Particularly if you live alone, you may think a lot about how to make your home environment safer. Instead of remaining afraid, you can take steps to feel better. Read on and learn all there is about home security.
When you buy a new house, change the locks. This is because you really have no idea who has keys, and therefore access to your home. Speak with a locksmith to get a unique lock for your home. When you lose your keys, have your locks rekeyed.
Always take time to compare and research before investing in an expensive security system for your home. Prices vary greatly in regards to the same protection for each company. Ensure you talk to a minimum of three companies to obtain quotes before deciding the one that you believe is best for you.
Do not tell anyone that you are going on vacation out of your friend circle. Although it's fun to talk about, posting it online makes it more possible for criminals to find out when you're gone.
Make sure to clear your yard of brush and dead wood in the summertime. These can quickly become fire hazards when hit by direct sunlight, placing your house at risk. Keep these cleared away regularly to maintain your home's safety and to keep it in good shape.
Change your locks if someone you don't trust moves out of your home. Changing the locks will ensure that you are the only one who knows the combination. It shouldn't cost too much, and the process can be completed very quickly.
Walls are great for hiding items. If you have valuables that are small in size, you may want to hide them within your walls. You can use the opening provided by an electrical switch plate or other device that is not being used. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.
Extra Keys
Don't put extra keys under doormats or in planters. Remember that you are not the only one who is aware of these sorts of hiding places. Intruders know about the usual hiding spots. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.
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. A burglar can steal a lot of expensive stuff in a short amount of time.
Were you aware of how valuable your house wires are? Many people do not realize this until a crook steals it off of their home. Copper, found in many wires, can be removed in little time, and is worth quite a bit of money. Therefore, ensure you hide your wires so that burglars cannot see them, or make the wires extremely hard for the burglars to get to.
Unless you're moving into a brand-new apartment or home, changing the locks should be one of your top priorities. Even if you've gotten a key from the previous owner or tenant, there could still be a lot of people out there who have keys to your home. You might even purchase and install your own locks so that you are assured of having the only keys.
Before allowing anyone into your home, check their references carefully. Do not hesitate to hire someone to run a background check if you have doubts. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.
Never enter your home if you arrive and find the door open. You have no way of knowing whether the thieves are still inside. The best thing to do is call the police and wait for them to arrive before doing anything else.
A great protection against burglars is owning a dog. Dogs can be extremely protective of their space and are great at barking when something is afoot. That is not to say that a big, scary dog is required. Even tinier canines can ward off intruders with enough noise.
Spring Latch
Don't fit your exterior doors with locks of the spring latch variety. These locks can be opened easily with a credit card. A card can be placed between the latch and the door, and this will open it. A deadbolt can be retrofitted to a door with a spring latch lock if you want to make it more secure.
Making your home into a safe retreat does not require a lot of costly security equipment that a stranger has to install. Many easier, cheaper methods exist that can make a big difference. Keep these tips top of mind to help you feel much safer in your house.