In the modern world, it’s becoming more and more common for women to live independently from men, whether that’s due to choice, circumstances or some other factor. As much as you may enjoy your independence and solo lifestyle, however, there are dangers involved in living alone as well. Here are ten tips for the single lady to stay safe while on her own so that she can continue living happily without worrying about the dangers that come with being alone in the modern world.
1) Get to know your neighbors
A great way of staying safe is knowing who your neighbors are and making sure they know who you are. This can be done by having a get-together with them and getting to know each other over some wine. It is always better when you have someone next door or across the street who will notice if something out of the ordinary happens and call 9-1-1.
2) Keep your doors and windows locked
It’s important to keep your doors and windows locked, even when you’re home. If you must leave your home for any reason, make sure you lock the door behind you. Consider investing in a security system that can let you know if someone has entered your home without your permission. Set up a point of contact who knows about your plans and knows how to reach out if they don’t hear from you after a certain amount of time.
3) Never give out personal information
The number one way to stay safe is not giving out personal information when it’s not necessary. The most important things you should never give are your home address, phone number, or email address. Keep these details private and only share them with people you know and trust.
4) Always be aware of your surroundings
The world can be a frightening place, especially when you’re alone and have no one watching your back. Here are some tips from police officers and security experts about how to keep yourself safe:
-Always be aware of your surroundings. If you feel unsafe in any way, don’t hesitate to call 911 or a trusted friend/family member.
-Don’t walk home alone if it’s dark outside or if you think you might be in danger.
5) Keep a whistle or pepper spray close by
- Keep a whistle or pepper spray close by. If you’re being followed, use it to get attention and scare off your pursuer. If you’ve been attacked and are already in a place where someone can see you, use it to attract attention.
- Carry your keys between your fingers like claws so they can be used as weapons if needed.
6) Trust your gut
It’s important for a woman to trust her gut when it comes to safety. If something doesn’t seem right, then it usually isn’t. For example, if you’re walking home and you get that feeling of dread in your stomach, don’t ignore it! You may have picked up on a cue from your surroundings or a body language gesture that will keep you safer if you heed its warning.
7) Avoid walking alone at night
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Carry pepper spray and use it if you feel threatened or in danger.
- Trust your instincts, if you feel like something bad is going to happen then it probably is, call someone and get away from that place as quickly as possible.
8) Park in well-lit areas
Parking in well-lit areas is a good idea. If you have an alarm system, make sure it’s activated when you’re home. You can also get motion sensor lights that turn on when someone approaches your car, which can be helpful if it’s dark or foggy out. Always check your car before entering it and never leave anything visible inside that would give thieves an easy target. Never leave any valuables in your car, especially if you live in a city that has a high crime rate.
9) Have a safety plan
- Always have a plan of escape- know where you’re going and how you’ll get there.
- Trust your gut- if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
- Meet in public places, avoid secluded areas.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
- Carry protection- pepper spray or mace is a great option.
- When walking alone at night, walk confidently with your head up high and pretend like everyone’s watching you.
10) Keep your car in good condition
When you’re on your own and you don’t have a car, it’s important to take care of your car. Keep it in good condition and make sure that if you have any mechanical issues with it, fix them ASAP. This will save you money and make sure that your car is reliable when you need it most.