How to Keep Your Home Safe When You Are Single
Living alone can be very liberating — you set your own schedule, you make all the calls, and you get all the peace and quiet. But with that independence, also comes the responsibility of keeping you safe. Apartment or house, prioritizing security is all interrelated. Here’s a how-to on protecting your crib when you’re single.
1. Evaluate Your Current Security Setup
Before implementing any security upgrades, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of your home’s existing security measures. This involves a comprehensive walk-through of both the interior and exterior of your property during both daytime and nighttime hours. Pay close attention to the following potential vulnerabilities:
Broken or Faulty Locks: Check all doors, windows, and entry points for damaged or malfunctioning locks.
Inadequate Lighting: Identify areas around your property that are poorly lit, both inside and outside. Dark areas can provide cover for intruders.
Easily Accessible Windows: Look for windows that are left open or have weak locks, particularly those on the ground floor or easily reachable by ladders or other means.
Doors without Deadbolts: Check if exterior doors have deadbolts installed. Deadbolts provide an additional layer of security against forced entry.
Unsecured Mailboxes and Deliveries: Assess whether your mailbox and delivery areas are secure and protected from theft or vandalism.
Unsecured Perimeter: Check for weak points in your property’s perimeter, such as broken fences, gates that don’t latch properly, or gaps under fences.
Garage and Shed Security: Evaluate the security of your garage and any outbuildings, including the locks on doors and windows, and the overall structural integrity.
2. Install Quality Locks and Reinforcements
Your door is your first line of defense against intruders. Strengthen it with:
Deadbolt locks These locks are much more resistant to being forced open than standard spring locks. Look for deadbolts with a hardened steel bolt that extends at least an inch into the door frame.
Reinforced strike plates and longer screws: The strike plate is the metal plate that the deadbolt latches into. Reinforce it with a heavy-duty strike plate and use longer screws (at least 3 inches) to secure it to the door frame. This will make it much harder for someone to kick in the door.
Door jammers or security bars: These devices provide an extra layer of protection by making it more difficult to force open the door. Door jammers are placed on the floor and wedge against the door, while security bars are installed across the door.
Smart locks: These locks allow you to control access to your home via your smartphone. You can lock and unlock the door remotely, grant temporary access to guests, and receive notifications if someone tries to force open the door. Some smart locks also have built-in cameras that allow you to see who is at your door.
Don’t forget to secure sliding glass doors with a bar or rod in the track.
3. Use Smart Home Technology
Smart home devices offer a wide range of features that enhance security, convenience, and energy efficiency for both property managers and tenants.
Smart Security Cameras: These cameras allow for remote monitoring of the property, providing real-time video feeds and alerts in case of suspicious activity. They can be installed both indoors and outdoors to cover all areas of the property.
Video Doorbells: These devices allow you to see and speak to visitors at your door, even if you’re not home. They often include motion detection and recording features, adding an extra layer of security.
Smart Lights: These lights can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times or based on motion, simulating occupancy and deterring potential intruders. They can also be controlled remotely to adjust brightness and color.
Smart Thermostats: These thermostats learn your temperature preferences and adjust settings automatically to save energy and improve comfort. They can also be controlled remotely to ensure optimal temperatures when you’re away.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These detectors provide early warning of potential fires or gas leaks, and can send alerts to your smartphone even if you’re not home.
Alarm Systems: These systems can detect break-ins or unusual activity and alert both you and emergency services. They often include features like motion sensors, door and window contacts, and glass break detectors.
Overall, smart home technology offers a valuable tool for property managers looking to improve security, convenience, and efficiency, while also providing tenants with a modern and comfortable living experience.
4. Secure Your Windows
Windows is a vulnerable point in any property, offering easy access for intruders if not properly secured. Implementing a multi-layered approach to window security can significantly deter break-ins and protect your tenants and property. Here’s a comprehensive guide to securing your windows:
Essential Security Measures
Window Locks: Install robust window locks on all windows, particularly those at ground level. Consider key-operated locks for added security.
Window Sensors: Integrate window sensors with your alarm system to trigger an immediate alert if a window is opened or tampered with.
