Maybe it’s a good thing that it’s ultimately impossible to achieve the perfect level of safety and security. We’re not the Sith and we don’t deal in absolutes, for one. But also because no-good mischief-makers are always on the prowl, looking for easy ways to grab our stuff and run. And we can’t let them get ahead of us, now, can we?
Women on Reddit have recently been sharing some secrets, tips, tricks, hacks, and other sorts of informal advice on how to make your home safer if you’re a woman living alone.
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Women on Reddit have been sharing some of the ways they keep their homes safe. Creative and legit ways alike.
The AskReddit features suggestions and discussion across 2,700 comments, garnering 2,800 upvotes on the post itself, with the top answer getting over 6,600 upvotes, so there was much more happening here.
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And while Redditors did provide very good ways of solving burglaries and B&E’s, it must be said that there are other ways to prevent it too.
That is key, when you think about it—to prevent it, instead of having to deal with the consequences of having a house that looks like it’s made out of gingerbread to the burglars.
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Anywho, first thing’s first, check your home for security weaknesses and fix them.
While investing heaps of money into expensive security equipment has its benefits, installing simpler ones can work just as well. Think padlocks, window locks, grates, bars and all that jazz. These significantly increase the time a thief would have to spend breaking in. And they don’t usually have much to spare.
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Having a burglar alarm, a security camera (or several) and installing bright lights can also go a long way as they would be your eyes, ears, and… that thing those deep ocean fish have that light their way because it’s too dark down there.
Heck, even making sure your fence isn’t too high and the trees are steering clear of your windows can take away a burglar’s chance at staying stealthy.
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Besides that, improving upon your architectural integrity can also help. Doors should be strong, preferably solid hardwood or, even better, metal. And at least 1¾ inches thick. Peeps holes are a must too.
Windows have a number of solutions too, ranging from simple nails to metal accordion gates depending on where your windows are vertically.
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As for locks, deadbolt locks are considered the best. Without getting too technical, get one that unlocks with a key from the outside and a spinny handle on the inside. They are deemed to be more burglar proof than a spring bolt lock and you can also get pick-resistant variants. So, harder to brute force it open as well as harder to use that thieves’ tools proficiency or a sleight of hand roll.
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But that’s just one side of it all. To eliminate the human factor, establish some home security habits. These can include doing a security walk around the house before going to bed or leaving the house and checking all the doors, windows and turning the security alarm on.
It goes without saying, don’t tell folks (personally or online) about when you’re not at home, join a lite version of the neighborhood watch, and don’t use the mat to hide your keys.
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Other things to consider: if your keys have a tag, don’t put the address on it; don’t leave your keys in your car; don’t hide your keys in a secret place at home; if you see someone being sus around your house (or that of your neighbors), call the police; let your neighbors know if you’ll be gone for longer than usual and have them pick up your deliverables, among others.
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And—and—always a good added layer of security is insurance. Sure, it won’t necessarily stop you from getting burgled, but it will definitely make sure you aren’t left with nothing in the end. Specifically, homeowners insurance. The best part is that the insurance policy might cost you less depending on how many security measures you already have in your home, like alarms and cameras.
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So, how do you stay safe out there in this crazy world? Any particular Rube Goldberg machine-esque solutions that you use to keep thieving layabouts at bay? Share your tactics in the comment section below!
And if you need more safety tips, then you know what to do.
