No matter where you are or who you are with, always trust your senses because your subconscious is almost always right. This was the first important safety tip Santa Clara County Deputy Sheriff Chad Garton shared with members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors gathered at a district meeting in Los Gatos.
Garton, who is a U.S. veteran who served in Iraq, said trusting your instinct is also what soldiers do in combat. If you feel uneasy about a person you are with or a situation you are in, trust your gut feeling and leave that person or remove yourself from the situation.
"Your subconscious is constantly taking in information; do not ignore that," said Garton.
Garton said Realtors are especially at risk because they meet strangers all the time. He shared what he termed a 5-point Contingency Plan, which those in the military also use:
Let people know:
1. WHERE you are going.
2. WHO you will be meeting.
3. WHEN you will be back.
4. What to do if you don't return.
5. The ACTION to take if they cannot contact you.
Here are other safety tips Garton shared with Realtors, which also apply to consumers.
• It may be part of your job to show your professionalism and success in the way you dress, but be aware that people are watching you and looking for ways to steal valuables.
• Don't leave valuables in plain sight in your car. It only takes 17 seconds for someone to break into a car.
• Always meet a new person in a public place and get their ID.
• Show strength in whatever you do. When you're walking, look around; don't look down. Make eye contact and speak in a loud voice because this gives the appearance of strength.
• Do not carry a firearm. If you have to carry a weapon, make sure you are fully trained to use it. Pepper spray and Mace are good, but you still need to train yourself to use these self-defense devices.
• An alarm system can act as a deterrent, but depending on where you live, be aware that in some cities, the police do not respond to home alarms and if they do, it may take some time for them to get to the home. Video cameras in and outside the home are a good deterrent and can identify the robbers.
• Lock all doors and windows, even if you are home. If the weather is warm, spend the extra money and turn on the air conditioner, instead of leaving windows open.
• Refrain from announcing open houses and where you will be on social media.
• Do not tell people that a law enforcement officer is living in your block. They could be targeted.
• Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you see something suspicious, or feel you are in danger.
"Awareness, prevention and defense tactics are key to staying safe," according to Karen Trolan, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.