Hey, girl. We know you’re out there. Living your life, and doing it all by yourself. You’re probably feeling pretty empowered! But we also know that sometimes you have to worry about your safety.
Have you felt like your home isn’t as secure as it used to be? Or maybe you’re just starting out on your own and want to make sure you’re doing everything right. We get it. You want to feel safe and secure in your own home, and we’re here to help.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of safety tips for you that will help make sure you feel safe and secure as a woman living alone. These tips are all about making sure you’re prepared and ready for anything.
Here goes!
Safety Tips For A Woman Living Alone
With more women living alone than ever, it’s important to make sure that you live in the safest home possible. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to ensure that you stay safe while you’re home alone or even if you’re in the middle of a big city.
Living alone as a woman may be wonderful, but it also can be anxiety-provoking. You can feel vulnerable in your own home. Here are the safety tips that you can use to make you feel safer.
Talk to Your Neighbors Before You Move In
You should talk to your neighbors before you move in, and be friendly. You might not see each other much, but it’s a good idea to let them know who lives in the house. Give them your phone number so they can contact you if there is an emergency or something suspicious happening around the neighborhood.
When you’re out at work for most of the day and night, it’s nice to know that there are people around who can help if something happens at home.
When someone knows you’re alone, they’ll be more likely to respond when an emergency arises because they feel obligated since they knew about your situation from the start.
Inform People When You Get Home Safely
It’s a good idea to let someone know when you get home safely. You can do this by calling or texting them, or setting up an alert that will send your location when you arrive home.
If you are going out with friends, let them know if it’s likely to be late. This way, they won’t get worried about where you are and whether everything is okay.
You might also consider letting someone know if you’re going home with someone else (if there was no prior arrangement).
The reason for this is simple: while most people are good people who wouldn’t harm anyone else, there are still bad guys out there who might take advantage of women living alone by pretending that they’re safe until it’s too late!
Get A Dog
If you live alone, maybe consider getting a pet dog! It’s good to have a pet in the house, and a dog is the best option for this.
It is a fact that having a dog can make you feel safer, and there are plenty of statistics to prove it. In the wake of an attempted break-in or home invasion, most people will call the police while they wait inside their homes for help. But studies have shown that simply having a dog—even if he isn’t outside with you—can reduce your chances of being targeted by criminals.
A dog also makes people feel safer because it will bark when someone comes to the door and scare off intruders. Dog breeds that are good for both protection and companionship include German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and Dobermans.
Before getting a dog though, make sure that you’ll be able to care for it properly.
15 Dog Breeds for Home Security (Fierce Fidos To Keep Burglars at Bay)
Be Cautious of Letting People Into Your Home for Repairs and Other Similar Situations
It is never a good idea to allow a stranger into your home. Do your due diligence to ensure that the repair person is legitimate, and do not let them in alone.
Always have a friend or neighbor with you but make sure they stay in another room so as not to obstruct their view of the repairman and vice versa.
Be sure to follow these guidelines before letting someone in:
- Ask for identification. Be sure the person who is coming in has identification that shows they are indeed from the company they say they are representing.
- Ask for company information and phone number. Write down the name of the person coming in and his/her phone number so you can verify his identity later on. If he gives you an excuse as to why he doesn’t have any ID on him but insists that he really works for XYZ Company, don’t let him in until he calls and finds out who he really is with. If possible ask him/her about other jobs performed recently or those scheduled within your neighborhood so you know what kind of work is actually being done at certain times during the day; this will help put some perspective into their claim that “they’re here now”.
Install Motion-Activated Lights at The Entrance to Your House
Locate these lights near the main entrance of your home, in addition to any exterior areas where you often enter (around any doors or windows that are remotely accessible from outside your home for quick entry).
Motion sensors are a great way to deter would-be burglars because they turn on automatically when they detect movement and provide a bright light that will help you find anything in the dark (or even just make it easier for others to find their way).
These lights can be added to existing fixtures, so you don’t have to worry about new wiring or complicated installation.
