As a self care assistant for busy and ambitious Black women, I focus on resources that can help them achieve their health and self care goals. And when it comes to our health and well-being, multiple factors influence our ability to feel safe.
While living in fear is not healthy for anyone, being well-informed of the resources available is important. Our sense of safety and security, especially as Black women, plays a huge part in our well-being. I want to ensure you have the resources you need to be proactive about your safety in your home, online, and outside.
In your home
“Hello? Is anyone there?”
We’ve all seen it in the movies. There’s a woman in her home and she’s wondering if somebody broke in. For many of us, our home is our sanctuary, and we should all be informed of the tools and information needed to avoid being THAT girl.
- Disclosure. Be careful who you give your access information to. Believe it or not, many break-ins are committed by someone the person knew in some way.
- Privacy on social media. Pictures of your home, especially if you’re in an apartment, can easily give clues to your exact location. If you want to show off your interior design skills, ensure you aren’t showing the full view from any windows, or front doors.
- Security Systems. There are many security systems out there that are easy to install and monitor, and can give you peace of mind even when you are away from your home.
Here are five home security systems that can be effective in a house or an apartment!
Online
Followers aren’t always friends.
I’m sure we’re all aware of the internet weirdos out there, so ensure you take the extra steps to keep your personal information safe. Here are five measures you can implement today to revamp your cybersecurity.
- First, let’s go to your Google account and get a quick rundown of any vulnerabilities in your passwords or data.
- Multi-Factor Authentication. Are you familiar with using multi factor authentication (MFA) for the social media accounts that offer it? MFA is an authentication system that requires more than one distinct authentication factor for successful admission. Using MFA for your social media accounts or any account with sensitive information greatly decreases your chances of being hacked. MFA is offered by accounts like Instagram, Meta, and Twitter.
- Passwords. Even if you use MFA, try not to get lazy with your passwords. Using tools like 1password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane can help you store and manage your passwords and login information across several accounts.
- Maintenance. Keeping up with your cybersecurity measures can ensure they remain effective. Don’t forget to periodically check that your anti-virus tools are current and your router is updated.
- “Go then post”. Using the “Go then post” approach by posting about an event after you have left is a great way to decrease the chances that a predator can know your location while you are there.
On the go
When you’re outside of your home, going to a new place alone, or traveling, it’s essential to be prepared and proactive about your safety. Apps like Noonlight can help have a readily accessible way to call for help and wearables like invisaWear help disguise devices that can discreetly contact a loved one if you need help. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a self-defense keychain in your bag or a halo jump starter and air compressor in your car for trips taken alone. A doorstop alarm is also a great compact, yet effective security tool to take with you when you’re traveling and want to feel safer in your Airbnb.
These resources and extra measures are by no means removing responsibility from those who have harmful intentions. But having the resources we need to be proactive about our security and personal safety is essential and can make all the difference for our peace of mind. What resources and products do you use for your safety?