Safe living alone is taking charge of your environment and lifestyle.
- Millions of people are safe living alone because they plan it that way.
- Safe living alone requires an intentional security vigilance and mindset.
- Most people living alone build a safety network of friends and neighbors.
Safe Living Alone Requires the Same Security Vigilance and Mindset
- Interview by Emily Bell with Zillow magazine.
Podcast Time Stamps:
[00:40] — CrimeSchool.com/38 show introduction and initial thoughts.
[01:58] — Interview about safe living alone with Emily Bell at Zillow.
[02:45] — Location of the residence is a factor that determines crime risk.
[03:20] — Type of housing and density affects crime risk.
[04:00] — On large rental housing properties most people appear as strangers.
[04:45] — Safe living alone involves intentional control over the environment.
[05:20] — Lifestyle choices make a difference in crime risk and safe living alone.
[06:25] — Most crime victims involving strangers were not paying attention
[09:00] — Should people pretend to others that they are not living alone?
[09:35] — Advantage to safe living alone is being in charge of environments.
[10:30] — Level of awareness when out in public makes a difference to safety.
[11:20] — Looking down at smartphones too often compromises awareness.
[14:00] — Smartphone apps will not help during a physical confrontation.
[15:00] — Safe living alone requires a security plan for being able to see at night.
[16:00] — Should women carry pepper-spray for self defense against assailants?
Safe Living Alone Security Plan Tips
- Do crime risk research for a location before selecting a residence.
- Higher floor apartment units limit criminal access from the ground level.
- Develop a network of family, friends, and neighbors to support you.
- Call on this network to stand by while repairmen are in your home.
- A security plan and safe routines will reduce exposure to crime risk.
- Ask for help to test the quality of doors, locks, and window access points.
- Make sure rental housing units replaced or re-keyed all door locks.
- Lock doors, windows, and use an alarm system every time you go out.
- Use light timers to simulate occupancy or if planning to return at night.
- Be on high-alert outside your apartment or vehicle door and scan area.
- Carry a flashlight if often out at night and need to walk in dark areas.
- Don’t use full name on a mailbox if it describes a woman living alone.
- Be sure telephone answering machine doesn’t announce alone status.
- Beware of social media postings that identify location or living alone status.
- Never open your door to strangers without knowing who is on the other side.
- Rely on your fear instinct and investigate or avoid suspicious circumstances.
- Plan your movements day and night and make contingency plans to be safe.
Related Safe Living Alone Podcasts
- Home Security Burglars, Robbers, Safe Rooms
- 10 Reasons Why Burglars Choose Your Home
- Home Invasion Robbery Scotty McCreery American Idol Star
Learn More about Premises Liability Litigation
Download the book written by Crime School host Chris McGoey.
- Security Expert’s Guide to Premises Liability Litigation.
- Evaluating Crime Foreseeability and Inadequate Security Cases.
