REALTOR SAFETY TIPS

1. When meeting new clients, always have them first come to the office and fill out a Client ID form. Copy their driver’s license or an ID with their photo.

2. Carry a pepper spray on your key chain in your hand when getting to and from any location. At open houses, have it clipped to your clothing.

3. Limit personal information and photos (no glamour shots) you share in your advertising and to new clients.

4. Bring someone with you to an open house. If no one is available, call someone often. Open the blinds and curtains. Announce your open house to neighbors. Tell them you will use your car’s panic button to alert them in case of an emergency.

5. Before the client arrives familiarize yourself with the property. The client leads from room to room and always be closest to the exits. Don't advertise or tell a caller that a property is vacant.

6. Introduce new clients to co-workers and let the office know your itinerary. Check in regularly during the tour.

7. Have regularly scheduled office safety meetings. When working at the office alone, day or night, keep the doors locked. And at night, don’t allow yourself to been seen from the outside. Office managers should keep an active list of who has keys.

8. It’s best to take separate cars or you drive the client. If you have to go in
their car, jot down the license number and give it to the receptionist. Don’t allow yourself to get blocked in by another vehicle(s).

9. Carry a fully charged cell phone with emergency numbers on speed dial.

10. Always listen to and follow your instincts. If “it,” does not feel right, you’re probably right. Get out of the situation right away.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

1.    Lack of Awareness
       You MUST know where you are and what’s going on around you.

2.    Body Language
       Pay attention and walk with a purpose.

3.    Wrong Place, Wrong Time
       Do not walk, jog or ride a bike alone.

On the Street

•    Have your keys in your hand while walking to your car.

•    Pay attention to your surroundings. Try not to be alone. Yell “FIRE” to get attention.

•    Do not talk on cell phone while walking.

•    Don’t use ATM machines unless you have someone with you.

•    Carry your purse with the strap across your body and the purse to front.

•    ALWAYS TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If you feel something is not right, leave.

•    Avoid stairwells and unlit walkways.

•    Always carry a chemical defense spray in your hand attached to your key chain.

Around Your Car

•    As you approach your car look around for conspicuous activity. Look underneath your car. Check the inside and  back seat before entering. Once inside immediately lock your doors.

•    Do not park next to a van. If you approach your car and there is a van parked next to you, get ‘safe help’ to get you to your car.

•    If you see a man sitting alone in a car near your car, you may want to walk back to where you were
and get ‘safe help’ getting to your car. Remember, always trust your intuition.

•    When walking to your car with your kids you must be in control. It is safer to strap your children into  their car seats from within the car than standing on the outside.

•    Do not allow strangers to approach you in your car. Never ever allow a man to get you in a car. If he    jumps in and you are driving, crash your car, then get out and RUN.

•    If you break down on the road, move over to the passenger side of the car to make it appear as if someone has gone for help and use a ‘Call Police’ sign in rear window.

In Your Home

•    Keep your doors and windows locked. Don’t leave garage door open.

•    Purchase CrimeStop USA’s affordable, portable alarm system that keeps intruders out. Call 888-777-7102.
 
•    Never let strangers in your home or hotel room...no matter what uniform they are wearing.

•    Never enter your home if you think it has been burglarized. Call the police.

•    Dead bolt locks should be long enough to go into frame of the door (about an inch-and-a-half).

•    Sensor lights are a better deterrent than floodlights.

•    Buy signs that say you have a security system, even if you don’t.

•    If you awake to someone in your home, call the local police department immediately. 
     Have a chemical defense spray near by.

Fight or Flight

When faced with an assailant, trust your instincts and stay as calm as possible.

No Resistance: Not resisting an attacker with a gun or knife may be the proper choice in a given situation.

Stalling For Time: Sometimes talking to an attacker either by grossing him out or pretending to be cooperating can take their power away.

Distract To Escape: Distracting the attacker may offer you an escape.

Invading Your Space: Yell “Stop!” or “That’s close enough!”

Physical Resistance: Catch them off guard. Act forcefully, quickly and decisively.

Description: Get an accurate description of your attacker.