Home accidents and burglaries are serious concerns that people living alone have to think about. You need to take the right steps to reduce these risks. Home safety is especially important for seniors.
Living alone isn’t just about having privacy and personal space. It can also mean having active and financial independence and being in control of everything, choosing which food you can eat, when to go home, or whether you’ll clean your space. Truly living alone is about fully immersed in one’s life, allowing oneself to be utterly present in body and mind. It lets you explore your true self and build a sense of comfort in your own company.
However, it also comes with dangers. It usually leads to an increased risk of injuries and break-ins, which, in turn, can trigger irrational fears, anxiety, and insomnia, especially if you’re a woman. There are over 156,000 preventable home injuries each year. Even more frightening is the fact that there are over 2.5 million home burglaries each year. The good news is that both accidents and illegal intrusions can always be avoided with the help of preventive measures.
Essential Safety Tips When Living Alone
If you’re living or about to live alone, here are some safety tips you can consider.
Be Cautious of Electric Plugs
You want to be careful of any electrical appliances. One of the most common reasons fires start is that electric cords are frayed or broken. In fact, electrical appliances account for 68% of all house fires.
They may also be in places where people are likely to trip over them, which can cause these issues. Furthermore, it is important to avoid using too many plugs in an extension cord, because you might overload it and cause a fire.
Make Sure that High Traffic Areas in Your Home Are Clear
One of the biggest reasons that people suffer falls is that they trip over objects that are left carelessly around the house. People are especially likely to fall on things left on the stairs.
You don’t want to leave items in places where you can fall over them. This is especially concerning if you are a senior living alone, because if you fall on the stairs, you can be stuck there for hours or days.
Remove Toxins
Toxins can be very dangerous. We are exposed to around 80,000 toxins in our homes, which can be very harmful to our health. You want to identify harmful toxins and try to remove them.
Quickly Clean Up Any Liquids that Spill on the Floor
You are also likely to slip on liquids left on the floor. You may think that spilled milk or water is not a big deal, but it can be a serious safety hazard. You want to clean them up right away. It isn’t enough to just wipe it down with a towel to remove signs of the mess. You need to make sure that it is dry to avoid a hazard.
Make Sure Your Home is Well Lit
There are a number of reasons that it is important to make sure that your home is sufficiently lit. Most experts emphasize the importance of lighting to discourage burglars by showing somebody may be home. However, it is more important to ensure there is adequate lighting to make it easy to navigate your home without stumbling or falling.
Make Sure Rugs Do Not Skid
It is important to make sure that your rugs have a backing that reduces the risk of skidding. You will have a lower risk of slipping on your rug and falling.
Window Locks
Whether residential or commercial property, window locks are a crucial security feature. In fact, in many states, it’s now mandatory to install key lockable or specific window locks on first-floor windows of any premise or building.
Placing locks on windows accessible outdoors, such as stairways or overlooking the balcony, is also advised. More importantly, it’s always advised to seek help from a professional locksmith to install them to ensure correct installation and better security.
The perks of window locks range from protecting your home against burglars to keeping your insurance premiums low, offering you cost savings. Plus, you can save more money because they’re more affordable than their countertops.
Home Security Systems
Another way to deter home intrusion is by installing home security systems. They keep your house and your valuables away from any crime and protect you and your family from fire and other environmental disasters.
Most home security systems feature proactive, real-time security alerts. For example, when a break-in or carbon monoxide leak occurs, they automatically inform you and the authorities. This can reduce instances of injuries, theft, and even possible fatalities.
They also feature home automation capabilities, helping you save money on utility bills. They’re also equipped with remote monitoring and access. So, if you’re living alone and can’t make it home on time, you can still take care of your house remotely.
The thing is, home security systems are significant expenses. However, they’re relatively cheaper compared to burglary costs. Instead of spending costs, home security systems can increase property values since most potential homebuyers seek smart homes nowadays.
Moreover, the home security systems’ intrusion and environmental monitoring can reduce home insurance premiums by up to 5% to 20%. You can check quotes home insurance to get specific figures. What’s more, the security cameras for video surveillance can also be helpful for you when filing insurance claims.
Live with Pets
Apart from their mood-boosting and optimal well-being benefits, pets can also offer security advantages. Typically, their presence is all it takes for burglars to take your property off of their target list.
Pets’ noise can also serve as the alarm of a security system. Regardless of their size, their noise is enough to alert your neighbors or home security system of any suspicious activity, scaring intruders away from your property.
Certain dog breeds with size, strength, and personal weapons in the form of sharp claws and teeth are infamous for protecting their owners and home at any cost. Other extremely territorial, temperamental, and loud animals, such as parrots, geese, or llamas, can also be trained to protect people and property.
Nonetheless, despite their ability to protect you and your property, having pets shouldn’t be the only security that you employ. Pets can pick up on discrepancies in their surroundings and evaluate situations to understand threats, but only if they’re trained properly. It’s crucial to use other security forms to protect you, your abode, and your pets.
Place Outdoor Lights
When it comes to securing your home, lighting is your best friend and a burglar’s worst nightmare. Stealth is the last thing intruders want, so they avoid well-lit places. Hence, light up the front, back, and all sides of the home’s vicinity to ensure that every corner is illuminated and visible. This makes anyone unable to hide anywhere on your property.
To conserve energy and save money, opt for solar-powered lights. Other smart lights are worth investing in due to their cost savings. They usually come with motion sensors, enabling them to turn on or off automatically as soon as someone is in their proximity. You can also control them remotely to give passers-by the impression that you’re inside even though you’re not, for example.
Take Home Safety and Security Seriously
Just because you live alone doesn’t mean you have to be on your own in your home safety and security strategies. You shouldn’t leave your well-being up to chance. Keep trusted neighbors, friends, partners, and family members in the loop about your routine and plans.