Living Alone Safety Checklist: 30 Essential Tips for Solo Dwellers

Never trust that previous tenants, landlords, or homeowners didn't keep spare keys. Change locks on all doors (front, back, garage, basement) within the first week. This is especially critical for rental properties where turnover is high.

Standard doorknob locks can be picked or forced open easily. Install Grade 1 deadbolts (the highest security rating) on all exterior doors. Consider smart locks that allow you to check lock status remotely and provide keyless entry.

Many break-ins occur through unlocked doors and windows. Make it a habit to lock up even during the day. Secure windows with locks or window bars, especially on ground floors and near fire escapes.

Video doorbells (Ring, Nest, Arlo) and outdoor cameras serve as powerful deterrents. Position cameras to cover entry points and blind spots. Studies show that visible security systems reduce break-in attempts by up to 60%.

Install motion-activated lights around your property—front door, backyard, driveway, and walkways. Intruders avoid well-lit areas. Motion lights also provide safety when you arrive home after dark.

Sliding glass doors are vulnerable entry points. Place a dowel rod or security bar in the track to prevent the door from being forced open. Add a pin lock at the top for additional security.

Avoid obvious hiding spots like under doormats or flower pots. Better options: give a spare key to a trusted neighbor, use a lockbox with a code, or install a smart lock with keyless entry. Never label keys with your address.

Always verify who's at the door before opening. Video doorbells let you see and speak to visitors even when you're not home. Never open the door for strangers claiming to need help—offer to call for assistance instead.

Place smoke detectors on every floor, outside bedrooms, and in the kitchen. Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances. Test monthly and replace batteries twice yearly.

List emergency contacts on paper and keep it on your refrigerator and in your wallet. Include: 911, poison control, trusted neighbors, family members, landlord/property manager, doctor, local hospital, and utility companies. Save all numbers in your phone with "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) prefix.

This is critical: Arrange for someone to check on you daily. Traditional methods include scheduled phone calls, but these require discipline from both parties. Modern solution: Use DailyOK to send automated check-ins—if you miss one, your emergency contacts are immediately alerted. This catches medical emergencies, falls, strokes, and other situations where you can't reach your phone.

Prepare a bag with: 3 days of medications, copies of important documents (ID, insurance, medical records), emergency cash ($200-500), phone charger and battery pack, change of clothes, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, flashlight, first aid kit. Store near your exit.

Place a multipurpose (ABC-rated) fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it (PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). Check the pressure gauge monthly. Replace or recharge after use or when expired.

Identify two exit routes from every room. Know where fire escapes and emergency exits are located. In apartments, locate stairwells (never use elevators during fires). Practice your evacuation plan.

Keep a list of medications, allergies, medical conditions, and doctor contacts on your refrigerator in a labeled envelope. First responders are trained to check refrigerators. Also consider a medical ID bracelet for critical conditions.

Small, loud personal alarms (120+ decibels) can deter attackers and attract attention. Keep one on your keychain and bedside table. Some models automatically alert emergency contacts when activated.

Consistent routines help others notice when something is wrong. If you always walk your dog at 7 AM or pick up mail at 5 PM, neighbors will notice if these patterns suddenly stop—a potential early warning sign of a problem.

Prevent outsiders from seeing your solo status, daily schedule, or valuables. Use light-blocking curtains for bedrooms. Sheer curtains during the day provide privacy while allowing natural light.

Uncollected mail signals absence to potential burglars. Collect mail daily and packages immediately upon delivery. Use informed delivery services to track when packages arrive. For vacations, hold mail or have a neighbor collect it.

While consistency helps neighbors notice problems, varying arrival/departure times prevents criminals from predicting your schedule. Don't leave and return at exactly the same time every day.

Charge your phone every night. Keep it on your bedside table, not across the room. Consider a landline as backup—it works during power outages and provides location information to 911 operators.

If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't dismiss gut feelings about people, situations, or unusual occurrences. It's better to be overly cautious than to ignore warning signs.

Use light timers to turn on lamps in different rooms throughout the evening. Leave a radio or TV on when you're out. When traveling, use smart plugs to randomize lights. Avoid gendered doormats or single-name mailboxes.

Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors. Exchange phone numbers with 2-3 trusted neighbors for emergencies. Good neighbors notice suspicious activity, collect packages, and can perform welfare checks if you're unreachable.

Critical safety rule: Never post "home alone tonight," vacation plans in real-time, or photos that show your exact location and empty home. Wait until after trips to share vacation photos. Adjust privacy settings so only close friends see posts.

Don't tell strangers, delivery people, or service workers that you live alone. When asked, say "we" instead of "I" ("We're not interested in buying"). Avoid wearing headphones with both ears while walking—stay alert to your surroundings.

Participate in community safety programs. Use apps like Nextdoor to stay informed about local incidents. Report suspicious activity to police non-emergency lines. Community involvement significantly reduces crime rates.

Essential for everyone living alone: DailyOK sends you check-in reminders twice daily. Simply tap "I'm OK" on your phone. If you miss a check-in (due to fall, medical emergency, stroke, accident), your emergency contacts are automatically alerted. This simple system has saved lives by ensuring someone notices within hours—not days—when something goes wrong. No location tracking, just wellness confirmation.

Modern security systems connect to your phone for remote monitoring. Features to consider: video doorbells, smart locks, motion sensors, glass break detectors, and professional monitoring services. Many systems (Ring, SimpliSafe, ADT) offer DIY installation without long-term contracts.

Share your real-time location with trusted family members through iPhone's Find My Friends, Google Maps location sharing, or Life360. This helps in emergencies but choose recipients carefully—constant location sharing isn't necessary for everyone. Use temporary sharing when traveling or meeting new people.