Living alone can provide you with the privacy and independence you crave (looking at you, annoying roommates), but it also comes with its fair share of concerns. Personal security becomes paramount when living alone as intruders or dangers become much more pressing. But don’t fret just yet. It is possible to take steps to mitigate these safety risks. Let’s talk about some of the practical tips and tricks that you, as an individual living alone, can employ to ensure you stay safe.
General Safety Tips for Living Alone
- Maintain strong locks and secure entry points.
- Install a peephole or video doorbell to identify visitors.
- Develop a safety network of trusted contacts.
- Be cautious with sharing personal information online.
- Practice situational awareness and trust your instincts.
- Regularly check and update emergency contact information.
- Install and test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Create a safety plan for emergencies and practice it periodically.
8 Safety Tips for Living Alone
Maintain Strong locks and Secure Entry Points
Whether you live in the city or the country, you should always keep the locks on your doors and windows secure. After all, these are the first line of defense against potential intruders. Consider installing a deadbolt or an additional lock for extra safety. Consider installing a Smart Door Lock, so you can lock and unlock your door remotely. This is especially helpful if you forgot to lock the door when you already left your house.
Install a Peephole or Video Doorbell to Identify Visitors
If you don’t want to open the door to everyone who knocks, consider installing a peephole to identify visitors at your door. You can also use a video doorbell to identify anyone at your door and record their behavior if you suspect they are up to no good.
Are you looking to buy a video camera? CPI Security offers one of the best video doorbell cameras available.
See how you can view who is at your door without opening the door, utilizing CPI Security’s Video Doorbell Pro.
Develop a Safety Network of Trusted Contacts
Keep in touch with family, friends, and neighbors so that they know when you are home alone or away from the house for extended periods. Tell them about any suspicious activity or people you may notice in the area.
Be Cautious with Sharing Personal Information Online
Don’t post too much information about yourself on social media sites, such as your address or plans for the weekend. And remember, as tempting as it may be to brag about your upcoming trip to Italy, leave it off of Instagram if you’re concerned about potential break-ins while away. Read through our other safety tips to protect your home while on vacation.
Practice Situational Awareness and Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to your surroundings whenever you’re out, and be aware of who is around you. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling and take appropriate action if necessary.
Regularly Check and Update Emergency Contact Information
Make sure to keep your emergency contacts up-to-date, including friends, family members, or the police. If you have medical concerns, ensure your information or medication is readily available in the event of an emergency.
Install and Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A working fire alarm in your home is essential for detecting potential fires before it becomes too late. Carbon monoxide detectors are also critical to warn you of a deadly leak.
Create a Safety Plan for Emergencies and Practice It Periodically
Preparation is the key to execution. In the event of the unthinkable (fire, break-in), it’s better to have practiced a plan than to make one up on the spot. Know your exits, action steps, and practice, practice, practice.
Additional Safety Tips for Women Living Alone
As much as we hate to say it, we can’t ignore that women living alone are at a greater risk of incidents than a man living alone. To that end, here are a few additional tips specifically for women living alone.
Make sure to:
- Secure your home: Make sure all doors and windows have sturdy locks. Consider installing a security system or getting a dog to deter potential intruders.
- Use good lighting: Ensure that the exterior of your home, especially entryways, is well-lit. Install outdoor lights with motion sensors to deter intruders and make your surroundings more visible at night.
- Arm yourself: Keep mace or pepper spray within reach, if legal in your state.
- Stay vigilant: Be mindful of which areas you’re traveling alone in, especially at night.
- Stay connected: Get to know your neighbors and maintain regular communication with trusted contacts, especially if you feel uneasy in a situation.
- Use timers: Consider using timers or smart lighting systems to create the illusion of occupancy if you are out of the home. Or to give the appearance that there are multiple people in the space.
Selecting a Home Security System with Motion and Intrusion Detection
For additional peace of mind, consider installing a home security system to protect yourself and your belongings. About 60% of convicted burglars say the presence of an alarm steers them to a different home to burglarize. We recommend installing a system with security cameras and motion/intrusion detectors.
Motion and intrusion detection are two of the most important components of a good home security system. Motion detectors work by picking up movements in your home, while intrusion detectors detect door or window openings. Both of these features help to give you confidence that any suspicious activity in your home will be detected and reported immediately. Here are some tips for selecting your home’s motion and intrusion detection.
Install Dual-Technology Motion Detectors
Dual-technology motion detectors use both infrared and microwave technology to detect movement. This allows for more accurate detection and reduces the chances of false alarms.
Choose a System with 24/7 Monitoring
For added security, consider investing in a home security system that offers 24/7 monitoring. This will ensure that any suspicious activity is detected and reported immediately.
CPI Security Safety Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for a home security system that checks all of these boxes, including 24/7 active monitoring, CPI Security is here for you! We offer one of the most robust and comprehensive home security systems and are proud to have served the South East for over 30 years.
By following these simple tips, you can stay safe while living alone and feeling more secure in your home. From securing entry points to investing in a good home security system with motion and intrusion detection, there are many measures you can take to keep yourself and your property safe. So remember – safety first!
Sources:
Research Gate, “Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender’s Perspective,”
