So I thought I was being careful then reality hit...

[polkadotsuitcase]

In addition to what's been suggested, I'd consider motion lights outside, too. We've got them on the corners of the house, and I like knowing when something/someone is moving around in our "zone."

 

[aprilgail2]

I think you're letting your imagination run away with you. I've lived without a man in the house for most of my adult life. I lock the doors and I set the alarm. For most of my life, I didn't have an alarm system. While it may not seem like it, most people have no idea that you are alone. Not trying to be mean here, but if someone really wanted to break into your home, they would do it with or without your husband home. Try to relax.

 

[Lionqueen2]

I think you're letting your imagination run away with you. I've lived without a man in the house for most of my adult life. I lock the doors and I set the alarm. For most of my life, I didn't have an alarm system. While it may not seem like it, most people have no idea that you are alone. Not trying to be mean here, but if someone really wanted to break into your home, they would do it with or without your husband home. Try to relax.

I feel the same way. If someone wants to get in to your house, they will do it regardless of who is in it.
I have been married for many years, but my husband traveled for work and I spent a lot of time alone in the house and always felt OK. It is true that most people don't know that you are by yourself. I also had a neighbor that was a single mom. She lived by herself raising her son and everyone knew that she was there alone with just a young boy. She never had an incident.
I do think it is important to use just general common sense - locking doors and setting an alarm if you have one - things one should do whether or not one lives alone.

 

[pumba]

I never ever thought of this ....
My husband went on a moose hunt twice in the last few weeks....one hunt he was gone for 6 nights and then he returned Saturday night at ten pm after being gone 8 nights..
I shut the blinds all the way down.. Usually we leave a few inches up so our dog can look out in the middle of the night when she hears a noise.
I also left the bathroom light on so I could see ourside my bedroom doors.......I think your friend is right....same routine regardless of when and if the husbands are gone.
Thanks so much

 

[kristilew]

We put dusk/dawn sensors in our coach lights. These are little sensors that screw into the socket, and then you screw the light bulb into that. No need to do anything at the switch. Now we just leave the lights switched "on" all the time, and as soon as it starts to get dark, they come on. They go off automatically in the morning.

 

[tlbwriter]

I feel the same way. If someone wants to get in to your house, they will do it regardless of who is in it.

Yes, if someone wants into your particular house they will break in regardless. But usually burglars aren't trying to get into a particular house. They are usually looking for any house that's easy to break into. And if yours is slightly more risky (lights, dogs, whatever) they'll move on to the next one.

As for dogs, I have two 60-70 lb dogs, but the most they're going to do to someone who breaks in is trip him as they try to lick his toes.

 

[daisy2jae]

Former Police officer leaves across the street from me. Told me months ago to quit leaving my lights on when my DH works nights , so now I leave lights on all the time.

we do the same thing always leave them on.