Crime and accidents takes place when criminals, victims and opportunity are all present. Don’t let your residents be easy targets. Here are specific tips for keeping your property and your residents safe.
Crime Deterrents
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Natural Surveillance – keep non-legitimate users easily observable by developing open spaces and minimizing features which criminals can hide behind.
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Territorial Reinforcement – create or extend the sphere of influence providing users the sense of territorial control. Particularly at residential properties, it is great to encourage a sense of ownership by residents.
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Natural Access Control – decrease crime opportunity by denying access to crime targets and creating a perception of risk for offenders.
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Lighting – the effectiveness of strategies taken in accordance with all property safety principles above can be amplified by proper illumination. Read more about lighting benefits, considerations and best practices here.
Liability Considerations
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Slip, Trip and Fall – if someone is injured while on your property, you may be found liable particularly if they slip, trip or fall due to improper maintenance (loose landscaping materials, uneven sidewalks, hoses lying on the ground, elevated sprinkler heads while not in use, exposed roots, etc). Routinely survey your property for anything that could cause a resident or customer to fall. <<link to Liability Considerations blog>>
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Vehicle Damage – damage to vehicles can be very expensive to repair and is sure to upset otherwise happy patrons or residents. Trim back any bushes, shrubs or tree branches which extend into parking areas causing paint scratches, be mindful of tree sap and instruct those who may be sweeping or blowing to be extra careful around vehicles. <<link to Sweeping blog>>
Environmental Considerations
Not only do property owners and managers have a responsibility to protect their customers and residents but also the environment. Take steps to ensure you are limiting your impact on the Earth and avoid fines.
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Standing Water – mosquitoes breed in standing water such as puddles, gutters and bird baths. Proper drainage and maintenance can limit insect presence and is vital for overall landscape health.
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Runoff – water that is not absorbed by the ground will make its way to storm drains and eventually into streams, rivers, lakes and oceans taking pollutants along with it. Minimize the use of potentially harmful chemicals and follow proper irrigation and drainage protocols. Read more about runoff impact and best practices here.
Learn More
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Contact your local police department to learn about property safety programs in your area
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In Savannah, GA, Scpl.Tracy Walden of the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Department provides periodic training programs throughout the year, she can be contacted at TWalden@savannahga.gov or 912.651.6653.
- Consult your landscape management professional to assess your property and see how they can maximize the safety of your grounds.
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