It might be because I watch far too many Investigation Discovery shows and have seen every episode of Law and Order SVU two or three times, that I find myself looking for ways to keep myself safe when I’m alone.
When I’m walking by myself at night I get nervous if someone starts walking behind me. If I’m alone in my apartment and hear a strange noise, my first thought isn’t “that’s the house settling” it’s “Oh my God, someone is trying to get in!” If you’re anything like me, having a list of things to do to make you feel safer helps keep you calmer and feel more secure when these situations arise. So here’s 5 Ways To Instantly Feel Safer At Home:
1. Try Noonlight
In my opinion, Noonlight is one of the greatest apps in the world. When you feel uncertain of your situation or maybe just a little bit paranoid about your surroundings, you open the app and put your finger on the big blue button which enables the app to track you by GPS. When you take your finger off the button, you enter your PIN to declare you are safe, or if you feel like you’re in danger and need help, you don’t enter the PIN. If no PIN is entered, police are dispatched to your location. You can even use this app when you’re meeting up with your Tindr date! You can enter your meeting location into the app and Noonlight will alert the police if anything goes wrong. It’s a phenomenal app and really makes you feel like you have someone looking out for you when you feel uncomfortable.
2. Hide Pepper Spray
I have pepper spray everywhere. I keep it on my bedside table, on my key chain and in my purse. Have I ever had to use it? No. I hope I never have to. But if I ever need it I know it’s there. It makes me feel safer when I’m alone. I wrap my hand around it when I’m out walking by myself and it makes me feel a little bit better knowing that I have some way to defend myself if anything were to happen. Find some nooks and crannies in your house to leave some pepper spray in case of an emergency.
3. Get a Door Stop Alarm
When you’re home alone at night, hearing sounds right outside can be really scary. An easy to install door stop alarm is an inexpensive way to bring you more comfort. You can snag one for about $8 at Home Depot or similar stores. How It Works? Simply place your door stop alarm behind your front door and if someone manages to get the door to open, it not only stops the door in its tracks, but it sounds an incredibly loud alarm that will hopefully scare off the intruder and alert you and anyone nearby.
4. Don’t Disclose Everything on Social Media
It’s fun to share things on Instagram and Twitter, especially when you look cute. Although it’s great to stay connected with friends family, it’s important to be careful how much you tell people. Posting things like “Watching TV alone tonight” or anything else that lets people know you’re home by yourself (or not home) can easily make you a target. Watch what you post so you’re less vulnerable to intruders.
5. Curb the Urge to be Sympathetic
This one is really hard for me. I tend to be overly sympathetic and want to help people as often as I can, but this is a trait that is very often used to prey upon women. If someone knocks on your door in the middle of the night to use your phone, it’s perfectly fine to say NO. If you feel like you must help someone, try to make the call for them and avoid letting them into your house. Either don’t help or attempt to help the person without putting yourself at risk in the process.
There are all sorts of things you can do to keep yourself safe, you just have to find what works for you and makes you feel the most secure.
Glow Tip: Have an emergency contact handy and someone to call when you feel unsafe.
How can we make adulting easier for you? Send your suggestions to adulting@theglowgetterclique.com