Safety in Your Residence

These suggestions are for safety planning in your home if you have left your abuser or if you do not live with your abuser.

1. If you stay in your home, lock all windows and doors.  Change all locks when possible. 
2. Have someone inspect the structural integrity of your windows and doors.  You may want to install safety devices including an alarm system.
3. Develop a safety plan with your children for when you are not with them.  This may include changing the schools they attend.
4. Inform your child’s school, day care, etc… of who has permission to pick them up.
5. If safe, inform your neighbors/landlord who you do and don’t live with and ask that they call the police if your abuser is seen at or near your home.
6. If relocating, do not tell your abuser where you live or call your abuser on your personal home or cell phone (a pay-as-you-go phone may be helpful if contact is necessary, but to be safe purchase this phone with cash only). 
7. Request an unlisted/unpublished number from the telephone company.
8. Have mail sent to a post office box and not your place of residence.
9. Inspect the exterior of your house.  Make sure that there are no items that can be used as ladders including tree branches near to windows.
10. Install smoke and carbon dioxide detectors and purchase fire extinguishers.
11. Keep flashlights in convenient locations.
12. Keep an extra cell phone to be able to call 911.  You can call the crisis line to obtain a phone.
13. Teach your children how to call 911 and a family member.