Home safety is a fundamental part of self-defense and protection, no matter if you’re a homeowner or a renter. This is especially true for people who live alone.
While living alone can cause loneliness, as has been felt by many solo folks during the time of COVID-19, it can also lead to bouts of anxiety, where a person becomes worried that they may be more susceptible to a break-in and crime.
This anxiety is understandable, especially if you hear the random bump in the night while living by yourself, but it doesn’t have to be justified. A few simple tips can help you feel safer while living alone. Here are five of our favorite ways to help you feel safer in your space.
1. Install a home security system.
One of the best things you can consider doing once moving into a new place by yourself is to install a security system. For some individuals, this might involve installing a thorough alarm system that is interconnected throughout your residence, becoming triggered anytime the system is tripped by a door or window that is opened unexpectedly.
For others, this can involve simple measures of protection, such as a door stop wedge. Placed behind your door once you are inside of your residence, this device is intended to stop a door from fully opening, even if its lock is picked or the door is kicked in. Moreover, most of these devices come with an installed alarm, meaning you’ll be alerted if a person attempts to break into your home whether you’re asleep or working with headphones on.
Whatever system you choose to rely on, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Home security systems can become expensive quickly. Rather than spending a lot, take the time to do your research until you find a product that meets your needs.
2. Get a doorbell camera.
Doorbell cameras have made it easier than ever to feel comfortable within your home. Placed beside your front door, they make it easy to record the people coming and going from your residence throughout the day and late at night.
Uninvited guest knocking on your door? Check your doorbell camera through an app on your smartphone to determine if it’s someone you know. If it’s not, and they seem rather sketchy, you can make an informed decision to call the police for assistance.
Noticed that packages are regularly going missing from your front door and worried that someone might be casing your house at the same time? Use your doorbell camera to identify the suspect and capture footage of them. This can be sent off to the police, who can work to identify and arrest the person for you, helping you know that risk is no longer an issue.
3. Keep your lights on both while you’re out and at home.
A simple way to improve your feeling of safety whether at home or away is by keeping the lights on. Some studies have shown that the presence of nighttime lighting can deter criminals. Part of the reason is that lighting removes the cloak of darkness, meaning it can be easier for witnesses to identify their activities; moreover, lighting within houses might mean that a family is at home. This act of mimicry can work to your advantage, causing intruders to move past your residence from the worry of being caught in the act.
If you want to take it a step further, you can employ modern advancements such as motion-detecting lights and smart home lighting systems. The former, when used on the outside of your residence, can help you identify any unwanted criminals as they approach your house at night, in the hope they will be scared off by the sudden flash of light.
Similarly, smart home lights—controlled by your smartphone or a tablet—can let you control your home lighting system even while you’re not there, letting you turn on lights at night to make it appear as if someone is home and awake.
4. Become acquainted with your neighbors.
Beyond being a nice neighbor out of civility, you should consider becoming acquainted with your neighbors for your own personal safety. We, as humans, don’t like getting involved in the business of others, thinking that someone else will take care of whatever is going wrong. Your neighbors might do the same if they ever see suspicious activity at your home, especially if they don’t know you very well.
Get to know your neighbors to improve your line of defense. They’ll become more aware of your regular schedule because of this, such as whether you work during the day or if you have regular visitors. While their interest in your life might be considered nosy, it could work out in your favor, leading them to question and scare off potential intruders.
5. Know your exit plan.
Living alone means that only you can handle an emergency when it arises. Since no one else will be around to help you exit a dangerous situation, you’ll need to be prepared in the event that one arises. For anyone living alone, this means taking the time to understand how you can exit your home in the event of a dangerous scenario, whether it is a fire, home break-in, or visitation of a stalker. Consider your options ahead of time so you can act out of instinct in the moment, getting away safely and free of harm.
Living alone doesn’t have to involve taking unnecessary risks because there is no one else around. With precaution and preparation, you can effectively safeguard yourself against potential dangers, allowing you to safely live alone.
