Ensuring Personal Security in Your Apartment

When you live alone, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure your personal safety and security. Because there is nobody around to help you in emergency situations, it’s a good idea to spend some time and effort setting up your home and lifestyle to provide you with the support and security we all need.

When in Doubt, Fake It

If you hear a strange noise outside your home, security experts recommend calling out loudly as if addressing a person in another room. This will make it sound like there is more than one person in the house and can help to dissuade potential burglars from attempting to break in.

Make your home an unattractive target

Most thieves are opportunistic and will only attempt to steal from houses that look easy. Make yours less tempting by installing heavy locks on basement windows, putting motion sensor lights by all entrances and gates, and keeping ground floor windows closed at all times. These little things will make your home much harder to break into, greatly reducing the likelihood of an attempt.

Additionally, ask your home security provider for additional stickers stating your home is armed with a system to place on floor-level windows and doors. This will act as a big red flag for any thieves in the area, as most burglars are unlikely to attempt a break-in of a monitored home.

Utilize Neighborhood Watch

Getting to know your neighbors is always a great idea. Neighbors who know you are more likely to notice if someone suspicious is lurking around your home and will notify you or the police if they see something suspicious.

They will also have a better idea of your usual schedule and will notice if you do not clean up your yard or bring your newspaper inside, providing you with some security in case an accident occurs inside the home. Let them know if you are going away for a few days and they will likely keep a closer eye on your place, watching for burglars who may attempt to rob you while you are out of town.

Personal security is no small matter, but there are many little things you can do around the home to help improve your feelings of safety and security. Remember to always guard your keys carefully and don’t hide spares in obvious places. Never put your full name, address, or other personal information on your keys as, if lost, they may lead someone right to your door.