We just attended a Realtor safety seminar put on by 1st Responders. This is a “must” attend for all Realtors. Rafael Navarro, owner of 1st. Responders touched on all kinds of situations the can affect the personal safety of everyone working in our offices. Some of his main points for Brokers were;

Create an office safety plan. Appoint one person as a “Safety Coordinator” to oversee, maintain and enforce the plan.
Assign an office safety contact and several alternatives. The office receptionist could be the ideal person. Require salespeople to report their whereabouts to the safety contact.

Share safety tips with your clients. Remind them that strangers will be walking through their home during open houses. Hide your valuables and don’t leave personal information laying about.

Your cell phone can be your life line. Make sure when showing houses or at open houses that your cell phone is charged. Establish a voice stress code, a secret word or phrase that is not commonly used but can be worked into any phone or in-phone conversations where a person may feel that they are in danger. Examples could be, “could you email me the red file,” “do we need dog food” (when you don’t have a dog). A colleague who receives your distress code will be alerted that the person calling is in danger and call 911.

The 10-Second Rule

Inattention is one of the main reasons people find themselves in dangerous situations. Take a few precious seconds during the course of your day to assess your surroundings.

Take 2 Seconds when you arrive at your destination.
– Is there any questionable activity in the area?
– Are you parked in a well-lit, visible location?
– Can you be blocked in the driveway by a prospect’s vehicle?
Take 2 Seconds after you step out of your car.
– Are there suspicious people around?
– Do you know exactly where you are going?
Take 2 Seconds as you walk toward your destination.
– Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet?
– Do you observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot or along the street?
– Is anyone loitering in the area?
Take 2 Seconds at the door.
– Do you have an uneasy feeling as you’re walking in?
– Is someone following you in?
Take 2 Seconds as soon as you enter your destination.
– Does anything seem out of place?
– Is anyone present who shouldn’t be there or who isn’t expected?
10 Seconds Total
Taking in your surroundings lets you spot and avoid danger. Make it a habit. A share it with someone else.

Lot’s of good stuff to keep us all safe. We should all attend this seminar.

1st. Responders contact info is;
Rafael Navarro
727-504-0036
sfcnav@1strespondersfirst.com
www. 1strespondersfirst.com

Allen Collins Realty
www.allencollinsrealty.com