Community safety requires a team effort.  The truth is, crime can make its way into any community no matter how “safe” it is.  The good news is, there are preventable measures you can take to protect your home and family.  The following tips are great for keeping you and your family safe and for fostering a safe community.

Get To Know the People in Your Community

Getting to know your neighbors goes a long way when recognizing where there is a suspicious person in the area.  Be aware of your neighbors habits, such as when they are generally at work, and if they have kids.  If you have elderly neighbors, check to see if they need any help.  Having this awareness will help you spot when things feel amiss.

Keep Your Neighbors Informed

It’s always good to find a neighbor you can trust, especially for those times you are out of town.  If you plan to be away from home for a few days, ask your neighbors to pick-up your newspaper and bring in your mail.  If you plan to have someone check on your house (or pets) while you are away, let your neighbors know so they won’t be alarmed.

Get Your Kids Acquainted with the Community

Making sure your kids are acquainted with your neighborhood will help them feel safer.  Take walks through the neighborhood to show them around and point out potential areas for them to avoid.

Host a Block Party

Hosting a block party is a great way to get to know people in your community that you may not otherwise meeting.  When you develop these personal relationships with your neighbors, you are more likely to step in and prevent crimes and disputes, and your neighbors are more likely to do the same.

Get Involved in your Community

One of the best ways to get to know your neighbors is to get involved in your community.  Whether this means serving on a committee or running for the Board of Directors, volunteers are always welcomed in homeowner associations.