Home Security Basics When You Live Alone

Living alone should not mean feeling unsafe at home. A few straightforward security measures drastically reduce your risk.

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A home burglary occurs every 25.7 seconds in the US. Homes without security measures are up to three times more likely to be targeted.

The Challenge

Solo residents are more vulnerable because there is no one else home to deter intruders or call for help.

Many people do not know the simple, low-cost changes that make a home significantly harder to break into.

Returning home alone at night without a safety check-in means no one knows if you arrived safely.

Parcels left at the door and overflowing mail signal to potential intruders that a home may be unoccupied or occupied by a single person.

How I'm Alive Helps

Fit deadbolt locks, reinforce door frames, and use window locks on all ground-floor openings.

Install motion-activated exterior lighting and consider a video doorbell for visibility.

Use I'm Alive travel and arrival check-ins so a contact always knows when you get home safely.

Build a relationship with at least one neighbor who can collect parcels and keep an eye on your property, adding a human layer of security alongside physical measures.

Securing Your Property

Upgrade to Grade 3 deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Reinforce door frames with a security strike plate using 3-inch screws that reach the stud behind the frame. Secure sliding doors with a bar in the track. Fit window locks or key-operated sash locks. Do not rely on the standard latches that come with most windows and doors. Use timer-controlled lamps to give the impression of occupancy when you are out. Cancel newspaper and mail deliveries when away, or ask a neighbour to collect them.

Habits and Technology for Ongoing Safety

Never advertise that you live alone on social media. Avoid posting travel plans publicly — burglars monitor social media for signs of empty homes. A video doorbell lets you see who is at the door without opening it. Many models allow two-way audio so you can speak to a caller from anywhere via your phone. Use I'm Alive to set an arrival check-in when heading home late. If you do not check in within the agreed window, your trusted contact is notified to check on you.

What to do if no one hears from you

The worst-case scenario in home security for someone living alone is a break-in or assault where you are hurt and unable to call for help, and no one is expected to check on you for days. Even without an intruder, a fall, a medical event, or an accident at home carries the same risk: your absence goes unnoticed because you live alone and answer to no one's daily routine. A plan for who notices your silence is as important as the locks on your doors. Set an arrival and daily check-in with I'm Alive and add trusted contacts. Use an arrival check-in when you get home late so someone knows you made it safely inside, and a daily check-in so a missed window triggers an automatic alert. I'm Alive is a check-in, not a location tracker, so it does not follow your movements around town. Your location is shared only if you trigger an emergency or miss a check-in, and it is deleted after 72 hours. Give your contacts a response plan. If you fail to confirm you arrived home, or miss a daily check-in, ask them to call you and, if there is no answer, to request a police welfare check at your address. Tell at least one nearby contact where a spare key is kept so they are not left standing at a locked door. Never advertise on social media that you live alone or that you are away. Pairing strong physical security with a human safety net means that if something does go wrong behind your locked door, someone is watching for the signal and can get help to you quickly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective single security upgrade?

A quality deadbolt lock with a reinforced strike plate is the single highest-value upgrade. Most break-ins occur through a kicked-in door.

Are smart locks safe for people living alone?

Yes, when properly configured. Choose a smart lock with strong encryption, use a unique PIN, and keep firmware updated. Have a physical key backup.

Should I tell neighbours I live alone?

Building good-neighbour relationships is valuable for safety. Trusted neighbours can watch for unusual activity and collect parcels — you do not need to share personal details widely.

What should I do if I think someone has broken in?

Do not enter the property. Call emergency services from outside or a neighbour's home. Let police clear the property before you go in.

How does I'm Alive improve home security?

I'm Alive arrival check-ins mean your contacts are notified if you fail to confirm you got home safely — adding a human safety layer on top of physical security measures.