Safe Living Alone with a Home Security Plan and Intentional Lifestyle

• 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 makes 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 Requires an Intentional Security Vigilance and Mindset

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