There are women who do not hesitate to live alone and others who prefer not to, fear of danger being one of the main reasons. Unfortunately, the safety of women living alone is a serious problem that we cannot ignore, but neither should we live in a constant psychosis that prevents us from having a good quality of life.
That’s why the BuzzFeed website took on the task of asking its community to share some safety tips that every woman who lives alone should know. Below we share those that we consider essential, as well as others that we find on the net.
1. Caring about the safety of others is a great gift.
On the advice of my mom, a retired police officer, I put rattles around the inside handle of the front door, something I’d hear right away. This has become my housewarming gift to my other single female friends who live alone.
– pemberley939
2. Trust is earned little by little
NEVER let a first date or new friend pick you up. ALWAYS meet them somewhere somewhat central, but still further away for you. After the date/meeting, don’t take them home until you’ve gotten to know them a bit more.
– barbie-girl
3. Have emergency plans
Have a plan and a place you can escape or hide to. Even if it’s just locking the bedroom door or crawling under the bed and calling for help. This can buy you a little time.
– triffid77
4. Our safety is a priority
The moment I get in my car, I close the door before doing anything else.
– Anonymous
5. Give a neighbor’s address when using transportation apps
I always put in a neighbor’s address when using rideshare apps. When I lived in an apartment building, I would wait until they left to turn on the lights.
– Anonymous
6. Technology is a great ally
Solar powered motion sensor lights around your home are inexpensive, easy to use, and useful in so many ways.
– Anonymous
7. Simple but effective
Simple enough, but always have your phone by your bed, pepper spray, a key fob, or whatever you have that makes you feel safer. If someone is in your house or apartment, you can immediately call for help or spray pepper spray in their face.
– elizaschuylerhamilton5
8. Take a self defense class.
I highly recommend the Brazilian jiu jitsu. The first thing a proper instructor will teach you is how to escape from someone who is on top of you. Your confidence and physical stamina will improve, giving you confidence.
– thesetledpirate
9. “A close neighbor is better than a distant relative”
Try to make friends with a neighbor, preferably another woman who lives alone. She may need your help one day and you may need hers. It’s nice to have a friend who lives in the same apartment building.
– silencesilence
10. A virtual assistant is essential
Have an Alexa or other hands-free device that can call 911. If I fall from a ladder, moving to grab my phone may be difficult or unsafe depending on the injuries. I can yell at Alexa from anywhere in my apartment.
– dina22wolf
11. Fool intruders
Leave a light on when you leave so it’s already on when you get home. Also, you can leave the TV on so people think someone is home.
– pookanator
12. Invite your friends when you have repair people at home
In case someone needs to come into your house to repair or install something, ask a few friends or neighbors to be with you. That way, you’ll have someone you trust nearby and the person doing the repairs won’t know you’re living alone.
– Anonymous
13. Keep your loved ones informed when you are home and safe
One of the best tips for living alone as a woman is to keep your friends and family informed of your whereabouts. If no one is home waiting for you, let them know you’re home safe from a night out or a trip. That way, if someone followed you or you feel unsafe, you can quickly let someone you trust know.
– Anonymous
14. Have your keys ready when entering or leaving
An easy tip to stay safe is to always have your keys ready. Searching your bag for your keys when leaving or before entering the house will give someone the opportunity to ambush you while you are unawares.
– Anonymous