Living Alone? Get serious about home security!

Living alone has its challenges, but one of the advantages is you learn to depend on yourself for your security – and that can build confidence. Use our checklist below to start security-proofing your home now!

Security

Doors and windows

We usually think of doors and windows in terms of keeping intruders out, but when not functioning correctly, they can also keep us in. In an emergency, such as a fire, it can be fatal. Now is the time to check windows aren’t sticking, and window catches haven’t rusted closed. Get your sticky door key re-cut so it turns easily in the lock, and have a locksmith repair any locks showing signs of jamming. Consider a security chain on your door. That way, you can ask for a caller to identify themselves with a calling card or papers, before fully opening the door.

Key-careful

There is no smart place to hide a key. Instead of telling yourself there is, invest in a professionally wall-mounted combination key lock-box, and keep a spare inside it. If you lose a key, you can access it to find another. You can also share your combination with those you trust so they can let themselves into your home should they not be able to rouse you. If you can’t get to the door for any reason, and need to call emergency services, you can give them the combination so they can reach you.

Night light

Outdoor sensor lighting is a deterrent to burglars. Consider having it installed. Check it daily to make sure it hasn’t been tampered with (a common trick with would-be thieves is to disable security lighting in preparation for a later break-in). If you know you’ll be returning home after dark, leave a light on in the house to give the impression there is someone at home.

Daytime deterrents

You may feel less secure in your home after dark, but you’re just as vulnerable during daylight. If you live alone, keep your doors locked during the day, and place windows in safety latch mode. Leave valuables out of sight of windows. If popping out briefly (to the clothes line or mail box) keep valuables away from doorways.

Line of sight

Trim vegetation away from doorways so you can easily see from a window who is approaching your house or standing at your door. Maintain a view from the street to your home so anyone on your property can be clearly seen by others. Close your curtains after dark, and consider net curtains or one-way glass so anyone looking in doesn’t know you’re ‘home alone.’

Cover your tracks

When purchasing a costly new appliance (such as a television or laptop), don’t leave identifiable packaging outside where it can be seen. It’s an invitation to burglars.

Watch your words

Don’t share your living arrangements or routines with those you don’t know. In casual conversation with strangers (such as in a cafe or shop), use ‘we’ instead of ‘I.’ Learn how to use the privacy settings on your social media so you don’t alert the world to the fact you live alone.

Report suspicious behaviour

Don’t delay reporting suspicious behaviour in your community. It may not feel especially concerning, but when reported to police, it can help paint a picture and help stop crime before it happens.

While there’s no need to live in fear, it pays to take a few extra precautions when you’re the sole occupant of a home. When you do, you’ll feel that much more confident.