Neighborhood Safety and Security

Doesn’t everyone worry about neighborhood safety? We all want to feel safe in our own neighborhoods and, by extension, our communities. Safety is one of the most basic factors to consider when moving into a new neighborhood. On the flip side, it’s also one of the leading reasons why people may move away as well. It’s important to keep neighborhoods vibrant and alive with people who care about taking an active role in maintaining neighborhood safety and security. Even if you are located in an area that has low crime statistics, safety should always come first. In addition, you can find lists of online and offline tools and tips to help keep your home and neighborhood safe for you and your loved ones.

We’ve included some online and offline tips to help keep you, your loved ones and your neighborhood safe. You can even find grants to help with neighborhood safety on a site like GrantWatch.

Neighborhood Safety Tips

1. Know your neighbors and your neighborhood: To be clear, no one is suggesting you have to become besties with your neighbors (although, it’s a wonderful perk), but saying good morning is a good thing. Introduce yourself and be casually familiar with the norms of your neighborhood’s activities. What’s more, if you survey your neighborhood, you can also make note of those spots you feel are hazardous. It’s all about keeping each other safe, isn’t it?
2. Report crime ASAP: Again, don’t be nosey or obtrusive but if you see a crime, report it right away. Never assume someone else will. Make the call; you might even save a life.
3. Slow down: Lead by example and drive at or under the speed limit in your neighborhood.  Statistically speaking 52% of accidents with injury happen within 5 miles of home. We all want to get home quickly, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of our safety. If you slow down, maybe others will too.
4. Take a walk every morning or evening: Pick a time when it’s pleasant outside and go for a walk. While you walk, take in all the sights and sounds of your neighborhood. You’ll most likely notice if anything is off and it will give you the chance to explore and visit with neighbors.
5. Neighborhood watch, anyone: Finally, if there is already a watch in place; sign up. If there isn’t, it’s as good a time as any to start one now.  Contribute what you know. If you’re athletic, join a walking group. And, if you are better with the pen, start a neighborhood social media page. The platform can be an excellent way to communicate with neighbors and alert everyone to potential dangers.

Of course, this list is just some friendly advice from one neighbor to another, and we cannot guarantee your neighborhood is 100% safeguarded against crime and disaster, but as the old proverb goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…” It simply feels better to be prepared.

Home Security Tips

Let’s bring that need for security and safety home. Just as there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your neighborhood safe, there are things you can do at home to tighten up security without too much money and effort. In addition, it’s probably a good idea to remember that safety and security also include things like preparing for natural disasters. For example:

• Have an escape plan for different scenarios.
• Install a security system.
• Keep all doors and windows locked. 
• Invest in good lighting.
• Consider motion detectors.
• Splurge on a house sitter while on vacation.
• Trim plant growth around your entryway; provide a clear view.
• Keep mail and newspapers picked up.
• Bring packages in as soon as possible.
• Keep an emergency kit inside your home and your vehicle.

To conclude, there are literally a million ways to keeps your home, neighborhood, and community safe and secure. You can focus on crime or expand to include things like road safety and even threats from the weather. The point is to get involved and taking pride in safeguarding your neighborhood. GrantWatch has a list of grants that are geared to every facet of neighborhood safety. Take a look!

Safety Grants

1. To begin, grants of up to $1,000 to community organizations for neighborhood-based projects. Funding is intended for a variety of events that unite neighbors and build relationships; improve safety and social connections
2. In addition, there is funding for nonprofit organizations for projects and programs to benefit local residents. Programs fall into one of the following categories: increasing access to resources and neighborhood safety and revitalization.
3. Grants to schools to make it safer for children to travel to and from school. Funding is for safety programs for K-8 students who walk or bicycle between home and school.
4. Opportunities are also available to nonprofit organizations for support programs for children and families. Funding relates to the economic or housing status and physical well-being and safety of underprivileged families with the intention of creating greater stability for all family members, especially children.
5. Finally, grants of up to $1,500 and grants of up to $3,000 to nonprofit organizations for youth mentorship programs. Funding is available for both new and existing organizations.

Additional Grants for Community Safety

1. First, nonprofit organizations and other solid waste management and recycling project entities can get grants of up to $3,500 to focus on illegal dumping or waste diversion.
2. In addition, individuals and neighborhood groups can apply for grants of up to $250 . Funding supports neighborhood events that promote safety, prevent crime, and help residents meet and engage with each other.
3. Next up, funding and in-kind product donations to nonprofit organizations and government agencies. It’s important to note, programs should focus on diversity and inclusion, youth safety, and community development. 
4. Grants of $500 to individuals, neighborhoods, community groups, agencies, fire departments, and Indigenous groups for projects and events to increase resiliency to wildfires.
5. And finally,

As you can neighborhood safety is a big concern. Luckily there are also lots of solutions to help with neighborhood safety.

With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. Finally, to see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here.