It’s no surprise to anyone that single women living alone can be an easy target. They are generally at greater risk of becoming a victim of crime. Living alone can be scary, but there are a few easy steps to make it safer and more enjoyable.
I’m going to share some of my favorite safety tips for living alone as a woman. How I make my home a safe place. We’re all in this together! Let’s talk about how we can keep ourselves safe while living on our own.
The number of women living alone in the United States has grown and will keep growing for many more years.
Today approximately 23.5 million American women live alone, more than ever before. That’s largely because we’re staying single longer. – washingtonpost.com
Women generally live longer than men. Between 10,000 and 12,000 people turn 65 every single day. So, the number of women living alone will only keep growing for quite some time.
How Do You Protect Yourself As A Woman If You Are Alone?
For women who are living alone, no matter what age, protecting oneself should be a top priority. After all, most women are not trained in self defense nor are they strong enough to fight off an attacker. This increases their chances of becoming a victim in their own homes.
There are two things that all women who are alone should practice:
- Being Vigilant
- Being Prepared
Vigilance means being careful and watching out for possible dangers or difficulties. It means being aware of your surroundings – both the environment and the people in it.
Being prepared means having “what if” type of plans.
- What if I get attacked from behind?
- What if there’s a fire in the kitchen?
- What if someone breaks down my front door?
- What do I do if my credit card got stolen?
Planning on what you might be able to do in “what if” situations can help you to better respond to them.
A quote from Shelley Klingerman’s book Vigilance: The Savvy Woman’s Guide to Personal Safety, Self-Protection Measures, and Countermeasures.
In my 40 years in law enforcement, I have come to believe the key to survival is vigilance. – Chief Paul M. Cell – President of International Association of Chiefs of Police (2018/2019)
Think of these as “escape plans” for each of the scenarios that might occur.
Safety Tips For Living Alone In An Apartment
As a woman, living in an apartment alone can be daunting. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure that your living space is secure and comfortable.
1. Make sure your door is locked at all times and that windows are securely closed. Use deadbolts and other security measures whenever possible. Don’t open the door for anyone you don’t know or trust. Install a peephole so you can identify visitors before opening the door.
2. Install window locks or safety bars on all windows and doors to ensure no one can access your home without permission.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Whenever you come home, make sure that there are no strangers lurking around the area. If you ever feel unsafe, go to a public place or call for help.
4. It’s important to be familiar with fire safety and have an escape plan in case of an emergency. Make sure all exits are clearly marked, and that you have a fire extinguisher or smoke detector in the apartment.
5. Talk to your neighbors about safety concerns. Make sure they know who you are, so they can look out for each other. If someone suspicious is in the building, alert them to be extra vigilant.
6. Don’t keep your valuables in plain sight. Keep your windows and doors locked, even when you are home, to prevent theft.
7. Take precautionary measures against intruders by investing in security devices like deadbolts, peepholes and window bars. If someone knocks at the door, check to see who it is before opening the door.
8. Install a security system with motion sensors and an alarm. This will keep you safe in the event of a break-in, as well as alerting you if someone is trying to access your apartment while you are away.
9. Keep emergency contact information handy in case of an emergency. Make sure your family and friends know how to reach you if necessary, as well as your local police department.
10. Always keep an emergency kit on hand in case of a power outage or other unexpected event. This should include flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food items, blankets and first aid supplies.
11. Lastly, use common sense and stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings when you are out and about, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.
12. Never let strangers into your apartment, and always lock up when you leave the house.
Following these simple tips will help keep you safe while living alone in an apartment.
19 Safety Tips If You Are Home Alone (and Safety Products)
When you are home alone, take some simple steps to make sure that you are as safe as possible from a home invasion.
Some of these following tips may seem like common sense. Or you may be learning them for the first time. Either way, I hope that they can help to keep you away from dangerous situations.
Here are 19 important safety tips and safety products for a single woman living alone.
1. Get To Know Your Neighbors
The first step is to get to know your neighbors, especially if you’ve recently moved into a new place. Invite them over for coffee or a meal, etc. They may come in handy when and if you need them.
I know that it can be difficult so make the initial move. You don’t need to be best friends with them (but wouldn’t that be nice?)
I do urge you to try. You will want to at least exchange phone numbers them. And if you can get to know them and trust them you can exchange spare keys with them as well.
2. Neighborhood Watch Programs
If your neighborhood has a Neighborhood Watch Program, consider joining it.
If there isn’t one – then consider creating one! Having a program like this in place can give you some peace of mind and it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors.
3. Be A Bit Nosy Like Gladys Kravitz
A character on the TV show Bewitched, Gladys Kravitz, was a nosy neighbor. She was often seen looking out the window checking on her neighbors.
