Every homeowner needs to understand how to keep their home and family secure. Sadly, home burglaries are very common, in addition to the extensive risks posed by floods or fires. Keep reading to learn a few things you can protect yourself.Always change the locks changed when you buy a new home. You never know how many keys the previous owners made and handed out. Do the same thing if you misplace a key.Check out their references very carefully. If they work for a firm, check with the BBB of your area to determine their reputation.Ask friend for advice they have prior to purchasing a security system or service. You can benefit from people who have already dealt with these companies. Ask around so you’ll have as much advice for making a sound decision.There is a solution for people that are worried about burglars from entering your home through the garage. You can use a C-clamp to stop the door and prevent it from being opened.See if your local police department has any home security programs. They may offer neighborhood watch programs, home inspections, and other guidance about securing your house. Contact the police department to find out if they offer this type of program.Talk to your neighborhood.Don’t forget about the skylights when doing a security sweep for your home.Skylights are excellent for beauty and light, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Be certain that skylights in your home are durable and reliable.Walls can serve as a great hiding place. You can hide small valuables within your walls.You can use phone jacks or other device that is not being used.You can also install a fake plate if there aren’t any unused in your home.Most break-ins and burglaries occur because a door left open and an intruder just walks in. It does not take a long for thieves to steal your expensive stuff.When in the process of selecting an alarm system, it’s a good idea to get one that provides protection for both doors and windows. All of your windows can be entry spots for thieves. You want a security system that monitors all windows and entry points. This is great for keeping your family safe.Replace all locks in your newly purchased home. Even if the previous owner or tenant seems trustworthy, you simply can’t know for certain.Use the Internet when you are seeking a reliable home security company. After reading about these services, choose your top three for consultations.Thieves can often be found looking through garbage cans in search of personal information found on bills and determine the best time to break in. You can also simply tear your documents up by hand before disposing of them if a shredder is out of your price range.Because of all the threats to a home, every homeowner should take steps in protecting it as much as possible. You can find out some great ideas in this article to help keep your home safe. Use each idea to give your home maximum security.