Most people who live alone know how essential it is to take extra measures to keep themselves safe (especially women). Living alone can be a fulfilling experience but also comes with its own unique challenges and risks. While it can be enticing to let your guard down and relax in the comfort of your own home, it is important to be aware of potential dangers and take preventative steps to protect yourself.
An FBI survey reveals that over 847,000 burglaries were reported in 2022, and over half happened at the victim’s residence. These statistics aren’t meant to instill fear but to show that it is vital to be aware of potential dangers and protect yourself, particularly when living alone.
By being mindful of these risks and taking steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy all the benefits of living alone without putting yourself in harm’s way. So, whether you are a first-time solo-liver or a seasoned veteran, read on to learn the don’ts of how to keep yourself safe and secure while living alone.
1. Leaving Windows or Doors Unlocked
Intruders only take a few seconds to sneak into your home through an unlocked door or window. Finding your home invaded and violated is a terrifying experience. Unlocked entrances may give people who had no intention of breaking in ideas.
To prevent this from happening, make it a habit to check that all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home or going to bed at night. Don’t let a moment of forgetfulness put you at risk.
2. Posting on Social Media About Being Home Alone
In today’s digital age, social media has become part and parcel of our daily lives, and everything we do is now public. Declaring that you’re away from home and won’t return soon is risky and a cue for buglers to get busy. Worse still, posting publicly about being home alone makes you a target.
By disclosing their whereabouts, people can easily become a potential target for criminals who may use this information to plan a break-in. Avoiding sharing such information on social media is essential, especially when you will be home alone. People can protect themselves from such risks and ensure their safety by being cautious about their online presence.
3. Opening the Door to Strangers
You may have heard the nursery rhyme warning kids not to open the door for the big bad wolf. That advice goes for grown-ups, too—never open the door to strangers, especially when you are alone. Always ask for identification before opening the door; if you are unsure about the person’s identity, do not open the door.
Criminals may pretend to be delivering something to gain access to your home. It is crucial to remember that not all strangers have good intentions. It is better to err on the side of caution and avoid potential danger.
4. Ignoring Suspicious Activity
It is a good thing to “drink water and mind your business”; however, there are situations where ignoring questionable activities could be detrimental to the safety of your community. You can choose not to be involved in things that don’t concern you, but not where your safety is concerned. Being a responsible citizen involves looking out for the well-being of others and yourself.
If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, you must report it to the police immediately. Ignoring such activities could mean allowing criminal activity to go unnoticed. This could put you and your neighbors in danger, and you may be a target if you live alone.
5. Leaving Spare Keys Outside
There was a time when leaving a key under the mat was normal and safe, but we no longer live in the 1960s. If you’re still doing this, you may be courting a home invasion. You may not know who sees you put the keys there; even if they don’t, most criminals looking to gain entry know where to find the key.
If you need to leave a key, don’t put it in the bird feeder under the flower pot. Consider getting a secure smart lock safe. If you can’t get this lock, give the keys to someone you trust, such as a nearby neighbor or friend.
6. Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight
Do you place your expensive laptop on the window and leave the curtains open? Leaving your valuables in plain sight can make your home a target for burglars. Valuable items easily visible from windows or doors can attract unwanted attention and increase the chances of a break-in.
Store your valuables in a safe or a lockbox, which will keep them secure and provide you with peace of mind. Alternatively, keep your valuables in a less obvious location, such as a closet or a drawer that’s not easily accessible. Invest in curtains or blinds to cover your windows if you live near a busy street.
7. Walking Home Alone at Night
If you live alone and make a habit of walking home alone at night, you may become an easy target. Walking in areas that are not well-lit or those you are not familiar with increases the risk of being attacked. Try to be home early or have someone escort you to the door if you’re late.
If company isn’t available, carry a self-defense tool to protect yourself from potential harm. Pepper spray or a personal alarm can be an effective way to defend yourself in case of an attack.
8. Leaving the Lights Off
Intruders love to walk unnoticed, and the absence of light outside your home can create an opportunity for burglars to break in. When living alone, ensure your home remains well-lit, especially when you’re away. Leaving a light on or setting up a timer to automatically turn on lights can help deter potential intruders.
A well-lit home is a good way to discourage burglars from breaking in, as they prefer to remain hidden in the shadows. Keeping a light on creates an impression of someone being at home and watching over the property, making it difficult for burglars to identify the right time to enter.
9. Not Having a Home Security System
You may think you’re going a little over the top with a home security system, but you’re not. Not having a security system can make you and your home an easy target. Burglars may see your home as an easy opportunity if they can easily get in and out without being detected.
Invest in a home security system with cameras and alarms, and make it loud if you want to. Today’s alarm systems are so advanced that you can talk through the alarm even when you’re away. The alarms can alert you and the authorities if an intruder tries to enter your home. Besides, some security systems may lower your home insurance premiums—it’s a win-win.
10. Leaving Packages Outside
Online shopping has become the best; it’s easy, convenient, and a form of therapy. However, requesting your packages to be left outside your home can be risky, as it can attract the attention of thieves. Burglars often look for easy targets, and unattended packages provide just that.
To avoid being a victim of package theft, bring packages inside as soon as possible. This keeps your packages safe and ensures that weather conditions do not damage them. If you cannot be home to receive packages, consider having them delivered to a secure location such as a parcel locker or a trusted neighbor’s house.
11. Sharing Your Address
You will see lots of pinned locations today, with people showing where they are and how their homes look. While showing your “happy place” may get you several likes, revealing your whereabouts could provide criminals with information that they can use to track your movements and target you. This can put you at risk of identity theft, fraud, or even physical harm right in your home.
Limit the information you share online, and be careful about whom you allow access to your social media profiles. Review your privacy settings on social media platforms and ensure your location information is not publicly accessible.
12. Letting Unverified Maintenance Workers In
The man at your front door in overalls said he’s an electricity meter reader, but is he really? Staying safe at home, especially when alone, means you must be careful about maintenance workers who may need to enter your home to conduct repairs or inspections. To protect yourself and your property, always verify the identity of maintenance workers before allowing them into your home.
Do not let them in without proper confirmation, even if they jokingly argue that they left their card in the office. Call the company they claim to be from and ask them to confirm the worker’s identity. You can also make a rule only to hire people you know and trust.
13. Not Having an Emergency Plan
It’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place, especially in the event of a break-in or other emergency. Without a plan, you could be putting yourself and those around you at risk. Take the time to create a plan that includes an escape route and a way to contact emergency services.
Having an escape route allows you to get out of harm’s way quickly and safely. Your escape route should be well thought out and easy to remember so you can act quickly in an emergency. Make sure you have a way to contact emergency services, such as keeping a phone nearby or having a panic button installed in your home.
14. Leaving Garage Doors Open
The garage door is another entrance to your house; you must not forget to keep it locked. An open garage door is an open invitation to intruders looking to access your home. Even if you only leave for a short time, it is essential to ensure your garage door is closed and locked.
Burglars are always looking for easy targets, and an open garage door is an easy entry. If you store your ladders or other tools in the garage, you may have just given an intruder all the ammunition they need to access your home.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
