Bad things usually happen when they are least expected. You don’t want to put yourself in a dangerous situation because you’ve failed to have a plan for protection. Read the tips here if you want to make your home safe and free of criminals.

Create the illusion that your home is constantly occupied. Keep your radio, TV and lights on timers. Potential intruders will stay away from your home if they believe someone is inside. This is a simple way to improve your home’s safety and make it less attractive to criminals.

Put your spare key on your dog. This is a great idea if your dog is outside all the time, or they can get out through a doggy door. Just place your key on your dog’s collar.

Your dog could carry a spare key for you. This can be done if your dog can come outside. Place the alternative key on your dog’s collar in case of an emergency.

Locks Changed

Only provide your house cleaner with a key if you trust him or her implicitly. Make sure they are honest, reputable and hardworking. Ask for references and check them thoroughly. If you’re hiring from a company, call the BBB for more information.

When you buy a new home, be sure to have the locks changed. Many people may have been given keys by the former owner. Call a locksmith to make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. You should also have your locks changed if you lose your keys.

Let a house cleaner have your keys only if they can provide you with references so you can verify their trustworthiness. You need to ensure that they are honest and reputable according to references before you have handed over the key. It is best to do a reference check on them. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if their firm is well-reviewed.

Good home security systems sound a loud alarm when breached, and that’s not all. Modern systems are often capable of detecting any open door or window and announcing that fact. It’s a great feature for parents as they can tell if a child is potentially leaving the house.

Carefully consider where you hide your outside spare key. You don’t want to put them in common spots, such as above the frame of the door or under the doormat. Rather, think about putting a key on your outside dog’s collar.

Loved Ones

If you want to have a spare key hidden outside of your home, hide it carefully. Hiding it beneath the doormat is very common and most intruders will look there. A better place to keep your key is inside your outside dog’s collar.

Get advice from loved ones about home security systems. Your loved ones likely have dealt with this situation before. Make sure to ask neighbors for advice too.

Shut off phone ringers inside the home if you’re going to be gone for quite a while. If your phone is ringing while you are out, burglars will realize that no one is home, making your home very vulnerable to an attack during your time away.

You need to secure your garage if it is attached to your home. Intruders could easily break into your garage and access your home. If your garage lifts up on a track, try using a C-clamp. This will prevent your door from opening up if the clamp is close to its roller.

Don’t let any person you don’t completely know into your house. There are some people who are very convincing and good at getting you to let them into your house. Some people will simply knock on your door to see whether or not there is a security system installed, and if there isn’t, they may target you later when you’re away.

Security System

The police department in your area may offer a home protection program. Many programs include how to use some engraving tools to create code numbers for identifying valuables that are stolen, home inspection, and advice on protective measures. A quick call to the non-emergency number at the police station in your town will tell you all you need to know.

When dealing with a company installing your home security system, it is important that you trust your gut. You are giving someone unlimited access to your home, so be sure the installer doesn’t give you a bad vibe. Make sure that the installer has experience installing your type of security system. The point of having a security system is to make yourself feel at ease.

Replace rotted wood around entryways. Rotten wood is easily removed and can give an intruder a way into your home. Replace it as soon as possible.

Are you aware that your home’s wires are worth something? Lots of people don’t know this until their wires are stolen. Copper wiring is quite valuable, and it’s quick and easy for criminals to strip it right off the outside of your house! This is why the wiring should be hidden or difficult to get to.

Unfortunately, burglars can be extremely unpredictable. As a result, knowing when your home may be targeted can be difficult. Rather than crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, be proactive. Keep this advice in mind to prevent burglars from getting into your home.