8 home security tips for single mothers November 30, 2022

Being a single mom can be a challenging task, you assume more than one role and there is an amount of responsibility that is placed on your back. With a nationwide estimate of more than 6 million property crimes in 2019, keeping your home safe from intruders can be just another cause for worry that a single parent doesn’t need. That’s why today, we’re going to show you 8 home security tips for single mothers to protect their kids and keep their house from becoming an intruder’s target.

Home security tips single moms need to know #

In some contexts, theft may target single-parent families, believing it’s easier to deal with the situation. So If you are feeling exposed to property crime episodes, continue reading and learn what you can do to increase your house safety.

1. Install intelligent security systems #

One great way to ensure a safe house for you and your children is with technology, believe it or not, technology can be a good ally and you can have the best of it if you use it wisely. For that reason, the first home security tip for single mothers is to consider installing intelligent security to protect a home from burglars and intruders as well as fire and medical emergencies.

You can also read about: Teaching Kids How to Stay Safe Online

When choosing a home security system, there are two things you’ll need to consider. First, determine the additional features you want, these can include glass break detectors, panic buttons, pressure mats, and alarm screens, just to name a few. Second, decide how much you’re willing to spend, don’t let prices fool you, the most expensive home security system isn’t necessarily the best.

2. Invest in a smart doorbell #

When someone knocks on your door, no matter what time, it can be dangerous because it can be any person. (In case you are not expecting someone) One of the options and the best that can be is a group of Girl Scouts, and the worst option is a person with bad intentions.

The idea is to identify who is about to knock at your door even before doing it, a solution to that is installing a smart doorbell in your front door. A great feature of this tiny device is that it gives you a full 180-degree view, so even if someone is hiding next to your door, you can spot them. This tool needs to be part of your home security items as a single mother, and will not only bring you protection but peace of mind wherever you are since you will be able to check who’s at the door from any safe place.

3. Keep your social media secure #

As experts point out, the information you share on social networks can lead to physical, mental, and emotional dangers. On the physical level, whoever accesses your social media profiles can know exactly what you’re doing right now, who’s with you, where you live, and access detailed information to put your and your family’s integrity at risk.

It only takes one click for a potential criminal to learn enough about you to be encouraged to break into your home. Therefore, try not to share every detail of your life on these platforms. If you want to keep your loved ones informed, a great solution to that is HelpYouFind.Me, where you can share any update of your life and give access under customizable access rules for people of your choice for any emergency purpose.

With our platform, you will be able to share about your every day without any concern, and not only that, you can safely share digital copies of your most important and personal documents as well. By having a digital copy stored in an online safe place, you can lessen the risk of them getting in the wrong hands.

Discover more about our live-saving features here: A blog about family safety and security

4. Vary your routine #

What thieves and intruders love is monotony, if you get up at the same time every day, leave home at a specific time, follow the same routes in your vehicle, and return at exactly the same time, you are an easy target because you are encouraging criminals to learn each step of your daily routine.

In order to prevent that, another home security tip for single mothers is to avoid a routine life. The best is to vary the routes to get your kids to school or the ones to go to work, and the grocery store as well. When someone detects that you follow a pattern every day, it's easier to follow you back and track your home. Keep you away from that!

5. Have an exit plan #

When living alone with your children, no one else is there to help you if there is an emergency. So, another home security tip to have in mind as a single mother is defining a way out of your house. In addition to burglars, natural disasters are also cover threats for single moms living alone.

If you still haven’t thought about it, the time is now. If you live in an apartment, go and check the building’s fire escapes and exit doors. If you own a house, ensure that all the locks and exit doors aren’t obstructed. By having an exit plan, you’ll also ensure you’re as prepared as possible in case of a break-in.

6. Keep your cell phone and keys always near your bed #

This can be one of the simplest home security tips for single mothers, but one that can make a radical difference in your family’s integrity. With your cell phone close to you, you can perform certain maneuvers for your and your family's safety. If you are not sleeping close to it, start making it a habit in your daily life.

To give you an idea,here is a list of things you can do with your cell phone close to you to ensure your family´s safety:

• Turn on your vehicle alarm to give an alert signal
• Inspect the security cameras you’ve installed in search of anomalies
• Activate the alarms of your security system
• Make a call to the corresponding authorities
• Communicate with your neighbors and loved ones
• Activate exterior or interior lights with the push of a button

7. Develop a security network #

If you find living far away from your family and relative, neighbors and close friends can provide assistance in keeping your home safe. So, the next tip to home security tips for single mothers is getting to know families nearby, and fostering trusting relationships with neighbors, who can keep an eye on your home or alert you in case of suspicious activity.

Read about: How to choose the right neighborhood for your family’s safety

8. Consider a watchdog #

If you want to go old-fashioned and gain a friend in the process, a watchdog could be a great home security solution for you. And there is no lie about it, but your children will love the idea too, and surely welcome their new best friend.

Breeds like the Chihuahua, Pug, Pekingese, Shar-pei, and Chow Chow make great guard dogs but will not attack an intruder. On the other hand, German Shepherds, Belgian Sheepdogs, and Farm Collies will take down a thief on command but are also loyal enough to be in households where children are present.

Keep in mind that a watchdog or attack dog shouldn’t be your only source of security, but an addition to home alarms timed lights, and other home protection systems.

Don't Let Your Guard Down. Stay Safe. #

As we mentioned before, is not easy being a single mother, keeping your house and your children safe, is a huge responsibility. So is always essential to stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings.

Some crooks may wait outside your home for a few days to learn your routine and plan the best time to break in. Look out for any strange cars parked near your home, especially if someone is sitting in the vehicle for an extended period of time with no obvious reason. If something feels off, trust your gut and call the police.

Always keep in mind these home security tips for single mothers to ensure your and your family’s safety. We also invite you to share your safety measures in the comment section below.

Written by

Vanessa Martínez