Do you value home security? Are the offerings of big security companies too expensive for you? Is it your hope to find something more affordable? If so, you'll be interested to know that you have many options to choose from. Read on for home security tips, both big and small.

Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you're not at home? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Attach your key to your dog's collar, ensuring that it can't be seen. This works very well if you have a pet that is not very fond of strangers. You will get the access you need without having to worry about your safety.

It's important to shop around before you settle on the right security system for your home. Prices for home security systems can vary and they do not all offer the same services. Make sure to obtain quotes from a minimum of three companies prior to deciding on a final one.

Solicit word of mouth recommendations from friends, colleagues and family members to find a great home security company or system. They probably have both positive and negative things to tell you, and those comments will help you make your own decision. Sometimes, you may get great advice from the people you know.

During the summer, remove all vegetation and dead wood from your yard. As it gets hotter, the chances of these igniting and putting your house at risk increase. You can prevent disasters by keeping your yard clean.

Use your garage for your car, not just storage. A car kept locked in a garage is much less likely to be stolen or damaged. Keeping your car in your garage also keeps a thief from knowing whether you are at home or not.

There's no security system so durable that it can go without regular maintenance and inspections. Have yours checked out once a year. Make certain the security company you choose provides for regular inspections. There are many things that can reduce the quality of your system. You may not even know there is a problem if it is not vis