| Whether moving into an apartment for the first time | | | | will sound off if tampered with. You really should be |
| or the fifth time, the excitement of it all will | | | | prepared ahead of time by purchasing these before |
| sometimes cause us to forget about the safety | | | | you move into a new apartment. |
| issues that might come up once we are moved in. It | | | | 6. Put your full name on your mailbox. This is a |
| is best to make out a list of security issues to check | | | | mistake since by doing this you are letting everyone |
| out before agreeing to move in. Don't make these | | | | know you are a woman living alone. If you just use |
| mistakes that could lead to home invasion or a | | | | your first initial and last name, it won't be clear if you |
| vicious assault: | | | | are male or female. |
| 1. Not checking the security of all exterior doors | | | | 7. Moving into an apartment that does not allow |
| before moving in. They should all have deadbolts and | | | | dogs. Many apartments do allow dogs. Even if you |
| shut securely with no gaps around the edges. | | | | don't have one when you move in, you might |
| 2. Neglect to ask the landlord if the locks have been | | | | consider getting one. Even a small dog is a strong |
| changed since the last tenant moved out. If the locks | | | | deterrent to anyone thinking of breaking in for any |
| are not changed, you run the risk of the previous | | | | reason. |
| tenant entering your apartment at any time day or | | | | 8. Moving into an apartment without bringing any |
| night either to steal from or assault you. Even if they | | | | non-lethal self-defense weapons. Every woman |
| returned the keys to the landlord, they could have | | | | should have either pepper spray or a stun gun for |
| easily had another one made that they did not return. | | | | protection, especially if living alone. Either of these |
| 3. Neglect to notice the lighting situation both outside | | | | self-defense weapons will incapacitate an assailant |
| near the parking area and in any interior hallways that | | | | long enough for you to get help. These items are |
| lead to your apartment. Dimly lit areas are hiding | | | | inexpensive and invaluable. And it's always better to |
| grounds for predators. | | | | have them and not need them than to one day need |
| 4. Don't ask the landlord about the other tenants. It | | | | them and not have them. |
| would be good to ask if there are any trouble | | | | Moving into an apartment can be an exciting |
| makers, do the police get called out on domestic | | | | adventure for a young woman just getting out on |
| problems, are there complaints about loud music or | | | | her own. If these mistakes are not made and |
| other disturbances? | | | | diligence is taken in using safety precautions, it will be |
| 5. Not having any alarm system for doors and | | | | a wonderful experience full of life lessons. Be safe |
| windows. There are several reasonably priced alarms | | | | out there. |
| you can install yourself on doors and windows that | | | | |