Do you want to secure your home with an alarm system? Often people make this important purchase without thinking about whether or not it is necessary. It may be that securing your doors properly is all you truly need to be doing.

If you have a home alarm system, make sure all the wires are concealed. If a burglar wants to break into your home, he may cut any wires he sees before following through with his plan. Depending on where the wires are, hide them with plants, rocks or other natural looking items.

If you’ve recently bought a home, make sure you change the locks and alarm pass codes. Many people just take these items as is and don’t give them another thought, but consider that just about anyone could have a copy of the key or the pass code. That can include neighbors who you don’t really know. Be safe and change out both when you buy.

Man’s best friend can also be trusted to secure a spare key. This only makes sense if your dog is outdoors a lot or you have a pet door. Just hide a spare house key on the inside of your dog’s collar. Then when you need an extra key, you will be able to access this one.

Do you keep your dog outside when you aren’t home? Store the spare key with them. Put it on their collar. If your dog does not like strangers, this can help ensure consistent access to the house.

Keep your jewelry, vital documents and other expensive items in a safe. You would hate for your expensive jewelry, personal family belongings, etc. to be stolen in case a burglar breaks into your home. Hide that safe in a difficult-to-reach place like in a closet inside your basement or an attic.

If your home has glass doors, you need to install a sensor in order to be safe. In many areas, burglars seek out houses with glass doors since they are easy to break. Installing shatterproof glass is a very expensive option, so you should consider having a sensor put in.

Do not list your full name in the phone book or on your mail box. This can give possible intruders a lot of information about you and allow them break into your home a lot easier. Instead, only list your last name and possibly your first initial, this is much safer.

Put security cameras in the entryway of your home to protect against any intruders. If someone were to break into your home, these cameras will show the face of the person who did it. This will not only give you more security in your house, but also peace of mind at all times.

Install an alarm system, and make it visible. A home alarm system is great at alerting homeowners and police quickly in case of a break-in, however ideally, you want to stop the break-in before it happens. To do this, potential burglars need to know that the alarm system is there. Make sure you prominently display the notice you get from your alarm company, even if it clashes with your perfect landscaping.

If you have a security system and you go away often, you may want to think about putting surveillance cameras all around your property. Nowadays, there is software in which you can view what is going on through the Internet. This is a great way to keep an eye on your property when you are gone.

There are some disadvantages to a wired home security system. One considerable drawback is the fact that the system cannot be moved if you should sell your home. Another factor to consider is the initial cost of the installation. Since running the wires requires the services of an electrician, the cost is much more than a wireless system.

Never leave a note on your door for deliverymen or service people as it is a big flag announcing that you’re not home. Instead, call the company and let them know whatever it is you need to tell them. Not having your home robbed is worth the extra effort it takes.

Ask about a maintenance schedule for your home security system. Many companies offer this free of charge. A maintenance schedule allows a qualified technician to enter your home and make adjustments, improvements and upgrades to your existing system, as well as checking to make sure it is working correctly. Your system will not help you if it is not working, so this is important.

Make sure the outside of the house is well lit. Burglars like committing crimes in the darkness. Be sure and have a light next to any entry point in your home. This can include garages, doorways, porches, and even near any windows on the ground floor.

You might need a home security system. It could just be that you need to shake things up a little at home. Research all of your options to choose the best one.

Keep Safe With These Helpful Tips was originally published on Spring