Top 10 Takeaways: REALTOR® Safety and Self Defense

1. Situational awareness is crucial in all scenarios.

2. Good situational awareness while approaching a property includes:

  • Parking so your vehicle has a clear and un-obstructed exit
  • Scan the area from inside your vehicle.
  • Approach the property and doorway from an angle, never straight on
  • Walk the perimeter of the property looking for illegal entrance
  • Identify alternate escape routes

3. Always keep a reactionary gap of at least 6 feet between yourself and an angry person.

4. Have office policies in place for safety and apply those policies to ALL, even former police and military.

5. Prior to showing homes, some good safety practices to have in place are:

  • Make a copy of their drivers license
  • Document car information
  • Introduce them to another REALTOR® or office staff while they are there

6. Safety when showing:

  • Ask for the names of who all is attending the showing
  • Ask for vehicle information (make and model)
  • Always have a good flashlight available (for visibility but it can also double as a weapon)Allow clients to enter rooms first
  • Always keep escape routes in mind
  • You do not have to go into the basement if you feel uncomfortable

7. Be aware of pre-attack indicators. These include:

  • Profuse sweating
  • Rapid/Shallow breathing
  • Dilation of the pupils
  • Flared nostrils
  • Trembling of the hands and/or knees
  • Flushing
  • Agitation

8. Carry a bleeding management kit with you, not just a first aid kit.

9. If you plan on carrying pepper spray as a self defense tool, keep it easily accessible and know how to use it. It is also important to know the type you have. If it is water based and you keep it outside in the winter, it will freeze.

10. Remember, the best form of personal defense is to avoid getting into dangerous situations!

 

September 2023 Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® Industry Update on September 14, 2023.

Thank you to presenters:

-Michael Munyon, owner & instructor, Munyon Tactical
-Kelly Munyon, REALTOR® jnstructor, Munyon Tactical
-Jeff Bone: 2023 President, Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS®