Buddy Schum of Carbon County is a former Committee leader in Philadelphia, and current poll worker during election periods. In the following article, Buddy Schum explains how citizens can help contribute to community safety, by building and expanding neighborly connections, and organizing town watches, among others. Keep reading to learn more on how to protect your local community.
It isn’t just the modern age of social media that has lowered our likelihood of having strong neighborhoods. Simple practices are being ignored among all communities which can lead to weaker neighborhoods.
According to American Progress.org, active participation from those living within a community, is the most effective way to build stronger neighborhoods. Some of these include simple activities such as closing blinds and windows, improving outdoor lighting, or as complex as making friends and organizing watches.
In this article, Buddy Schum of Carbon County reviews just five ways that citizens can contribute to community safety. By the conclusion, it should be obvious that members of a community can work together to effectively build a stronger neighborhood not just for themselves, but for the next generation.
How to Build a Safe Neighborhood
Let’s take a look at 5 ways citizens can contribute to community safety below.
- Build Connections With Neighbors
- Improve the Face of the Homefront
- Protect the Neighborhood Even When Away
- Organize Neighborhood Watches
- Communicate Effectively
Buddy Schum of Carbon County examines each of these ways in more detail below.
1. Build Connections with Neighbors
In today’s world, it can seem commonplace to feel safe within the confines of one’s home. However, a safe neighborhood usually coincides with being communally strong, and vigilant.
Buddy Schum of Carbon County says that neighbors who share their needs with one another and are, most importantly, aware of children in the surrounding area, keeping an eye on suspicious behavior.
Some ways to improve neighborly morale are to invite others to cookouts, invest in neighborhood book clubs or community walks, and start a local social media page or group.
2. Improve the Face of the Homefront
Buddy Schum of Carbon County says that curb appeal is a simple act that may deter crime. Criminals often stake out home that seem as if no-one is home often. A well-kept yard can communicate that the person living inside is mindful of their space and will notice if anything goes amiss.
Besides, it communicates to neighbors many of the same qualities, leading to better relationships and an increase in property value. Keeping up the lighting on a street can accomplish many of the same goals, making it harder for those with bad intentions to go unseen explains Buddy Schum of Carbon County.
3. Protect the Neighborhood Even When Away
Buddy Schum of Carbon County says that there are ways to keep the home and the surrounding homes in a neighborhood safe even when out of town. For example, a security system installation may be expensive, but it is a worthwhile and effective way to deter crime.
A house that looks like it’s owners are inside is not likely to be broken into. To do this, offer to go over and turn on a light or two for your neighbors, or even take in the mail and newspapers for a neighbor while they’re away, expecting the same courtesy when the roles are reversed.
4. Organize Neighborhood Watches
Buddy Schum of Carbon County suggests to try organizing a neighborhood watch. It will not only deter crime just by means of a regular patrol, but it will unite the neighborhood under a common goal. This, in turn, will communicate that the people living in the neighborhood are strong, friendly, and look out for one another’s needs in a tightly knit community.
5. Communicate Effectively
Finally, communicate effectively with those living around the area. Exchange phone numbers with the neighbors so that any time something goes wrong or seems off, it can be easily communicated for the benefit and safety of all who might be affected reports Buddy Schum of Carbon County.
This can look like sending out a Facebook Post when a pet gets loose, or calling to be sure an elderly neighbor is all right if their car has been missing from the driveway for more than two days.
In Conclusion
Buddy Schum of Carbon County says that citizens can contribute to community safety in order to build stronger neighborhoods by starting with one another first. Improving the relationship between neighbors can not only present a united front against crime, but it can lead to better communication in case of unfortunate circumstances.
In addition, citizens can take small cosmetic steps like tending to their yards and closing blinds at night to demonstrate a mindful neighborhood to those who might not have good intentions toward the community. This will provide a strong neighborhood not just for those living in it now, but for he next generation.
