sponsored post By Lauren Hruby and Scott DeVouton
Neighborhood and home safety give peace of mind. Whether you own or rent, feeling safe is extremely important. Safe neighborhoods build community. They preserve and help build property values. They help make us happier.
Safety is not only in the hands of the police. It’s our job to make our neighborhoods safe, places where we want to live and do business. Here are just a few ways to do our part.
Sidewalks. Use them and keep yours clear so others can do the same. Active sidewalks are safe sidewalks.
Landscaping. It can be a great place to lurk. Keep yours trimmed.
Lighting. Porches and parking areas should be well-lit. Motion-sensor lights and light timers are good investments.
Blinds and curtains. Check your home for electronics and other valuable items that may be visible from the street. These rooms should have blinds or curtains to keep everything out of sight. Take a look at your house from the street through the eyes of others.
Door jambs and locks. Exterior doors should be sturdy and lockable. Reinforce door jambs. Take inventory of locks. Repair or replace ones that don’t do their job.
Activity. Your home should appear occupied at all times. Timers on lights and radios can help if you’ll be gone for extended periods of time.
Notes. Don’t leave notes for service people or family members on your front door.
Neighbors. Get to know them. Watch each other’s back. Get together in person or use online resources. Many neighborhoods have Facebook pages. Our ability to stay connected on issues of safety and well-being has never been greater.
Keep Junk in your Trunk. Do not leave valuable items within eye-shot when parking. Most vehicle break-ins involve items left sitting in plain view. Take that extra moment to stow items in your trunk.
Be Smart. Think twice when it comes to matters of safety. Don’t post your travel agenda before going on a trip. Take a flashlight on a nighttime walk. Stay aware of who and what is in your immediate surroundings. Say hello or give a nod to passersby.
Pets and security systems. Security systems can be pricey, but their value is obvious. Having a dog around can provide a presence and deterrent to the bad guys.
Safe neighborhoods are strong neighborhoods. Homeowners are the first line of support. This article lists just a few things you can do to keep your home safe. A quick Internet search will give you more ideas. If you ever have a non-emergency issue, don’t hesitate to call the Kansas City Police at 816-234-5000.
Lauren and Scott are with Lauren Hruby Real Estate, Keller Williams Realty Key Partners, LLC. They work with people looking to sell or buy a home in the Kansas City area. For more information, visit www.laurenhruby.com or call 816-529-6174.
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