Living alone comes with plenty of benefits: independence, flexibility, and the freedom to create a home that suits your lifestyle. Whether you're a young professional in your first apartment, someone relocating for work, an empty nester enjoying a quieter home, or a senior living independently, solo living can be both rewarding and empowering.
But when an emergency happens, there's one important difference between living alone and living with others: there may not be someone nearby to notice when something is wrong.
The good news is that a few simple preparations can help ensure that living alone doesn't mean facing emergencies alone.
Start with a daily check-in system
One of the easiest and most effective safety measures for solo households is establishing a regular check-in routine.
This doesn't have to be complicated. A simple text message, phone call, or quick email can provide reassurance that everything is okay. Some people send a daily "good morning" text to a friend or family member. Others use a standing phone call or social media check-in. Even sending a regular hello through work channels to your closest colleague might be your daily connection.
The key is consistency.
If you normally check in every day and suddenly don't respond, your designated contact knows it's time to reach out — or, if necessary, check on you in person.
This simple habit can be especially valuable during severe weather, illness, or other emergencies when you may be unable to call for help yourself. Regular check-ins can also be helpful if you commute long distances, travel frequently for work, or enjoy solo outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. Letting someone know when you've arrived safely or returned home adds another layer of protection without taking away your independence.
Designating an emergency contact is key
If you’re living on your own, one of the most important things you need to do is choose an emergency contact. While this may be the same person who checks in with you daily, it doesn't have to be. Your contact should be someone who can be reached if you're injured, become ill, or can't communicate. A trusted family member, close friend, neighbor, coworker, or nearby colleague can all be good options, especially if they can respond quickly or coordinate help if you're unreachable during the workday. If you don't have someone who fits that role, consider building a support network by getting to know a neighbor, joining a community or faith group, or asking a trusted building manager or local friend if they'd be willing to help in an emergency.
Let technology lend a hand
Today's technology offers more ways than ever to stay connected and protected.
Voice-activated smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home can help users make calls, send messages, or contact emergency services without physically reaching for a phone.
Medical alert systems have also evolved significantly. Many devices now include fall detection, GPS tracking, and emergency response features that can connect users with help at the push of a button — or automatically if a fall is detected.
Many smartphones also include built-in safety features such as emergency SOS, crash detection, location sharing, and Medical ID information that first responders can access even when your phone is locked. Taking a few minutes to set up these features can make a difference during an emergency.
For people with medical conditions, mobility concerns, or anyone seeking extra peace of mind, these tools provide an additional layer of protection. If you use one, take time to learn its features and test it periodically so you'll be comfortable using it in an emergency.
Technology should never replace personal connections, but it can serve as a valuable backup when every minute matters.
Related article: Connections and protections at your fingertips
Make emergency information easy to find
In an emergency, first responders need information quickly.
Consider creating an ICE (In Case of Emergency) information sheet and placing it somewhere visible in your home, such as on the refrigerator, near the front door, or inside a kitchen cabinet marked with a visible sticker.
Your ICE sheet should include:
- Emergency contacts
- Medical conditions
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Primary care physician information
- Health insurance information
- Pet care instructions
- Any important access information for your home
Many people also store ICE contacts in their cell phones, making it easier for emergency personnel to identify who should be contacted if you're unable to communicate. If you are a MASA member, you could also add your membership information to your ICE sheet and/or consider downloading the MASA Global app to your phone (available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store), so you’ll always have quick access to your essential membership information.
If you spend much of your day at work, consider making sure your employer has an up-to-date emergency contact on file. If you work remotely, it can also be helpful to let a trusted colleague know who should be contacted if you unexpectedly miss meetings or become unreachable.
Related article: How to advocate for yourself during an emergency
Plan for what happens after the emergency
Many people focus on what happens during an emergency but forget to plan for what happens afterward. If you're unexpectedly hospitalized for several days, someone may need to water your plants, collect your mail, feed your pets, or secure your home. You may also need someone to notify your employer, help cancel upcoming appointments or travel plans, or retrieve work equipment if you're unexpectedly hospitalized. Creating a practical backup plan now can eliminate unnecessary stress later.
