| e women reign supreme in today’s housing | | | | Cross, home fires are the most common disasters in |
| market. According to the National Association of | | | | America, killing more Americans every year than all |
| Realtors, single women compose the largest segment | | | | natural disasters combined. Smoke detectors with |
| of the home-buying industry after married couples. | | | | heat sensors are your best way to protect yourself |
| Most of these women are first-time homeowners | | | | against a fire. Make sure all smoke detectors are in |
| who consistently cite home security among their main | | | | good working order. Install one smoke detector on |
| concerns. Whether you’re renting or buying, | | | | each story of your home nearest any bedroom |
| here’s a list of specific options to address the | | | | doors – inside the bedroom itself if you sleep |
| needs of women and their home security. | | | | with the door closed. |
| Security Systems | | | | Carbon Monoxide Alarms |
| For single women, especially those living in urban | | | | Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that kills |
| areas, home security and personal safety are ranked | | | | hundreds and poisons thousands of people every |
| among their top priorities when looking to rent or buy | | | | year. Unlike fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors |
| a property. A comprehensive home security package | | | | don’t always come standard in your housing |
| will ensure your personal safety and that of your | | | | options. Women can help ensure their home security |
| property. Some options to consider in a home | | | | – and personal wellbeing – by installing a |
| security system are: | | | | carbon monoxide detector in a common room near |
| • Installing an alarm kit, the basic component | | | | the bedroom. |
| of any good security package. Most hardwire alarm | | | | Water and Flood Sensors |
| kits vary greatly in price and options, but a good kit | | | | It’s true; the words “home |
| should allow you to customize your security system | | | | security” are not usually synonymous with |
| by adding different accessories. If you are renting, | | | | “water sensors.” But hey, |
| consider a wireless alarm kit, which can be easily | | | | you’ve invested your money and time into a |
| removed and re-installed as you move. | | | | house; it’s time to start thinking of your |
| • Vamping up your outdoor lighting. Installing a | | | | home as an investment. A leaky water pipe or burst |
| few motion sensor lights in key areas – over | | | | washing machine hose can cause thousands of dollars |
| the garage door, in the backyard, and at the sides of | | | | worth of damage while you are asleep or at work. A |
| the house – can greatly improve security | | | | water sensor with auto dialer can sound an alarm at |
| around the perimeter of your house. | | | | the first detection of water, shut off the water line, |
| • Installing window contact sensors or | | | | and alert you to the problem via phone within |
| glass-break detectors. Windows are especially | | | | minutes, preventing an expensive and messy repair |
| vulnerable to burglars, so deter potential criminals and | | | | job. |
| be alerted as break-ins occur with these two handy | | | | Common Sense |
| window features. | | | | Of course, the best thing women can do to increase |
| • Installing a surveillance system with Internet | | | | their home security is use common sense. Get to |
| features. Don’t have a dog? A web-based | | | | know your neighbors, be cautious on the streets |
| surveillance system will allow you to monitor your | | | | alone after dark, check out the crime statistics for |
| home via the Internet and can serve as your virtual | | | | your neighborhood, and never enter your house if |
| watchdog while you’re away from home. | | | | you suspect a break-in. Your greatest asset in |
| Smoke and Heat Detectors | | | | protecting your home security can be your trusty |
| A fire is one of the biggest threats to home and | | | | women’s intuition. |
| personal safety: According to the American Red | | | | |