Here in Oklahoma, we have conceal and carry laws that allow us to have handguns hidden on our person (with the appropriate licensing). Does Kentucky have anything like this?

I can't have a dog 'cause I can't afford the pet deposit. I might just have to have a Louisville slugger by my side!

I'm not sure if we can carry concealed weapons but I'm sure that if I get the appropriate license I could purchase one for my home. I know how to shoot a shotgun, maybe I'll attempt to purchase one & get the license!

I guess I'm just looking for some ideas that don't require guns/dogs/alarms because those are things I either can't have right now or can't afford to have just yet!

i guess you can just stick with the baseball bat and sharp knife

You could try a tape recording of a big mean dog barking... ;)

If you're worried about break-ins, you might want to look into installing a deadbolt on your front door and/or a security bar on the door to your balcony (especially if it's a slider) - if you're allowed to make that kind of modification. You could also try making up some stickers that say something like "Protected by Acme Alarm Co." and putting them on your windows to act as a deterrent even if you don't have an actual alarm system. It won't stop a determined burglar, but it might slow down or deter someone who doesn't really know what they're doing.

Also, keep valuables (computer, sound system, jewelry, cash, etc.) out of plain sight as much as possible.

If you're worried about being alone, maybe you can convince a friend to sleep over on your first night in the new place.

I'm sure you'll be fine. :)

Oh this is the fun part!!!! Shopping!!! Be sure to go to Bed Bath and Beyond, Pier 1 and Crate & Barrel (if they have them by you). Ikea is great too!!!!! Also Target has lots of inexpensive home stuff.

You can get some cute ideas though for decorating, check out the websites:

www.pier1.com

www.bedbathbeyond.com

www.crateandbarrel.com

www.ikea.com

www.target.com

double lock your front and back door. keep you windows down and locked when you aren't there. get yourself some renter's insurance. it's not horribly expensive and it's good peace of mind. make sure you have a good porch light at your front door. light is definitely your friend. the first floor will be a goodsend in terms of move ins, groceries and laundry. stow an extra key with a friend, just in case. no way under the mat.

Thanks you guys! I think that when I go shopping I'm going to look for those battery operated alarm things. You can put them anywhere (windows & doors mainly) & they have 3 different settings I think. Alarm, chimes, & off. That way when I want to I can put them on alarm before I go to bed or on my windows before I leave the house. Since they are battery operated I can just hope they'll scare someone away. (And at least notify my neighbors.)

I know that everyone has their own priorities, but I would think that a single woman living alone on the ground floor should seriously consider her safety above everything else. Deadbolts can be your best friend! Also, call the NRA or any police department, and see what type of safety devices they suggest. Contrary to popular thought, the NRA doesn't always suggest having a weapon, and teaches a great Personal Protection course!

Do you have locks on your windows? You should get them. My sister has a timer set to turn on her lamp so it looks like she's home even when she isn't.

To cosign on the deadbolts, get a floor bolt installed. It doesn't have a lock, so you only use it when you're there. I saw this home security special once, and the specialist said that is the best kind, its harder to break open. And since its an improvement on that unit, most places won't mind. They usually only mind if its something that could possibly mess up the apartment. This would actually make it better.

I TOTALLY feel your pain, because, regardless of the convenience, I dunno if I could do it. I'm scared to get a house (even though I will) because there are too many entances and you're not connected to anyone, so you can't bang on the wall for help LOL. My friend said the same thing, so I stopped feeling like a punk about it.

I'm pretty sure the windows have locks on them already. I'm terrified about people breaking into my home while I'm not there & taking everything I've ever earned/worked for in my entire life! Or worse, they break in while I am there!

I actually have two lamps that I NEVER turn off, whether I'm home or not. I figure that should confuse enough people!

I like the idea of a floor bolt, BirthaBlue. I know that the chain things aren't worth the money you put into them.

i own a townhouse and it's the greatest thing on the face of the earth....especially that i'm the only one who lives in it