5 Ways Single Moms Can Protect Their Home
Being a single mom isn’t easy. You don’t only assume the role of nurturer, disciplinarian and advocate for your child(ren), but it’s also your responsibility to protect them. With a nationwide estimate of more than 8 million property crimes in 2012, keeping your home safe from intruders can be just another cause for worry that a single parent doesn’t need. Don’t wait until it’s too late and take preventative measures to keep your house from becoming an intruder’s target.
Dropcam
This Wi-Fi enabled security camera streams live video directly to your Android and Apple devices and sends notifications straight to your phone should anything go amiss. These in-home cameras are an affordable home security system that allows you to “drop in” on your home whenever you want. You can monitor each room of your house in real time with high-definition streaming and night vision, so whether you’re at work and the kids are at home or you’re on a family vacation, you won’t leave your home unprotected. Optional cloud recording also lets you review footage at a later time, so if a burglary does occur, police can easily identify the culprit.
Timed Lights
Remember the scene in Home Alone when the robbers knew what time the lights would automatically turn on at the MacAllister’s house? You can avoid tipping off thieves by installing a random light timer that will simulate a more natural home environment. The GE 15 Amp 7-Day Plug-In Dual-Outlet Digital Timer even has a vacation setting which turns on your indoor lights at unexpected intervals from one to 30 minutes. A house that appears to be occupied all day can deter intruders before they step past your front door.
Online Monitoring
Social media makes it easier than ever to connect and share with friends. Unfortunately, it also makes it easier for perpetrators to find out if you’re a single mother household and when you will be away from home. To stay safe don’t use a Facebook display picture with only you and your children in it, never post your home address anywhere online, use an identity theft protection company like LifeLock to keep your personal information safe and avoid sharing details of an upcoming vacation or family outing like Keri McMullen did. The 33-year-old woman unknowingly invited a burglar to her empty house after posting on Facebook about a concert she would attend later that night, reports Cosmopolitan.
Home Security Systems
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. By the way, the most expensive home security system isn’t necessarily the best. Instead, choose a system that is right for your lifestyle. The Huffington Post also suggests shopping around for the best deal and not falling pray to a sales representative’s scare tactics. In addition to protecting your family from intruders, home security systems can alert you of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Watch Dog
If you want to go old-fashioned and gain a friend in the process, a watch dog could be a great home security solution for you. Your children will also surely welcome a four-legged companion. 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, says PetMD. Keep in mind that a watch dog or attack dog shouldn’t be your only source of security, but an addition to home alarms, timed lights and other home protection systems.
