If you're in an apartment building, ask the manager if they're ok being an emergency contact. In a good building, they'll say yes, or even be available for you to "check out" and "check in". Since my asthma kicked back in, my building's manager has been great about that kind of thing. She's also a cyclist and understands why I want someone keeping an eye out .

I've also had online friends keep an eye out, or called my mom. Even if you don't have someone in town, you can still have someone who can raise the alarm. Modern telecommunications are *great*.