How To Feel Safe in Your New Apartment or House.

Tierra Malisha Huntt
Jun 19, 2018
3 min read

Leaving Campus, your parents house, or living without roommates for the first can be both empowering and a little scary at the same time. Being independent is nice until all your money goes toward your bills. Once you take the step to live on your own, you should feel safe in your new home. I am currently making the transition to live by myself. I’ve been doing a ton of research about ways to keep your home safe and it’s definitely much more intensive than I thought it would be. Here are 5 ways to remove the tension of living by yourself:

1. Secure your Windows

Use Locks and Shower Rod

Securing your window is simple. Many intruders first choice is to break through windows because they are usually less secure. If you want an inexpensive way to protect yourself more when it comes to securing your windows, you may want to consider locks and shower rods because they are cheap and the setup is very easy. Also, if an intruder tries to come in through your window, you are more likely to hear it if you have barriers set up.

Consider Tinting your Windows

I would have never thought of this if it didn’t come up in my research. As you may know, if your blinds are open at night, and a light is on in the house, your house is completely visible from the outside. Tinting your windows is a great choice for those who like their privacy and it also adds an extra layer of security, which I had no idea about. Apparently, if you add window films to your windows, it is harder to penetrate if someone tries to break it and if they do break the window, it reduces the potential of flying glass.

UHS Window Tinting and Blinds is a local (Atlanta) business who has great choices and prices. The window tinting/window films allows you to see clearly outside, while remaining completely private from onlookers looking in from the outdoors. The employees are very knowledgeable and leave the home in tip top shape. Once the windows have been completed, you will surely be pleased. Another benefit of window films is the fact that it also protects your furniture, tables and wood from fading from the sun. It controls harmful UV rays and hotspots from the sun as well as conserves energy in the home. Lastly, window films by UHS Window Tinting and Blinds reduces and prevents glare on televisions, computer screens and while reading newspapers, books, and magazines. It even helps when it comes to taking pictures! The tinting keeps your home secure, keeps your home private, and adds a touch of flare and decoration to your home, which is an added bonus!

2. Protect your doors

Securing your door can be simple - the front or back doors are also very vulnerable when it comes to break-ins. It is extremely easy to pick a lock, and there are even directions on YouTube. Securing your door is a must for singles, couples, and families. Whatever your situation is, precautions should be taken to make sure your exteriors doors are secure.

Change the short screw to long screw on the lock plate.

When a home is first build, sometimes, the locks are secured with short screws. Replace those screws with longer screws which makes it almost impossible to kick a door in. It is so easy to kick a door in because the lock plate is so easily damaged.

Also:

Replace the lock all together (Using longer screws if not included)

Replace the lock plate.

Add a deadbolt to all exterior door in the home.

3. Buy a security system.

Simply having a security system sign deters burglars from the home.

There are many security systems to choose from such as:

ADT

X'Finity

Nest

You should also consider a front door camera. Many are inexpensive and the setup is breeze. Almost all security systems have them.

4. If your anything like me, actually guns may give you a little anxiety. If you would like to get an alternative, consider purchasing a salt gun.