For single women, living alone can be empowering and liberating, especially if you value your privacy and independence; however, there are safety tips that should be put in place, as it comes with its own risks and challenges, particularly in a country like Nigeria, where issues of insecurity, robbery, harassment, and kidnapping are rife.
Whether you live in a bustling city like Lagos or a quieter town, taking proactive steps to secure your home and protect yourself is essential. As a single lady living alone, you should ask yourself, “What can I do to feel safer in my own apartment?” If you are one of those women who live by themselves, you start to think about how to live more safely.
Here are six practical safety tips for single women living alone in Nigeria that can help you stay safe and confident while enjoying your independence.
1. Choose a safe environment
The old saying “prevention is better than cure” is appropriate when it comes to women living alone. One of the best safety tips for women living alone is to choose a safe environment to live in. Before you move into a new property, research the area and the place that will become your new home.
2. Avoid disclosing too much information
Whether it’s a new neighbor, an acquaintance, or even a delivery person, don’t overshare or give away too much personal information, or the fact that you live alone. The fewer people who know you live alone, the safer you are.
Also, be cautious about posting information about your daily activities and schedule on your social media platforms. Your safety and privacy are the most important when you are living by yourself.
Avoid sharing your location, home address, or daily schedule in real time. For example, don’t share images that reveal that you live alone or that feature recognizable landmarks close to your home.
3. Invest in home security
Investing in quality security measures is necessary to make your home your safest place. Rent an apartment in a gated compound with dependable security personnel if at all possible. However, there are still several reasonably priced methods to secure your house even if you don’t have that luxury:
- Install strong locks on windows and doors.
- Before opening the door for anyone, use a security camera or peephole.
- Never let strangers into your home, especially if nobody else is around.
- Make sure your entrance is well-lit, particularly at night.
- Keep a small safety kit at home with essentials like a flashlight, whistle, pepper spray, and power bank.
- Whenever you are not at home, always lock your doors and windows. If you live on the ground floor, it may be a great idea to keep windows and doors locked that can be easily accessed from outside.
4. Have a trusted network and emergency contacts
You don’t have to isolate yourself if you live alone. Create a network of trusted neighbors, friends, and coworkers who can keep an eye on you. Give at least one trustworthy person in the area your emergency contact information.
If you have neighbors you trust, let them know discreetly that you live alone so they can help keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Join estate forums or community WhatsApp groups as well; they frequently post helpful neighborhood updates and security alerts.
In case of emergencies, save important contacts on your phone—police hotlines, estate security numbers, a nearby hospital, and at least two trusted friends or relatives. You can also set up an “emergency contact” on your smartphone that can be accessed even when the phone is locked.
ALSO READ: 7 Reasons Why You Should Live Alone At Least Once In Your Life
5. Be discreet with artisans
Occasionally, you may need to let artisans like plumbers, electricians, etc., into your home. As a safety precaution, schedule appointments during the day and, if possible, have a friend or neighbor present.
Before allowing anyone in, verify their identity by asking for a company ID or calling the service provider’s office to confirm. Once they’re inside, avoid leaving valuables like phones or laptops lying around.
6. Always be alert
Your intuition is one of your best safety tools. Don’t disregard anything that seems “off.” Take it seriously if someone is following you or if a stranger is acting strangely close to your house.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in dimly lit areas. Use reliable transportation services like Bolt or Uber if you have to go out, let someone know your ride information, and make sure the license plate number matches the one on your app.
In conclusion, living alone as a single woman in Nigeria is an opportunity to know yourself, grow, and enjoy independence. But safety must always come first.
With these safety tips, you can enjoy your space, your freedom, and your peace of mind.