Look for motion detectors with adjustable timers so you can set them for different times throughout each day. This will allow them to activate only when needed (i.e., when it’s dark out), which means there won’t be an unnecessary waste of electricity during daylight hours when no one is entering or leaving the premises yet still want some extra security measures installed against intruders!
Also, pay attention not just to whether they have an adjustable timer but also look into what kind of range they offer since some may work better than others depending on how far away one stands before triggering its activation feature.
Don’t Keep Valuables in Plain Sight
It’s never a good idea to keep your valuables out where anyone can see them, and it’s especially important not to do this if you live alone.
If you have a safe, use it! Otherwise, consider hiding your jewelry at home. Valuables like jewelry and electronics are attractive to thieves because they can resell them quickly for cash.
If you don’t want to risk leaving anything valuable lying around, consider storing the items in a drawer or box somewhere else besides the main areas of your home.
Install Security Cameras Outside Your Home
When you’re living alone, it’s important to be able to see what’s going on outside your home. That’s why you should install security cameras outside your home. Security cameras are a great way for you to keep an eye on the front porch and back yard.
The best type of security camera is wireless and can be connected to your phone so that you can see what’s happening at any time, even when you’re not at home.
Security cameras also come with night vision capabilities so that they can work well in low-light situations too. Even though they may seem expensive at first glance, they are actually cheaper than hiring someone to watch over your house while you sleep or go out during the day (and no one wants a babysitter).
If You’re Walking Alone at Night, Stay in Well-Lit Areas
If you’re walking alone at night, stay in well-lit areas. Walking down a dimly lit street is a prime target for criminals looking to attack someone who may seem vulnerable or distracted.
Make sure your phone is charged and ready to go. You’ll want to keep your keys handy in case of an emergency, too! If possible, wear comfortable shoes — nothing that will slow you down if you need to run.
Avoid wearing headphones while walking alone; it’s important that you have situational awareness so that if something happens around you, you’ll be able to react appropriately.
What to Do If Someone Is Following You While Walking?
I’d like to suggest that the next time you go on vacation, you may want to consider posting photos on social media. Changing your status to “In the Maldives for a week” alerts would-be thieves that your home is unoccupied and that they have ample time to steal your belongings. If you must share your vacation photos, do so after you have returned home.
In general, it is advisable not to share your current location on social media sites. Whether you’re at a Cancun resort or your neighborhood sushi restaurant, resist the urge to broadcast your current location to the world. This makes you a target for robbery or assault.
(Nick Rubright | SuperCan Bully Sticks)
Close Curtains and Blinds at Night
I would like to point out that it is dangerous to leave your blinds and curtains wide open at night. Potential thieves can scan your residence for valuables and determine that you are alone.
Even though your curtains may appear to provide privacy, test them by standing outside at night and peering through your windows. You may be surprised by how much you are able to see. If necessary, replace them with blackout curtains.
Whether you’re away for an evening or several days, leaving the lights on in your home can deter a burglar. When you are away from home, you can use a timer to program your lights to turn on at specific intervals.
If you are attacked inside or outside your home, you must flee as quickly as possible. Classes in self-defense teach situational awareness and how to incapacitate an attacker. These techniques may not earn you a black belt in martial arts, but they could save your life.
(Shane Liuw | First Page Digital)
Take Caution with The Things that You Speak
Your closest neighbors will be aware, of course, of the fact that you live by yourself. However, while you are out and about, try not to clarify what you are doing. Because, according to my observations, many people who stalk others initially get interested in their victims in seemingly pretty innocent circumstances.
Many different incidents involving women have shown that some of the perpetrators of stalking were pizza delivery people, maintenance workers, or technicians who grew enamored with a lady and then discovered that she lived alone.
Therefore, be wary of the people you engage with and with whom you provide information. It’s possible that keeping things secret may assist you in avoiding being targeted by malicious individuals.
