Some people avoid the home security process, because they think it will be long and drawn out. This process doesn’t have to inconvenience you. Look at this advice to quickly and easily secure your home.
Be very cautious about entrusting a maid service with a key to your home. 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. Check their references very carefully. If they work for a firm, call the local Better Business Bureau to find out that firm’s reputation.
Compare different systems when looking into home security. The prices can vary a great deal for the same level of protection from company to company. Get at least 3 quotes from security system companies and compare features and services as well as monthly costs.
Talk to people you know about their security systems. They probably have both positive and negative things to tell you, and those comments will help you make your own decision. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.
Before leaving for vacation, turn off the ringers in your house. When burglars hear phones ringing for an extended period of time in a home, they know that there is no one there to answer.
If you do not know the person at your door, don’t open it. There are people who are going to be convincing, but they can just be professional thieves. Create the rule that you just open a door to people that you expect to arrive.
Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. As it gets hotter, the chances of these igniting and putting your house at risk increase. Regularly clear away your yard to keep your home in good standing and safe for your family.
Put motion-sensor lights into your home. This type of light will come on when they detect motion within a certain distance of your home. You will receive advance warning of any potential issues, and a would-be intruder will probably be scared off. Remember that the bulbs need to be changed so that the lights keep working.
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. Regardless, changing the locks will ensure your security. It doesn’t cost much and they can usually show up within a day.
Follow your instincts when choosing a home security company. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. Ask for someone else to come out or switch companies. The point of that system is to feel safer after all.
Do you have skylights? If so, you should keep them in mind when protecting your home. Skylights are a great addition to any home, but they are also tempting entryways for crooks. Be certain to have skylights that incorporate strong, durable hardware.
Walls make the perfect hiding spot. If you own small valuables that require protection, try hiding them in the walls. All you need is a wall opening you’re not using (something like a phone jack, electrical box, or switch plate). A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.
After bringing home a big-ticket item, such as an appliance or electronic device, avoid leaving the packages on the curb before trash day. Letting such packaging sit out will signal to criminals that there are good things to be found in your house.
Your flashlights should always be equipped with good, working batteries. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Teach your children how to use the flashlights so that everyone in your household can help.
When about to sign a contract with any home security firm, read all the small print. You may find fees appear unexpectedly, including excessive costs for ending your contract early. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so read everything.
Keeping your home well lit at night can help keep the burglars away. They don’t wish to be seen. When your home is lit well, the crooks have nowhere to hide, making it difficult for them to steal from you undetected. Have lights that come on when they detect movement for best results.
Big home security systems are not your only option to keep your home secure and your family safe. Whether you want to put up a new fence, put some more locks on the door, or purchase a gun, you have quite a few choices. Do not forget this advice in order to increase security in your home.