Tips for staying Safe when living alone:
GENERAL ADVICE:
Become familiar with the everyday habits of your neighborhood.
Pay attention to detail. Get a general feel for your neighborhood during the day and at night. Questions to ask yourself:
When are most people out and walking about during the day and at night?
What types of businesses are accessible in your area?
How late are the businesses usually open until?
Does your area attract a lot of outside traffic or mainly residents?
Don't be too shy to consult your local police station to find out more about the level and occurrence of crime in your area.
Meet the Smiths.
You do not have to become best friends with your neighbors, but at least get a general feel for who they are. You never know when you may need their help in case of an emergency. Even nosey neighbors can be helpful in spotting loiterers and other potential threats to your safety. It is also good when living alone to have a friend familiar with your day to day habits.
Key Control
Always change locks when you move into a new apartment or house. And be sure to keep track of how many copies are made and who is in possession of them-Your safety depends on it. Most importantly, NEVER hide your keys outside your apartment or house.
Peepholes only!
Get into a habit of keeping your doors and windows locked when you are not in the process of using
them. Most reported break-ins are actually walk-ins due to the relaxed attitude of the resident. A high percentage of break-ins occur during warmer weather when residents frequently go outside, so if this scenario pertains to you then consider getting a screen door and keeping it locked! This allows you access to fresh air without the risk.
Inspect to protect yourself.
It is a good idea to have your apartment or house inspected by a police officer who can identify the areas in your home vulnerable to criminal activity. Things to keep in mind are entry points into your home as well as lighting and visibility during the day and night.
If approved by your landlord...get a dog (or a cat).
Having a pet around
will naturally ease some of your worries when living alone. Pets can serve as
ideal living companions and are often the best kind of security system to invest
in-- due to their acute senses and natural instincts, your pet's reaction is
sometimes the earliest sign of danger.
Doors - 4 Things to Look For:
Get rid of key hole locks too easy to be forced open
Check and eliminate rotting frames
Metal or Wood Core doors only
Hinges should be located on the inside of the door
Know this:
Dead bolt locks are most secure either a 1 inch throw bolt or a heavy duty drop bolt lock
For heavy duty security choose a pick-resistant cylinder with a protective guard plate
Windows - Methods for securing certain window types
Basement - Grilles or Bars
Sliding /Patio Doors - Self-Tapping Screws or Wooden Plank
Create a safe room.
In case of an emergency it is important to designate ahead of time a place where you can hide
out until help arrives. This room should include a telephone, a flashlight, and means for exiting if necessary. 911 should be programmed into your telephone along with two other numbers of close friends and family who live nearby.
Park your car in at least one if not all of the following 3 places (well-lit area, near an elevator, high traffic area)
Simple Advice:
Remove all signs of wealth and opulence - expensive items should not be left in plain sight on your lawn or in view in windows
DO NOT aid a burglar in breaking into your own home by leaving helpful tools around such as screwdrivers, hammers, and ladders
Be mindful of blind spots and hiding places produced by your landscaping - such as overgrown shrubs and hedges
Your house number should be easily visible from the street (6 inch tall lettering) and illuminated at night so that help can respond quickly to the right location
Light your way: Visibility is important to your safety
Light doorways
Porch lights
Motion detector lights
Your privacy is important; however to some extent you should allow your home to be visible to neighbors and patrol cars, so that people can spot suspicious behavior.
Conclusion:
Remember! The key to preventing a dangerous situation is to be proACTIVE. So be smart about your safety ahead of time, not after you've learned your lesson.
Information from Renters Guide - HotPads.com
Become familiar with the everyday habits of your neighborhood.
Pay attention to detail. Get a general feel for your neighborhood during the day and at night. Questions to ask yourself:
When are most people out and walking about during the day and at night?
What types of businesses are accessible in your area?
How late are the businesses usually open until?
Does your area attract a lot of outside traffic or mainly residents?
Don't be too shy to consult your local police station to find out more about the level and occurrence of crime in your area.
Meet the Smiths.
You do not have to become best friends with your neighbors, but at least get a general feel for who they are. You never know when you may need their help in case of an emergency. Even nosey neighbors can be helpful in spotting loiterers and other potential threats to your safety. It is also good when living alone to have a friend familiar with your day to day habits.
Key Control
Always change locks when you move into a new apartment or house. And be sure to keep track of how many copies are made and who is in possession of them-Your safety depends on it. Most importantly, NEVER hide your keys outside your apartment or house.
Peepholes only!
Get into a habit of keeping your doors and windows locked when you are not in the process of using
them. Most reported break-ins are actually walk-ins due to the relaxed attitude of the resident. A high percentage of break-ins occur during warmer weather when residents frequently go outside, so if this scenario pertains to you then consider getting a screen door and keeping it locked! This allows you access to fresh air without the risk.
Inspect to protect yourself.
It is a good idea to have your apartment or house inspected by a police officer who can identify the areas in your home vulnerable to criminal activity. Things to keep in mind are entry points into your home as well as lighting and visibility during the day and night.
If approved by your landlord...get a dog (or a cat).
Having a pet around
will naturally ease some of your worries when living alone. Pets can serve as
ideal living companions and are often the best kind of security system to invest
in-- due to their acute senses and natural instincts, your pet's reaction is
sometimes the earliest sign of danger.
Doors - 4 Things to Look For:
Get rid of key hole locks too easy to be forced open
Check and eliminate rotting frames
Metal or Wood Core doors only
Hinges should be located on the inside of the door
Know this:
Dead bolt locks are most secure either a 1 inch throw bolt or a heavy duty drop bolt lock
For heavy duty security choose a pick-resistant cylinder with a protective guard plate
Windows - Methods for securing certain window types
Basement - Grilles or Bars
Sliding /Patio Doors - Self-Tapping Screws or Wooden Plank
Create a safe room.
In case of an emergency it is important to designate ahead of time a place where you can hide
out until help arrives. This room should include a telephone, a flashlight, and means for exiting if necessary. 911 should be programmed into your telephone along with two other numbers of close friends and family who live nearby.
Park your car in at least one if not all of the following 3 places (well-lit area, near an elevator, high traffic area)
Simple Advice:
Remove all signs of wealth and opulence - expensive items should not be left in plain sight on your lawn or in view in windows
DO NOT aid a burglar in breaking into your own home by leaving helpful tools around such as screwdrivers, hammers, and ladders
Be mindful of blind spots and hiding places produced by your landscaping - such as overgrown shrubs and hedges
Your house number should be easily visible from the street (6 inch tall lettering) and illuminated at night so that help can respond quickly to the right location
Light your way: Visibility is important to your safety
Light doorways
Porch lights
Motion detector lights
Your privacy is important; however to some extent you should allow your home to be visible to neighbors and patrol cars, so that people can spot suspicious behavior.
Conclusion:
Remember! The key to preventing a dangerous situation is to be proACTIVE. So be smart about your safety ahead of time, not after you've learned your lesson.
Information from Renters Guide - HotPads.com