Make Friends with Community Members
I would suggest, that having one’s own independence is a beautiful thing. But having a social life isn’t enough to make friends with your neighbors and participate in activities around the apartment complex; you need to put in more effort than that. Additionally, it has the ability to shield both you and your unit from harm.
When you have a good relationship with your neighbors, you never have to worry about who will take care of your property while you are away. Your next-door neighbor can alert you if they see a suspicious person hanging about your apartment complex. After that, you are free to carry out the same action for them. It is always a good idea to have additional people looking out for you and alerting you of danger when it is present.
If you don’t get to know your neighbors very well very away, it’s best not to divulge too much personal information to them right away.
Install a Security System
Any woman living alone, whether they live in an apartment or a house, should have some kind of security system. There are a handful of options out there, and one that tends to be a great option for most people is the Ring camera.
Smart home security systems, like Ring, record and store footage in the cloud, stream directly to your devices, notify your devices of any suspicious activity, allow you two-way communication, and are able to contact emergency services in an instant.
Not only do these systems help keep women more safe, but they also help provide more peace of mind. We can sleep easier at night knowing that if someone is lurking nearby or attempting to break in – we’ll be notified and better protected.
(Kristen Bolig | SecurityNerd)
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
So before moving into a new property, Google your new neighborhood’s crime rate and find a place where security guards are always on watch.
To help you get started on which areas to avoid, below are the ten most dangerous U.S. Cities in terms of crime
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Detroit, Michigan
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Shreveport, Louisiana
Also, once you find a place to live, ensure that all fire escapes and exit doors and locks are accessible throughout the building because that’s where you go if a fire or natural disaster happens. Then, install IP cameras for peace of mind and added security.
To discourage intruders from taking advantage that you live solo, make them believe you are not alone! For example, always leave an old pair of men’s shoes by your door. Moreover, do not put your first name on your mailbox to not give out your gender. Place your first initial and last name instead.
Lastly, introduce yourself to your neighbors and establish good relationships with them. But maintain a safe distance and refrain from giving out too much personal information, just enough to help you keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
(Kevin Wabiszewski | Marine Approved)
Always Make Sure that Someone Else Knows Where You’re Going
One way to make sure someone always has your back when you go out is to let your friends or family know about your plans. Make sure you communicate where you are going and if it’s possible, share your live location with them as you commute to the location you’re heading. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving or walking.
While your safety comes first, you might not want to scare your friends by constantly telling them to watch you. You can simply start a conversation, letting them know about your plans for the day. Make sure you always include the times in which you think you’ll make it to a different location so that they respond quickly should something goes wrong.
If you’re taking an Uber, share the driver’s details, which you can look at on the app, with a trusted friend.
Make Use of Technology for Additional Safety Provisions
Smart doorbells and security systems are the eyes and ears of your property during the day and late at night when you are asleep.
The highest percentage of violent crimes involved women between 18 and 24. Involving intimate partners as the reported perpetrators and more extensive data for home invasions involving women living alone.
Smart doorbells and security systems decrease these concerns, but added protection is needed.
A security system has additional safety provisions, but other measures like familiarizing yourself with your surroundings and neighbors are vital.
For example, smart doorbells provide camera visibility day and night. In addition, motion detection sends a notification to your smartphone, alerting an intruder and a suggestion to notify the police. The visibility detection of the video is up to 5 to 25 feet, capturing a clear image of a prospective intruder.
Furthermore, security systems fulfill safety concerns such as fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The system notifies the fire department and the police, and notably, most systems have a dispatcher communicating with you through a 2-way voice for faster service.
Lastly, safety will resume a concern for women living alone, but it shouldn’t consume our lives. These resources are available for your protection and faster assistance.
(Melissa Rhodes | Psychics 1on1)
Install a Front Door Security Camera
One safety tip I have for women living alone is to install a front door security camera. A front door security camera connected to your smartphone will help you monitor your home to know when you are in danger and call for help. It also scares away intruders and stalkers.
