Safe living alone is taking charge of your environment and lifestyle.

* Millions of people are safe living alone because they plan it that way.
* Safe living alone requires an intentional security vigilance and mindset.
* Most people living alone build a safety network of friends and neighbors.

* Interview by Emily Bell with Zillow magazine.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[00:40] -- CrimeSchool.com/38 show introduction and initial thoughts.
[01:58] -- Interview about safe living alone with Emily Bell at Zillow.
[02:45] -- Location of the residence is a factor that determines crime risk.
[03:20] -- Type of housing and density affects crime risk.
[04:00] -- On large rental housing properties most people appear as strangers.
[04:45] -- Safe living alone involves intentional control over the environment.
[05:20] -- Lifestyle choices makes a difference in crime risk and safe living alone.[06:25] -- Most crime victims involving strangers were not paying attention
[09:00] -- Should people pretend to others that they are not living alone?
[09:35] -- Advantage to safe living alone is being in charge of environments.
[10:30] -- Level of awareness when out in public makes a difference to safety.[11:20] -- Looking down at smartphones too often compromises awareness.
[14:00] -- Smartphone apps will not help during a physical confrontation.
[15:00] -- Safe living alone requires a security plan for being able to see at night.[16:00] -- Should women carry pepper-spray for self defense against assailants?

Safe Living Alone Requires an Intentional Security Vigilance and Mindset

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Safe Living Alone Security Plan Tips

* Do crime risk research for a location before selecting a residence.
* Higher floor apartment units limit criminal access from the ground level.
* Develop a network of family, friends, and neighbors to support you.
* Call on this network to stand by while repairmen are in your home.
* A security plan and safe routines will reduce exposure to crime risk.
* Ask for help to test the quality of doors, locks, and window access points.
* Make sure rental housing units replaced or re-keyed all door locks.
* Lock doors, windows, and use an alarm system every time you go out.
* Use light timers to simulate occupancy or if planning to return at night.
* Be on high-alert outside your apartment or vehicle door and scan area.
* Carry a flashlight if often out at night and need to walk in dark areas.
* Don't use full name on a mailbox if it describes a woman living alone.
* Be sure telephone answering machine doesn't announce alone status.
* Beware of social media postings that identify location or living alone status.
* Never open your door to strangers without knowing who is on the other side.
* Rely on your fear instinct and investigate or avoid suspicious circumstances.
* Plan your movements day and night and make contingency plans to be safe.

Related Safe Living Alone Podcasts

* Home Security Burglars, Robbers, Safe Rooms