Residential Security Surveys Expanded during COVID

Amid SFPD reports that there has been an uptick in home breaks-ins in San Francisco during the pandemic, SF SAFE has adapted our safety services to the new COVID reality.

Because, even as our community faces a global health crisis, the crucial safety outreach of SF SAFE continues on. Our work—together with you—is crucial toward lowering crime rates and creating a safer San Francisco.

One way in which SF SAFE has changed up its game plan during the pandemic can be seen in our Residential Security Surveys. During these surveys—also often called “assessments”—we visit people’s homes throughout the city, evaluate their safety and make recommendations for improvement.

Examples of our recommended improvements might include installing motion sensor lights, trimming property hedges or getting a stronger door lock—to name a few possibilities.

While in the past our organization had one professional dedicated full-time to completing the Residential Security Surveys, we’ve now expanded our operations to train even more members of our staff to provide them as well. As a result, we are able to fulfill even more residents’ requests for this service when it is needed most.

And just because we’re out and about visiting homes, it doesn’t mean our staff isn’t minding COVID health safety protocols. Quite the contrary! During our walk-throughs, social distancing and other health guidelines are closely followed.

Another way we keep home visits safe is by asking residents to make one point of contact/escort available to accompany our staff member during them. We do this not only to protect the health safety of both parties, but also to shorten the duration of our visit.

When it comes to elevators and stairways during an SF SAFE home visit, our staff is careful to use the elevators one person at a time, and the stairs, one landing apart. Again, this practice is with a precautionary eye toward our mutual health safety.

To learn more about SF SAFE’s Residential Security Surveys, click here. We welcome you to click on the appropriate link to request our services.

Aside from our Residential Security Surveys, San Francisco residents can take advantage of an abundance of safety resources through SF SAFE. From safety presentations to educational brochures/fliers and more, we’ve got the tools to help everyday residents create safer neighborhoods.

Explore our newly updated website while you’re here or contact us at info@sfsafe.org to find out how we can help you today.

-Kathy Chouteau