Caring for a loved one who values their independence and prefers to live alone can be quite challenging. It’s natural to feel anxious about their well-being when you’re not around and hope that their neighbors will alert you if something goes wrong. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your loved one stays safe, even when they are by themselves. Here, we provide you with 8 valuable tips to help them stay secure at all times. Don’t forget to subscribe to Kurt’s free Cyberguy newsletter for security alerts, quick tips, tech reviews, and easy how-to’s to make you smarter.
1. Turn on emergency settings on your smartphone
Smartphones come with various settings to ensure safety in an emergency. Whether your loved one has an iPhone or an Android, you can set up their phones to quickly contact you, the authorities, or any other emergency contact. Here’s how to activate emergency settings on an iPhone:
– Open Settings
– Tap Emergency SOS
– Make sure “Call with Hold and Release” is toggled On to quickly call 911 by holding the side button and volume button
– Go back to Settings, scroll down, and select Health
– Click Medical ID, then Edit
– Scroll down to Emergency Contacts and add necessary people
– Hold down the off button and bottom volume button on each side of the iPhone to swipe Medical ID and reach emergency contacts quickly. Note that this is how you can access an emergency contact on someone else’s phone as well.
For Android phones, the steps may vary depending on the model. Here’s how to activate emergency settings on a Samsung phone:
– Open the Contacts app
– Click on the 3 horizontal lines
– Tap Emergency Contacts under Groups
– Add your emergency contact
– Go to Settings, select Safety & Emergency, and turn on Emergency SOS
– Once turned on, quickly press the side button 5 times in an emergency to call for help.
2. Utilize a smart home speaker
Smart home devices like Alexa or Google Nest can be helpful for contacting loved ones during emergencies. Set up emergency settings on these devices to ensure quick communication.
3. Consider personal protection
If your loved one has to leave their home frequently, personal protection is crucial. While traditional items like mace and pepper spray may be illegal in some states, there are alternative portable protection items available such as alarms and flashlights. Check out the available personal protection items to keep your loved one safe.
4. Install video monitoring
With your loved one’s consent, you can install video cameras inside and outside their home for monitoring purposes. Access the cameras remotely through a smartphone or computer to periodically check on them. It adds an extra layer of security and helps detect any unusual activities or emergencies.
5. Encourage the use of a smartwatch
Consider suggesting a personal safety item like a smartwatch or safety pendant for your loved one. These wearable devices come with features like GPS tracking, emergency SOS buttons, fall detection, and more, providing an additional means to call for help.
6. Set up smart lighting
Smart lighting can be programmed or controlled remotely, giving the impression that someone is home even when they’re not. This deters criminals and makes the person feel secure. Motion-activated lights outside the house could also prevent break-ins.
7. Invest in a reliable home security system
A home security system is essential for individuals living alone. Nowadays, these systems come with smartphone apps for immediate alerts and the ability to contact the authorities. It provides peace of mind, especially during late-night hours.
8. Use a video doorbell
Video doorbells with cameras and two-way audio systems are excellent for people living alone. They allow visual communication with visitors and come with motion detection capabilities for added security.
Remember, you can never be too cautious when it comes to the safety of your loved ones. Consider these suggestions and choose the options that work best for you. If you have any concerns about the privacy aspects of high-tech home security devices, please let us know by contacting us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. Subscribe to Kurt’s free CyberGuy Report Newsletter for more tech tips and security alerts. Stay protected with the best antivirus protection winners for 2023. Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love for technology, gear, and gadgets that enhance life. He contributes to Fox News & FOX Business and can be seen on “FOX & Friends.” Reach out to Kurt at CyberGuy.com for tech questions, story ideas, or comments.
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