Safety Tips for Living Alone
No matter what the parents say, living alone is possible and it even has some real perks. It offers the space and freedom to live life on your own terms, whether you want to work crazy hours or just want the television remote all to yourself. But living alone has some safety risks and considering them will help you make some lifestyle changes that can keep you safe. Plus, implementing safety always keep the family happy, so it’s a win-win proposition.
Check out these safety tips for living alone and find out if any of them can work for you.
Don’t Advertise You Live Alone
You might think you are pretty careful about this already, but chances are that a few things have slipped through the cracks. For example, be sure that your mail box has two names on it, even if the second is just made up. Also, make sure your home phone answering message does not use “I” in it. Instead say something like, “Leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as possible.” If you receive magazines or other regular mail, sign up with two names so anyone looking at the mail will assume there are two residents.
Be Careful About Social Media
Although it sounds obvious, it is easy to forget safety basics when it feels as if we are just talking to friends. Before you post anything, ask yourself what it reveals. Does the picture in your home show that you live alone? Will the post tell people what time you will be there and away? Comments like “8-10… extra-long work day today! Tomorrow I am sleeping in!” tell people far too much information that can jeopardize your safety.
Take Initiative
Know your exits and develop a plan of escape through each one. This can keep you safe whether there is an intruder, or another emergency such as fire.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Get to know your neighbors well and, with caution, share enough information that enables them to recognize trouble.
Fake It
Nobody needs to know you live alone if you stage the home. Do things that indicate multiple occupants, like leaving muddy work boots by the front door. Keep the home looking occupied around the clock by using home automation technologies to turn on and off lights and entertainment.
Invest in Home Security
Invest in a monitored home security system. Often times, trouble is brewing long before we know it and have a chance to act. A monitored home security system serves as your early alert and puts help in motion far sooner than it would happen otherwise.
On average, 28% of households include just one individual. Living alone is an exciting adventure, but it helps to exercise caution in any adventure, including living alone. Home security and automation systems can be a helpful tool in keeping yourself safe. If you have any questions about home security, call GuardMe today.
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