If you’re a single young person living alone, especially if you’re a female in a highly populated urban area, you may be nervous about being totally by yourself. Though it’s important not to worry unnecessarily, it’s also a good idea to realize that some of your fears may be well-founded, and take action to protect yourself and set your mind at ease.

Use the three tips below as a jumping off point:

1. Meet your Neighbors: Introduce yourself to the people who live around you, and make an effort to check in with them on routine basis. Knowing that there are friendly folks just around the corner can make you feel much less alone when you’re by yourself on any given night.

2. Buy a protection dog: Having a guard dog not only helps keep you safe, but it gives you a friendly pal to come home to every night. Try getting a trained German Shepherd for a fiercely loyal companion who won’t let you down!

3. Get an alarm system: Even if it’s expensive, a hassle to install, and a pain to monitor once in awhile, getting a functioning alarm system is one of the best ways to protect yourself and keep intruders out. If you absolutely can’t afford an alarm system, try placing the sticker of a well-known alarm company on your front windows. Sometimes just the presence of the sticker can keep intruders at bay.