This tip saved my life from a stalker who consistently monitored my movements and spied on my home whenever I wasn’t around. I had continuously noticed a similar face around my house whenever I was heading out to work or coming back, which I never paid attention to. One day I got uncomfortable and decided to watch my front door through the security camera app installed on my smartphone. To my greatest surprise, I saw him break into my apartment. I called the police, and he was arrested. He confessed that it wasn’t his first time breaking into my home whenever I wasn’t around.
I have never been so shocked and afraid for my life as I was after that. I had to move to a new place, and since then, I have never failed to monitor my home.
As a woman living alone, I strongly advise you to have a door security camera installed where you live.
(Maria A. McDowell | EasySearchPeople)
Get to Know Your Local Police Officers
If you are living alone, it is a good idea to get to know your local police officers.
You can do this by attending community events or meetings that they are hosting. Getting to know the officers in your neighborhood will make you feel more comfortable and can also help them to keep an eye on your home.
If you ever have an emergency, you will already have a relationship with the officers and they will be more likely to respond quickly.
(Linda Chavez | Seniors Life Insurance Finder)
Make Friends with Neighbors
Living alone is not the same as living with parents or roommates. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being. One of the best ways to do this is to get to know your neighbors. This way, you will have someone to turn to in case of an emergency.
This is also a good idea if you are a single parent or are just starting to live on your own after a breakup. It’s always a good idea to get to know the people who live around you, especially if you’re living alone.
If something were to happen, it would be helpful to have someone nearby who could help. Never be scared of them. If possible, try to become friends with them. They may be able to assist you if you live alone.
Something that I always do whenever I move to a new place by myself is to make friends with my neighbors. This means that, if I am feeling concerned about something, I can message them to check up on me – or even knock on the wall that connects the two homes!
I feel much safer knowing that I have people who can come over at a moment’s notice if I’m feeling unsafe, and they know that I would do the same for them too.
(Megan Moore | Photography-Lighting, Linda Chavez)
Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked
One of the best ways to stay safe when living alone is to keep your doors and windows locked at all times. This includes during the day when you are home as well as at night when you are sleeping.
Check all your locks on doors and windows every time you go into a room. Do this as often as possible, even if you think you already did it.
If you have a sliding glass door, be sure to put a dowel in the track so that it cannot be opened from the outside. If you have windows that are easy to reach, consider installing bars or grilles. If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, make sure to let a trusted neighbor know so they can keep an eye on your place.
(Linda Chavez | Seniors Life Insurance Finder)
Always Meet New Dates in Public, Never Invite Them Directly to Your Home
Localization leader, Jenna runs a home organization blog for singles called Tidymalism on the side and has been living alone for nearly three decades.
Standing six-foot-two, she feels she’s been less of a target for everyday harassment thanks to her height, but she has still experienced situations in which she felt unsafe. Like the time she awoke from a nap on a secluded beach while solo-vacationing to find a strange man crouched over her bikini-clad body.
Lesson learned: stay nearby other people when you’re traveling alone.
In this day and age of online dating and hookup culture, she says it’s crucial to use common sense. That means always meeting your date in a safe public space first, and never divulging any personal details like your address or telephone number prior to the date.
“A lot of men will try to get you off the app right after matching so they can slide into your personal WhatsApp,“ she says. This allows them to avoid accountability (communication on dating apps is monitored and can be reported). Don’t fall for it. There’s no reason to switch from a safe chat window in a dating app to your personal chat if you don’t know the person yet.
Don’t give out your personal details until you’ve met your date in person.
Don’t Let Anyone You’ve Just Met (Especially Online) Know that You Live Alone
If you are dating, then it’s particularly important that you take some steps to stay safe. Bear in mind that it’s normal for potential suitors to ask if you live alone. It’s not necessarily creepy – the person might just want to know if you live with your parents or wants to indirectly ask about your income level.
But this doesn’t mean you have to tell the entire truth. Instead, you can say something like a girlfriend is staying with you for a few weeks or that your sister is visiting from out of town. This will also make it clear that the date will not be coming back to your place. Don’t go to the date’s home either though.
