Living alone comes with its perks and downsides. For example, it can feel lonely from time to time, and you have to take care of the finances, be responsible for all potential leaks, and worry about your safety. There are common mistakes people who live alone that can potentially put them in grave danger, so it’s better to fix them than learn the hard way.
Sharing your living Arrangements online
To avoid intruders, it is best to avoid discussing your living situation online, especially on social media. Additionally, do not share vacation photos in real-time to prevent burglars. It should be a rule not to post images that can reveal your address, so avoid taking pictures right in front of your house or building.
Not knowing your neighbors
You don’t have to become best friends, but getting to know members of your community and getting on friendly terms with them can benefit all sides. You can keep an eye on your neighbors’ homes while they are away, and they can return the favor. Plus, it is refreshing to have a coffee with someone out of your typical social circle from time to time.
Lack of home security
Security systems keep you safe by monitoring your property for intruders and alerting you when a door or window is tampered with. You can add motion-detection lighting to your yard as an extra barrier. Security cameras also provide footage of intruders, which law enforcement can use to catch them in your area.
Think about smart home devices
Smart doorbells, locks, and similar devices add an additional layer of protection to your home. They can also help while you’re away by automatically activating lights or keeping your doors from staying unlocked for hours.
Not checking doors and windows
Regardless of smart devices and top-notch security, it would help if you had a habit of checking the doors and windows before going to bed or leaving for a trip. It should be a part of your routine, similar to showering after getting up or taking off your shoes once you get to your place.
Forgetting detectors for smoke or carbon monoxide
Dangers do not have to come from strangers, and these little devices sit mostly ignored until they’re set off. It’s easy to forget the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them monthly and replace them after several years. For example, for carbon monoxide detectors, that’s after seven years, while for smoke detectors, it is about eight.
Forgetting blinds
The upside of having a room with a view is that you get to soak up the sun or enjoy the snowflakes touching your skin. The downside is that anyone can see into your apartment, so the blinds are not a decorative item but a necessity. You don’t have to live on the ground floor to become a victim of stalking or for someone to start collecting data about your home.
Not securing WiFi
Encrypt your network because all your security and communication devices go through your home WiFi. Change your username and password often, and add protection with a VPN. You don’t want someone to hack into your personal cyberspace, so take this as seriously as securing your home from robberies.
Keeping the spare key near the front door
It might work in the movies, but potential burglars know many people leave their spare keys under the mat or a plant pot. Someone could also see you putting the key in what you believe is the safe spot, so instead of risking everything, give it to someone you trust, like a best friend or a caring neighbor.
Not having an emergency exit plan
There may come a time when you have to vacate your home quickly. To prepare for emergencies like fires or break-ins, select the best exit paths in your home and neighborhood. Once you identify all your options, draw a map that will guide you instead of relying on your memory.
Not trusting your gut
Intuition can be fallible, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If something feels off, or you are unsure about something, it could be that you’re overworked or tired, but it could also signal danger. Become aware of your surroundings and, if possible, try to get out of your place and call someone you trust to enter the home with you. If you have a sense of genuine panic, alert the neighborhood.
Sticking to the same daily routine
If someone plans to target your home, they will follow your daily routines. Instead of doing the same thing over and over every day, change the time you leave for the gym or to get groceries and do not go for your mail at night. Get your keys ready before approaching your door, and always check the peephole before opening the door.
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Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.