Many people assume that the only way to truly create a safer home is by installing an expensive home security system through a company looking to turn a profit. Thankfully, there are other options for people with a lower budget. Read this article for tips on deterring intruders from coming into your home.

Have sensors installed on all of your windows. This allows you to leave windows open when you are not home, as well as when you are sleeping, without having to worry about an intruder being able to sneak in. They are very inexpensive and can be found at your local department or hardware store.

Keep the area directly alongside your home clear of bushes to eliminate hiding places for intruders. Although having shrubs and ornamental bushes underneath windows and along the sides of your home can be beautiful, they’re perfect hiding places for people who are trying to break-in. Keep these potential trouble spots clear, especially in front of and around windows.

Be sure to secure your attached garage. People often worry about people getting in through attached garages, but you have a solution. You can use a C-clamp to stop the door from being opened.

Get rid of all of the dead wood and vegetation in your yard during the summer months. This can be a fire hazard, especially if you live in an area with high heat. Always clear the yard to ensure safety.

If you just purchased a home and it has an old security system, you should probably replace it. You do not how long the security system has been there or what faults it may have. Plus, newer systems have better technology, meaning your home will be better protected from intruders.

A big problem with home security is having overgrown landscaping. Overgrown landscaping gives crooks shelter when breaking into your home. All of your windows and doors should be able to be seen from the streets without having bushes covering them. Also within the yard, do not allow your landscaping to grow to a point where thieves can hide.

Check the batteries of your smoke detector each and every week to determine if they are running low. If your smoke detector is not on, it will not pick up the smoke of the fire, which can lead to a disaster. Use quality batteries that last a very long time on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

It is important that your alarm system wiring is not exposed anywhere. Easily-accessible security wiring is a definite weak point in your home’s protection; the best alarm system in the world is useless if it’s easily disabled. You don’t want to help them by doing this, so make sure you have the wires within the walls. You’ll be safer.

Fingertip locks are a common, effective way to protect intruders from entering your home. With these locks, the only way someone can get through your front door is by you programming their fingerprints into the system. If someone not in the system attempts to use their fingerprint to get in, you will be alerted.

If the home security system you are looking to hire uses an outside monitoring company, make sure to research that company well. Monitoring is an important component to any home security system, and you want to make sure your monitoring is handled in a professional way. Make some phone calls, research the monitoring company on the Internet and check with companies like the Better Business Bureau.

It is a great idea to do business with a security company that has 24-hour monitoring. If something happens in the middle of the night, you want to be able to get in touch with someone rather quickly. Waiting around for a response will only give robbers the chance to harm you.

Make sure the price quotes you get from home security companies are very detailed. They should include all costs for installation, monitoring, regular maintenance, breaking a contract and any other special fees. Doing this will help you to gain a true understanding of what your system will cost to obtain, as well as the ongoing costs of keeping it.

Install a hard-wired system if you want to minimize maintenance costs. Wireless systems, while convenient, will require much more maintenance. Neglecting this maintenance can cause faults in your security system and leave you improperly protected. Replacing batteries can get costly.

Children’s rooms and basements make good hiding places for valuables. When a burglar enters a home, they usually target the living areas for electronics and the master bedroom for jewelry and other valuables. Children’s rooms filled with toys and basements used to store ‘junk’ are of little use to intruders and are usually passed over completely.

Instead of thinking that the only way you can make a safer place for you and your family is by installing an expensive home security system, educate yourself on the alternatives. Never let a low budget sacrifice your ability to protect your family. Remember the tips in this article for a safer home.

Protect Your Home With These Home Security Ideas was originally published on Spring