One of the biggest considerations a family reflects on when moving to another home is the community where it is situated. Certainly, no one would want to live in an area that is not safe, and where people behave unruly, and crime rates are high. Living in a bad community can both influence and meddle with the family activities, and most especially, in achieving a peaceful, and worry- free environment.

To achieve that desired peaceful, and worry- free environment, here are some nifty steps in helping you ensure protection and security of the community:

Step 1:

Research on the Internet. Research on your community safety, and security through the Internet. There are a growing number of sites that integrate crime statistics into informative text and include maps which can be searched by date, location, and the type of crime. Also, prime reports on home security system signals, directed to police stations, are also recorded; these can give you additional information.

Step 2:

Ask local authorities. Visit the police station first. By doing so, you can better your research by asking them actual hand-to-hand information regarding the crime rate in the area. Also, be aware if the neighborhood has ready- installed security systems in the perimeter, such surveillance cameras and fire alarm systems for security purposes. This is a BIG plus!

Step 3:

Talk to the residents. You can ask them what it was like for them living in the community. Surely they’ll have more than enough information that you need since they have already experience living in the area.

Step 4:

Observe the community. Drive or walk around the neighborhood. Safe neighborhoods are those in which people are physically able to see each other. It means they need desirable places to go, and places that are visible from sidewalks and windows.

If you're walking the neighborhood, here's what to look for:
• Recreational areas that have marked visible entry and exit points form a marking territory. These places provide people with a sense of ownership.
• Well-maintained properties that are heavily invested are certainly protected against crimes.
• A community should always provide a free line of sight. Shrubs and fences bordering walkways that are taller than 3 feet should be prohibited. Places where people walk and play should be visible from house windows.
• The night in the neighborhood should be filled with lighted porches and street posts.
• An active street life can be considered defense against street life, since people are outside to watch you and protect you.

Making the necessary action for a community inspection is a crucial determinant of quality of life. At the end of the day, a community that strives to keep its area and activities safe for all its members creates a vibrant and caring community that is a pleasant and enjoyable place to live.