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Your Home And Its Safety: Helpful Tips

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.

TIP! It is important for your home to always look lived in. You could purchase timers which make lights and TV's, as well as other devices, power on or off at varying intervals.

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.

TIP! Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. In order to make this work, your dog either needs to stay outside or have access to a pet door.

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

TIP! Do not give the key to your home to your cleaning person unless you are certain they are worthy of your trust. If you plan on giving them the key so that they can work in your home for over an hour, make sure that they're reputable, hardworking, and honest.

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.

TIP! Compare various home security systems when shopping. Wild variations in pricing can exist for similar security products.

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.

TIP! Do not let people you don't know in your house. Even if someone has a good story, requires help or has a great product to sell, ignore them.

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.

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.

TIP! See if your area police department has any home security programs. Many have quite a few helpful programs that you take, like on self-defense or other things related to your home.

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.

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Practical Home Security Advice For Puzzled People

If you are a homeowner, you should know the importance of being safe. There aren't many things worse than having your house damaged or vandalized. The home in which you live is usually your most substantial investment, and it's where you conduct your life. Keep your most precious investment safe.

Buy a small home safe that you can use to keep your valuables in. Doing so can protect your valuables in the event of a robbery. Keep it hidden in a hard to find location.

TIP! Make your house look like it's always occupied. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers.

When you decide to purchase a home alarm system, make sure you comparison shop. Prices vary greatly in regards to the same protection for each company. Get quotes from several companies so that you can get the best price for your home security system.

Spare Key

If you keep a spare key outside to prevent yourself from being locked-out, think carefully about where you hide it. Common places to hide a spare key are above your door frame or underneath your doormat. Therefore, thieves are more likely to check these places out first. Think outside the box and put the key someplace unusual, like hidden in your dog's collar.

TIP! If you will be gone for an extended period, turn the ringers off on all telephones in the home. If the phone continues to ring while you're gone, this lets an intruder know that the home is empty.

Do not open your door for anyone you don't know. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Be sure that everyone in your home knows not to open the door to strangers and unexpected visitors.

Attached Garage

If you have an attached garage, don't forget to secure it as well. Some people are concerned about burglars entering through an attached garage. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.

TIP! You should not let anyone inside your home. It is essential you do not do this, even if the stranger gives you a convincing story or states they need your assistance.

It doesn't matter how much money you spent, you should have an annual test. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. There are many things that can be problematic with regards to home security systems, like wayward wild animals and the environment. You may not know there's an issue if you can't see it.

If you've bought large or pricy items, avoid throwing out boxes until the day the trash is scheduled for pick-up. Having these boxes around will let thieves know the type of items that are inside your home.

Your flashlights should always be equipped with good, working batteries. These items will help you remain safe when there is no electricity. Show your children how to use them so everyone in the family is involved.

TIP! Never open the door for a stranger. Burglars are getting creative, and they will do anything they can to gain access to your home.

Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. Do not hesitate to hire someone to run a background check if you have doubts. Avoid giving keys out to contractors, maids and repairmen.

When you are trying to hire a home security contractor, read all the small print on your contract before signing it. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. If you can't avoid these types of fees, you should at least be aware of them.

Always use online resources to identify the very best home security firm. Check out reviews you find on the web. With this information, you can contact the companies you feel comfortable with and compare the rates to each other.

Spring Latch

Try to stay away from spring latch locks. These are very easy to pick by simply using a credit card. Intruders can pick these locks by wedging a credit card in between the latch and the door. A deadbolt can be retrofitted to a door with a spring latch lock if you want to make it more secure.

Avoid keeping auto registration in your glove compartment. Otherwise, anyone who can get into your glove compartment can find out where you live. Keep them on you, or another place to hide them. Remember that you have to have access to them in case you're stopped by the police.

TIP! Always have your security system checked each year. Get a professional in to check it out.

Clearly, it is not prohibitively difficult to secure your home. You just have to know some good ideas concerning home security. Put the ideas mentioned here into practice for a safer future. Don't neglect anything you read here. Make your home as safe as possible.

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Be Safer With These Important Home Security Tips

You need to definitely be concerned about your home's security! It's hard to predict when someone will break inside a house to steal items that are valuable or, worse yet, hurt those inside. Read this article if you want to make your house more secure.

