Women who live alone often worry about their safety. There are some actions which can increase the feeling of security, and decrease the chances of an assault. Install good dead bolt locks on all outside doors, and keep the doors and windows locked at all times. Consider installing security grills. If you do this, you should be able to open them from the inside without a key. Improve outside lighting, as intruders do not like well lighted places. Make sure that bushes and trees do not create hiding places, especially near doors and windows. A dog can be an excellent alarm. Barking will usually scare off an intruder. Consider installing a security alarm system. If you cannot afford one, post burglar alarm notices outside your home.

The shorter the distance from your car to the door, the better. The best arrangement is a garage with a remote garage door opener. That way you can drive into the garage, close the garage door before you get out of the car, and then enter the house through a door directly from the garage. If this is not possible, at least have your door keys ready to use quickly as you approach your well lighted front entry.

Report suspicious persons in the neighborhood to police. Never open your door to strangers. Even though it may seem comforting, do not keep a loaded gun in the home. This increases the chance that an intruder will use the gun against you. Consider a chemical or pepper spray instead.

Call your local police department and ask if there is a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood. If so, join it. If not, you may want to help start one. In addition, see if your police department offers free home safety inspections.

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