Most importantly, make sure you don’t feel inclined to act “polite” if you get a bad vibe. You are under no obligation to let someone walk you to your car or finish the date if you feel uncomfortable. It’s better to come off as rude than end up assaulted or worse.
(Diane Vukovic | Primalsurvivor)
Take Self-Defense Classes
Safety is always a top priority, but it can be especially important for women who live alone. One simple but effective safety measure is to take a self-defense class.
In just a few short weeks, you can learn basic techniques that could one day help you to escape a dangerous situation. Even if you never have to use your skills in a real-life situation, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can defend yourself can be invaluable. And, of course, the physical exercise and social interaction that comes with taking a class are just added bonuses.
Though self-defense is an important skill for anyone, it’s especially important for women living alone. Women are more likely than men to be the victims of violence, and knowing how to defend oneself can be the difference between life and death.
Learning self-defense can also help to build confidence and reduce feelings of vulnerability. There are many different self-defense classes available, and I’m sure you can benefit from taking one no matter what age you are.
Many businesses offer self-defense classes ranging from close counter to weapon usage. There are different types of self-defense to learn, ranging from Taekwondo to boxing and even wrestling and martial arts. Each self-defense has its styles together with pros and cons.
As a woman, I would suggest kickboxing since it offers the best style of combining hands and legs with speed for close contact and even from afar. However, I suggest you do your research before taking up a class because different self-defense suits different people.
Apart from the close counter, weapon usage is another tactic that comes in handy, especially for people who live in states that have allowed gun ownership. States that have allowed gun ownership have a high rate of gun-related crime with more than 8% than states with gun control laws. Training yourself to use a gun might come in handy when you get a firearm-related disaster.
The good thing about self-defense is that it does not only help you when you are at your home but everywhere you go. It is essential to have these skills, especially as a woman living alone and having kids.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your safety and well-being as a woman living alone, taking a self-defense class is something you should definitely consider!
(Lucia Jensen | Weloans, Jamela Adam | Just Jamila)
Invest In A Key Lock Box
My top tip for staying safe when living alone is to invest in a key lockbox, that you have screwed into the wall around your front door. I am always misplacing my keys, so having a spare set is an absolute must so that I don’t end up locked out of my home after a night out.
Clearly, though, the classic key-under-the-doormat-or-planter just won’t cut it when it comes to security. So, after seeing them at AirBnBs I had stayed in, I invested in a combination key lockbox, which I screwed onto the side of my house, in a disguised location, so really only I know where I keep my keys. This keeps my home, my belongings, and myself safe, both when I am out of the house, and when I am in.
It is also really useful when friends look after my cat when I am away – I never have to worry about Sabrina my cat going hungry because someone’s pilfered a key from under my doormat, and my cat sitter can’t get in.
Make Technology Your Friend
Having smart technology is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe while living alone. It allows you to not only monitor your home but also have an extensive DIY home protection system.
You can install motion sensor cameras and lights that will alert you if somebody is on the premises of your property. Smart lights are also a great choice since they let you control your lights wherever you may be. Lights that turn on and off will also show regular activity in your home. A well-lit home can easily scare off would-be criminals.
Having a doorbell with a camera is always a great way to protect your door. Smart doorbells will deter any burglars since most burglaries happen during the day.
Smart door knobs are also a great way to increase the security of your house. They come with smart locks that either needs your fingerprints or face. As a result, you won’t need keys that you can easily lose.
You can also have devices that you can connect to your phone. Doing so will let alarm you if there’s any movement in your house. You can also devices that allow you to communicate with anyone in your home using your phone.
Make Sure Your Doors Are Locked at Night
If you are a woman living alone, I recommend playing it safe and locking up at night. If you are home alone it’s just not a good idea to open the door to anyone you do not know. No matter how harmless they may look.
It is a good thing to keep an eye on your environment. Keep a close eye on your back door, garage, and your windows. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t assume that because a door or window is locked that it’s safe. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Lock all your doors, never leave a light or television on in the house when you’re not at home, and don’t leave the keys in the ignition of your vehicle. Get a security system with cameras. If you have learned anything from watching crime shows, it’s that cameras catch criminals in the act. Make sure you get one that is user-friendly as well.
