10 Ways to Feel Safe When You’re Home Alone

10 Ways to Feel Safe When You’re Home Alone


Do you feel safe when you are home alone? While there are certain advantages to living alone, safety and security is often a key concern for those who do. Fortunately, there are a number of ways for you to protect yourself the best you can, and put your mind at ease. Read on for the 10 things you can do to help make you feel safe when you are home alone.

1. Install motion activated lights
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways of deterring unwanted intruders. A simple security detection system such as the motion activated light not only puts any and all visitors under the spotlight, it helps you to easily see who is at the door, and acts as a safety feature when you are walking around your property. Ideally, you should have motion activated lights near every entry point of your home, as well as for the dark, hard-to-see sections of your garden or backyard if you have one.

2. Get an alarm system
It goes without saying that a home alarm system is one of the best ways to protect your belongings – and yourself. With so many different types of alarm systems on the market, including DIY models that you can purchase off the Internet and install yourself, you can be spoilt for choice. Do your research to find one that best suits your requirements.

3. Invest in a security camera
Take your safety measures one step further with a CCTV security system or home security camera system. These will not only allow you to see what’s happening in and around your property when you are home alone, but it will also function as an extra pair of eyes when you are not at home. Security cameras are an excellent deterrent to would-be burglars, and many CCTV models also come with Wi-Fi capabilities that allow you to monitor your property through your smartphone.

4. Check your garage
Did you know that the garage is often overlooked when it comes to home security? Experienced burglars know this, which is why they often access homes through the garage. Make sure your garage is secure by checking that it is working properly. If you are going to be away, consider disabling the garage door opened and adding a manual lock for extra security instead.

5. Use a Smart Lock
Instead of the usual lock and key system, more and more homeowners are choosing Smart Locks for the property – both for the added security as well as the convenience it affords. Smart Locks can be set up to unlock using either a number code of even your fingerprint. Some also come with remote control features that will let you double check that you have locked the door before leaving the house.

6. Consider a Smart Doorbell
Have you heard of Smart Doorbells? Taking the Smart Lock to the next level are doorbells that come with live video streaming, remote viewing capabilities, and two-way communication functions that allow you to speak to whoever is at your door – even if you are not actually standing there. No more getting up and looking through the peephole of your front door, especially at night when it is dark outside and you get an unexpected visitor!

7. Burglar proof your landscaping
The state of your garden is more than just about making your property look good. By keeping your trees and bushes neatly trimmed and not letting them grow too big, you are also minimising the chances of would-be burglars hiding among them. Make sure your shrubs, plants and trees aren’t blocking sight lines and providing intruders with convenient hiding places, and protect your windows and other potential entry points with planter boxes or thorny plants like roses.

8. Look out for each other
When it comes to home security, technology can do a pretty good job, but do not underestimate the benefits of looking out for one another. Befriend your neighbours and look out for each other. Let them know if you are going to be away so they can keep an eye on your house and collect your mail, and do the same for them when they go on holiday. Not only is this an excellent security measure, but it will also help you to identify the people and vehicles that belong in your neighbourhood versus strangers.

9. Tap into your network
Just because you live alone does not mean you cannot let your close friends and family know about your comings and goings. Keep in regular contact with your inner circle so they know your regular routines and will check up on you if they do not hear from you. If you are having repair or maintenance work done at the house and would prefer not to be home alone, have a neighbour, friend or family member over to hang out with you while they are there.

10. Use that smartphone
Last but not least, embrace the digital age in which we live by using your smartphone as an added security tool. Not only can your smartphone allow you to access security cameras and Smart Doorbells, but it can also provide you with apps that will help to keep you accountable to your inner circle so they know that you are safe. Check out personal safety alarms and apps that will let you emit a loud warning when you feel threatened, send an instant distress message to a nominated contact and/or emergency services, or give you direct contact with help if you need it.

By having simple and proper home safety systems in place, you can have the peace of mind of feeling safe when you are home alone.