Being Neighbourly – A Key to Community Safety

Being a good neighbour can be very simple and can be achieved by anyone. Even if you are not particularly social, with awareness and attentiveness, even the most reclusive citizens can make a valuable contribution to the overall wellness of the community.

The most non-intrusive, yet effective way of being a good neighbour is simple. It is the simple act of maintaining your own property. Tasks like clearing catch basins of leaves and other debris help prevent flooding and clearing snow and ice from walkways helps prevent injuries.

The key to neighbourliness is in getting to know each other. Knowing who lives around you, helps you be more aware of when things are out of the norm. It also helps identify when situations may require attention that is more urgent.  If possible, share your contact information with, neighbours living on every side of you, and in multi level situations, those above and below you.

This shared information allows you to inform your neighbours of concerning situations that they are not aware of, in an urgent situation like a fire, flood, medical crisis, etc. Knowing your neighbour puts you in an ideal position to get the appropriate emergency services dispatched to assist. In turn, your neighbour is able to return the favour.

It’s these small, simple acts of kindness when we help and connect with each other that creates an authentic feeling of community and fosters a sense of mutual trust. Being a good neighbour is the foundation on which we build the strongest and healthiest version of community.

A Safer Community, Together.