How to Feel Safe/Secure at Home

 We’re more apt to feel safer, that where we live is more “neighbourly,” and actually be more secure when:

• Cooler colours predominate in the space we’re in.
• We’re sitting or sleeping so that we can easily see anyone entering the room we’re in (ideally with the door opening in a way that shields us from the view of anyone entering as they begin to open that door). This works even better when there’s something behind us, a wall, a tall plant, a column, or something similar that would prevent any real or imagined, living or more ephemeral, evil-doer from approaching us from the rear.  In a restaurant, a seat in a booth with a view of the door is a very secure-feeling location, for instance.
• Windows in rooms where we might feel more vulnerable, such as bathrooms, are smaller and allow less view into the space from outdoors—skylights can work well in these spaces.
• Windows from homes overlook walkways.
• We have a front porch wide enough for at least one chair.
• There is a sidewalk in front of our house.
• It’s clear what space is ours and what is theirs—for example, a white picket fence or a shorter hedge surrounds the edge of our yard. An archway also sends a signal about who owns/belongs where. Courtyards that serve fewer as opposed to more residences, and that have been personalized by those “owners” also increase real and perceived safety.
• There are fewer places for thieves, etc., to hide as they try to break into a home, etc.—but neighbourhood greenery creates an ambience that can feel secure. A door that can be clearly seen by someone walking by is less likely to be crowbarred open.
• The neighbourhood is more walkable; i.e., a more pleasant place to take a walk.