(Kimberly Silva | FindPeopleFirst)
Don’t Reveal the Fact that You Live Alone on Social Media
Avoid making updates that indicate you live by yourself when you live alone. Regardless of how strict security is where you live, systems experience glitches, so it is best to keep your living situation off social media. Even if you choose to share your posts with only a few people, someone may forget to log out of their account, causing another unintended person to find out.
While it may seem unfair that you have to stop yourself, your safety and security are more critical. Many criminals and burglars will try to pick the easiest target they can find, and a woman living alone, unfortunately, often fits this profile.
This vulnerability is why it is important to avoid posting information about your daily schedule. Don’t let people know what time you will be away and where. Such an update makes it easier for burglars to target your home since they know you are not there. It can also make it easier to target you as you go home or enter your home.
Similarly, do not let people on social media know when you are out of town or on vacation. The problem with telling everybody on social media where you are is that it also indicates where you are not.
You should also resist the temptation of assuming that no one could be interested in you or your property. A malicious person can stumble on the post accidentally and decide to capitalize on the opportunity.
(Sara Graves | US Title Loans)
Make Your Front Door More Secure
Your front door is your first line of defense when it comes to protecting yourself. As a woman who’s lived alone, my number one piece of advice is to get a doorbell camera.
With a doorbell camera, you can see who’s at the door without opening it. This prevents strangers from forcing their way in when you crack open the door. You can also talk to visitors (or scare them away) through the two-way talk feature that’s standard on most doorbell cameras.
Plus, you can install it in a snap. A wireless battery-operated doorbell camera can be applied to your door frame with industrial double-sided tape or just a couple of screws.
After spending years researching doorbell cameras, I recommend a Ring Doorbell Camera or the Nest Doorbell for their easy installation and bevy of features.
Lying to Protect Yourself Is Sometimes Necessary
Despite what you were taught growing up, it’s ok to lie for the sake of safety! In fact, there are a few situations where it’s best to lie as a woman who’s living alone.
Here are a few instances where it’s good to have a go-to lie to tell in order to protect yourself from potential predators.
- If a taxi driver asks if you’re headed home alone, say “Nope! I’m going to my boyfriend’s place, and he’s tracking me” – even if you don’t have a significant other.
- If you’re standing in front of your apartment building and someone asks if you live there, say “no, I’m a pet sitter.”
- If someone says “I noticed you live in the neighborhood – do you know when your neighbors come home?” say no.
Know when to lie, and don’t feel bad about it! Many seemingly innocent questions are used by predators to determine an easy target.
(Cathy Pedrayes | Mom Friend Guide)
Make Sure Your Car Is Running Smoothly
Maintain your car’s engine, body, brakes, and tires for safety reasons if you need to get out of there quickly. This may save your life if there is a natural disaster such as an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane.
If You See Something Suspicious, Call the Police
Always call the police when you see something suspicious, even if you live in a big city. You never know when someone could break into your home and cause trouble.
No one deserves to be treated poorly, no matter where they live.
Make Your Own Survival Kit
Although you may want to wait until the next big disaster to make a survival kit, it’s better if you create one beforehand so that when the time comes that you need it, your family already has everything they need stored inside of a backpack or small case.
As you live alone, it’s important to stay prepared with a flashlight, spare keys, and charged cell phone in case of an emergency. You should also make sure that trusted friends, family, or neighbors are aware of your safety plan and know how to get in touch with each other if something goes wrong.
You should have a plan for getting back home safely after work or an evening out on the town—so consider keeping a spare key hidden somewhere close by for when you’re stuck out past your regular bedtime.
Be Completely Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my journey is the importance of being completely aware of our surroundings. If you’re preoccupied with something else, your odds of reacting quickly when things go wrong are slim. That is why it is critical that you keep an open mind about the tools that you can utilize in these instances.
