Safety Programs 

Combating crime and increasing the safety of their homes is a key concern of mutual housing residents. Resident Leaders develop community watch programs with residents patrolling their communities in the evenings with special radio's that can be used to alert each other and phone in law enforcement if needed. The success of these programs depends on strong collaboration with public law enforcement agencies, so residents focus on gaining the attention of police and sheriff staff and developing cooperative relationships. The resident patrols alert property management staff of problem areas which may need better lighting or other improvements to increase security.

Through fire safety programs, residents working with community volunteers educate children and adults on fire safety, including how to use fire extinguishers, how to escape safely during a home fire, and how to prevent common household fires. Children practice "stop, drop and roll" techniques and participate in fire safety coloring contests to reinforce what they've learned in special workshops. Residents, working with insurance industry volunteers, go out into neighborhoods, installing free smoke alarms and batteries in neighboring homes, and perform fire safety surveys which educate occupants on hazards and fire prevention.