Independence can be a beautiful thing! Unfortunately, living alone can leave you more vulnerable to dangerous situations such as robbery or burglary. Even if you don’t live alone, situations such as working home alone every day or being home alone for periods of time (such as during summer for teachers or while roommates/family are out of town) can induce a similar scenario.
It may seem counterintuitive, but most burglaries are done mid-day in broad daylight. One 2016 burglary victimization survey discovered that the most common time for burglaries was between noon and 4 P.M. In addition, burglaries rise about 10% between June and August, making these summer days the most crucial time to protect yourself and your home.
Security Equipment Inc. has always put the safety and security of our customers at the forefront of our business. For those who live alone or spend any sufficient time home alone, we have compiled a list of 10 crucial tips to stay safe and protect yourself.
1. Get to know your neighbors.
Some people are more inclined to introduce themselves to their neighbors than others, but we generally recommend making the extra effort to be friendly. Your neighbors could end up being your best asset in times of trouble and will be more likely to help a friend than a stranger. Additionally, if they know a bit more about you, they may also be able to spot something out of the ordinary.
2. Get in the habit of locking your doors.
Seems like a no-brainer, but here at SEi, we’ve heard just about every story in the book. Plus, we Midwesterners are typically a bit more trusting of our community than maybe we should be. You may think if you are home during the day your doors don’t need to be locked, but as we mentioned before, that is prime time for break-ins! Whether you’re working at home or go for a walk, lock your doors behind you.
3. Smart keys and deadbolts do make a difference.
Speaking of locking your doors, the easiest way to guarantee your doors are locked is with smart keys and deadbolts. Smart keys are proprietary keys that use a smart cylinder, making them difficult to pick and even harder for just anyone to make copies. Smart deadbolts have a digital, numerical code that you can punch in or unlock remotely from your phone, removing the time spent finding your keys and unlocking your door.
When these smart locks are connected to our Z-wave technology, unlocking your door can also disarm your security system at the same time. You can also program up to 25 unique codes for friends, family, or other guests that can be disabled at any time, increasing both security and convenience.
4. Make smart decisions when you go out of town.
Leaving for vacation? Be sure to not post about it online, put your mail on hold, and try to make it look like you’re still at home, whether that be with light automations or help from the neighbors. (We told you they could be helpful!) Check out these and more helpful tips for protecting your home while on vacation on our blog.
5. Use light automations to your advantage.
Many people may view light automations as a fancy way to turn on the lights, but the primary goal still comes down to your security. More than just having your porch light on at night, light automations can have lights in different rooms come on a set schedule, giving you the appearance of movement throughout your house, whether you are home or not. You can even set very particular scenes, such as a light turning on as a delayed response to your doorbell being rung. With all our home automation features, you can get creative and scenes that make the most sense for your living situation!
6. Consider a medical alert.
Living alone is one thing, but those living with certain medical conditions or mobility issues may find living alone more troubling or difficult. Medical alert pendants can put your mind at ease. Whether your worried about falling, seizures, allergic reactions, or other potentially life-threatening instances, a medical alert is always by your side to send help your way in an instant.
7. Have an emergency exit plan.
Whether a fire or a break-in, create an exit strategy for worst-case scenarios. You should know where you can escape and what safe space you can head to in a time of need. Monitored fire and CO alarms can also alert you at the first sign of danger, helping you quickly escape when time is crucial. Having a plan for these types of situations will give you peace of mind and make handling scary situations alone that much easier.
8. Protect yourself with a video doorbell.
Video doorbells are a convenient way to check for visitors or packages. But they are also a safe way to communicate with strangers at your door without physically walking up, unlocking, and opening your door. Communicate to anyone through your video doorbell via your phone while also viewing live video. You can also adjust your settings to detect motion for additional protection while home alone.
9. Don’t publicize large purchases.
Be sure to avoid, as much as possible, making any public display of items someone may want to steal. Some of the most commonly stolen items include electronics, guns, and jewelry. We recommend breaking down large boxes (such as ones for TVs) and keeping your curtains or blinds closed when you can. You don’t want anyone peeking in and seeing what’s worth stealing, noticing no one’s home, or even that you’re home alone.
10. Invest in a Home Security System.
We saved the best for last because the best way to protect yourself when your home alone is a security system from SEi. With us on your side, you can stay protected and feel secure. From alarms, motion sensors, glass break detection, security cameras, and home automation, you can customize your home security system to be exactly what you need. All our systems are monitored locally in Omaha, 24/7, 365 days a year, allowing us to notify you and first responders immediately of an alert.
