Living Alone Guide Part 10: Safety Tips

Safety is the top priority when living alone

Have you ever felt scared while living alone? Strange sounds at night, someone knocking on your door unexpectedly... When you live alone, you need to pay extra attention to safety.

Today, I've compiled essential safety tips for solo dwellers.

1. Door Security

Basic Rules

• Double locks: Use both deadbolt and chain
• Check locks: Always verify before bed and when leaving
• Door stopper: Cheap way to add extra security
• Cover gaps: Make sure inside isn't visible from outside

Smart Locks

• Change passcode regularly
• Avoid easy codes like birthdays or phone numbers
• Cover keypad when entering code

Intercom/Doorbell

• Never open door immediately for strangers
• Always verify through intercom first
• Be wary of fake delivery/maintenance claims - call company to verify

Always ask "Who is it?" before opening! And never say you live alone.

2. Don't Reveal You Live Alone

Daily Life

• Shoes: Keep men's shoes by the door (psychological deterrent)
• Laundry: Hang men's clothes on balcony
• Packages: Use initials or generic names
• Mailbox: Empty regularly (piled mail = away from home)

Social Media Caution

• Don't share real-time location
• Be careful about posting interior photos (address exposure)
• Don't post "I'm on vacation!" in real-time

3. Nighttime Safety

Coming Home

• Take well-lit streets
• Don't wear earphones in both ears (need to hear surroundings)
• If someone's following, go into a store
• Check behind you before entering building

At Home

• Check all doors/windows before sleep
• Keep phone charged (for emergencies)
• Keep flashlight by bed

4. Fire Safety

Prevention

• Turn off appliances when leaving (heater, iron)
• Close gas valve after cooking
• Don't overload power strips
• Know where fire extinguisher is

In Case of Fire

• Call emergency services
• Stay low to avoid smoke
• Cover nose/mouth with wet towel
• Use stairs - NEVER elevator
• Know your escape route in advance

On move-in day, check the fire escape route and extinguisher location!

5. Emergency Contacts

Prepare in Advance

• Family contacts on speed dial
• Close friend's number
• Building manager/landlord contact
• Nearest hospital and pharmacy locations

Location Sharing

• Share your address with trusted family/friends
• Set up location sharing app (trusted people only)

6. Useful Safety Apps

• Safe walk apps: Share your route when walking home
• Emergency SOS: Auto-sends location to emergency services
• Disaster alert apps: Get notifications for local emergencies

7. Safety Equipment

Recommended Items

• Door stopper: Prevents forced entry
• Window locks: Extra security
• Fire extinguisher: Small home-use type
• Flashlight: For power outages
• First aid kit: Basic emergency supplies

8. Safety Checklist

Daily

• ☐ Check door lock before leaving
• ☐ Check doors/windows before bed
• ☐ Keep phone charged

Regularly

• ☐ Change door lock code
• ☐ Update emergency contacts
• ☐ Review escape route

Wrap-up

When you live alone, you're your own first line of defense. Don't be paranoid, but do follow basic safety rules. Prevention is the best protection!

Next up, we'll cover money management basics. How to handle finances while living alone!