If you live alone and rely on yourself for everything, do you need to take special precautions? Are there steps everyone should be taking to live safely and comfortably, no matter their living arrangements, alone or with others?
Or does being a strong, independent woman mean you do not need safety measures?
Realtors now specialize in renting high-end properties to a growing number of single women living alone. While there appears to be a perceived vulnerability, these women generally don’t want to live in fear.
So how do you stay safe and secure when living on your own? Here are some great tips.
Know your neighbor
If you live or live living a condo, make sure you meet all you, not just the ones on your floor. Many criminals target homes where they know no one is at home and where there’s little danger of being observed.
Being friends with your neighbors means someone will look out for your condo or apartment when you’re on vacation, and they’ll know to keep an eye out for anything or anyone suspicious. If you live in a house, get to know your immediate neighbors, too.
Secure your home from all possible angles
You may not be able to prevent every possible intrusion, but there are some steps you can take to secure your home and make it as hard as possible for criminals to get in.
Install deadbolts on all your doors, and use them. Have solid core or metal doors installed, and make sure all windows have sturdy locks. Also, beef up your home security by installing alarm systems. Get CCTV cameras that you can access from your phone or computer wherever you may be.
And be sure to keep your yard tidy so criminals can’t use overgrown bushes or trees to break into your home.
You may even want to invest in an attack dog. Just kidding! But you might consider getting a trusted friend or neighbor to come by, let themselves in, and make sure all is well when you’re on vacation.
Never invite strangers into your home
When taking out the trash or recycling, don’t let strangers follow you to the bin and dumpster where they can try to rob or hurt you. Never let somebody into your home that you don’t know– even if they claim to be there for a legitimate reason such as making repairs, checking the water pressure, etc.
If anyone comes by who says they’re there to do work on your home, always ask for identification and confirm with the company or individual they sent someone.
Don’t advertise that you live alone
If you’re living alone, there’s no need to put a sign in your window or on your door that says “I’m Alone.” You don’t want criminals targeting your home because they know you’re an easy target.
You don’t need to tell people that you are by yourself—not even the people you work with at the office. It might be a good idea to keep your living situation private, so you don’t catch the attention of stalkers and pervs.
Be friends with the building super or guard
It would be best if you had someone who sees you every day or talks to you every day. This gives you eyes and ears on the street. You also want someone who can help you out with packages or groceries and can keep an eye on your place when you’re gone.
More importantly, this is one person who will notice if you disappear or don’t come down from your room on the schedule. An attack dog won’t see, but a guard will.
Be aware of your surroundings and use common sense
When walking or running alone, be aware of who and what is around you. If you feel like someone is following you, cross the street, change direction, or head for a busy area where there are people.
If you’re going to be out late, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be home. Carry pepper spray or a personal alarm in case of emergency.
Have a “person” in case of emergencies
If you’re living alone, it’s essential to have someone you can rely on in case of an emergency. This person doesn’t have to be a relative or friend but could be a neighbor, co-worker, or someone you met online.
Make sure this person knows your full name, address, and contact information so that they can find you in case of an emergency.
Let’s face it: There’s no such thing as a 100 percent safe and secure lifestyle. That’s why we always stress the importance of not taking unnecessary risks. But we hope these tips will help keep you and your home safe while you enjoy your tenancy solo.
You are not alone. Use these tips to help make a living alone as safe and comfortable as possible. And remember, if something ever does happen, don’t hesitate to call the police.
