Although any homeowner can benefit from a well-thought-out security plan, many fail to give their home's safety adequate consideration. Knowledge is the key to a secure living space. Continue reading to learn how to develop a strong security strategy. Providing a key to the person cleaning your home can be acceptable, but you must be sure they are honest and worthy of your confidence. Make sure they are honest, reputable and hardworking. Make sure you check references. If they work for a firm, call the local Better Business Bureau to find out that firm's reputation. Home security systems have additional features to just being noise alarms. The majority of systems will give an audible alert when someone enters the house. This is a good way to keep track of where your young children are. Think very carefully about where to hide your spare key. It is very common for homeowners to hide them under a mat or above the framing of their door, and intruders know this. One good place to hide a spare key is in the collar of a dog that does not take kindly to strangers. Ask friend for any advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. Knowledge of first-hand experiences can be very helpful to you when it comes to making this important decision. Ask a number of people to get a several different opinions. Never let a stranger inside. This includes a salesperson or people looking for help. 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. If you have an attached garage, make sure it is secure. Many people worry about burglars getting into their attached garage and then entering their home, but there is a fix. Try putting a C-clamp on your garage door track. This will stop the door from rising if you want to keep it closed. Talk to your local police department about what they offer. Home inspections or engraving identifiers can help protect you. If your police department does not offer these programs, find a private security company. Have lights that are motion-sensor installed. The motion sensors turn on the lights whenever anyone approaches your home. They will signal movement to you but will also serve as deterrents to the thieves. However, make sure to put in fresh bulbs every now and then. Switch your locks. Whether an old roommate left or a relationship ended, changing your locks is a good idea. It is generally cheap and may be done in a little under a day. It is important that your valuables are not visible from anywhere outside your house. You might enjoy large windows so you can see out, but just remember that makes it easier for those burglars to see inside your home as well. Always keep your windows covered and do not tempt others by displaying your possessions. Lock your home at all times to err on the side of caution. Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door is left open and an intruder just walks in. Once a thief is inside, he can steal a lot of valuables in a short amount of time. If you purchase big-ticket items, don't throw their boxes in the trash before trash day. Exposing the box to view ahead of time signals a burglar that he will find this item in your home. If you sign a contract for a security company, read all the fine print first. There are sometimes fees if you break a contract or need additional equipment. You want to avoid as many of these fees as you can, so read everything. You can find an excellent home security company with a simple Internet search. The sites of the companies themselves will provide you with details about their services, testimonials from their customers, and pricing information. You'll find it easy to narrow your choice down to three top contenders; your next step is to arrange to meet each of them to discuss your specific security needs. Perform landscaping for your home which enhances your home's safety. Keep your doors and windows clear of any shrubbery. This makes it where people can't hide in different nooks and crevices. Keep landscaping away from your house for safety reasons. Home security is a topic of vital importance but one about which not everybody knows a great deal. You should know how to keep your home safe to protect those you love. Thanks to this article, you now know where to begin.