Single Mom Safety: Securing Your Home
Single moms perform multiple functions in their household. You have to keep your children safe and happy. Home security is a priority for a safe and healthy home. Here are some tips for single moms who want to secure their property and house.
1. Lock Your House Up
This solution may seem too simple, but it’s often overlooked, or people think that their area is safe. Unfortunately, even the safest neighborhoods have crime. When you buy a new home, one of the first things you should do is change the locks. You never know who has keys to a home with previous owners.
If you’re renting, see if your landlord will change the locks for you. Explain to your landlord that it’s for safety reasons, and they may see the liability of leaving the old locks in place.
For single moms remaining in a home they previously shared with a mate, replace the locks after they leave and remove the spare key from outside. Leave an extra key with a family member or trusted friend if you’re afraid of being locked out.
2. Purchase a Home Security System
An effective security system may seem like an expensive investment, but how much is the safety of your family worth? Professional installation is always better because you can rest easy knowing it’s done right. A security integrator can also help you put together a customized system that works for your family.
Window sensors work with your security system to send you notifications when someone leaves a window open or doesn’t close a door all the way. Single moms have very little time in the mornings when they are trying to get ready for work and help the kids get ready for school. It’s easy to forget to set the alarm or lock a door. Smart home security systems alert you when the house is unsecured, and you can lock the door and set the alarm no matter where you are.
Advancements in technology even let you connect with your children when they come home from school, through a two-way voice and live video. You can verify that the kids are okay and that no one else is entering your house. It’s really an excellent feature for single moms that work long hours when their kids are old enough to stay home alone.
3. Be Careful What You Share on Social Media
Today, people broadcast their entire lives on social media, but it’s not a safe thing to do. Criminals troll social media to look for potential victims. When you check in different places or announce that your vacation in Cancun is about to start, it’s an invitation for someone to break into your home. Wait until vacation is over to post family pictures at the beach.
Also, don’t announce that you’re a single parent. While it’s great to get emotional support from friends, keep those conversations off the internet. Remember, people don’t need to know every move you make.
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4. Make Friends with the Neighbors
Get to know the neighbors and your community. They provide an additional layer of security for you and your kids. If your children are home alone and something suspicious scares them, a trusted neighbor can be their safe haven.
Your neighbors can also keep an eye on your property when you aren’t home. It’s like having an extra set of eyes, so someone is always watching your house. It’s critical to always know what’s occurring at home and on your property so you can address any issues.
5. Vary Your Routine
Try not to buy groceries or run errands at the same time on the same day every week. Anyone casing your house will see your patterns and target your home for a burglary. It’s even a good idea to vary your work routine if you can. Go in a little early some days.
Don’t make it easy for people to detect your coming and going from your residence. It’s very unsafe, and you could become the victim of a worse crime, such as a home invasion when you’re home or a sexual assault.
6. Home Defense Weapons
Keep weapons for self-defense in your car and house. The best home defense weapon is one that you feel comfortable with, both physically and mentally. Self-defense weapons must fit with your values, and some are lethal, so you need to be okay with possibly taking a life. Weapons such as tactical knives and firearms can be deadly, and you must know how to use them safely, as well as store them out of the kids’ reach.
There are also non-lethal self-defense weapons, such as tasers, stun guns, pepper spray, tactical flashlights, and more. Many of these weapons act as diversions so that you can get away from an attacker and summon help.
7. Always Trust Your Instincts
It’s critical to always pay attention to what’s going on around you. Look for things that are out of place like suspicious vehicles or people loitering in the area. It’s tempting to shrug off the feeling that something is wrong, but always trust your instincts. If something seems off, you’re probably right, and it’s better to be over-cautious.
Contact the police when you sense suspicious activity. They don’t mind. In fact, law enforcement officers are always happy to check your property and to provide extra patrol. They would rather you always err on the side of caution. As a single mom, you’re good at reading people and situations, so never take those skills for granted or shrug them aside.
Photo by Rafael Classen rcphotostock.com
These are just several ideas that can enhance the safety of your home and family. Some require a financial investment, so you can add them a little bit at a time. Others are free and just require you to be extra careful and vigilant. A secure home is of the utmost importance if you’re a single mom.
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