September is Realtor Safety Awareness and although the focus is on keeping Realtors safe while doing their job, it’s a great time to revisit safety tips for everyone.

1. Be aware of your surroundings.

In the Savannah market there are still a fair amount of foreclosures and distressed properties on the market, which are often vacant. When entering these or any type of vacant home, it is important to be aware of what’s going on around you.

It happens that even if a property is supposed to be vacant, sometimes it is not. Any number of residents can make a vacant building home, which is not limited to squatters, rodents or other vermin. So look around, make yourself known and if you see an opossum, don’t harass it: they’re scary!

2. Always Knock and Say Hello.

It may seem silly to knock before entering a home that you have an appointment for, but it won’t after you’ve walked in on an unsuspecting old lady in a night gown! Even with the best-laid plans, mistakes happen. It’s possible that there are 2 condos for sale in the same building with similar numbers or maybe the owners mistook the time. No matter what the case is, knock and give a loud ‘Hello’. It’s a simple way to let anyone in the home know you’re coming in and avoid unexpected mishaps.

3. Don’t be afraid to call for help.

Whether it’s the police or the listing agent, don’t be afraid to call for help. It’s better to get a full understanding of the situation or backup if needed. If you suspect that a vacant listing isn’t, the first step is to contact the listing agent to ensure that the occupants have authority to be there and possibly reschedule the appointment.

Safety should be everyone’s top priority all the time, but with extra focus in September it’s a nice time to reflect on current procedures and how to improve upon them. There’s never a bad time to put safety first.