The beginning of the year is an opportunity for reflection and self-improvement and the time for making New Year’s resolutions. However, according to research, almost 60 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year, but only 18 percent of us keep them.

But every year is a new chapter, so 2022 can be different for you, your family, and your home. Pre-sunrise workouts could be hard to maintain, so instead of committing yourself to something you will not stick with, make a New Year’s resolution to ensure a safer home for you and your family.

Smart Shield Systems included some simple, attainable, and practical steps you can take to make 2022 your safest year ever.

Get To Know the Neighbors

Do you actually know your neighbors, or did you move into your home without creating a friendly relationship with them? If you have no idea who lives next door, make sure you start getting to know the people and let this year be the time you build trust with your neighbors. 

Besides the obvious joy of being a part of the neighborhood community, there are many reasons why an established relationship with your neighbors can be mutually beneficial. When you go on vacation or take a business trip and are away for some time, your neighbors could collect your mail and keep an eye on your vacant home. Your neighbors can help you stay informed about neighborhood events and community news.

The way to start a conversation is to say hello and offer assistance. If you become a friendly and helpful neighbor, your neighbors will treat you the same way.

Get Involved in a Neighborhood Watch Program

Make a New Year’s resolution to join a neighborhood watch program if you have an established one already within your neighborhood. Becoming more involved will be very helpful because these programs work incredibly well to bring small communities together. Neighborhood watch programs also become an additional layer of security. It became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic to find ways for people to communicate safely and interact in person more frequently, but remember to wear your masks and maintain social distancing as long as CDC guidelines require it.

When you are involved in your community affairs, that builds respect and trust among neighbors. It illustrates that you care about the well-being of your family and the community as a whole. 

You can also start a neighborhood watch program if it is not yet created in the area you live in.

Compile Emergency Safety Resources

An emergency safety kit is essential in every home, but putting it together often finds its way to the back burner. That lasts until an emergency hits, and then people wish they had been more prepared.

Don’t wait for disaster, and start the year with an organized and accessible compilation of resources. Here are some essential items that should always be easily reachable in any home. 

• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Supply of batteries
• Battery-powered phone chargers
• Nonperishable food

Another item that is easily forgotten is a family evacuation plan. If you don’t have it yet, make a resolution to create it in 2022, and you will be wholly prepared if disaster strikes.

Upgrade Your Home Security

Intruders don’t take time off, and your security system should always be ready. Take a close look at your home and evaluate it to see if it could be potentially vulnerable. Do not delay updating your security system if you discover that it could use some enhancement. 

Researching all the effective security products available on the market today can be overwhelming and time-consuming. If the task of assessing security threats, evaluating your system, and picking the right solution seems taunting, call Smart Shield Systems. We are high-quality security and automation vendor in San Diego, CA. We’ll assess your home and help you identify security weaknesses. Next, based on your property and lifestyle, we’ll work with you to find the best security solution.

Resolve to break the bad habits in 2022. Show that you care for yourself and your family and establish a safe and secure living. Are you ready to take the first step? Contact Smart Shield Systems for more information or to request a free quote.