not necessary. Even small dogs can keep intruders away since they don’t want lots of noise when committing crimes.
If you have a numeric keypad on your door as your lock, don’t make the password your birthday. Your birth date is easy information to obtain. Think of a number which is the answer to a mathematical question so you can just remember the answer to the question.
If you are away, pull your shades closed. If the blinds are up, then the intruders can see directly through your home. If they notice something valuable, they’re more likely to invade your home. Close your drapes or blinds while you are asleep, too.
Secure any valuables which can’t be replaced. This can include items like important photos, passports, pricey jewelry, and legal documents. A great choice for keeping these items in your home is a floor safe. If you want to be very secure, you can put it in safety deposit boxes at your bank.
Ask whether companies offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. Buying will save you a ton of money over time. Leasing is usually the cheaper option; however, it does mean higher monthly bills and a contract. You must review both options carefully to determine which will best suit your needs.
All doors leading into your home should be made from solid wood or metal. Durability is key. If a robber tried to break in, it would be hard for him to do that. You should be able to replace each of the exterior doors in your home for a minimal amount, so do so as soon as possible.
Draw the blinds at night in whatever room of your home faces the street. You shouldn’t be inviting people to look at your stuff through the window. If someone has the intention to burglarize your neighborhood, you would not want him to see your belongings and target your house. Be discreet when showing off what everyone can see, and you can be more likely to avoid burglaries.
A home alarm investment is well worth the money, provided someone contacts 911 when it is set off. An alarm system with full-time monitoring by a security company is the safest option. You can rest assured that the police will be called by the company. You don’t want to have to rely on just your neighbors.
Always lock your second and even third floor windows. Many people think a criminal won’t check them. They do use this method of entry though. Never underestimate the ability of an intruder to get into your home if they are really determined.
Many people avoid the neighborhood busybody, but try getting on their good side. They will be the first one to notice any strangers lurking near your home. If your friends with them, they can alert you immediately.
Women are usually targeted for home invasion, particularly if they live alone or live with their kids. Set out oversized muddy boots on the front step to make it look like a large and active man lives there. This can deter criminals from going into your home.
Deadbolts with keys make the best locks. A thumb latch prevents outsiders from accessing your door locks through an adjacent window. If you are home, have a key inside the lock so you can easily exit if a fire breaks out.
Err on the side of caution when you are dealing with home security. This is why it is important to always be proactive when it comes to your home security. These tips can put your family in the safest position possible.
Women are often the target of a home break-in, especially if it is apparent they live alone or with children. A pair of big muddy boots placed outside your door gives the impression that a man lives there. This will definitely deter criminals from entering your home.
Whenever you are trying to learn about something new, it is important to have methods that work. You should be able to start making some concrete plans thanks to the tips you just read. You will find that you can achieve more of your goals by using the great advice contained above.
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