checklist

Neighbors Safety Checklist

Simple ways to increase safety by coordinating with safe neighbors.

checklistcommunity safety

Safety

1. Signals and Communication

Options to quietly coordinate with a neighbor if something feels unsafe.

Agree on a simple “check-in” signal:
- Light on/off pattern
- Window curtain position
- Object in a window or on a porch (e.g., plant moved to a certain spot)
Set up a safe-word or phrase that means “I need help” when used in:
- Text messages
- Short calls
- Conversations at the door
Decide in advance what a neighbor will do if they see the signal:
- Call you to “borrow something” as a check-in
- Call building security or a property manager
- Contact emergency services if that is part of the plan
Share key details only if it feels safe:
- First names of people in your household
- Any children or pets normally at home
- Times you expect to be away
Review how each of you prefers to be contacted:
- Text only
- Phone call only
- Knock on the door only in certain situations

Using signals and agreements with neighbors is optional. You can adjust or stop at any time if it no longer feels safe or practical.

Ways neighbors can serve as backup if a situation escalates.

Identify one or two neighbors you trust more than others:
- People usually home at similar hours
- People who can notice changes in routine (lights, noise, visitors)
Decide together what “backup” looks like:
- Calling a welfare check if they cannot reach you
- Watching from a safe distance and taking notes on what they observe
- Staying on the phone with you if you need a witness
Share a limited emergency contact list, if safe:
- Family member or friend who lives nearby
- Property manager or building security
- Community-based support line (non-emergency)
Consider practical backup items with a neighbor:
- Spare phone charger or basic prepaid phone
- Copy of important non-sensitive information (for example: your first name and an alternate contact)
- Note of any health needs that matter in an emergency (for example: “uses inhaler”)
Review limits together:
- They do not need to physically intervene
- They can leave or change the plan if they feel unsafe
- They can document and report instead of getting directly involved

Some people also look at community and safety information from organizations listed at DV.Support when planning neighbor backup options.

Ways to notice and use changes in household noise levels.

Talk with a trusted neighbor about:
- What “normal” noise sounds like (TV, kids, guests)
- What “concerning” noise might be (sudden shouting, repeated disruptions)
- Any times when noise is likely to increase for harmless reasons (parties, visitors, renovations)
Agree on what they will do if they hear concerning noise:
- Note the time, type of sound, and how long it lasts
- Try a low-risk interruption (for example, a phone call or knocking about a “package”)
- Contact building staff if that fits your shared plan
Consider noise “check-ins”:
- Music turned on at a certain time as a routine sign that you are okay
- Silence at a time when the home is usually active as a reason to check in by text
Discuss privacy:
- Clarify that they do not need to listen closely every day
- Focus on unusual or repeated disturbances
- Keep any notes factual and brief if they are documenting patterns

Options for noticing and tracking who is coming and going without confrontation.

Review entry areas with a neighbor:
- Shared hallway or stairwell
- Parking area or driveway view
- Shared mailroom, lobby, or courtyard
Agree on what they might quietly observe:
- Unusual visitors or vehicles
- Repeated late-night arrivals or departures
- Visible damage to doors, locks, or nearby walls
Decide how they will share what they see:
- Short summary text (date, time, what they noticed)
- Only when there is a change from the usual pattern
- Through a third person if direct contact with you is not safe
Consider non-confrontational tools:
- Door viewers or peepholes, if allowed in your building
- Noting when shared entry doors are left propped open
- Asking building staff about visitor policies and sign-in logs
Clarify boundaries:
- No one is expected to challenge visitors
- Neighbors can focus on observing and recording only
- Any photos or notes should be stored safely and only shared with your consent or as legally required