When working in real estate, you should never let your guard down. Here's how to make your personal safety a top priority.

As the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® prepares to mark Realtor® Safety Week from Sept. 13 through 19 - the focal point of NAR's year-round awareness program - there's no better time to assess what you've been doing, and everything you could be doing, to make sure you stay safe on the job.

After all, real estate professionals routinely work independently as they navigate unfamiliar roads and neighborhoods, meet one-on-one with strangers in enclosed places, and toil alone in the office on late nights or weekends.

Any one of these situations could expose you to potential harm. Be proactive by devising practices and procedures to keep yourself safe and secure, wherever the day takes you.

Your personal security goals should be:

  • Minimize potential risks.
  • Know ahead of time how you will respond or escape when threatened.
  • Have the self-defense measures you'll be comfortable using at hand, should all else fail.