In the past, it was common for people to know all their next-door neighbors and even many of the families on their street. Likewise, business owners often knew all the other shop owners up and down their block. Now, in the hustle and bustle of today's society, people go days or even weeks without ever seeing their neighbors, much less interacting with them. When individuals, families, and business owners make an effort to get to know their neighbors, the community is a safer place. In today's Aegis blog post, we discuss three benefits of knowing neighbors better, whether it's in a residential neighborhood, apartment or townhome community, or business center or commercial site.

Reduces Crime

One of the most important benefits that comes with knowing residential or business neighbors better is a reduction in crime and suspicious activity. Individuals are far more likely to help their neighbors by reporting suspicious activity and notifying law enforcement if they know their neighbors and their regular patterns. For example, if a homeowner knows their neighbor is away at work during the day, but there's a suspicious person entering their neighbor's backyard, the homeowner can quickly notify the police and potentially prevent a burglary or other serious crime. Likewise, a business owner may be able to prevent burglaries or vandalism at a neighboring commercial site by calling the police when they see suspicious activity such as broken window or door left ajar.

Protects People and Property

We can't always be at our property 24 hours a day to prevent losses, but having helpful neighbors can make a world of difference in protecting people and property. For example, if you own a retail store and a pipe bursts while your store is closed, a neighboring business owner might notice early enough to shut off the water, notify you, and stop major water damage from destroying your business. In a residential neighborhood, neighbors can help contain house fires or help prevent injuries if disaster strikes. Getting to know commercial and residential neighbors can help tremendously in the event of plumbing disasters, lightning strikes, fires, power outages, or flash floods.

Immediate Help During Emergencies

Time is one of the most valuable resources when disaster strikes, and having immediate help can save lives and protect valuable property. For example, knowing neighbors in a subdivision or apartment complex can help reduce the number of injuries and even deaths if neighbors know who might need extra help evacuating in the event of a fire or flash flood. Someone with young children or elderly relatives may need extra help in escaping a dangerous situation, and neighbors can be lifesavers in these instances while first responders are on their way. Also, if someone has a medical emergency or needs immediate First Aid, knowing which neighbors might be home can be critical in getting help quickly.

When we take the time to invest in building relationships with our neighbors, whether at home or at work, we can make our world a safer place and develop a community of support and help. At Aegis, we also strive to help protect individuals, families, and businesses through our full range of top quality Personal and Commercial Insurance solutions, tailored to your unique needs. Contact our friendly and experienced team at 713-850-7622 for more information, or fill out our online form for a free quote today!