Security Film: Apply security film to windows to reinforce the glass, making it more resistant to shattering and significantly delaying forced entry.
Additional Security Enhancements
Window Bars: Install window bars on vulnerable windows, such as basement or ground-floor windows, to create a physical barrier against intruders. Opt for bars that can be easily removed in case of emergencies.
Thorny Bushes: Plant thorny bushes, such as roses or bougainvillea, beneath windows to deter intruders from approaching and attempting to break in.
5. Light Up the Outside
A well-lit property is a less attractive target for burglars, who prefer to work under the cover of darkness. Implementing a few key lighting strategies can significantly enhance your home’s security and deter potential intruders.
Key Areas to Illuminate
Entry Points: Ensure all doors, windows, garages, and gates are well-lit. This includes not only the immediate vicinity of the entry point but also the surrounding area.
Motion-Sensor Lights: Install motion-sensor lights at the front and back of your property. These lights will automatically activate when they detect movement, startling intruders and alerting you to their presence.
Pathways and Dark Corners: Make sure all pathways, walkways, and dark corners around your home are well-lit and visible at night. This will eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders and make it easier for you and your guests to navigate your property safely.
Lighting Options
Solar-Powered Lights: Solar-powered lights are an excellent option for outdoor lighting. They are cost-effective, easy to install, and don’t require any wiring.
LED Lights: LED lights are another energy-efficient option for outdoor lighting. They are long-lasting and provide bright, clear illumination.
Floodlights: Floodlights can be used to illuminate large areas of your property. They are particularly useful for deterring intruders and providing visibility around your home’s perimeter.
6. Get to Know Your Neighbors.
Building relationships with your neighbors can significantly enhance your safety and overall well-being:
Early Warning System: They can act as an early warning system, alerting you to suspicious activity around your home, such as unfamiliar people lurking around or unusual noises. This can help you take preventive measures or contact the authorities promptly.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have someone nearby who you can trust and rely on can provide you with a sense of security and peace of mind, especially when you’re away from home or during emergencies.
Neighborhood Watch: Consider joining a neighborhood watch group or participating in a local community app like Nextdoor. These platforms enable you to connect with your neighbors, share information about safety concerns, and organize collective efforts to enhance security.
Social Support: Friendly neighbors can offer social support, especially for the elderly or those living alone. They can check in on you, offer assistance during emergencies, and provide a sense of community.
Information Sharing: Neighbors can be valuable sources of information about the local area, including safety tips, crime trends, and recommended service providers.
Emergency Assistance: In emergencies, neighbors can be the first responders, providing immediate assistance before professional help arrives. They can offer first aid, help evacuate, or provide shelter.
7. Practice Safe Habits
Even the best technology won’t help if safety habits aren’t in place:
Always lock doors and windows when you leave, even if it’s just for a quick errand. It only takes a few seconds for someone to enter your home through an unlocked door or window.
Don’t open the door for strangers unless you’ve verified their identity. If you don’t know who is at your door, ask for their name and what they want. If you’re still not sure, don’t open the door. You can also install a peephole or video doorbell to see who is at your door before opening it.
Keep emergency numbers saved and easily accessible. This includes the numbers for the police, fire department, and ambulance. You should also save the number for your landlord or property manager.
Let a trusted friend or family member know your general schedule or when you’re going away. This way, someone will know if you’re not where you’re supposed to be.
Be aware of your surroundings. When you’re out and about, pay attention to what’s going on around you. If you see something suspicious, report it to the authorities.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. If you’re going to be away from home, don’t leave valuables like jewelry, electronics, or cash out in the open. Keep them hidden away in a safe place.
Don’t advertise your absence on social media. If you’re going to be away from home, don’t post about it on social media. This lets criminals know that your home is empty and vulnerable.
Be careful about what information you share online. Don’t share your personal information, such as your address or phone number, online. This information could be used by criminals to target you.
Being single doesn’t mean being vulnerable. With the right precautions, you can create a safe, secure living environment that empowers your independence. Think of home security as an investment in your peace of mind — and remember, taking small steps today can prevent bigger problems tomorrow.