Look for well-lit areas with plenty of people
Keep an emergency kit in your car
Keep your cell phone charged
Check ID before letting any workmen into your home
You may not have lived alone or may be nervous about living alone again.
Here are some simple tips
Car Security
Park in an area where there are plenty of people and it is well lit.
Carry a small light on your key ring and check the backseat of the car before you get in
Lock the doors and keep the windows rolled up
Keep valuables, laptops, bags out of sight. Put them out of sight when you get in the car not when you have arrived at your destination and someone can see where you store them.
Make sure your spare tire is inflated and you know how to change a tire if you need to
You are most vulnerable when carrying a lot of items. Try to consolidate things into one bag. Be especially aware on heavy shopping days around holidays.
Things to keep in your car
- Jumper cables or a starter battery pack. Make sure you know how to use jumper cables
- First aid kit
- Blanket and bottled water in case you have to spend time in your car when its disabled. The water can also be used for the radiator should that become a problem.
- A tire inflator that can run off the car battery. This can help you if you have let the spare tire go soft or flat. If you have a slow leak from the tire, it might also help get you to aid.
- Flares or reflective signs especially important if your battery is dead. Lay them out at intervals at a distance behind the car. Mark your car especially at night so other cars have time to avoid you. Leave your hazard warning lights on.
- Cell phone and charger. Make sure your cell phone is charged before you leave the house. If your car battery dies, you may not be able to charge a low or dead cell phone.
- Do not open a hot radiator if you suspect the water is low. A severe steam burn can result.
House or apartment
- Ensure you have good locks on windows and doors. Use them.
- Have an intercom system. Even better with a video camera. If you cant clearly see the person, ask them to turn to the camera.
- Ask to see ID from any workmen.
- People can get into an apartment building by many means. Keep your apartment door locked and check outside your door before you open it.
- Keep valuables including credit cards and checkbooks under lock and key.
- Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area
- Put some lights on a timer so you don’t come home to a dark apartment or house
- Keep a phone by your bed in case you need to make an emergency call
- Do not enter an apartment or house if you notice any abnormal signs. Call the police. They will be happy to clear the area for you.
- An alarm system may be useful. Make sure you turn it on and it is appropriate to your building and area.
- Talk to your insurance company and local police about other safety tips they might have