It’s every homeowner’s duty to do all they can to make sure their house is safe. While an alarm system can be very helpful, there are also other things to consider. Read on for some tips to boost your home’s security.
Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. If they will be there over an hour and you are thinking of giving them your home key, be certain they are honest, reputable and hard-working. Check out their references thoroughly. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.
Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? Store the spare key with them. Hook your key to the dog’s collar in a place that is shielded from view. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.
Buy a safe so you can conceal your valuables in it. If a burglar enters your home, he or she will have a hard time making off with your possessions. The safe should be kept hidden in a basement or attic.
Talk to people you know for referrals when choosing home security systems. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Spending a few days asking for reviews is useful in helping you choose correctly.
When looking to buy a security system, shop around. Some companies offer comparable levels of protection that can be priced very differently. Get a quote from several companies before making a final decision.
Security System
Avoid opening the door if you don’t know who is standing on the other side. Criminals can be endlessly inventive when it comes to generating a convincing story to force their way into your home. No matter how sympathetic the story, remember that it could all be a put-on. Make sure everyone in your house knows not to open the door unless they know the person standing outside.
It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. Get a professional in to check it out. A number of factors can cause problems with your security system, including wild animals and mother nature. If you don’t see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.
Regardless of the quality of your home security system, you need to have it checked each year. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. Wild animals or plain old nature can wreak havoc on your home security system. If you cannot see a problem, you might not know one exists.
It’s a good idea to have motion sensor lights installed. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. These lights will not only let you know when someone gets too close, they will also stop potential burglars from breaking in. After all, burglars don’t want anyone to know they are there. Get in the habit of checking and replacing the bulbs as necessary to ensure the lights remain effective.
Don’t be afraid to know the people who live near you. It is important to communicate with others who also live in your area. Keep an eye on their houses and yards and request that they return the favor. Listen to gossip also. You may end up hearing about things such as odd folks roaming about the neighborhood.
Place your valuables in cut-outs in your walls. This doesn’t necessarily involve chopping up your walls, either. You can find pre-cut areas in your walls that can be used. Perhaps you can use an old electricity socket as a place to hide your valuables.
When choosing a home security firm, trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. Never be afraid to ask for a new installer or to get an entirely new firm. The purpose of using the company is to calm your uneasiness, not worsen it.
Do not place your spare keys under your mat or even in plant boxes. While it can help you if you’re locked out, you could be letting intruders inside your home. Thieves are aware of these hiding spots. Give it to a neighbor you trust instead.
If you live more out in the country, you may think that you’re not at risk. Some maintain that rural dwellers have greater risk since their neighbors live farther away. Some think rural areas see less burglary.
When in the process of selecting an alarm system, you should select a system that protects more than simply the doors of your home. Thieves can easily enter your home through a window. Each point of entry for your home should be monitored by the system. They are the most effective.
If your home has skylights, don’t neglect to secure them. As nice as they look, they’re a prime target for thieves. Check that skylights have heavy duty hardware that can stand up under unwanted tampering.
Be certain the wires to your home security system are neither visible nor accessible. A burglar can easily cut and disconnect wires that are left visible. Do not make entry into your home easy. Make sure the wires are not exposed either inside or outside your home. You’ll be safer.
Make sure the wires of your home security system are completely hidden. Intruders can easily disable your home security system by cutting or unplugging the wires. This is why it is so important to make sure all your wires are well hidden. You’ll be safer.
If you have just moved into a new home, have every single lock replaced. Although you may trust the previous homeowner, you cannot be 100% sure of their character. Also, there have likely been other owners of the home, and you don’t know them either.
Are you aware of the fact that your home wiring is worth money? A lot of people don’t realize this fact until a robber steals it from their home. Copper wiring can easily be removed. Make sure your wiring is hidden or hard to access to keep this valuable property safe.
Make sure all the wood around your doors is in great shape. Rotted wood can be easily removed by thieves. Replace dead wood with thick, firm pieces to maintain a high level of security.
Remove and replace any wood that is not up to par. It is simple for a robber to pry away rotting wood and enter your home. Replace it as soon as possible.
Get flashlights with good batteries, and have them in each room in case you lose power. It is extremely important that you have flashlights because they allow you to move around easier in the dark, which is especially useful in an emergency. Train kids how to use the flashlights so that everyone may contribute.
When seeking out home security firms, the Internet is an indispensable tool. Take a look at various websites and read over customer testimonials and details about various packages. After that, choose your top three for consultations.
The Internet is your friend when searching for a home security company, so you should use it wisely. You can check out their packages and rates and also read some customer reviews. With this information, you can contact the companies you feel comfortable with and compare the rates to each other.
If you are going on a vacation, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and check your home for flyers. Thieves have put them up in order to see if people are home to take them down. If it stays where they put it, they will know you are on vacation.
Keep your outdoor areas well lit. Thieves prefer to work in darkness. The most important parts of your home to light are all of its potential access points. This includes porches and doorways, the garage, as well as ground floor windows, which can invite an intruder.
Keep your car registration papers on you at all times. Anyone with access to your car can find out where you live, so it is not a smart thing to do. Ideally, you should carry your registration in your wallet or bag. If you must leave them in the car, pick a less obvious hiding place. Keep them close to you in case you get pulled over.
Keep your garage shut and locked so burglars can’t peek inside. Cover windows using frosting, which you can buy at large hardware stores, to keep people from peeking in your window. Also, do not leave doors open.
Don’t put your key in an obvious hiding place. A very obvious location is underneath fake rocks. Many people also know to check under the welcome mat. The best idea is just to ask a friend or neighbor to hang on to a key for you. If you can’t, be creative where you put the key.
Can you read your house numbers clearly from the street? If you need assistance, emergency vehicles may not locate your home in a timely manner if the numbers don’t stand out. Luckily, this is a quick and inexpensive fix if you notice that there is a problem.
If you have windows into your living room that open to the street, always draw your curtains in the evening. You don’t need to have an invitation to people through your window. If burglars spot the expensive items in your house, they may want to hit you next. Make sure and minimize what is visible to the public so as to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target.
Ask your home-security company about what contract lengths they provide to their customers. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. With a longer contract, your monthly payment is likely to be lower. The downside is you might be stuck for a longer period of time if you decide you don’t like the service or want to move. With a shorter contract, you will have a greater level of flexibility. The downside is you will also have larger monthly bills.
Home alarms are a good investment, but only when someone who hears it calls the cops. Even better is to purchase alarms that are monitored centrally, so that the police are automatically contacted. You cannot depend on your neighbors to call them.
You’re ready to secure your home. Though it may all seem overwhelming, it is essential if you are to keep your loved ones and belongings secure. The tips in this article should help you accomplish just that.
While many people avoid the neighborhood busybody, you should be friendly with them. Your neighbors will probably notice people lurking near your house when you are gone. Maintaining cordial relations can put you in the loop and give you access to potentially critical security info.
Do not worry if it seems like too much information to absorb initially. The more time you spend educating yourself, the better off you will be. Apply this article’s information to have a great experience.
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