If you live alone, you may be more concerned about your personal safety in your home. Whether you’re still young and single or a retiree who lives solo, there are things that you can do to make yourself feel safer and make your home a relaxing and secure environment.

1. Keep a List of Reliable Emergency Contacts

A medical or security emergency could happen in your home when you least expect it, so you should have a list of at least a few people you can contact for help. In addition to the 911 emergency service line, you should have the phone numbers and other contact details of friends, family members, and other people who will come to your aid and possibly get there faster than first responders. A church or another organization may also be willing to offer support if you live alone and contact them for help.

Have a Self-defense Weapon If you live alone at home or are just generally worried about safety, it’s a good idea to have a pistol case for your gun. You can store it in the case and carry it around with you if you need it. You will feel more confident and safe knowing that you have a weapon that you can quickly grab in case of emergencies. It is also essential to know that you must always have knowledge, training, and a permit to carry a pistol in your state.

2. Get an Animal Companion

A dog, a cat, or another pet can offer you extra companionship if you live alone and may also help you stay safe. Dogs are often especially good at warning people of possible home intruders. Your animal companion may also be able to warn you of impending smoke are fire dangers before you realize these hazards yourself. You might even be able to train your pet to go and get help from other people if you become incapacitated because of an emergency situation.

3. Make Sure Lighting is Sufficient

Poor lighting can make your home a more dangerous setting, and you may be even more at risk for danger if you live alone in a home that doesn’t have sufficient lighting. Inadequate lighting can put you at great risk for tripping and falling over items, and your home may also be more susceptible to break-ins by intruders. You may need to update light fixtures and bulbs to give your home adequate lighting, and you can bring this to your landlord’s attention if you rent your home. Additional light fixtures on the inside and outside of your home may also need to be put in to give you the lighting that’s needed for optimal safety.

4. Order the Latest Home Security Products

You can feel more assured in your surroundings by having an up-to-date home security system that includes the latest products. Surveillance cameras that can monitor your premises as well as a video doorbell that monitors what’s going on at your front door can help you stay safe. Your system can also include a burglar alarm and motion detectors that you can program remotely from your mobile phone.

5. Be Careful About What You Share

You may need to be even more careful about sharing your personal details with others if you live alone. If you’re friendly and enjoy striking up conversations with strangers while you’re out in public, it’s important that you don’t let these people know that you live alone unless you end up developing closer relationships with them. You should also be careful about what you post on social media, as dangerous individuals may try to take advantage of your situation if you state that you live alone in a post that can be seen by anyone who visits your page.

Living alone doesn’t have to be such a risky endeavor. If you stay smart and make the right changes to your home and personal conduct, you’ll likely avoid certain dangers that some people who live alone are at greater risk of encountering.