Home security is not something that should only be worried about after something happens.

Taking all of the necessary precautions ahead of time will prevent your home from becoming a target. Here are some tips that will help you keep your house safe from people that want to steal your valuables.

If you happen to lose your keys change your locks right away. There is no telling where your keys are and if someone has them, they may end up paying your house an uninvited visit. Changing your locks is a much better option and can assure that your house is safe from losing your keys.

Never leave spare keys under doormats or any place in the exterior of your home. This is vital, as burglars will look here first to see if you made this mistake. Keep keys and lock combinations with you at all times to maintain the highest level of protection for your home.

Don’t allow anyone you don’t know to look into your house.

Remember that intruders have a lot of experience with tricking people. 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 a door in your garage that leads to the inside of your home, make sure that you keep your garage door down when no one is out there. Having an open door gives a burglar a place to enter, which means you and your family may be in danger.

Always go with your gut when it comes to choosing a security company.

This is definitely the case if you’re not quite sure about the actual installation people. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. At the end of the day, your efforts are so that you feel more comfortable.

People who live rurally often don’t think about home security. With neighbours so far away, it may seem like a tiny risk. Still, there are those who are of the opinion that rural properties are less of a temptation to burglars.

Add lights to your lawn. You don’t need crazy bright spotlights to keep thieves away. All you need is some decent general lighting that makes your property just a little less appealing to criminals than homes that offer a lot more cover. You can even use lights on timers to help save on the overall electricity bill while still helping to keep you safe.

Do not leave notes on your door for family members or people that are coming to service your home.

You may think nothing of it, but it is letting everyone know that no one is inside. It is a good idea to give people a call ahead of time and give them instructions.

One of the biggest areas of concern in regards to home security is the landscaping of your home. Do not let your bushes and other landscaping grow to where it can hide entry points into your home. Thieves just love to be able to stay hidden while they enter and leave your home, so keep your bushes trimmed.

Walls are great for hiding things. Keep small, valuable items inside the walls of your home. All you have to do is place them behind any unused phone jack, electrical outlet or switch plate. A security store will sell fake plates you can install anywhere.

While it make seem like a lot was said in the above article, all of it should be thought about very carefully. Policemen and security companies are there to protect you, but you have to play a part in it is as well. You are the first step in stopping your home from becoming a target.