I am not saying you need to be like Gladys. My point is that it’s important to be vigilant about what’s happening outside your door.
So, check for suspicious activity and pay attention to things like…
- The type of cars your neighbors drive. In case you notice a strange car parked on your street.
- Take notice of your neighbors’ habits. Say you have a neighbor that always raises her window blinds every morning. But you notice that they are still down by mid-morning – call her to make sure she is okay.
- Report any suspicious person or activity to your local police. But – if it doesn’t seem like an emergency – justify your suspicion first. Say you notice a person in your neighbors’ yard – call your neighbor first before you call the police.
4. Home Security System
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your home is to install a home security system. I like the SimpliSafe alarm system because it is affordable, easy to set up and very customizable. I love that I can buy several panic buttons from them and place them throughout the house.
5. Outdoor Motion Sensor Lighting
To protect your home, place outdoor motion-sensor lights.
The illuminating effects of outdoor security lighting can also serve as a crime deterrent by removing the cloak of darkness that burglars and other home intruders prefer to hide in. A light that suddenly illuminates an area that a criminal is lurking around or planning to hide in can quickly foil his plans. – GlobalSecurityExperts.com
There are many different kinds of motion sensor lights that you can choose from:
Where To Install Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights?
It makes sense to install motion sensor lights by all points of entry into your home. These could include any of the following:
- Garage door
- All exterior doorways
- Outdoor walkways
- Areas hidden by bushes and/or trees
6. Outdoor Security Cameras
Besides motion sensor lights, you may also want to install an outdoor security camera. Contact your security company and see if they offer outdoor security cameras too.
Otherwise – you can install a camera like this one by Mibao. It offers features such as two way audio, night vision, motion detection and more. Read more about it here.
Are Outdoor Security Cameras Worth It?
There’s no doubt that outdoor security cameras offer three main benefits.
- It can help to deter criminals
- It can be a tool to help identify troublemakers
- It offers the homeowner the ability to monitor their property in real time
- Some are inexpensive
It’s my opinion that these benefits make outdoor security cameras worthwhile.
7. Smart Doorbells
A good way to add a security camera is to use any of the smart doorbell products available today. These are doorbells with an added camera attached.
These doorbells can let you know if someone is trying to take something off your porch. They also let you see what’s happening outside of your house.
8. Smart Locks
Also consider adding smart locks. These locks can be controlled with a phone app can make it easier to get in your house. Some of them come with a camera installed to let you see who is at your door.
9. Garage Doors
Homeowners don’t often add a security system to their garage doors.
Imagine walking into your garage and getting into your car.
You find somebody in the backseat waiting for you.
You can prevent this by adding a security system to your garage door. Here are several to choose from.
Also, you can consider using a driveway sensor alarm. These devices alert you that someone is in your driveway.
10. Barricade Your Doors
You may think that a lock or bolt on your door is enough. Truth is, it’s easier than you think for someone to kick down your back door or front door.
I recommend safety products like…
- a Grade 1 Lock
- a large strike plate around the deadbolt
- the Door Armor Max is a complete set of everything you need
- a door jammer
- or a security bar for sliding glass doors
11. Tall Bushes and Trees
It can be very beautiful to have trees and bushes as part of your home’s landscaping. But if someone can use them to hide behind – well – that’s something to worry about.
You want to make sure that there’s a clear, unobstructed view between you and your home. That includes landscaping as well as walls, etc.
12. Indoor Security Cameras
Not everyone is comfortable with having an indoor security camera. To be honest, I don’t blame them. There’s the fear that somewhere, somehow there are eyes on you. There are steps you can take to reduce this risk.
Check out the many different types of indoor camers you can choose from.
Contact your home security company first to see what options (if any) they have as far as security cameras go.
You can make the decision about whether an indoor security camera is worth it for you. It may be something to consider, depending on where you live and how safe you feel in your home. (By the way, here’s how to tell if someone has opened your door while you were out.)
13. Keep Weapons Handy
There are many items throughout your house that you can use as a weapon. But you can also keep things like pepper spray and a stun gun handy as extra security measures.
14. Keep Window Curtains Closed
You may like to keep your curtains and blinds open during the day. But is it easy for someone outside to peek inside? I recommend that you make it as difficult as possible for others to see inside your home.
And that may mean keeping those curtains, shades and/or blinds closed.
You can also try using a one-way mirror film on your windows that gives you nighttime privacy. Experiment with your indoor lighting to make sure that you are blocking any view.
15. GPS Wearables
Some of my friends don’t like the idea of their cell phones tracking them. So they turn off the GPS location feature on their smart phones. But I remind them that if they are out all alone – that GPS tracker may be the best way to find them in case they needed help.
Smartphones are not the only devices that have GPS trackers.