You should always make sure your home looks like its occupied. Use timers to make electronic devices and lights turn on and off at intervals. In this way, it will always seem that someone is in your home. This can be a terrific method of securing your home and keeping burglars at bay.

TIP! Is your dog outside when you are away? If so, you can use your dog to hide your spare key. Attach your key to your dog's collar, ensuring that it can't be seen.

Put your spare key on your dog. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Simply affix a spare key to the collar of the animal. You'll always have a backup plan if you lose your key!

Provide the house key to your professional house cleaner, but only if you fully trust them. When giving your house cleaner the key to your home, you need to be sure that they are reputable and honest. Do a background check on them. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

A spare key must be carefully hidden and not in the obvious spots that a person might think. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. Instead, try hiding a key on the collar of an outside dog.

Security System

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. A security professional should visit to help with the testing process. Wild animals, domestic pets, and weather are all factors that can affect the reliability of your home security system. If you don't see the problem, you may remain unaware of it.

The walls are a perfect hiding place. Small valuables fit nicely inside walls. Simply take advantage of an unused switch plate, electrical outlet, or phone jack. Even if every single plate in your home is being used, you can purchase a fake one purpose-built for concealing valuables.

TIP! Keep your car in the garage. It won't be vandalized or stolen this way.

Keep your most valuable possessions inside your walls. It is unnecessary cut space into your wall. There are many places in your home that are pre-cut and available. Perhaps you can use an old electricity socket as a place to hide your valuables.

Don't put extra keys under doormats or in planters. You may believe you are making life easier for yourself, but you may just be giving thieves simple access to your house. Burglars are well aware of such hiding places. Try having your trustworthy neighbors hold spare keys.

You want all wires of an installed security system to be hidden. An intruder can cut the wires if he can find them. Instead, make sure the wires are hidden. That will make you safer.

TIP! There's no security system so durable that it can go without regular maintenance and inspections. Have yours checked out once a year.

Obtain flashlights with solid batteries, and ensure they are kept in all the rooms of your home in the event of a power outage. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Train kids how to use the flashlights so that everyone may contribute.

If you move into a home or apartment that has been previously lived in, the first thing you should do is change the locks. Although the previous owner should not have a key, there is no way for you to know this. It's easy to install locks, so you can just purchase them at the home improvement store and swap them out to be sure you have the only keys.

Screen the references of anyone who would have access to your house. It wouldn't hurt to also perform a background check. You need to be very careful with the contractors, repairmen or maids you trust with being alone in your home.

TIP! Whenever you are selecting a home security company, make sure you go with your gut feelings. If the men who come to your home to do the installation seem untrustworthy, you can change your mind.

A good way to scare off intruders is to keep your house lit at nighttime. They do not desire to be seen. Thieves have a hard time stealing things when there are lots of lights around. If you want to stay secure, keep your house brightly lit.

Don't limit security to the inside of your home; the outside needs attention too. All of your windows and doors should be unobstructed by plants, shrubs, trees or fences. With areas like these visible, there will be no hiding while attempting a break-in. Landscaped features should be set further away for safety, yet keeping beauty in mind.

It is a good idea to get some history on any home security companies you are thinking about doing business with. Companies that have been around for awhile show that they can provide reliable support. Being in the hands of a good company helps you have peace about your decision.

TIP! Do you know how valuable the wires within your home are? The majority of people aren't aware of this fact until a burglar steals these wires. The wiring contains valuable copper than can be quickly stripped from a home.

Make sure no one can look inside your garage. Go to a hardware store and buy some frosting so you can cover your windows. Avoid leaving the door open for extended periods of time.

Are you able to see the numbers on your house from the street? If you have an emergency, it will be hard for the police to find your house quickly if your numbers are hidden or too small to read. Thankfully if you notice a problem it's an easy and cheap thing to fix.

Dogs are an excellent way to protect your home. They are protective about their territory, plus they make noises that keep burglars at bay. You don't even need a huge, vicious dog. Even tiny dogs that make a ton of noise will deter a potential crime.

Spring Latch

Avoid spring latch locks. These type of lock is the easiest lock to pick, it could even be opened by a credit card. The card is slid into the crevice between the latch and the door, pushing the latch back and springing the lock open. A deadbolt can be retrofitted to a door with a spring latch lock if you want to make it more secure.

