A safe office is good business. Making your workplace more secure will make your clients feel safe and increase productivity, thereby creating more listings and sales.

Client & Agent Records

The key to staying safe in the real estate industry is knowing your clients and having your office know your schedule-both of which are centered right in your office. Ideally, your workplace has a process in place for meeting clients for the first time, collecting their identifying information, and “checking out” agents for appointments. If your employer does not have a process in place for these standard procedures, here are some tips you can follow that will ensure your safety on the job.

ALWAYS meet new clients in your office, and be sure to introduce them to at least three different people. A would-be assailant doesn’t like to be noticed, knowing a person could pick him out of a police lineup.

Have all clients fill out a Prospect Identification Form with name, address, work information, phone numbers, and vehicle information-and verify all information provided before you head out the door with them!

Always tell someone in your office where you’re going, who you’re meeting and when to expect you back. Create an electronic or paper form for this, or use a white-board that others can check.

Be sure your office has up-to-date contact information on you in case of an emergency.

Be Unpredictable

What about your safety as you head to the office, or leave for appointments? Criminals watch for patterns, so be sure to change up your daily routine. Arrive at work-including weekly or daily locations-at different times. Leave your house and come home at different times. When driving, take different routes to commonly visited places. Park in a different space than you usually park. Random variances in your behavior move you from a predictable target to an unpredictable, difficult person to surprise.

The Night Shift

If you must work alone in the office at night, be prepared! Have your broker walk the entire office with you before everyone else leaves, and make sure all the windows and doors are locked. It’s also important that all entranceways and sidewalks are well lit and that you can see your car. Move your car to a safe, nearby spot before the last person leaves the office.

When you’re working alone at night, Call the police immediately if you see or hear anything suspicious or have a good reason to suspect a crime is being committed.

You can increase the service you bring to your clients by being more aware and comfortable in even the most familiar surroundings. Don’t let your focus on a potential sale distract you from being safe. Above all, always remember “You are your best weapon, your mind, voice and body. Listen and trust your inner voice. It is the best weapon you have.”

Acts of terrorism range from threats of terrorism, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, bomb scares and bombings, cyber attacks (computer-based), to the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. High-risk targets include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers. Further, they are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the mail. In the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire and other officials for instructions. However,you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other crisis events.

1. Wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. The very nature of terrorism suggests there may be little or no warning.

2. Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended. Unusual behavior, suspicious packages and strange devices should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel.

3. Do not be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.

4. Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Notice where exits are when you enter unfamiliar buildings. Plan how to get out of a building, subway or congested public area or traffic. Note where staircases are located. Notice heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.

5. Assemble a disaster supply kit at home and learn first aid. Separate the supplies you would take if you had to evacuate quickly, and put them in a backpack or container, ready to go.

6. Be familiar with different types of fire extinguishers and how to locate them. Know the location and availability of hard hats in buildings in which you spend a lot of time.

Preparing for a Building Explosion
Explosions can collapse buildings and cause fires. People who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following:

1. Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where emergency exits are located.

2. Keep fire extinguishers in working order. Know where they are located, and learn how to use them.

3. Learn first aid. 

4. Building owners should keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of the building.
    o Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
    o Several flashlights and extra batteries
    o First aid kit and manual
    o Several hard hats
    o Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas