Staying Safe When You Live Alone - Barcom Security

Jun 23, 2022

Living alone can give one a real sense of freedom and independence. You choose your décor, what to have for dinner, nobody to share the TV remote with, but you’re also the only person responsible for home security and personal safety.


If you live alone, you’re part of a large and growing segment. More people than ever before are living alone. In 2019, there were an estimated 34.75 million Americans living in single person households. Compare that to 30 million in 2006, and it’s easy to see the growth in this lifestyle. 

When you are the one and only, and there’s no one else to rely on to lock up or call for help in the event of an intruder, you need other types of backup. Make sure you don’t get caught by surprise with these proactive solutions to help make living alone as safe as possible. 


Home Security Cameras

Get a security camera:


There’s really no better way to have another set of eyes looking out for you and your home than a security camera. Security cameras allow you to check on what’s happening when you’re away, and they can force an intruder to have second thoughts about coming onto your property. 

More and more criminals are caught thanks to video surveillance by security cameras. And the best news is that there are security cameras that can be very affordable. If your cameras are part of a monitored security system, it’s like having your own security staff on duty 24/7. 


Install motion sensor lighting:


Another great way to deter bad guys is to light up their world. Motion sensor lights offer an extra layer of safety when you’re walking around your place, and they also light up all of those dark and shadowy hiding places. Most burglars don’t really enjoy being in the spotlight.

Install motion sensor lighting near every point of entry and in any areas outside your home where a burglar could or break in without being spotted by the neighbors. Even dark, hard to see parts of your yard and home are impossible to miss when a floodlight is triggered by a motion sensor. 



Smart Doorbell System

Upgrade to a Smart Doorbell: 


Believe it or not, most burglaries happen in broad daylight, but a smart doorbell can give the impression that you’re home even when you’re not. These gadgets are usually easy to install and highly affordable. 

Smart doorbells come with live video streaming, remote viewing apps, and two-way communication that lets you see and talk to whoever is at your door. Forget having to get up and actually look out a window or peephole to see who’s at the door. You can do it from wherever you feel safest. This provides a break in deterrent, and it also protect against home invasion for other violent encounter when you are home alone. 


Know your neighbors:


This will help to identify people and vehicles that belong there, but they can also be another set of eyes and ears looking out for suspicious activities. So next time you are tempted to pass by a neighbor with your head down in your phone, texting or playing Candy Crush, maybe look up and say hello.


Use Smart Locks:


Hopefully nobody is still hiding house keys under doormats and flower pots. You might as well just let the burglar in and leave milk and cookies for them. With smart locks, you never need to worry about lost or stolen keys ever again. Smart locks can use everything from a number code to your finger print as the key. Some also come with remote features that let you check to see if you remembered to lock the door when you left and, if you forgot, you can lock it instantly with just a swipe of your finger. 


Security Support

Have a support team:


Just because you live solo doesn’t mean you be alone in your personal and home security strategies. Keep close friends or family aware of your regular routine and let them know if something, like a trip, is going to interrupt that normal routine. Check in with your team regularly so someone will notice if you go MIA. If you are inviting contractors or repair professionals onto your property that you are not familiar with, consider inviting a buddy over for a little extra security.



Don’t forget the garage:


The garage is a point of entry that we often forget about when it comes to home security. Bad guys haven’t forgotten about it and they are crafty enough to hack into your garage door opener. 

Make sure not to leave this important area of your house exposed. You can upgrade your garage by adding automation, which lets you control you garage door from anywhere and check to see if you forgot to close it. If you are taking a trip, disable your garage door opener and consider adding a manual lock for extra security.

Thoughtful landscaping:


There’s a lot more to landscaping than winning a prize from the local garden club. It could actually be a deterrent to thieves. Keep trees and bushes neatly trimmed so that they don’t block sight lines and give burglars a place to hide. Add extra security with that a prickly. Think hawthorns or roses by windows and other entry points. If you live in an apartment, use planter boxes to make windows less accessible. 

Personal Safety Alarm

Consider a personal safety alarm:


Not all security solutions are made for homes. Personal safety alarms and apps provide you with extra security whether you’re being a couch potato or out on the town. 


These alarms are very discreet and can give you direct contact with help when you need it most. Like a home security system, personal alarms give off a loud warning when activated, which calls attention to your situation and alerts bystanders. Some can even send an instant distress message to an emergency contact list and first responders. Since you’re not always at home alone, a personal safety alarm helps you feel secure at all times. 


We know you enjoy living alone, and we want to help you feel safe doing so. Don’t leave your well-being up to chance. Please use the suggestions provided in this article to form a perfect personal security plan for your solo living style. Have a secure day!


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