Are you worried about your loved ones? Do you feel that they could be more secure in your home? If you have children or older residents, you have to keep them safe from any criminal element that may attempt to enter your home. This can be done with home security, which you can learn about through these tips.

Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. They can actually be set to chime whenever a monitored door is opened. If you have little ones wandering about the house, this makes it easy for you to know if they have come in or gone out.

Do not hide your key in a mailbox or other well-known location. Instead, put your key in paper or aluminum foil and place it in a small container. After you do this, bury it in a spot in your yard where people would not think to look. This can help keep your home safe from unwanted guests.

Fire-resistant building materials are the way to go, both inside and outside the home. This is a good way to protect your home against fires, for instance if you live near power lines or in a dry area. Investing in fire-resistant materials will help you save a lot since a fire can cause extensive damage.

Make sure all exterior wiring is well protected or covered. Copper wiring is a favorite object for theft as it is often accessible from outside the home and can be sold for a great deal of money. Air conditioners are a prime target for copper thieves. Also make sure exterior power and phone lines are protected and not easily cut.

Make sure that your home security system has a backup power source. Many burglars cut wires inside home security systems before entering a home. If you have a backup source, the alarm will continue to work as it should. It may be more expensive to install this type of system, but it will be worth it.

Make sure to hire a home security company with a good reputation in your community. Check references with your friends and neighbors, as well as institutions like the Better Business Bureau. Finding a company with a good reputation is important because you want to make sure your company will stand behind their security plan and promises.

If you just purchased a home and it has an old security system, you should probably replace it. You do not how long the security system has been there or what faults it may have. Plus, newer systems have better technology, meaning your home will be better protected from intruders.

You can often find coupons to save on your home security system. This is a great way to save some money on the installation in your home. Many times a security company will install for free if you have a coupon. They make their money on the monitoring service and will give away the system for free.

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.

Keep your windows locked. It seems like an obvious step to take, however many people simply forget to check the locks on their windows. Thieves are always looking for the easiest way into a home, and doors and windows are among the first entrance points they check. This includes screened windows too, as screens can pop off quite easily.

It is not a good idea to hide a spare key on your property. You are allowing people to invade your home when you make it easy for them. Burglars always know just where to look. Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to keep your extra keys for you.

As a home owner, it’s your responsibility to protect those in your home. No matter the age, they all need the same level of security and protection. The tips from this article have given you an idea of how you can use home security to protect your family. Stay prepared and stay safe.