Forming a Neighborhood Watch
When it comes to home security, many people overlook the surrounding neighborhood. In fact, keeping your home safe does require community environment. Even if you don't ever speak with your neighbors – or even get along with them – their actions impact your safety. According to the National Sheriff's Association, your neighbors – not the police – will be the first responders to nearly 80 percent of the crimes happening in a neighborhood.
Forming a neighborhood watch as a formal group tasked at stopping neighborhood crime is a good way to make sure you and the neighbors are all on the same page regarding security. This is a good way to get to know those around you if you don't already. Neighborhood watch meetings held regularly help those on your street understand the potential for crime and what to do about it. At the meetings, discuss various safety issues with your neighbors. You can also invite local law enforcement to speak at the meeting.
Your neighborhood is only as safe as the weakest link. If there are many homes on your block that look unprotected, along with lots of dark spots where a criminal could hide, that could play a role in drawing crime into your community. Even if your home is well protected, your security will suffer by being surrounded by less well protected homes. Volunteer to clean up the local park or help an elderly neighbor install outdoor lighting and other security measures. Doing so can improve the security of the whole neighborhood.
Be aware of neighbors who might need more assistance in an emergency situation. This includes people who live alone or are mobility impaired. If an emergency is happening, make sure that someone knows that these people might need some extra help. On the other hand, those who are elderly or disabled are more likely to be home during the day, while others are at work, and can provide help watching the neighborhood.
What can you do as an individual to keep your neighborhood safe? Keep your eyes open, and alert the authorities if you think a crime may be in progress. Report any suspicious behaviors and be aware of potential danger spots in your community. Check the national sex offender registry to see if there are any in your area and be aware of their locations.
Even if you live in a safe area, be vigilant about the safety of your children. Many kids have free run of the neighborhood, but this is not always safe, especially if you don't know those living around you. Even if you enjoyed this freedom as a child, the world has changed, and it may no longer be safe to let your children roam. Always know where your children are. Get them a cell phone so that they can call home, and get to know their friends and the parents. Set limits to where your children can go. If you think your kids might need to protect themselves from suspicious people, get them a personal alarm so that they can alert adults to a potentially dangerous situation.
Richard Armen,
Thursday, March 3rd