Living on your own for the first time can seem a bit scary. You once had your boyfriend or husband around for additional protections, but now you’re all alone. Though the dead weight of a bad relationship is worth getting rid of, being single does have a few downsides. One of those being safety and security. Criminals who wouldn’t attack, rob, or go after a couple will be more inclined to do so now that you’re alone. While this doesn’t mean you should panic, it does mean you should probably take a few extra precautions.
· Get an Alarm
Now that you’re home alone security should be a top priority. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to invest in a home security system. Whether you live in a big house or a small apartment, service providers like ADT security offer several options for securing your home and keeping you safe. Motion sensors, cameras, and lights, for instance, keep the perimeter of the home lit, monitored, and secured so you’re safe going in and out.
· Get to Know Your Neighbors
If you’re new to the neighborhood or never thought to speak to those living around you, you may want to reconsider. Your neighbors are your first source of help in the area. They can often inform you of things they may have seen and even contact authorities if something is going wrong. Try to engage in conversations with your neighbors, attend local events, or even invite them over for functions to get to know them better.
· Get a Dog
Though this may sound cliché dogs are really great for protection and can make better companions than a significant other sometimes. If you’re living on your own, getting a dog could be a way to increase your security. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Bulldogs all make great and intimidating guard dogs. Just the sight of them will make suspicious individuals think twice. Dogs are also great companions and could be a great talking point for meeting new single guys.
· Take Self Defense Classes
Whether you decide to go to karate or simply take a self-defense course or two, knowing how to defend yourself should danger approach is the best way to stay safe. Both classes will teach you constructive ways to take control of the situation and save yourself from harm’s way. Safer than carrying a weapon, self-defense and karate classes can also be beneficial in helping you get in shape and even meet new single women who’d make great friends.
· Have Contact Buddies
While you don’t have to announce to the world that you’re single and going out, you should have one or two people that you always check in with. Having a contact buddy ensures that you’re safe even when you’re out enjoying the single life. Checking in each night let’s those that care about you know you’re okay. This way, if something is wrong, your contact buddies will immediately get help, increasing the chances of you being saved from whatever danger took place.
· Watch Your Décor
Believe it or not how you decorate your home can do more than just make a good impression on your date, but it can also impact whether or not your home is a target for crime. Things like unkept lawns and expensive items displayed in the windows can all be signals to criminals that you’re either not home or have a lot of things worth stealing. You’ll want to make sure that your home is properly maintained from the inside out and that you keep expensive things away from where others can easily see them.
Being a single woman doesn’t mean that you’re helpless and couldn’t take care of yourself, but when you’re living on your own for the first time after years of having your significant other there to protect you, the adjustment is different. In order to make sure that you remain safe along with your home and personal belongings, it is imperative to take a few extra steps. In doing so, you’ll have peace of mind and be able to grab life by the horns and enjoy being single.
