Home security is a proven deterrent to intruders and is a great home improvement. When getting ready to have your home security system installed you want to make sure that you protect every entry point to your home. At the very least you should have these components on your home security system.

• Magnetic Contacts Sets - remote switches for already-installed sensors. Protection for partially-open windows.
• Glass Break Detector - alarms the instant glass is broken.
• Yard Sign - additional identification to discourage intruders.
• Passive Infrared Motion Detector - protects large interior areas and hallways. Alarms when monitored area is entered.
• Door and Window Sensors - may be used to protect gun cabinets and other restricted inside areas.
• Smoke Detector - equips your home security system for fire warning.
• Back-Up Battery - keeps home security system operating in event of power failure.
• Wireless Keypad - allows control of security system from other areas of your house.
• Key chain Remote Control - allows safety and convenience of arming/disarming system from outside your home.

These days there is a wide range of home security measures and devices available to choose from. You may also find that your insurance company can offer you a discount almost equivalent to monthly 24/7 monitoring fees, in return for taking a pro-active approach to crime prevention in your home - providing the steps and system you select are of a certain and known quality. It's thought burglars tend to target homes that appear empty, so the easiest way to deter them is to make your home appear occupied. Here are some ideas to consider to help create the right impression.

• There are many power-supply-timers available that can turn on and off lights, televisions and sound systems at appropriate times.
• Avoid leaving answering machine messages indicating you might be away.
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to remove mail that might otherwise pile up for you. Letters, newspapers, flyers can accumulate by the letter box and visibly indicate that no one is at home.
• A home without rubbish put out on collection day can also indicate that no-one is at home. Perhaps someone could put rubbish out while you're away.
• Leave your curtains slightly parted to avoid an empty look.
• Perhaps leave a car in the driveway while you're away.
• Could someone mow your lawn or rake leaves for you, if you're going to be away for an extended period of time?