Women who live alone.......?

Question

How do you protect yourself from burglary, abduction, kidnapping, or rape in your own home if you live alone? Suggestions?? If you say alarm what kind of alarm do you get? If you say dog what color, size and breed would you recommend?

Answer 1

The best approach is a "muli-layered" security system which involves many of the things you mentioned, and more...

Layer 1 - Security Alarm System - There are all types and makers out there for home alarm systems. ADT and Brinks are two of the most common names

Layer 2 - Dog - Dogs are good because they have very good hearing. Chances are the dog will hear an intruder before you do and begin barking. This is good for two reasons, one it alerts you to the situation, two, it will possibly scare intruder away. Criminals do not want to go into homes with dogs. They do not like noise or anything that will draw attention to them. German Shepherd's make excellent security animals, and great pets, that's why police and military use them for this purpose. Criminals are also intimidated by them.

Layer 3 - Escape Plan - Map out an exit strategy from your appartment in case someone gets in. (have an alternate escape route such as back door, window, etc.)

Layer 4 - Door Locks - Invest in the highest quality locks you can affaord, ask a locksmith what will be best for your situation. Make sure to use the locks! Many people get good locks and don't use them. They only work if they are "locked". Also, get a lock for your bedroom door.

Layer 5 - Chemical Pepper Spray/MACE, and or a firearm - Many people choose to excercise their Second Ammendment right to carry firearms for self defense. I would suggest considdering this as a last line of defense; however, If you do, you will need to get properly licensed, you will need firearms training, and you will need to have the attitude necessary to use deadly force if confronted with a threat to your life. This is a very important choice that you must be prepared for. Note: Some cities like Chicago and New York City do not allow the average person to have handguns, only police and military. Make sure you know the rules in your area.

Answer 2

Most definitely!!! I have a Newf/Lab mix and he's wonderful. He's sweet and playful but definitely REALLY protective of me. He barks if someone comes to the door and if we're out on walks and someone passes us that doesn't say hi then he'll be "on guard" and keep looking back at that person. I can guarantee that if anyone ever tried to harm me that Jake would step in and protect me. Not only do they provide you the peace of mind of feeling protected but they're great companions. I'd definitely choose a larger breed over small. You really can't go wrong with a Lab or Lab mixes. You don't have to necessarily choose a breed or breed mix that's generally a guard dog - most all dogs will assume the position out of love for their owner. The more they love you, the more they want to make sure you're protected. Mine's gotten so good as the bodyguard that when I've taken my two cats out in the fenced backyard for some sunshine he'll walk around the perimeter of the yard and sniff at the gates. Maybe he was a Secret Service agent in a past life? :) I got my first dog shortly after moving out on my own. After he died 12 years later I told myself I didn't want another dog. But three days after he died I found myself feeling very vulnerable. Someone would knock at my door and it startled me - I was so used to the dog being there and letting me know when people were coming to the door. I think once you've had that you just can't go back. It's a nice, secure feeling.

Answer 3

I choose not to live around too many humans. I have to keep an eye out, though, for bears. I am trained in several martial arts and have taught self-defense for women for years off and on. And, I'm armed to the gills and military qualified in weapons use. The trick is to AVOID danger. Research reveals that the best dog to have as a deterrent is a small, intelligent, loud, yappy dog, not necessarily a big dog. Call your local police station and sign up for a women's self-defense course. Get into martial arts for the betterment of your over-all health and to build confidence. Research reveals that attackers tend to victimize women who do not appear confident.

Answer 4

I don't exactly live alone as my children are with me, However, I try to be alert and aware of what is going on. I do live outside the city in a somewhat secluded area where I feel ver comfortable, but do have a local company provide a security system in my home. Others say I am crazy to live there, but my neighbors (who are spread out) and I feel very secure where we are. I think the best thing you can do is be aware, be confident, and do not get freaked out about things.

Answer 5

I'm in the Army, so I feel pretty sorry for the sick freak who thinks he's going to make a victim out of me! lol

But, here are a few tips:

Keep your keys on your bedside table. If you have an electronic key fob, you can hit the panic button. You'd be shocked at how well this works. Also, having your keys with you makes it easier to get out of there fast!

In my room, I have a knife taped to the back side of my headboard. So, I can reach my hand into the gap between the mattress and the headboard to pull it out. I can access this weapon from the typical flat-on-your-back position. If you're going to keep a weapon in the house, make sure you keep it where an intruder will not find it. Also, make sure you don't pull it out until the second you're going to use it on him/her. Don't brandish it; your attacker could get it away from you and use it on you.

Take a self-defense/ rape prevention course for women. They are inexpensive and very informative. For information about classes in your area, contact your local police department. They will have tons of information for you.

If you have any other questions, feel free to email me!

Answer 6

I live in an area with high rates of crime so I purposely choose a unit on the top floor (the lift is always broken so I figured no one would bother coming all that way). I always leave the light on when I am not home. I always lock the door as soon as I am home and I have police and security on speed dial (and always have my mobile phone next to me when i go to bed).

Answer 7

I live upstairs and have for 12 years. I chose a great location but that does not mean that crime will not exist. My neighbors and I watch out for one another. If somebody looks like they do not belong in or around the complex, and look suspiscious, I contact the landlord immediately. I keep my doors locked at all times, close my windows when I leave the house and always use the deadbolt.

Answer 8

Although I don’t live alone anymore, when I did live alone I protected myself by always being aware of my surroundings. Make yourself aware of who your neighbors are. You don’t have to be friends with them per se, but it is important to first, have a nearby support group if necessary, and secondly, to know if the next door neighbor is a potential nut job.

I don’t know if you live in a house or an apartment complex, but find out if there is a neighborhood watch, or an apartment security person.

Always lock your doors, don’t walk to your car with your mind on other things, and don’t leave yourself physically vulnerable.

Good luck.

Answer 9

When I lived alone, I was ALWAYS aware of my surroundings and what was going on.
I never owned a gun, dog, or device to "protect" myself. Guess I am one of the lucky ones that never experienced anything bad!

Answer 10

I dont think the color of the dog is going to effect your protection.