postnotes

8 Tips
for Personal Safety

1. Know who you’re dealing with. Meet a new client in the office first and take a photo of their I.D. and license plate. A criminal won’t be comfortable with this and may be thwarted.
2. Touch base. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Have them call you to check in.
3. Don’t get lost. Know the exact address of your destination. If you use a navigation app, pull over and stop in a safe place if you’ve made a wrong turn.
4. Sense your surroundings. Is there questionable activity in the area of a property you’re showing? Is anyone loitering or making you uncomfortable? Follow your instincts if you feel you should leave.
5. Don’t go it alone. Have an associate or other person host open houses with you.
6. Park for protection. At open houses or showings, park on the street instead of in the driveway so you can get away quickly if necessary.
7. Go on the defense. Learn some self-defense skills. Martial arts studios, many community colleges and police departments offer basic classes.
8. Choose flight over fight. While self-defense is a good idea, the primary goal in any threatening situation is to escape from immediate danger and call for help.

Be aware and be safe!

Source: NAR Realtor Safety Resource Kit.