Consider identifying a trusted neighbor, nearby family member, or close friend who:
- Can check on your home
- Can bring in packages or mail
- Can coordinate with family members if needed
- Knows how to reach your employer or a coworker if necessary
If you have pets, this step becomes even more important. Make sure someone knows your pet's routine, feeding schedule, veterinarian information, and where supplies are kept. A written pet care plan can be invaluable if you're suddenly unable to return home.
Related article: Protecting your pet when a crisis strikes
Build a local support network
Emergencies are easier to navigate when you know the people around you.
You don't need to be best friends with your neighbors, but introducing yourself and exchanging contact information with at least one trusted person nearby can make a significant difference.
Neighbors are often the first people to notice unusual circumstances, such as accumulating packages, an open garage door, or a car that hasn't moved for several days.
A simple relationship can become an important safety net.
Choose an emergency contact carefully
Most people list an emergency contact on medical forms and employment paperwork, but it's worth taking a closer look at who you've selected.
Your emergency contact should be someone who:
- Answers their phone reliably
- Understands your medical needs
- Knows where important documents are located
- Can communicate with healthcare providers and family members
- Is comfortable helping manage logistics during a crisis
For MASA members, it's also worth considering whether your emergency contact is familiar with your MASA benefits.
If you're hospitalized following an emergency, having someone who understands your membership and can help coordinate paperwork, transportation-related questions, or benefit-related communications can reduce stress during an already difficult time.
Even if your contact doesn't need every detail, providing basic information about your benefits and where important documents are stored can be incredibly helpful.
Be ready to respond
When an emergency happens, every second counts. Think through how you'll call for help if your phone isn't nearby or if the power goes out. Having more than one way to contact emergency services or your emergency contact — such as a medical alert device, smart speaker, or landline — can provide valuable backup when you need it most.
It's also important to remove potential obstacles before an emergency occurs. Keep hallways, stairs, and exits free of clutter so you can move safely, and store your phone, frequently used medications, and other essentials where they're easy to reach — especially overnight. Make sure to keep your cell phone charged, so it’s ready when you need it. If you spend a lot of time commuting or traveling, consider keeping a small emergency kit in your car or work bag with medications, a phone charger, emergency contacts, and other essentials. Small changes now can make a big difference when every moment matters.
The best time to think about an emergency is before one happens. Once you've identified your emergency contacts, gathered your important information, and considered the tools and support available to you, bring everything together into a simple emergency plan. Think through the situations you're most likely to face — whether it's a medical emergency, severe weather, a power outage, or an unexpected injury — and decide in advance how you'll call for help, who should be contacted, and what steps you'll take to stay safe. Your plan doesn't have to cover every possible scenario, but having one in place can help you respond more calmly and confidently.
Related article: Practice makes prepared
Practice your plan before you need it
Having an emergency plan is an excellent first step, but taking time to practice it can make an even bigger difference. During a real emergency, stress can make it harder to think clearly or remember important details. A quick practice run helps turn your plan into something you'll be more likely to remember when it matters most.
Once or twice a year, walk through a few simple "what if" scenarios. Ask yourself questions like:
- What would I do if I was injured and couldn't get to my phone?
- If I became ill or injured while away from home, who would be notified first, and would they know how to reach my emergency contact?
- How would I call for help if the power or internet was out?
- Does my emergency contact know what to do if they can't reach me?
- Does my daily check-in contact know how to connect with my emergency contact?
- Could I quickly locate my medications, emergency information, and house keys if I needed to leave in a hurry?
If you use a medical alert device, smart speaker, or emergency app, take a few minutes to test it so you're comfortable using it. Confirm that your emergency contact information is current and that everyone involved understands their role. Review your emergency contacts, update your medical information, and confirm that your support network still knows what to do if something happens.
The goal isn't to prepare for every possible scenario. It's simply to ensure that if an emergency occurs, you have a system that you can rely on.
Practicing doesn't have to be time-consuming. Even a brief review can help you identify small gaps in your plan before they become problems, giving you greater confidence that you're prepared if an emergency occurs.
Protect your independence
Living alone doesn't mean facing emergencies alone. With a little planning, the right technology, and a trusted support network, you can enjoy your independence with greater confidence and peace of mind.
