Feel Secure: 12 Safety Tips for Living Alone
There are many benefits to living on your own, including the ability to decorate however you see fit, stick to your own schedule, and there’s no pressure to pick up if you’re not in the mood. However, living alone can cause some anxiety. Sometimes you may feel unsafe in your own home. Luckily, whether you live in an apartment, house, condo, or townhouse, you can feel more confident and secure with these 12 safety tips.
Always lock your doors and windows
When you live alone, it’s important to lock all your doors and windows, even when you’re home. Keeping your doors and windows locked can help keep potential intruders out (or a neighbor accidentally entering your apartment thinking it’s theirs!) – and provide you with a greater sense of peace of mind. .
Make sure every window in your home is closed and locked. Next, double-check all exterior entrances to your space, including front doors, back doors, and even balcony doors. If you have a deadbolt, make sure it is engaged.
Are you worried about being locked out? Keep a spare key somewhere safe, whether it’s in a locked box or with a trusted friend or family member in town.
Install home security features
If you live alone, you may want to install home security devices. These can include motion sensor lights, security cameras, video doorbells or even alarm systems. These features can help you feel more secure in your home and can also act as a deterrent to potential intruders.
If you live in an apartment, you may not be able to install an alarm system or motion sensor lighting. However, you can still install security cameras and video doorbells. Adding additional security measures can help you keep an eye on who is entering and leaving your apartment, identify suspicious activity, and check who is at the door before you answer.
Be careful what you post on social media
It’s also a good idea to be aware of your online presence, whether you’re looking for a new roommate or post daily updates. Be sure to keep your accounts secure and private, and avoid giving out too much personal information, including your address or any identifying photos of your accommodation. Keep your address restricted only to people you trust, such as friends and family members. Keeping a low profile online can help you feel safe and confident when living alone.
Additionally, it is important to avoid posting your plans and whereabouts on social media in real time. Real-time posting can make you a target for potential burglars if they know you’re out of town. Avoid posting pictures of your valuables on social media, t00.
Use timers to make it appear someone is home
You don’t want to give the impression that you live alone? Get creative by using timers for lights, your TV, radio, and other devices. This can trick potential intruders into believing that someone is home, even if you are not.
It’s also wise to keep your curtains or blinds closed when you’re away. It can help you maintain your privacy and make it look like someone is home.
Befriend your neighbors
It’s a good idea to get to know your neighbors if you live alone. It can help you create a sense of community and can also help with safety. If you’re on good terms with trusted neighbors, they can help keep an eye on your home and alert you to suspicious activity.
It’s also a good idea to let a trusted neighbor know when you’re going away for an extended period. This way they can keep an eye on your listing and alert you to any suspicious activity.
Don’t open your door to strangers
When you live alone, it is important to remember never to open your door to strangers. If someone knocks on your door, it’s a good idea to ask who it is before you open it. If you’re not expecting someone, and it’s not someone you know and trust, don’t answer. You can also use a peephole or video doorbell to identify the person before you open the door and request that all orders – from food delivery to grocery deliveries – remain contactless.
Keep a list of emergency contacts handy
When you live alone, it’s important to always have a list of emergency contacts handy. This list should include friends, family and local emergency services, such as the police and fire department. This list can help you in an emergency.
It’s also a good idea to keep your emergency contact list somewhere easily accessible, like your refrigerator, bedside table, or desk.
Have a contingency plan in place
If you live alone, it is important to have an emergency plan in place. This plan should include what to do in an emergency and should include contact information for friends, family and local emergency services.
It’s also a good idea to practice your emergency plan. It can help you feel more prepared and stay safe in an emergency.
Keep valuables out of sight
It is important to keep your valuables out of sight. This includes jewelry, cash, and other valuables. It’s also a good idea to keep all important documents, such as birth certificates and passports, in a safe place, such as a locked box or safe.
Call for help if you feel unsafe
If you ever feel unsafe, whether in your apartment, in the parking lot, or in your community Parking Garage, it is important to call for help. This could be calling the police, apartment security, or a friend or family member. Prevention is better than cure!
Consider taking self-defense training
It is also a good idea to have a defense class or self-defense training. It can help you feel more confident and secure when living alone and can also help protect you in an emergency.
Find a new apartment with ApartmentSearch
Living alone can sometimes be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. You can feel more confident and secure in your home with the right safety tips and precautions. However, if you don’t feel safe, it might be time to find a new apartment in a new part of town. Don’t waste time browsing through dozens of marketplace listings. Start by browsing ApartmentSearch. With advanced filtering options, detailed images, and a clear picture of apartment community features, you’re sure to find an apartment that suits your needs and budget.
