There may be a number of reasons why women wish to stay on their own. After completing our education and taking up a job, we decide to fly from the family nest. Perhaps, we have apprehension, but these were overridden by the need to stay independently. With banks offering lower interest rates for women and lower GST, it is not surprising that there is a surge in women-owning apartments.
Women staying independently in an apartment are no longer seen as an anomaly. Women have become more self-reliant and take pride in staying on their own. Naturally, we wish to be safe also. From the location to the personnel to the security features, here’s a safety guide for women staying in apartments.
Safety Guide for Women Staying Alone in Flats
Living in a flat has its perks, like convenience, better community, and reduced maintenance. However, as a woman staying alone in a flat in Kochi, I’ve realized that there’s no such thing as being “too safe.” Here are some of the key strategies I rely on to keep myself feeling secure in my apartment.
Location
It’s all very well to be attracted by the apartment’s aesthetics and location in terms of accessibility to shops; but did you check the location after dark? I had once seen a rental apartment in Trivandrum during my previous job in India. It was a compact, furnished, inexpensive studio apartment with security guards at both gates and housekeeping staff who would bring provisions. At first sight, it was truly a good deal. However, on visiting the place after 8 p.m., I discovered that the approach road was not well-lit. Local autos were reluctant to go right up to the gate and I had to get off the main road and walk down the by-lane where the building was located. Since sometimes I needed to stay back in the office for meetings, walking down a dark lane made me uneasy. I would hence advise women to check out the apartment at various times of the day, including early hours if you step out for a morning jog, and late night hours to see if the street lighting is good and people are around.
Security Systems
When looking for an apartment, I check whether the security guards have been properly screened by the agency through which they are hired. It is a good idea to know their names and their shift timings. Most apartments have a system wherein a visitor signs in at the entrance lobby when entering and exiting which ensures that the person has not stayed back on the premises. It may not be foolproof, though, since the security guard may have stepped away for a while.
Low boundary walls for someone to sneak over can also be an issue. This is where a 24×7 CCTV system located in strategic positions is useful, with CCTV in lifts and public spaces such as the gym, a plus point.
If possible, install the apartment’s security apps. For example, an elderly acquaintance of mine stays in a gated community which has a ‘My Gate’ app to alert a resident of a visitor and if it is an unknown person, the visitor is not permitted to set foot inside. A resident can also use the app to inform the watchman about a visitor’s potential arrival.
Apartment’s Security Systems
It is not just the main door’s lock that you need to check. I even check the individual latches and the door chain. A door chain, frankly, is useless, as an intruder can just smash it in two with a hand tool. I prefer sturdy steel or brass door bolts.
A video cam at the apartment door is useful, but expensive and not all apartments have them. Besides, with fluctuating power, it is not wholly reliable. A better idea is to have a wide-angle door viewer (peephole). If the door does not have one, inform the owner that you wish to install it.
Securing the windows is as important as securing the doors. Look out of the windows and check the access to them from above and below. Are there pipes and ledges? These are convenient for thieves to access your apartment. Before moving in, insist on safety grilles for all windows, which are useful not just for your security, but also provide ventilation when you keep the windows open. You can also install curtains to enhance privacy. We all know how snoopy neighbours are!
Quick Checklist for Maximum Safety
Up to now, we’ve discussed security features for women staying in apartments; now let’s look into ensuring personal safety measures beyond these features. Here’s a quick checklist-
Avoid Sharing Location: if you are a woman staying alone in your flat, I would suggest you avoid sharing your location. I avoid sharing my location on social media or posting in real-time when I’m out and about. I share posts about places I’ve been only after I’ve left. It’s a simple safety tip I would recommend to stay a little more secure and not giving out my whereabouts to strangers.
Location Check:
It is not just the nearest metro station or the market that should be your priority. Find out the location of the nearest police station, clinic, and hospital as well.
Knowing Neighbors:
One of the first things I did when I moved in introduced myself to a few neighbors. I don’t mean becoming too close or best friends with everyone, but just a friendly hello and learning names will be helpful. When I know who’s around me, it gives me a sense of the people I can count on and a better idea of who should and shouldn’t be around.
Background check:
It would be a good idea to check if the person who is renting out the apartment is the actual flat owner and not a fraudster. Housing societies may have rules for residents about renting out their flats. Find out if the flat owner is permitted to rent it out. Make discreet inquiries, too, about the landlord’s character, whether he is the cooperative or non-intrusive type.
Also, don’t take it for granted that the house help you hired has been screened since she is already working in a neighbour’s home. Insist on a copy of her ID card, and note down her current address and contact number.
Apartment Check:
Have a look around the apartment before moving in. Make a thorough check of cupboards, drawers, shelves, and even the bins, as applicable. Are there things left behind by the previous tenant? It is the responsibility of the flat owner to ensure the apartment is clean and devoid of scattered belongings of previous tenants.
Know who all have a key to the apartment as it is possible that a duplicate key may be kept with the security staff for emergencies.
Parcel Check:
Nowadays, it’s easy to order anything through online platforms, whether provisions, food, or gifts. So, how do you handle the cover and boxes of these things? Do you carelessly throw away the box with your name slip? A friend told me about an incident where her neighbour had a delivery guy at her door when she had ordered nothing. She did not open the door and later reported it to the local police. So, it would be better to remove all labels with personal information on them, such as the name and address, if you regularly receive parcels at your accommodation. You can also arrange for parcels to be delivered at the entrance lobby desk and pick them up later.
It’s a fact that many people compete to show off on social media about their lifestyles, what they bought, and where they went. Never overshare information. Informing on FB that you are on holiday for a week is an open invitation to burglars.
To conclude, security and safety should take precedence over the furniture and furnishings for women staying in apartments whether individually or sharing with other women.
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