How to Maximize Safety Living Alone

When you live alone, one of your greatest concerns is personal safety. You may have an alarm system or a very large dog. Perhaps you keep a baseball bat in your hall closet. Whatever your means of personal security, nothing competes with being alert and ready to take action if something should happen to you. If you don't have a big family and live by yourself in a home or apartment, learn how to maximize your personal safety.

Things You'll Need

• Home or Apartment
• Cell Phone
• Alarm System
• Dog
• Number to Local Police
• Common Sense
• Intuition

Instructions

1. Research an area before you move in. If you're going away to college or moving out on your own, know what kind of a region you're moving into. Find out crime statistics, and research where the closest police station is. Ask your neighbors for the 411 on the town.

2. Always lock your doors and windows before you leave the house. It's also a great idea to keep the latch on your front door at all times. This lowers your risk of having a break and enter situation.

3. Ask your neighbors to keep a look out for you. If you work long hours and leave your home for most of the day, request a retired or stay-at-home neighbor glance at your home every so often. Let them know you encourage them to call the police if they ever see anything suspicious.

4. Buy some pepper spray. If anyone ever comes into your home or invades your personal space, use this great form of defense. Contact the authorities immediately while fleeing.

5. Break your pattern. Many burglars carefully monitor their victim's patterns or routines. They may know you go for a jog each morning before you leave the house for eight hours to go to work. Throw them off, and return home throughout the day. Go for a run every other day.

6. Get a great big dog. But, if you don't have time for one, post a "Beware of Dog" sign on your property. This is a great way to deter burglars from targeting your home.

7. Be aware. Look around, and study your surroundings. Think of possible scenarios where your safety would be compromised, and work on improving your escape routes.

Tips & Warnings

• Have friends or family members check in with you once in awhile. If you walk home from work every night, have your sister or best friend give you a ring when you walk in the door.

• Never hesitate to call the police if you feel you're being threatened. Chances are, it's not a false alarm.