Last year, CBS News reported that over 32 million Americans live alone, a significant increase from the 4 million who lived alone in 1950. Interestingly, more than 17 million of these solo dwellers are women. If you or someone you know is among them, here are a few tips to ensure safety while enjoying the independence of living alone.
Avoid Giving the Wrong Impression
Intruders often look for signs that someone lives alone. To avoid this, don’t put your full name on your mailbox—just use your initial and last name. If you still use a landline with voicemail, avoid using your name or speaking in the first person. Instead, say, “We can’t come to the phone right now,” and restate the caller’s number. These small adjustments can help deter those with bad intentions.
Stay Alert and On Guard
When living alone, it’s easy to become too comfortable and less vigilant over time. Even if you’ve never had issues before, it’s important to stay aware. If you live in an apartment, you probably have an intercom system and a peephole on your door. Consider adding an alert system, such as a driveway alarm, if you live in a more isolated area. This can notify you of someone’s presence before they even reach your door and can activate exterior lights or alarms to scare off intruders.
When you have service appointments, schedule them for times you’ll be home and try to have a friend with you. Most service providers are genuine, but it’s better to be safe, especially since a few have taken advantage of individuals home alone.
Mix Up Your Routine
Adhering to a strict routine can make it easier for someone to track your movements. If you always go to work, shop for groceries, or dine out at the same times, it gives a potential intruder a predictable window. Try to mix up your routine when possible. Although work schedules can be tough to change, you can vary your activities on weekends or other flexible days to avoid setting a predictable pattern.
Living alone has many perks, and you can enjoy them while staying safe by being mindful of these tips and not making yourself an easy target.