Safety Tips for Residential Communities and Neighborhoods

From negligent driving to property crimes, even some of the safest neighborhoods around are prone to dangerous activity. And while you can protect yourself from harm by locking your windows and doors, looking both ways before crossing the street, and remaining aware of your surroundings, there are some other steps you can take to make your residential community a safer place to live. These tips from the real estate experts at 2FindYourHome will help you do it!

Get to Know Local Law Enforcement

 

While many of us don’t wish to interact with our local law enforcement officials unless we need immediate assistance or wish to report a crime, forming positive relationships with the police officers in our communities can help protect our families and keep our loved ones out of harm’s way. And one way to go about doing this includes launching a neighborhood watch program. Several benefits of neighborhood watch groups include the following:

 

● Positive partnerships with local law enforcement officials

● Reduced rates of crime

● Emergency preparedness

● Improved communications between law enforcement and community members

● Enhanced security

 

Through websites like the National Neighborhood Watch (NNW), you can search for law enforcement agencies and existing watch groups in your area, purchase signs for your community, and learn more about starting your own neighborhood watch group. Typically, you’ll need to start by recruiting a group of neighbors, scheduling a meeting with your local law enforcement agency, addressing major concerns in your community, creating a communication plan, and holding regular meetings and events. 

Make Your Neighborhood a Safer Place to Live

 

In addition to starting or joining a neighborhood watch group, there are some other steps you can take to make your neighborhood a safer and more enjoyable place to live. If speeding is an ongoing issue, for instance, you may be able to use signs, video surveillance, and speed bumps to slow down traffic. You could also ask neighbors to sign a non-speeding safety pledge or contact your local police department to request a speed monitoring trailer. 

 

Furthermore, the team at SafeHome.org offers the following recommendations for protectingyour neighborhood from burglars, thieves, and other types of criminals:

 

● Using smart lights to keep homes well-lit in the evening, even when residents are away

● Installing a video doorbell such as the Ring, Nest Hello, or RemoBell S

● Informing neighbors of your vacation plans or other changes to your schedule

● Installing motion sensor lights for enhanced security

● Maintaining home entryways and keeping them free of large shrubs or trees

Stay Safe in Multi-family Communities

 

If you live in an apartment, condo, townhome, or another type of multifamily community, there are some additional steps you’ll need to take to protect yourself and other residents from hazardous activity. Kasey Tross of Safewise recommends connecting with your neighbors (whether online or in-person), installing a wireless security system, and keeping your renters’ insurance policy up-to-date. A door jammer can also help to prevent intruders from entering your home.

 

If you wish to install a deadbolt, change the locks on your doors, or make any other improvements or repairs to your apartment, condo, or townhome, you’ll typically need to contact your homeowners’ association (HOA) or landlord. If you live in an HOA community, for instance, your homeowners’ association will be responsible for resolving security issues, maintaining the grounds, and making repairs to your home. If your residential community is not part of an HOA, however, you’ll need to contact your landlord for these types of requests.

Feel Safe Where You Live

 

If you no longer feel safe in your community, even after following these tips, it may be time to begin your search for a new place to live. The team at 2FindYourHome can help you to find a real estate agent, compare local neighborhoods, and browse real estate listings in your desired area. Alternatively, you can use websites like Apartment Guide, Abodo, and Apartments.com to look for apartments and homes for rent.

 

Creating a safe community starts with you, so gather a few neighbors and start your own neighborhood watch group today. You’ll reduce crime in your community, get to know your local law enforcement officials, and make your neighborhood a better place to live!

 

Are you looking for a real estate agent, homes for sale, and open houses in your desired area? Visit 2FindYourHome to find everything you’ll need to kickstart your housing search! 716-636-9000