Although having pepper spray on hand should be a priority for every woman, understanding how to utilize even the simplest of objects as a safety weapon is also crucial. For instance, you can use your car keys as a safety weapon by clutching them between your fists and imitating a wolverine. Consider going for weak parts like the eyes, groin, and neck.
Consider Relocating to A Safer Environment
Safety is a paramount concern for every individual, and for women living alone, it is simply a matter of self-preservation to want to take all precautionary measures to ensure safety in and outside your home.
As a young lady who lives on her own, renting an apartment in a neighborhood where it’s safe for everyone is almost a necessity. You have to be able to feel safe in your own street walking home by past 10 in the evening, so proper research should be carried out to provide you with the safest neighborhood you can afford.
Finally, a lady living alone should have safety measures installed in her home. Use mini-cameras or cameras you can access using your mobile device so you know the situation of things even if you’re not in the house at the moment.
Burglar alarms are a brilliant idea too, and setting a number to dial automatically when the alarm is triggered is a way to save precious seconds should anything happen.
(Ellie Walters | FindPeopleFaster)
Install Multiple Locks on Every Door
As a woman living alone, it’s important to take every precaution to protect your home and possessions. A common mistake is having only one lock on the door. This should be replaced with multiple deadbolts, which are more secure than doorknobs.
Most of us women take the precaution of having multiple locks on our house’s main door. However, to improve safety in the home, I recommend having an extra lock on each door, even that to your bedroom or closet. Having multiple locks allows you enough time to call help should you be trapped in your house with an intruder on your heels.
Additionally, having multiple locks lets you know if someone should enter your home. They will inevitably struggle with a lock or two, and in the meantime, you can call for help.
Once you start using multiple locks, it is good to change them frequently. Doing this every six months helps keep your home secure.
Always Remember to Lock Your Doors
This tip is one of the most fundamentally important safety precautions, but it gets skipped often. Pay attention and be aware of your surroundings.
When you’re in a routine and a familiar place, it can be easy to miss what’s happening around you. Instead of going on autopilot, be alert and pay attention to what’s outside when walking to and from your car and house. Install a security system.
At the very least, you should have a video doorbell to know who’s at your door before you answer it. Of course, the more advanced your security system, the more it will cost, but the more protection it will provide.
Be Irregular and Have Guests Over Often
Criminals do not want to be caught, and therefore are looking to commit their crimes when there are the fewest possible witnesses. They often rely on staking out a home for a week or so before committing their crime, and if you have regular and random visitors they are less likely to see you as the easy target that they want.
Especially if you can have family members or friends pop over for random visits that last varying amounts of time. This will help to disrupt what seems to be your normal habits and flow of life, which will discourage criminals.
Additionally, criminals often rely on picking up on your routine so that they can know when is a safe time to strike. If you are able, switch up your routine. Instead of always working out in the morning, randomly switch it to a lunch-time workout or an evening workout. The less easily predictable you are, the less information a criminal has to commit their crime. Especially if you can change up the hours that you are home vs. out and about.
All in all, the best deterrent for criminals and the best way to ensure that you remain safe is to give the illusion of security. Remember that most criminals are cowards, and very few actually want to have to deal with a fight or anything of the like.
Obviously, you want to be smart and stay secure with the basics like locking your door and windows and keeping yourself undistracted in the hallway of the apartment complex, but appearances are extremely important in protecting yourself, especially if you live alone.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us on this journey through these safety tips for women living alone.
We hope that this list has helped you to feel a little safer in your home and community. By taking these precautions and taking care of yourself, you can feel safe wherever you are.
We also hope that the tips on this list have inspired you to take action in your own life, whether that means adopting more safety practices into your day-to-day routine or helping other women in your community feel safer too!
If you have any questions about anything we’ve covered in this guide, or if you want to share your experiences or tips for living alone, please reach out to us. We love hearing from readers and other women who are living alone.
Until next time, stay safe and vigilant!
Who Invented the Home Security System? (Detailed History)
