In light of the recent tragedy of the kidnapping and murder of real estate agent Beverly Carter in Arkansas and the spike in interest in personal protection among the real estate community, we want to emphasize the importance of being safe in all situations. We must constantly be on guard not only in the world of real estate but in virtually every daily activity and situation.
Specifically for Real Estate Agents here are some safety tips provided by the National Association of Realtors for hosting Open Houses; some of the suggestions are good practice for day to day showings:
If you are holding an Open House:
• Call police and arrange for a squad car to drive by during the hours of your open house
• Check your cell phone strength and signal prior to open house
• Have phone charger or extra phone battery so your phone can remain fully charged
• Have emergency numbers on speed dial
• Have escape routes planned and make sure the dead bolts are unlocked for a quick escape if needed
• Turn on all lights and open all curtains
• When buyers come by write down descriptions, have them sign in and if possible get license plate numbers
• Always walk behind the prospect when showing & direct them, don’t lead them
• Notify a friend or relative that you will call at a certain time and if you don’t the they are to notify the police immediately
• Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask them to keep an eye or ear out for anything out of the ordinary
• For more tips, reference the National Association of Realtors website
Below are more important safety precautions that every person should know and practice no matter what:
• Use your sixth sense: Intuition can be powerful subconscious insight to help avoid a person or a situation that does not “feel” safe.
• Self-defense training: Choose a program that includes simulated assaults with a fully padded instructor in realistic scenarios.
• Escape: the best option is to run away, yell for help, throw a rock through a store or car window–attract attention and if the criminal is after your material items then give them up.
• Respond: You have the moral and legal right to do so even if the attacker is only threatening and hasn’t struck first. Statistics show that odds of survival are greater if you fight back. Remember to respond quickly because you may only get one chance.
• Pepper spray: Pepper spray and self-defense aids can be useful tools. But never depend on abself-defense tool or weapon to stop an attacker.
• Home invasions: Prevent this by never opening the door unless you know who’s on the other side. Also, have a safe room in your house equipped with a strong door, deadbolt lock, cell phone and a can of pepper spray or fire extinguisher.
• Car jacking; Lock all doors when driving. Many crimes take place when vehicles are stopped at intersections. The criminals either pull you out of the driver’s seat or jump in the passenger’s seat.
• Safety in cyberspace: When communicating on-line, keep personal information confidential. Keep current on security issues, frauds and viruses by periodically checking “The Police Notebook” Internet Safety Page.
Below are other references for furthering your safety knowledge.
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