Live alone? Here are some safety tips and tricks that you hopefully never need, but are good to know! The list was submitted by single women to Buzzfeed. 

After moving out of my parents' house and into my own apartment in my early twenties, I lived alone with no roomates. It wasn't until I got married that I no longer lived alone, so I had a solid decade of single living - and it can be creepy at times! (Once, someone tried to break into my apartment in the middle of the night; they had lost their key & thought they were trying to break into their own place, so it wasn't a burglar with malicious intent but it was terrifying for me nonetheless.) 

You can check out the full list of Buzzfeed's safety tips here. These were my top 5 takeaways: 

1. If you're not expecting a visitor, don't answer the door for people you don't know.

This one might seem like common sense, and might come across as rude sometimes, but it's better to err on the side of caution these days. Even now when I'm home alone, I make a point not to answer the door if I don't know who's on the other side. If they're trying to sell something, they're welcome to leave a brochure or business card and I'll check it out after they're gone. 

2. Lock the car door as soon as you get in the car.

Lock the door FIRST - before you even turn the car on! Anything else you need to fiddle with in the car, like your keys, the radio, etc., can all wait until you're locked safely inside. 

3. Put a string of bells on your doorknob to hear anyone coming in or going out.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate some bells or other noise makers into door decor, and it also doubles as an alert to let you know anytime the door is opened. 

4. Use a different address for rideshares, first dates and new friends. 

Haven't known someone long or catching an Uber somewhere? Have them meet you for pickup at a nearby neighbor's house or public place within walking distance, but not your home address. 

5. Vary up your daily routine. 

This can be tricky with job schedules, but even leaving a few minutes early on random days or taking a different way to work can make your routine less predictable to potential prowlers. 

Got any other safety tips for living alone? Let us know in the comments!