Living alone can be a very liberating experience, especially if it’s your first time moving out from under your parents’ wing. But it can also be scary at times. You may not feel as safe as you would living with someone else in the house, but there are a few things you can do to make yourself feel more secure.
Adhering to a few basic safety precautions can reduce your odds of becoming a crime victim and certainly make you feel safer and more comfortable living alone. Here’s how:
1. Invest in a home security system
Home security systems are designed to keep you safe by alerting the authorities when someone tries to break in, and they come standard with a variety of sensors, cameras, and other devices that can help prevent property loss as well as physical harm. If you live in an area where home invasions are common, you may also want to invest in a burglar alarm system.
2. Install strong locks and other security devices
Investing in a high-quality deadbolt lock and a solid door frame can go a long way toward keeping out intruders. Some even come with alarms that sound when the door is forced open, alerting you and the authorities to an intruder. You could also hire professionals to install a security door on your front and back doors.
3. Be smart when you socialize
Don’t let your social life suffer because you live alone. But when you go out with friends, be aware of your surroundings, be smart about how much alcohol you drink, and make sure that you have your cellphone with you to call for help if something happens.
4. Introduce yourself to your neighbors
When you live alone, it’s tempting to withdraw from the world and keep to yourself. However, knowing your neighbors can be essential for feeling safe at home. You can share information about suspicious activity in your neighborhood, get to know the people who live around you, and get them to know you, and they may even keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
5. Get a dog
Having a canine companion will provide you with more than just companionship — it can also protect you during your waking hours and help you feel more secure. For instance, a dog will bark when a stranger is near, scaring the intruder away. They are also great deterrents to anyone trying to break into your home because they can growl and make a lot of noise if someone tries to force their way inside.
6. Be wary of home invasions
Intruders often prey on those who live alone, so it’s essential to take steps to prevent your home from becoming a target. You can begin by keeping your doors and windows locked when you aren’t at home, do not show your valuables, and secure them when you’re not home.
7. Protect yourself from criminals who want to harm you
You can take precautions to keep yourself safe from those who might do you harm. For instance, you should always be wary of strangers and avoid getting into a vehicle with a stranger. It would help if you tried to avoid going home alone at night and always tell someone when you’re coming home from work or a social event.
8. Use personal alarms to ward off attackers
Personal alarms are small devices that produce an ear-splitting sound, warding off attackers if they are nearby. When the alarm is activated, the sound will startle your attacker, giving you time to get away and call for help.
9. Invest in a self-defense weapon for protection
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to fight off an attacker, you can also invest in a weapon for protection. Pepper spray or a stun gun will disable an attacker and allow you to get away — just be sure to study the laws in your state to make sure you can legally own a self-defense weapon.
10. Plan ahead if you’re going out alone
If you know you’ll be out after dark, make sure you have someone lined up to come to get you. If not, plan an alternate route home — don’t take shortcuts through alleys, parking lots, or other isolated areas. And if you think it’s unlikely that someone will follow you home, leave a spare car key with a trusted neighbor or friend.
Living alone can be an enriching experience for your personal growth, but it’s essential to take steps to stay safe. By following the tips in this article, you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime and feel safe at home when living alone. Plus, these tips can help you avoid all kinds of dangerous situations.
