Home Alone Safety Tips: how to stay safe when alone at home
Being home alone can be a liberating experience, offering a sense of independence and freedom. You can play PS5, watch Netflix, or simply enjoy a peaceful sleep without interruptions. It's a chance to unwind and relish your personal space, engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. However, it's crucial to prioritize safety to ensure peace of mind for both yourself and your loved ones. Whether you're an adult living alone, a teenager staying solo for a few hours, or a parent ensuring your child's safety. It is always important to have proactive security measures in place.
The break-in and enter cases are increasing day by day. It becomes crucial at this point to safeguard yourself and your family members all the time whether you live alone or any of your family members stay at home alone at any time. These home-alone safety tips are designed to help you stay secure and confident. By taking proactive measures, you can fully embrace the freedom of being alone while minimizing potential risks.
1. Secure All Entry Points
Before settling in, make sure all doors and windows are securely locked. This is the first and most crucial step in preventing unauthorized entry. Normal locks on windows and doors could provide some level of security, but there is a high chance that these could be easily broken. To increase your security, you can consider installing keyless or biometric deadbolt locks and security bars on doors and windows.
Keyless or biometric deadbolt locks may cost between $100 to $200, but this will be an investment for your security, and these are way better than using key locks as it is really easy to duplicate a key using the key-duplicating machine at your nearest Walmart.
Why It's Important:
Securing all entry points is fundamental in creating a barrier against potential intruders. Unlocked and loosely locked doors and windows are the easiest access points for burglars. It will be like inviting them for a grand theft. Ensuring these are secure significantly decreases the likelihood of a break-in.
Extra Tips
Invest in high-quality locks and regularly check them for wear and tear.
Reinforce sliding doors with a metal or wooden rod placed in the track to prevent them from being forced open.
Use window security film to make glass harder to break.
2. Install a Security System
A comprehensive security system can be a game-changer in your home security. Modern systems offer features like motion detectors, door and window sensors, and security cameras, ensuring that every corner of your home is monitored. Some of the latest systems even come with smart home integration, allowing you to monitor and control your security setup right from your smartphone.
This means you can check in on your home anytime, anywhere, providing peace of mind whether you're at work or on vacation. Additionally, these systems can alert you to any unusual activity, allowing for a quick response. To maximize your safety, make sure the system is always activated, especially when you're home alone.
Alternatively, you can also hire a professional security guard to look after your home and make sure you stay secure whenever you are alone at night or away from your home for a vacation. Security guards provide a physical presence at your property, which is enough to deter potential intruders.
Why It's Important:
A security system acts as both a deterrent and a defense mechanism. Visible guards, cameras and alarms can discourage potential intruders, while the system's features provide immediate alerts in case of unauthorized entry.
Extra Tips
Opt for a system with 24/7 monitoring services for added peace of mind.
Display security system signage prominently around your home.
Regularly test your system to ensure all components are functioning correctly.
3. Be Cautious with Strangers
Never open the door to strangers. Use a peephole or a smart doorbell camera to verify the identity of visitors. If someone claims to be from a service company, ask for identification and call the company to confirm their visit.
There is a very popular scam going on where someone will pretend to be from a parcel delivery company and wait for you to open the door; thereafter, 3-4 people will come from behind to storm into your house. On the other hand, if you do not open the door, ask them to leave the package at it. They will leave the package and pretend that they left the place, but NO, they stay there and hide somewhere for you to open the door and forcefully enter your home.
It is crucial to always check with your family members if they are expecting any delivery. If no delivery is expected, then do not open the door in any case and dial 911 immediately; it could be a scam. However, if you are not able to confirm with your family members about the delivery, you can still call the police and explain the situation to them. They will help you out, and someone will come to your home to inspect the delivery guy. Remember one thing always: never hesitate to call 911 if you feel even a little bit unsafe. They are here to help and keep our society safe.
Why It's Important:
Intruders often pose as service workers or salespeople to gain entry into homes. Verifying the identity of visitors helps prevent unauthorized access. It is always best to avoid interaction if you do not feel safe and dial 911.
Extra Tips
Install a chain lock on your door for added security while speaking to someone outside.
Educate family members, especially children, about the importance of not opening the door to strangers.
Use intercom systems, if available, to communicate without opening the door.
4. Avoid Posting on Social Media
While it's tempting to share your solo adventures or plans on social media, this information can be exploited by those with malicious intent. Save your posts for after the event, or use privacy settings to restrict who can see your updates.
Some people like to share their life stories on social media, and they are prone to being stalked by someone who can use this as an opportunity to harm you (For example - if you are away on a vacation or wedding and sharing it on social media then someone can use this information to break into your home).
If you still want to share your life’s best moments live with someone, then you can send photos or videos to them personally.
Why It's Important:
Publicly sharing your whereabouts or plans can inadvertently inform potential intruders that your home is vacant or that you're home alone, making you an easier target.
Extra Tips
Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts.
Avoid sharing details about your daily routine or travel plans.
Remind family members, especially teenagers, about the risks of oversharing on social media.
Staying home alone doesn't have to be daunting. By implementing these safety tips, you can create a secure environment that allows you to enjoy your time alone with confidence. Remember, preparation and vigilance are key to ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
Here is a few bonus information for you
Bonus Information
If someone breaks into your home, turn off the lights, as no one knows your home better than you.
Always learn basic self-defense to protect yourself, but always aim to escape to the safe zone and call the police.
Always communicate your emergency plans to your family members. So they know what you and they are expected to do in such incidents.
Always plan more than one escape route.
ZenGuard provides Security Guard and Mobile Patrol services for residential and office spaces, too. Whether you want to keep your workplace secure or want peace of mind for your home’s security while you are on vacation, ZenGuard is your best and most reliable partner in all situations. Hiring a security guard is not as expensive as you think because “ZenGuard has Made Quality More Affordable.”
At ZenGuard, we are dedicated to helping you protect what matters most. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive security solutions tailored to your needs. Stay safe, stay secure!
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