Most people tend to think about their home as a safe haven. It’s where you go to relax and feel comfortable. Often it is a place where people let down their guard and can feel protected from the risks of our world whether it is burglary or theft, or possibly a global pandemic.
Add to this sentiment that summer is usually synonymous with a loosening of rules, and an atmosphere of unwinding, and there are risks that you will want to avoid.
Staying safe is our number one priority, as it is yours. Unfortunately, this summer is looking a little different than most with the global health crisis and political unrest that our country is going through currently. Today’s blog is meant as a few simple reminders of how you can stay safe in your condo unit and the common areas with personal safety and medical safety in mind.
Lock Up
Just like any other time of the year, we remind our clients that locking your doors and windows is a good deterrent for any burglar. While we often see condo units with windows open during the warmer months to allow in the fresh air, remember that the summer months tend to see a spike in burglaries. According to a report in the 2020 State of Safety in America, nearly 40% of all Americans reported a personal experience with either violent or property crime in the past 12 months. These numbers are generally higher during the warmer summer months when people let down their guard and leave doors and windows open.
Get To Know Your Neighbors
One of the best ways to spot someone who shouldn’t be in your condo common area is to know the people who live around you. The more neighbors you know, the easier it is to recognize when a stranger is in the area.
Knowing your neighbors also comes in handy when you want someone to “have your back” so to speak. For example, if you head off on vacation, you have friends and neighbors who can keep an eye on things for you and be alerted should something look amiss.
Follow Safety Guidelines
Given that we are all trying to stop the spread of the coronavirus, it is a good idea to follow some personal safety guidelines as well in your condo community. Depending upon the guidelines set up by your specific municipality, you may want to maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and sanitize areas where you have been. Wash your hands often and try to wipe down areas that could be high traffic areas such as doorknobs, stair railings, or common area furnishings.
It’s also a good idea to follow any written guidance from your HOA board to keep you safe this summer. Follow any rules that they put forth for your common areas, amenities, and for outside entertaining locations.