Community Safety Tips

One of the most fulfilling feelings for many people is being a member of a community. It gives you the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and learn about your surrounding environment and culture. Help keep your neighborhood safe with these community safety tips.

Keep Your Property Well Lit

A dark home is an invitation to criminals. Use motion-sensor lights to illuminate walkways and critical areas around your home. This will reduce the chances of someone hiding and waiting for you. Also, if intruders approach, lights turning on may scare them off. If you plan to be away, consider timed light switches that will turn on your light during critical night-time hours but shut off during the day.

Keep Your Doors Locked

No matter how safe and secure your neighborhood may seem, you should still always lock the doors to your home and car. Criminals tend to target areas where residents are known to commonly leave things unsecured. It’s always better to be overly cautious when it comes to protecting your home.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

People who know each other are more willing to get involved in each other’s lives. They will look out for each other’s interests and help with providing care when needed. From a safety perspective, neighbors who know you are more likely to report suspicious activities in and around your home. They can become your eyes and ears when you are not home or when you are home and are in danger.

Keep People Informed

If you’re planning an extended trip away from home, be sure to let a few trusted neighbors know where you are going, how long you will be there, and how to reach you in case of emergency. Ask them to help protect your property by gathering mail, mowing the lawn in the summer, or shoveling your driveway during the winter to make it appear as though someone is still home.

Watch Out for Others

Just as you should ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity around your home, you should do the same for them. If you notice anything that seems out of place, don’t be afraid to report it! After all, it is better to report a false alarm than to know that you may have been able to prevent a crime or help catch the person(s) involved.

More Community Safety Tips

Keeping a community safe is a collaborative effort. Maintain an open dialogue with your neighbors and brainstorm other community safety tips. Your local police department may also be a helpful resource. By taking precautions, knowing the people around you, being aware of your surroundings, and getting involved, you can help reduce crime and keep people safe.