For women living independently, personal safety is an important priority. You are choosing to live alone and you shouldn’t afraid to do so. With a few strategic actions and tools, it’s possible to establish a secure living environment that enhances your protection and comfort. Plus, it creates habits for everyday living with actionable steps. Essential equipment and precautionary tips can help all women feel safer when living alone. Burglars want easy targets, so simply do be an easy target. Have the knowledge, capability, and awareness to handle issues that may come in your direction. Be prepared for the unknown and preventing the unknown from happening, any women can live independently.
Avoid Sharing Your Address Publicly
It may seem like common sense, but it’s essential to keep your address confidential as much as possible. Avoid listing it on social media profiles or other public-facing platforms. If you’re having packages delivered, consider using a PO box or package locker service instead of your home address. When meeting new people or dating, refrain from immediately sharing your exact location until you feel entirely comfortable.
Keep Your Home Well-Lit
Lighting is a simple yet effective way to enhance home security. Intruders prefer to target dark areas where they can remain undetected, so consider installing motion-sensor lights around your home’s exterior, especially near entry points. Indoors, make sure the pathways to your entry and exit points are well-lit. In addition, turning on a light in a main room or hallway in the evening can give the impression that someone is awake and alert in the house.
Make Connections with Neighbors
Building a friendly rapport with your neighbors creates a supportive environment. It doesn’t mean you have to be close friends, but a casual hello and awareness of each other’s routines can be beneficial. Neighbors who know you live alone may keep an eye out for suspicious activity and notify you if anything seems off. Additionally, having their contact information can be useful in case of an emergency or if you need someone to check on your property while you’re away.
Always Check Doors and Windows
Checking all doors and windows before leaving the house or going to bed is a critical safety habit. Many break-ins happen due to unlocked doors or windows that go unnoticed. Consider installing sturdy deadbolt locks on all exterior doors, and keep window locks secure. For added protection, place dowels or security bars in the tracks of sliding doors or windows to prevent them from being forced open from the outside. This routine may seem minor, but it can effectively reduce the risk of a break-in.
Advertise your security
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to install a reliable security system in your home. After the installation, you will receive some sort of stickers or signs from the person who has installed your security system. Be sure to make that advertisement sticker or sign visible for all to see. There is a reason for that. If all future intruder to see that you had a security company supporting the protection of your home, they are unlikely to risk the chances a security system activating during their attempts or a security camera seeing their face and build a legal case against them. Many security systems today come with mobile apps that allow you to monitor your home in real-time. Some even offer features such as motion detectors, glass break sensors, and door/window sensors that notify you of unusual activity. Visible signs of a security system can act as a deterrent, and the system itself is there to alert you and authorities to any real threats.
Be Cautious with Social Media
In today’s digital age, sharing information on social media can lead to unintended exposure of personal details. Avoid posting real-time information about your whereabouts or home location, as it can potentially make you vulnerable. Instead, limit your social media posts about your daily life and only share general, non-identifying information publicly. For added protection, review your privacy settings to restrict who can see your posts, and refrain from tagging your exact location while at home.
Burglar Alert
Personal safety alarms are portable, user-friendly devices that emit a loud noise when activated, startling potential intruders and attracting attention. These alarms are helpful when you’re home alone, and even when you’re outside. Keep one near your bed and another close to the front door so that you can activate it quickly in case of emergency. The loud sound can help deter intruders and signal neighbors for help.