Be realistic about what you need to do in order to protect your family. You need to be prepared and expect the unexpected. Keep in mind what you have learned from this article to make your home safe for your loved ones.

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Practical Tips On How To Improve Your Home Security

Don't turn a blind eye to the security of your home. Take stock of the reality of your situation and make an informed decision. There are a lot of options to choose from when developing a home security system. This article should give you some helpful tips and ideas.

Your dog can keep your spare house key for you. But, this is only effective if your home has a pet door or your dog stays outdoors when you are not home. Simply attach a spare key to your dog's collar (in a secure and non-visible place, of course) so that you'll be able to retrieve it if you need it.

TIP! Consider using your dog as a place to store your spare key. This can be done if your dog can come outside.

Some home security systems have additional security features besides sounding an alarm to deter a burglar. Most security systems can facilitate alarm sounds anyone enters. This is useful for parents who have small kids, as it helps keep them from leaving the house.

Don't just hide your spare key anywhere. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. Try to find somewhere less obvious.

Make sure the ringer on any phones in your home is turned off when you leave for vacation. A constantly ringing phone can signal to a burglar that the house is vacant, making it an easy target for their criminal activities.

TIP! A good security system has many more features than sounding the alarm during a break-in. Modern systems are often capable of detecting any open door or window and announcing that fact.

Do not invite strangers into your home. Even if they tell you a sob story about needing help, this warning remains true. Some folks will enter to scout for security systems, and upon seeing you lack one, will resolve to return at a later time.

In the summer, remove all the dead trees from your yard. This sort of thing is a fire hazard in the heat of summer. To make sure your home is safer, clear your yard periodically.

Police Department

TIP! Is your ceiling resistant to fire? What about your flooring or roofing? This adds more protection to a house, especially if you're in a dry area with some power lines. Fire prevention is paramount.

Check with the police department in your town for home security tips and advice. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Call them up to find out more.

It's a good idea to have motion sensor lights installed. They'll flip on when people walk within a certain distance of your house. This is a good way of knowing who comes near your home and keeps you safe if you ever come home late. Do not forget to change a bulb when it burns out.

Skylights should be secure. Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, but they also tend to be weak spots that intruders take advantage of. Make sure that you use safety hardware when the skylights are installed and maintained.

Switch Plate

A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. You can hide small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. If you haven't got any plates that are unused, simply install a false switch plate.

If you have a home security system installed, make sure the wires are hidden. You do not want the wires exposed for easy manipulation. Keep the wires hidden in the walls or underground to keep intruders from getting in. You'll be safer.

TIP! You need to have your security system checked once a year. Get someone from the security firm to inspect it.

Replace rotted wood around any door frames. Anyone who wants to get into your home can easily pry away rotted wood and slip right into your home. Therefore, replace rotted wood with fresh wood to ensure your home's safety.

Make sure your flashlights have charged batteries and are found throughout your home. This is important for you to be able to see should your power go out or you suffer an emergency. Show your children how to use them so everyone in the family is involved.

When you consider a security company, be certain you read the details and fine print of the contract you're about to sign. There may be hidden costs to doing business with them, including early termination fees and surprising equipment costs. You should avoid such expenses if you can, so make yourself aware.

TIP! Motion-sensor lights can alert you of a robbery before it even happens. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home.

Keeping your home very bright during the night hours is an excellent way to prevent thieves. Most burglars rely on concealment to approach a home. A well-lit home is like a red flag to a burglar. Keep lights on in the evening for a safer home.

Use the Internet when you are seeking a new home security company. Review different websites and review comments from previous customers. Also find other companies to get quotes from as well.

Spring Latch

TIP! Always change the locks if you have someone move out of your home. Perhaps you aren't sure who owned the home before you or maybe an old roommate has a key and never returned it.

Don't have spring latch locks installed. These locks can easily be picked within a couple of minutes. The lock can be triggered to open by simply wedging the card in the lock. If your locks are spring latch, either replace them or put in a deadbolt to protect yourself.

