9 Apartment Safety Tips for Single Women
By Nakia Stith
My little sister is going to be a senior in college next semester and she is ready to leave roommates behind and branch out on her own. This will be her very first time living alone and she is excited to be in a cool walkable neighborhood in downtown Baltimore. I am sharing 9 important safety tips that she can implement for little to no cost to aid in her security and safety.
#1. Secure your windows.
Ground Floor apartments are not always the most ideal safety wise because you windows are accessible from the street level. However, you can live on a ground floor apartment safely just make sure you secure your windows. Lot’s of landlords even make sure that the ground floor windows have security bars. Make sure you do your part and lock your windows.
#2. Lock the doors and Don’t let strangers in.
This seems simple enough but often times when we are in a rush or our hands are full with groceries or shopping bags we don’t always remember to lock the door behind us. Make sure your door has a deadlock, most apartments have one but if you don’t install it. Use your peep hole or install one and don’t open your door for folks you don’t know. Get a door latch if you must open the door for utility persons and make them show you a vaild ID.
Check out this link for some security measures you can implement yourself for added security of your doors and windows.
#3. Invest in a security system.
If your apartment doesn’t come with a security system talk to your landlord about installing one. You can get a good alarm and response system installed for just 19.99 a month.
#4. Keep your keys out and available.
Don’t fumble through your purse, school bag, or pockets in front of your door looking for your keys. Make sure you have the right key in your hand ready to insert into the lock to enter your front door.
#5. Get to know your neighbors.
Speak to your neighbors and learn their names. You can help each other by looking out for each other and alerting one another of any disturbances or suspicious happenings that you may notice. Find out if your neighborhood has a community association or town watch and join it. Or think about starting one yourself.
#6. Turn on the lights.
Make sure the exterior and interior of your apartment is well lit. Notify the landlord of broken or low lighting and notify the appropriate city department to report broken street lights. On the interior of your apartment make sure you leave a light on when you are coming home at night. Get a good energy star rated bulb and leave it on so that you are not walking into a dark house.
#7. Blinds, Curtains, and Shades.
Don’t entice unsavory folk! Make sure you have your windows covered so that the outside world can’t see in.
#8. Your Mail box.
Don’t put your entire name on your mail box, there is no faster way for someone to act as if they know you then to use your name. Make sure your mail box is identified by your initials or your apartment number only.
#9. Don’t ignore bad behavior.
This is last but certainly not least. If someone in your apartment or in your neighborhood exhibits or is engaging in unlawful or criminal behavior REPORT it. Notify the proper authorities in your city (Police, Licenses and Inspections, etc.) and your landlord or building management. Don’t sit idly by be a responsible participant in your own safety and that of your community.
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