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7 Worry-Free Safety Tips If You Live Alone
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7 Worry-Free Safety Tips If You Live Alone

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Whether you live in a house or apartment or simply spend a lot of your evenings alone, you may have security concerns. These concerns may be exacerbated after a recent move or other major change.

Put the stress to rest with our expert tips on what to do when you’re on your own: From cheap security devices to essential settings, these best apps are perfect for solo living.

Read more: Essential Safety Tips When Staying in an Airbnb or Rental

1. Install a motion sensor or ringing bell

Driveway motion sensors in owl design against CNET background. Driveway motion sensors in owl design against CNET background.

A basic motion sensor is an inexpensive way to tell if someone is around.

Amazon/HTZSAFE/CNET

From talking refrigerators to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.

One of the best safety precautions when living alone is knowing that someone else is around. A traditional option is to attach a set of chimes to the doorknob (also making it holiday-ready), but these days we have more reliable choices this $12 illuminated LED motion sensor.

If you prefer an outdoor alert or a motion sensor that can cover a long hallway/open floor plan, this $35 weatherproof sensor and hub instead with an adjustable ringtone.

This tip works especially well for those who live alone, as old or new detectors can easily be triggered by children or partners, creating more confusion than confidence. You’ll want to put them in locations and heights where pets can’t reach or activate them, either.

From talking refrigerators to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.

2. Get a portable door lock that fits your room

Two plastic and metal portable door locks against CNET background. Two plastic and metal portable door locks against CNET background.

Portable locks aren’t just for travel: They can make bedrooms, home offices, and other spaces safer.

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Portable locks can add an extra lock for protection to any traditional, non-deadbolt door. No matter what other type of security the home has, you can easily install them on bedroom doors, rental doors, or any door you want more defense on. If you’re not sure how long you’ll be living alone and want something extra for a particular room, this is a handy and versatile solution.

Portable locks are also affordable. At work A two-pack is only $17. If you want a more significant upgrade, you can always choose a smart lock with app controls.

3. Choose a portable camera that you can carry wherever you need it

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on a wooden table with charging table. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on a wooden table with charging table.

Ring’s battery camera is top-notch, but offers a versatile, weatherproof option for monitoring from anywhere.

Tyler Lacoma/CNET

If you live alone, a security camera might be a welcome sight in your home, but our experts recommend a portable, wireless indoor model in this case. You can move a portable camera around to monitor any room you want or any hallway, corner, or shadow that spooks you.

Our favorite cameras for these purposes include: Google Nest indoor/outdoor camera ($180) And Ring Stick Up Camera Battery ($100). Both of these cameras can also work outside if you’re worried about a dark garden.

4. Equip the main door with a video doorbell

A hand places the Blink video doorbell on the white siding. A hand places the Blink video doorbell on the white siding.

Blink’s affordable doorbell is a versatile, inexpensive choice.

Wink/Amazon

A video doorbell alerts you when someone approaches, allows you to talk to a visitor remotely, and can even sound a siren or speak with automated messages. It is an all-in-one security device that is especially useful if you are home alone. The complete guide to the best models for your door. If you are careful about your wallet, we can also recommend the following: several excellent cheap video doorbells.

Note that most doorbells require a subscription or microSD card to store video footage. Some even let you set the doorbell recognizes familiar faces and warn about an unfamiliar face that users may prefer.

5. Set your indoor/outdoor lights to turn on at night

ring-smart-lighting-whole-home-promotion ring-smart-lighting-whole-home-promotion

Ring smart lighting makes the house look active and occupied.

Ring

Most random trespassers or thieves won’t do this To know You are alone at home. You can make the illusion even more believable With smart lighting that turns on at scheduled times to show that more people are coming home and active in more than one room.

With options like these, smart bulbs are more affordable than ever Amazon Basics 4-pack is on sale for $40. They’re made to fit standard household outlets, and most no longer require hubs to work, so they’re very flexible. To keep your home looking busy no matter what, set and forget a “turn on” schedule.

6. Change your device passwords and lock logins

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For extra security, change the password on your wireless network.

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People living alone, especially women, they are much more likely to be attacked by someone they know when they are at home. That’s why I recommend making it a priority to change the passwords for your security apps, Wi-Fi routers, security cameras, and even your phone when your life situation changes. Don’t forget to change the codes on your locks and garage door if necessary. This is a basic safety step that’s easy to forget when you’re used to living alone.

Read more: We Asked a Criminologist About the Most Common Ways of Thieves

7. Choose a high-quality keychain pepper spray

Saber keychain pepper spray collection in different shades, fanned in a circular shape. A collection of Saber keychain pepper spray in different shades, fanned in a circular shape.

Keychain pepper spray isn’t only useful outside if you live alone.

Sword

You never want to be in a situation where you feel physically threatened by someone, but if that happens it’s great to have a small can of Mace or pepper spray nearby. This Saber spray retails for $12 and attaches to your keychain, ensuring you’re always close by. You can even attach it to some phone cases, wallets or belts. It has a quick-release buckle for easy access as well as a twist lock for security.

Bonus tip: Invest in a panic button

Panic button with ring on a wooden table with glasses and books. Panic button with ring on a wooden table with glasses and books.

A panic button is a more expensive option if you’re living alone, but it gives you instant emergency access.

Ring

If you want to go the extra mile for safety on your own, you get a panic button that you can carry with you or place nearby to instantly contact responders when you need it. These panic buttons are a common part of home security systems. Ring Alarm offers one for $30during SimpliSafe has a $20 wall-mounted model. Systems like ADT Plus combine panic buttons with access fobs and You can even find standalone models from brands like Silent Beacon..

These devices require a subscription to work properly and aren’t suitable for every wallet, but they will complement your home security when no one is around (or a loved one’s home security in a similar situation).

For more security tips, check out: If you can use a security camera in an apartment, How to deter burglars from your home, if a dog is good for home security And Worst places to put security cameras.