Living alone can be one of the most fulfilling experiences of a person's life. As a woman, it can be freeing and empowering. Unfortunately, it also comes with security risks, difficulties, and worries. Amidst the gradual improvement in community safety, many women and single mothers who desire to live alone still face a sense of danger.
Thinking about your personal safety is one of the biggest concerns in a single-person household. Nobody should ever have to feel violated by having an uninvited visitor break into their house.
Whether you are a young woman just getting started on your own place or an older woman enjoying your independence, this article will go over some crucial safety precautions. These safety tips for women living alone will always be useful to safeguard yourself and your Vista Residences.
Lock Your Doors, Close Your Blinds
The no-brainer rule for home security is to always lock your doors and windows. This must be done both during the day when you are home and at night when you are sleeping. When entering or leaving your home, make sure to check all the locks on your doors and windows.
If you have a sliding glass door, be sure to put a dowel in the track so that it cannot be opened from the outside. Consider installing bars or grilles if your windows are accessible. Additionally, keep your curtains or blinds closed to preserve the privacy of your home.
If you will be away from home for a long period of time, make sure to notify a reliable neighbor so they can keep a check on your property.
Have Your Keys Ready
Speaking of locking your door, remember to always have your keys ready. When you leave or enter your apartment, do not fumble around in your purse for your keys because that gives someone the chance to ambush you.
Use Spare Keys Sparingly
With the saying, "Keep the spare key under the doormat or in a flower pot," burglars may find an easy way to break in. It is preferable to leave your spare key with a neighbor or a family member if you cannot find a completely secure hiding spot outside your apartment. Think carefully before giving someone a spare key.
Keep Your Home Well-Lit
Regular activity in your home can be seen by lights that turn on and off. A well-illuminated home can readily deter potential break-ins. You can leave the lights on, whether you are gone for a few hours or several days. Set a timer to turn on your lights at particular intervals while you are away from home.
Moreover, one of the best ways to keep oneself secure while living alone is to have smart technology. You can install motion sensor lights to be informed if someone enters your property. Smart lights is another option because they give you remote lighting control.
Invest in a Home Security System
A secure home is the key to feeling safe. If you want to take your apartment's security into your own hands, install a home security system. Nowadays, many can be easily installed on your own. This can range from security cameras, smart doorbells, motion sensors, and smart locks, among others, that can be used as an extra layer of defense. Don't forget to regularly change security codes to feel safer.
Smart Home Devices
By taking advantage of new technology, smart home devices can allow you to place wireless locks on all your doors and windows and access the entire system from your smartphone. You can monitor the exterior of your front door or other exterior parts of your condominium unit. In a complex where other residents, guests, or delivery people come and go, it is an especially good idea.
Motion sensors, on the other hand, alert an intruder and suggest calling the authorities via a notification sent to your smartphone. A crisp image of the break-in can also be captured by the video.
Furthermore, security systems also address other safety concerns like fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide poisoning. This alerts the police and fire departments, where most systems have a dispatcher with two-way communication for faster service.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Before moving in, introduce yourself to your neighbors and be cordial. Even if you do not interact often, it is advisable to let them know who lives there. Aside from having a social life, making friends with your neighbors and being part of a community are important.
Having good relations with your neighbors ensures that your house will be looked after while you are away on vacation. Give them your phone number so they can call you in case of emergency situations or if they notice any suspicious activity going on in the area.
Likewise, you may also do that for them. But remember, unless you get to know your neighbors sufficiently, exercise caution while disclosing personal information.
Check-In with Family and Friends
One of the best pieces of advice for women living alone is to keep family and close friends updated on your whereabouts. Inform your network that you are safe and sound after a night out or trip. You can do this by giving them a text or phone call, or you can even set up an alert to communicate your location when you get home.
If you are going out with your best friend and you think it could be late, let others know. If there was no prior arrangement, you might also think about telling someone if you are going home with someone else. Also, you can instantly tell someone you can trust if you feel unsafe or if someone is following you.
Be Prepared with Emergency Situations
Being safe while living alone includes keeping yourself safe in case of natural disasters or emergencies like fire. Create an emergency exit plan and be informed of the safety protocols of your building on how to leave your apartment in case of dangerous situations. Have an emergency kit prepared with essentials like documents, an extra change of clothes, a spare phone, water, and non-perishable foods.
In addition, your phone could save your life when such instances happen. Be ready by turning on the SOS emergency feature on your phone. When activated, it will contact emergency services and send updates and notifications to the personal emergency contacts you have selected.
Know Basic Self-Defense
In an ideal world, women do not need to carry weapons for protection. Sadly, the world we live in sometimes demands it. Having a weapon, like a baseball bat or pepper spray, on hand is not a bad idea.
If you have free time, you might also think about enrolling in self-defense lessons, such as martial arts. Taking courses will help you become more aware of your surroundings. You do not need to be a black belt to be able to protect yourself.
Being a woman in a single-person household is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and taking care of your own mental health. We sincerely hope that this list has made you feel safer in your Vista Residences condo and residential community.
Enjoy the independence and excitement of living alone if you use these protective measures along with your common sense and good judgment. Stay calm, stay alert, and stay safe!
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
