Safety Tips for Women Who Live in Apartments

As you know, at Women On Guard™, we try to help women prevent crime. Below you will see some common sense, simple self defense tips, that we all should practice when living in an apartment complex.

Apartments are like small neighborhoods, some people you know and some you don't... Plus some, you thought you knew! Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and keep the following safety tips in mind.

Getting Mail: Try getting your mail during the day. If you happen to work into the night, just get the mail in the morning. A couple of hours later, is no big deal... Take all your mail and sort it out at home. Don't start reading through it, while still next to the mail boxes. You can always return any envelope that wasn't yours!

Photo by Weidner Apartment Homes

Doing Laundry: If you don't have a washer or dryer, be very cautious when in the laundry area. Make a conscientious effort to see who is around you. If anybody looks shady, go back home. Remember, washing machines in laundry rooms are always noisy. Makes a good environment for crime, because the sound of the machines, can cover up a cry for help!

Going Swimming: Unless you are accompanied, never go alone to the pool at night. Try to apply safety measures by taking someone with you! Again, this is a perfect area for crime, because an attacker could be drowning you and all neighbors would hear, was water splashing.

Photo by Jaako

Club House: Another section of the complex where you need to think about these safety tips. Many times apartment dwellers go there at night to socialize, have a couple of drinks or watch a game on TV. Alcohol sometimes leads to aggression or violence, so beware! It's preferable, not to go alone.

Trash Dumpster: A corner of the complex that people mostly go to at night. Make sure that the place is well lit. If not, you should get a few neighbors together and request as a group, to the management, for better lighting! Be aware of your surroundings before approaching the area. If you have a dog, take him or her with you. It can actually be the last walk of the evening for your pet to relieve themselves and they can be a companion for self defense, as well!

These are all common sense safety tips. For more tips go here. Plus, as we like to mention, always carry a self defense weapon, and make it readily available!