See if your firm gives you the choice of leasing and/or buying security equipment. Buying the equipment might cost more up front, but it means a one time cost that does not continue every month. On the other hand, while leasing is more expensive overall, it can get you a better system if you don't have funds available immediately. You need to think about each option to think about what is right for your home.

Keeping your home safe is unquestionably something you must do in order to maintain peace of mind. There is no room for doubt on this matter. You should do more research on this topic and ask people you know for some tips on how to keep your home safe.

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Have You Been Wondering About Home Security? Read This!

Bad things can happen when you actually least expect them to happen. Do not endanger your family by falling short on safety. Keep reading for useful advice on deterring burglars and making a secure home.

The only time you should give out house keys to house cleaners is if you absolutely trust them. If you plan to give them a key so they can clean in your home while you are away, ensure they are reputable and honest. One way to do this is to check their references. If your cleaning person comes from a company, check with the BBB.

TIP! Your home should always look like it is occupied. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times.

The materials of your home should be fire resistant. This adds more protection to a house, especially if you're in a dry area with some power lines. Because of the amount of damage fires can cause, it is important to protect your home from them.

You should never open your door to someone you do not know. Many people are devising many different schemes to get into homes and burglarize them. You should make sure you only open the door to your home for people that you know and are expecting.

Local Police Department

TIP! Why not give your trusted dog the job of holding onto your spare key? This is only true if yours in an outdoor dog, or your house is equipped with a doggie door. Store a spare key within your dogs collar so you always have access to your home.

Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Contact the police department to see if they have something similar.

Rural areas are just as prone to break-ins as cities. There are differences between large cities and homes located in the countryside. Still, many believe that rural environments are less frequently targeted by burglars.

Walls are a great hiding spot for your valuables. Small valuables fit nicely inside walls. Target any unused phone jacks or electrical outlets for an easy hiding spot. If you have no unused plates, you can easily install false ones.

TIP! After you buy your new house, get new locks. The person who previously owned the home may have made copies of keys.

Your valuables should not be easily seen from outside your home. Large windows let in light and give you a great view outside, but that works both ways. You always want to make sure you keep your valuables covered if they are by a window.

When moving into a house, ensure that each lock has been replaced. As nice as the previous person may seem, you don't really know them. Keep in mind that other people may have lived in the home prior to the seller.

Make sure your flashlights have charged batteries and are found throughout your home. They will help you get around in case your entire home is dark. Teach your children how to use the flashlights so that everyone in your household can help.

TIP! You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. You should not let cleaners have your keys if you feel like you cannot trust them, or if they will be working in your home while you are away.

Make sure to ask for identification for any home security company representative. It is easy for potential thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to gain access to your home. This can be risky for you and your belongings. Take care to steer clear of danger.

Security System

What do you need to personally feel safe? A home security system is a good idea; however, it is not the perfect solution for every home. Some neighborhoods feel more safe than others, but a good security system definitely makes you feel more safe. You need to assess risks and choose a system adapted to the kind of situations you are likely to run into.

TIP! Before selecting a security firm, ask for recommendations. Most will be willing to share their likes, loves and loathes, especially as they realize how important it is to you.

If you see that the door is open, do not enter the house. It can be dangerous to walk in on an intruder. Call the cops and let them do the initial walk through.

You may want to get a security system that is wireless. While a wired system is more affordable, it also requires more extreme modifications of your home's existing wiring. This could be a potential problem in the event that your power goes out. Wireless systems don't need your home's power in order to properly work. In addition, they can be usually be installed and maintained easier.

Spring Latch

TIP! Don't open your door when strangers are knocking. Burglars are getting creative, and they will do anything they can to gain access to your home.

Don't have spring latch locks installed. Defeating a spring latch lock is a trivial endeavor; experienced burglars can get through one using nothing more than a credit card. This isn't a difficult maneuver either. If your doors have locks that are spring latch, add a deadbolt for extra security.

Choose an out of the way place to hide your spare key, not the obvious ones. A very obvious location is underneath fake rocks. Under your doormat is also a common place burglars will look. A better plan is to ask someone you trust to keep your extra key in case you need it. If that isn't an option, be creative with a hiding spot.

It is very hard to predict criminal activities, so you never know when your home has become a target. Don't just cross your fingers and hope. Take a proactive stance on home security. Remember what you have learned, and do some research on your own so as to protect your family.

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