Living alone? These 7 Safety Tips Will Give You Peace of Mind

If you live alone or simply spend many evenings alone in your home or apartment, you may have security concerns. These concerns could hit even harder after a recent move or other major change.

Stop the stress with our expert advice on what to do when you’re alone: ​​from cheap safety gadgets to essential tweaks, these recommendations are perfect for solo living.

Read more: Basic Safety Tips for Staying in an Airbnb or Rental Home

1. Install a motion sensor or alarm.

One of the best safety precautions you can take when living alone is to know when there is someone else around. The traditional option is to attach a chain of bells to the doorknob (this will also make it holiday-ready), but these days we have more durable options such as this backlit LED motion sensor for $12.

If you prefer an outdoor alert or a motion sensor that can cover a long hallway or open plan, you can choose this weatherproof sensor and hub for $35 instead with an adjustable bell.

This advice is especially good for those who live alone because old or new detectors can easily be triggered by children or partners, creating more confusion than reassurance. You can also place them in places and at heights that pets cannot reach or activate.

2. Get a portable door lock for the room you are in.

Portable locks can give any traditional deadbolt-less door an extra lock for security. You can easily place them on bedroom doors, rental doors, or any other door where you need extra security, no matter what other security system you have in your home. This is a useful and versatile solution if you’re not sure how long you’ll be living alone and need something extra for a specific room.

Portable locks are also affordable. Here pack of two for only $17. And if you want a more significant upgrade, you can always choose a smart lock with app control.

3. Choose a portable camera that you can take anywhere.

A security camera may be a welcome addition to your home if you live alone, but in this case, our experts recommend a portable wireless indoor model. You can move the handheld camera to monitor any room you need, or any specific hallway, corner or shadow that gives you goosebumps.

Our favorite cameras for these purposes include Google Nest Camera Indoor/Outdoor ($180) And Cam Ring Battery ($100). Both of these cameras can also work outdoors if you’re concerned about a dark yard.

4. Equip your front door with a video intercom.

A video intercom alerts you when someone is approaching, allows you to talk to the visitor remotely, and can even sound sirens or speak through automated messages. This is an all-in-one security device that is especially useful if you are home alone and we have A complete guide to the best models for your door. If you’re watching your wallet, we can also recommend several excellent inexpensive video intercoms.

Keep in mind that most doorbells require a subscription or microSD card to store video footage. Some even allow you to set the doorbell to recognize familiar faces and alert about an unfamiliar face that users may prefer.

5. Set indoor/outdoor lights to turn on at night.

Most casual trespassers or burglars don’t do this. know you’re home alone. You can make the illusion even more convincing with smart lighting that turns on at a scheduled time to create the impression that more people are coming home and being active in multiple rooms.

With options like these, smart light bulbs are more accessible than ever. A 4-pack of Amazon Basics is available for $40.. They are designed to fit into standard household outlets, and many no longer require hubs to operate, so they are very flexible. Set and forget a schedule to keep your home looking occupied no matter what’s going on.

6. Change passwords for your device and block logins.

Lonely people, especially women, are much more likely to be attacked by someone they know when they are at home. So I recommend that when your life situation changes, you should prioritize changing passwords on security apps, Wi-Fi routers, security cameras, and even your phone. Don’t forget to change the codes for your locks and garage doors if necessary. This is a basic safety step that is all too easy to forget when you get used to living alone.

Read more: We asked a criminologist about the most common methods of entry for burglars

7. Choose quality pepper spray for keys.

You never want to be in a situation where you feel physically threatened by someone, but if this happens, it’s great to have a small can of Mace or pepper spray on hand. This Saber spray is available for $12. and attaches to your key chain so you always have it handy. You can even attach it to phone cases, handbags or belts. It features a quick release clasp for easy access and a twist lock for security.

Bonus tip: Invest in a panic button.

If you want to go the extra mile to stay safe on your own, you grab a panic button that you can carry with you or place nearby so you can immediately contact first responders when you need it. These panic buttons are a common part of home security systems. Ring Alarm is offering one for $30Bye SimpliSafe has a wall-mounted model that costs $20.. Systems such as ADT Plus combine panic buttons with access key fobs. you can even find standalone models from brands like Silent Beacon..

These devices require a subscription to function properly and aren’t suitable for every wallet, but they keep your home safe when no one is around (or home safe for a loved one in a similar situation).

For more safety tips, see Is it possible to use a surveillance camera in an apartment building, how to scare burglars away from your home, if the dog is good for home security And worst places to install a security camera.