Living alone offers independence and freedom, but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities. Whether it’s your first time living alone or you are a seasoned pro, taking a few steps to keep your home safe can make a big difference. Here are 13 steps to keep your home safe.
Lock All Windows And Doors
The first and most obvious step to staying safe is ensuring the doors and windows in your home are locked and secure. Intruders look for easy access points like unlocked doors and windows to gain entry into homes.
If you have old, worn-out locks, replace them immediately. You can install deadbolts, chain locks, and window locks for additional security.
Protect Privacy With Curtains And Blinds
Curtains and blinds are more than just home decor when you are living alone. They play a critical role in home safety. Keep them closed for any windows facing the street or any other area where outsiders can see inside your home.
This will ensure your privacy and also prevent any intruder from assessing whether you live alone or not. To improve your home’s security, be careful about what you reveal to others.
Be Wary Of Strangers
Don’t open your door to strangers if you are home alone. Look through the peephole, side window, video doorbell, or security camera to check who is there. If you are not expecting a visitor or delivery, ignore the doorbell. Open the door only if you are sure that it’s safe.
Scammers often pose as sales or delivery people to gain entry. Genuine delivery people or service providers provide their identification when asked. It’s better to be cautious than to risk your safety.
Install A Home Security System
A home security system is a must for those living alone. From the basic door sensor or a video doorbell to an advanced setup with cameras, motion detectors, and alarms, having a security system provides peace of mind.
Modern security systems let you monitor your home remotely via smartphone apps and offer real-time updates and alerts. Always activate your security system when you are home alone.
Make It Look Like You Are Not Alone
A powerful way to deter intruders is to make it look like you are not alone at home. Simple steps like leaving lights on in various rooms, playing music, or keeping the TV on can make it seem like someone else is with you.
Using motion-activated lights outside can startle anyone lurking around. Smart timers can mimic natural lighting patterns for added realism. These small actions can make your home a less appealing target.
Don’t Share Your Home-Alone Status Online
Sharing every little detail about your life on social media has become a common trend, but it’s unsafe. Sharing your home-alone status online can make you an easy target for stalkers.
Avoid having a public account on social media platforms. If you really feel like sharing your personal updates, share them only with people you know and trust.
Build A Support System
Building a strong support system is vital when you are living alone. Start by getting to know your neighbors better. A friendly neighbor will notice if something is off with your home. In an emergency, they will be the first to help you.
Join your neighborhood watch groups or social media platforms to stay informed about local safety concerns. Maintain a list of trusted service providers for household needs, and be selective about the information you share with them. A strong neighborhood support system creates a sense of security and makes solo living more manageable.
Create An Emergency Plan
Having a plan can transform any emergency into a manageable situation. Map out escape routes for each room of your home in case of a fire, flood, intruder, or any other emergency. Keep emergency supplies like water, non-perishable food, first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, medications, and copies of important documents in an easily accessible spot.
Create a contact list that includes emergency services, family members, friends, neighbors, and your doctor. Keep your phone charged and power banks ready. Update your emergency plan periodically to keep it current.
Check-in With Someone
Create a system of daily check-ins with a close friend, loved one, or neighbor to enhance your safety and security when you’re alone at home.
Set a specific time to call them daily and let them know that all is well. This ensures they know you are home and will be alerted if they don’t hear from you within the agreed-upon timeframe.
Keep Your Phone Charged And Close
Keep your phone nearby when you’re home alone. Quick access to your phone can be lifesaving in emergencies like a break-in or medical issue. Ensure it’s charged and within easy reach.
Save emergency contacts such as family, neighbors, and local authorities on speed dial. Staying connected helps you stay prepared for any situation.
Learn Self-Defence
Learning self-defense is an essential step in staying safe when living alone. It helps you protect yourself from intruders and gives you useful survival skills.
Spend an hour a day practicing techniques like Krav Maga, Karate, Boxing, or Muay Thai. Krav Maga is invaluable for women, as it teaches practical moves for real-life situations and works well against larger attackers.
Trust Your Instincts
One of the most effective ways to be safe when living alone is to trust your instincts. If something feels off, like a strange noise or an unfamiliar person near your property, don’t ignore it. Lock your doors, turn on the alarm, or contact a trusted friend or the police.
Your instincts can help you recognize and respond to dangerous situations before they escalate. Stay alert and trust your gut—it’s better to be cautious than to take unnecessary risks.
Change Your Passwords
People living alone, especially women, are often attacked in their homes by someone known to them. So, when you start living alone after a relationship, updating passwords and security codes is a vital step to protect yourself.
Change the passwords on your security apps, Wi-Fi router, cameras, and phone, as well as the codes for your locks and garage door. This simple but essential action ensures your safety and keeps your home secure.
