Stay Safe!  

Like an “Outdoor Cat!”

Are you safe?  At your job or in your home?  Pam Collins, a realtor with Edina Realty, recently gave tips to keep you safe in many situations at a Cannon Falls Area TRIAD meeting.

Realtors, for example, meet alone with strangers looking for properties which have been publicly located on the internet, newspapers, etc.   

A cat… really?

Collins suggested you think of yourself as a cat.  But not a cuddly, comfy indoor cat!  You are a vigilant, constantly aware, always on alert, feisty outdoor cat!

Keeping safe!

Here are some suggestions that realtors may consider… and good advice for others too!

• Lock your valuables in the trunk of your car BEFORE you leave home.
• Neighbors are a good source of protection if they know what to look for so you could check with them.
• Don’t park your car in a driveway as it can get blocked in.  
• Observe surroundings before getting out of the car. Is it unusually quiet or is there much activity in the area?  Anyone loitering?  Are there spots someone could hide in?
• After opening up the house, lock the door behind you while you set up your informational display.
• Arrange access to safety devices like pepper spray.  Remember: violence is violent.  Rehearse in your head:  “I will live… I will go home to my babies… my family.”  
• Take out your cell phone.  Review 911 access.  A family member’s number for quick access and a code word to use if you want help sent.  This shouldn’t be anything dramatic.  Just asking them to email a red file, for example.  But they’ll know you need the police.
• Hide your purse.  Plan escape routes.  Never get pinned in a room where they can block the door.  Never follow them to the basement… stay on the stairs.
• Or if you just want to leave the house and get to your car, explain that you left important information in the car or “Another agent with buyers is on the way.”
• Mentally rehearse your plans… see yourself fighting so you can go on “automatic pilot” in a bad situation.
• Later on you can report suspicious activity/people (even if you’re not attacked) to your local office, other realtors, and if appropriate, law enforcement.  
• Or take a self defense class.
• Keep your house and car keys on separate rings when you hand them over for something like car repairs.  Don’t hide them outside the house in the usual places near a door.
• After the open house ends, check the home for windows or doors that have been unlocked with the possible idea of a return visit from a criminal who was touring.

Also keep in mind…

There are other threats to complicate the situation.  Like angry pets left in the house, squirrels trapped inside and … ghosts!  (But that’s for another column!) 
          For now remember: Be an outdoor cat!  
           Prepare… then    Run... Hide... or Fight!