Is a home security system of interest to you? A lot of homeowners get a security system without taking the time to explore their different options. Simple things, like keeping your doors and windows locked, can make a bigger difference than the system.

Be sure your home always looks occupied. Buy timers so things will go on and off at different times. This makes people think you’re home. This is a simple way to improve your home’s safety and make it less attractive to criminals.

Be sure your roof, floors, and ceiling are fire resistant. This can provide additional safety to the home, particularly in dry regions. Preventing a fire is important since it can cause a lot of damage.

Keep your external home wiring under cover. You don’t want your wiring to be obvious to the wrong types of people. Not only does it invite the risk of a criminal cutting your phones and electricity, it also is often something thieves seek out! Copper (often in wires) can be sold for a decent price.

Compared to city dwellers, you might feel more safe in your rural home. There are some who believe country folk are more at risk because neighbors are not nearby. Others feel rural residents have a lower risk of being burglarized.

Don’t hide your spare house key in an obvious place outside. The days of safely hiding the spare key under the doormat are long gone. Placing your key in an obvious area like this now may help you if you get locked out, but it could also be an invitation for a thief to enter your home. It’s best to avoid hiding spare keys on your property. You should either keep a spare key with a trusted neighbor or get a fingerprint or keypad door lock.

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.

Flashlights in your home should always have newer batteries if your power goes out. Flashlights are important for letting you navigate your home in the dark. Make sure your whole family knows where to find them and how to operate them.

Whenever you lose one key, you must replace that lock. You never know if you actually lost it or someone who knows where you live stole it, and this puts you in peril. Even if it is a key to your car, it is important to have the lock rekeyed or replaced for your safety.

If you work from home or have your own business, do not put your address or phone number on your website. Disgruntled customers or thieves could come to your home and try to get inside. Instead, get a post office box and have customers or associates send you mail to this address.

Plant a sign that discourages people from soliciting near your house. This will prevent people from coming to your door that you do not know. If you have this sign posted and there is someone who wants to rob your house, they may feel uncomfortable coming up to your door as it will look suspicious.

Be sure and keep the outside of your house well lit. Burglars seek darkness so that they can stay hidden. Put a light anywhere where an intruder can enter your home. This can include garages, doorways, porches, and even near any windows on the ground floor.

Install a peep hole and chain lock on your door. A peephole and chain will allow you to communicate with someone at your door without allowing them full view or easy access to your home. If a stranger is at your door, do not unfasten the chain until you are confident that you are safe.

At night when everyone is home, consider placing a C-clamp on your garage door track. This stops it from opening when you are not using it, ensuring no one can sneak in and find entry to your home. Just remember to take it off in the morning before you try to go out!

Ask if your home security system comes with a warranty. If it does not, ask if there are options to purchase an additional warranty. Repairing home security systems can be costly, and you do not want that cost to fall on you. A warranty can help to protect you from unexpected costs while keeping your equipment running perfectly.

Your family may be best protected through a security system in your home. It may also be a good idea to make a few changes around your home. Be sure to thoroughly research all available options before picking a home security plan.

Use These Tips To Make Your Home A Safe Place was originally published on Spring