There are wearable GPS devices like Invisawear and Flare that look like jewelry. They are actually personal safety devices. It’s a panic button in disguise. They work by calling your emergency contacts which can be close friends or a family member.
16. Never Open The Door To Strangers
Your parents may have told you when you were younger to never open the door to strangers. Well – they were right and that advice is still correct no matter what your current age is.
If you are home alone (and even if you’re not) it’s just not a good idea to open the door to anyone you do not know. No matter how harmless they may look.
17. Keep Out Of Social Media
I get so angry at my friends who post where they are and share personal information on social media. I tell them to NOT include me in their posts. I also tell them that they shouldn’t let the world know that they are out and about and where they are. It’s an advertisement to burglars.
Many people aren’t even aware that the geotagging setting on their phone’s camera is switched on. Unfortunately, it could put your home at risk while you’re away on vacation. In the event of a break-in, an insurance company may claim negligence on your part if they find photos uploaded to social media with geotags.
usinsuranceagent.com
18. Don’t Advertise Your Name
Mailboxes in apartment buildings usually have the persons name on them. At least the last name.
Ask your landlord or building manager if you can change to your initials instead of your name. That would be a better safety technique.
19. Consider Adopting A Furry Protector
All the electronic devices these days are amazing to have and they can help us all to be safer. But, electronics are only good when they work and let’s face it, there are times that they do not.
So, if you have the capability to adopt a dog for protection – I would recommend that you do that.
Dogs can be wonderful companions for anyone who lives alone. And they can also be great guard dogs too.
Things To Have As A Woman Living Alone
Having all the right items in your home can make a big difference when you’re living alone. Here are some of the things that every woman should have to keep her safe and comfortable.
1. A working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector
2. A first aid kit: Being prepared for any medical emergencies is important for anyone, but it can be especially critical when you’re living alone and don’t have someone to help you in case of an emergency. Keep a comprehensive first aid kit on hand with bandages, antiseptic cream, and any other items that you might need.
3. Flashlights and extra batteries: Having a few reliable flashlights throughout your home is recommended. They are perfect for when there’s are power outages or nighttime emergencies is essential for any woman living alone. Make sure to keep extra batteries in case the ones in the flashlight are running low.
4. A reliable phone or communication device: It’s important to have a way to communicate with others in case of an emergency or if you need assistance. Cell phones are great but they could stop working for a number of reasons. That’s why having a landline phone is important as well.
5. A well stocked pantry: Have a few weeks’ worth of non-perishable food items like canned vegetables, grains, and proteins stored away for emergency situations. Make sure to check expiration dates and rotate food items every few months to ensure that your food remains fresh.
6. Self-defense tools: Living alone doesn’t mean you need to feel unsafe or vulnerable! Keep some non-lethal self-defense tools handy like pepper spray or an alarm system that can alert the authorities should there be any suspicious activity outside your home.
7. Fire extinguisher: Fires are one of the most common causes of property damage. Keep a fire extinguisher in your house and make sure to check it regularly so you can tackle any fires immediately.
8. Emergency contacts list: It’s important to keep a list of emergency contacts that you can reach out to in case of an emergency. Make sure your family, friends, and other important numbers are included on this list so you know who to call in a crisis.
9. A backup cell phone charger: It’s always best to be prepared. Keep a spare cell phone charger in your house as an emergency backup. That way, if you ever find yourself without a charged device, you can easily get back online and contact help.
10. A plan for emergencies: It’s important to have a plan in place in case of an emergency, such as knowing how to reach emergency services, where to go in case of a fire, and how to evacuate your home safely.
11. Home security system: Installing an alarm system is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your property. Motion-activated lights, window and door sensors, cameras, etc. can all help make you feel safer knowing they are in place.
12. Spare keys: Keep spare keys in a safe place and don’t share them with anyone you don’t trust.
13. Home maintenance supplies: As a woman living alone, it’s important that you have access to basic home maintenance tools so you can take care of any minor issues on your own. Invest in a toolbox with basic tools, like a hammer and screwdrivers, so you can fix broken items or assemble furniture.
Bonus Tips
Besides the tips I mentioned above here are some more safety measures that I recommend.
- Be prepared for any type of natural disaster in your area
- Be prepared in case of a fire – invest in a fire extinguisher
- Avoid a dark parking lot and poorly lit parking garages
- Check under your car and your back seat before opening your car doors
- Avoid areas with high statistics of violent crime
- Do not wear ear buds or head sets when walking or running alone
- Always have an exit strategy in mind whenever you go somewhere
Have I Answered Your Question About Staying Safe (As a Woman) When You’re Alone?
Generally speaking, women are more often a target of sexual assault and crime. And for women in one-person households, well, the statistics are often higher.
Safety is important. If you are moving into a new home or apartment, or if you want to make your home safe, these safety tips will help.
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