Sometimes, being home alone can feel like a comforting escape, but it’s important to be aware that it isn’t always very safe. There are certain dangers associated with being home alone that you may have never even considered. So, to stay safe, here are 21 dangerous things to avoid doing when you’re home alone.
Posting on Social Media
Many people overlook the dangers of posting on social media when you’re home alone. As WMAR 2 explains, announcing your solo status online can attract unwanted visitors, so it’s wise to avoid sharing real-time updates. This information can be exploited by people with bad intentions, so save those status updates and photos for when you’re no longer alone at home.
Ignoring Strange Noises
It can be pretty creepy to hear unfamiliar sounds when you’re by yourself at home, which might leave you to ignore them and block them out with music. However, this is a bad idea; these noises might indicate a potential intruder or an issue with your home’s infrastructure. So, rather than dismissing them, take time to investigate safely and call a neighbor or the cops if needed.
Leaving Doors Unlocked
When you’re alone at home, it’s never smart to leave your doors unlocked, as this is an open invitation for trouble. There’s no benefit to keeping them unlocked, either, so lock them up to give yourself peace of mind. It’s particularly important to double-check this, especially before bed, to prevent unwanted intrusions.
Using Candles Unattended
There’s no denying that candles create a cozy atmosphere, but they can be hazardous if left unattended. If you do use candles when you’re home alone, ensure they’re extinguished before you leave a room or go to sleep. Better still, opt for battery-operated candles if you crave ambiance without the fire risk.
Opening the Door to Strangers
If you’re a naturally trusting person, it may seem natural to open your home’s door without knowing who’s on the other side, but this isn’t wise. Always use a peephole or security camera to verify a visitor’s identity, and if someone unexpectedly arrives, it’s better to communicate through a closed door. Trust your instincts and prioritize your safety.
Ignoring Phone Scams
If you receive a phone call that seems fishy when you’re home alone, don’t interact with it, but don’t ignore it either. Definitely do not provide any personal information because that’s precisely what they’re looking for. Instead, hang up and verify the caller’s legitimacy through official channels, proceeding to report and block it if something doesn’t seem right.
Leaving Windows Unlocked
One of the most dangerous things you could possibly do when home alone is to leave your windows unlocked, as these present more potential entry points for intruders. Regularly check that all windows are securely locked, especially on the ground floor. Also, consider installing window security locks or sensors for added peace of mind.
Neglecting Electrical Safety
One of the most common causes of danger when someone is home alone is to neglect electrical safety, such as through daisy chaining power extenders or using devices with faulty wiring. No one ever anticipates that this could happen to them, but it’s possible, so regularly inspect any cords for damage and replace them if necessary. If you notice any sparks or dangers, turn the power off immediately.
Sharing Your Routine Publicly
Even when you’re not home alone, it’s never wise to discuss your daily habits publicly, even in casual conversation. This is because your schedule could involve regular days of the week when you are home alone, and some evil people could use this for evil plans. So, keep your routine private to help protect you from strangers when you’re home alone.
Cooking While Distracted
One of the most overlooked ways to get yourself in danger when home alone is to cook whilst you’re distracted. Cooking demands full attention, and multitasking in the kitchen, especially when using hot appliances, can lead to serious accidents. So, save the video calls and TV series for later, focussing solely on cooking tasks to avoid burns, fires, or other mishaps while you’re home alone.
Skipping Home Maintenance
Even if it’s not your responsibility, it’s worth keeping an eye on home maintenance, as neglecting it could result in serious issues when you’re alone. Regularly inspect your home for potential hazards like leaking pipes or faulty smoke detectors, and address these problems promptly, helping to prevent the likelihood of emergencies.
Forgetting First Aid Essentials
If you don’t have a well-stocked first aid kit, you’re asking for trouble, especially when you’re home alone. You never know what could happen, so ensure you are always prepared for the worst by staying stocked up on bandages, plasters, and other first aid supplies. You’d be surprised at how being prepared for minor injuries can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Disregarding Emergency Contacts
It’s always smart to keep a list of emergency contacts handy for when you’re home alone, or better still, memorize them. Contact numbers for local police, fire departments, and trusted neighbors are particularly useful. Ensure your phone is always charged and within reach, and combined with your emergency contact list, help will be available if you need it.
Using Power Tools Unsupervised
This should go without saying, but operating power tools alone can be very hazardous. If an accident occurs, immediate help might not be available, so save it for when someone else is around to help you out. You may think you can handle it, but it’s really not worth the risk.
Leaving Pets Unattended
Some people consider themselves to not be home alone when there’s a pet around, which is a silly attitude to have. Pets themselves can sometimes cause or encounter dangers at home, so leaving them unattended or relying on them for security isn’t wise. Check on them regularly, and secure any hazardous items or areas they might access, preventing them from getting up to mischief.
Ignoring Carbon Monoxide Detectors
One of the most important devices in your household is your carbon monoxide detector due to the invisible, odorless, yet deadly threat of carbon monoxide. This is why it’s important to ensure they are working correctly, especially if you spend a lot of time at home alone. There might not be anyone else around to keep an eye on you, so this small act of vigilance could save your life.
Handling Unknown Substances
If, for whatever reason, you encounter an unknown substance in your home, just leave it alone because who knows what risks it could hold. Touching or inhaling anything unfamiliar could be toxic, so use gloves and masks if you really must handle unknown materials. However, the smartest thing to do is to contact a professional for help, ensuring your safety comes first before curiosity or convenience.
Using Heaters Unattended
While central heating is generally safe to use, it’s not wise to leave space heaters and other portable heaters unattended when you’re in a house on your own. If they fall over, they could set fire to carpets, clothes, or upholstered furniture, so keep an eye on them and always turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Disabling Security Systems
It should be pretty obvious that disabling your security system, even temporarily, can leave you vulnerable, especially when no one else is around. Always keep security systems active, and ensure you understand how to operate your system correctly. A functional security system provides an essential layer of protection for your home, so don’t underestimate its value.
Leaving Personal Information Exposed
When you’re home alone, it’s not smart to leave documents with personal information in plain sight. If an intruder entered your home, they may not be out to hurt you physically but steal your sensitive data. So, lock such documents up in drawers or safes, shred documents you no longer need, and protect your personal information, helping to avoid financial or identity theft.
Taking Unnecessary Risks
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when spending time alone at home is to never take unnecessary risks. This includes using a ladder, trying to fix an electronic device, or climbing into your attic. All of these activities come with risks, and when no one is around to supervise you, you could get into way more trouble than you could possibly anticipate.
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