I Had to Call 9-1-1 Today... And I Grief, As Usual

I am a strong advocate for trusting your instinct and calling 9-1-1 whenever 'that voice' directs you to do so. When speaking about safety, I query my audiences and ask how many people ever regret calling for help. I then ask how many regret not calling for help. The looks on the faces of those who raise their hands because they didn't act, should be a lesson to all. Including myself.

Today, I saw smoke coming from the back of my neighbor's house. I looked out of my window and saw that a visiting family member was burning leaves. It took me to see the flames on the ground and the ashes drifting over to my deck to move me to action. I also was surprised that he lit the fire underneath his wooden deck, on a dry and windy day! The afternoon news featured warnings about not burning anything, not even lighting a bar-b-que grill.

I called 9-1-1 and voiced my disbelief at the danger they put all of us and our homes in. Help was on the way!

I later shared the story and I got flack. I was told that I was wrong to call the 'authorities' on my neighbors. That I could have gotten them in trouble. That I should have gone over and asked them what they were doing. Wow. In an exasperated manner, I explained that was not my job to do. The professional firefighters had the responsibility to investigate and explain the law and the dangers to them. I asked the question, what if I heard a neighbor screaming for help, am I supposed to go talk to them and investigate, or call the authorities and let them work?

So often, we are more likely to not call or do anything based on our fears. What if it was a misunderstanding and we might get someone in trouble? Or, what if the neighbors get mad at us for being nosy? How embarrassed would we be if nothing was wrong and the Police or Firefighters 'wasted' their time because of us?

Get over it!

Listen to the voice that compels you to act. Respect your gut instinct! Let the professionals who make a living protecting us investigate and make the call whether or not there is an issue or even a crime. We aren't trained to make that call. They are.

I have been out and about and seen situations that could have been dangerous and people who might have been in trouble or committing a crime. I am the one that calls 9-1-1 without hesitation. I report what I see and let the authorities figure out what I saw and if they need to act. That is their job. They welcome the call. I know law enforcement officers who would rather get that 'false' call, than go to a 'real' crime scene. Police officers that say, "Thank you for calling and allowing us to do our jobs." Even if there was no 'real' emergency.

So many times people ask me why do I stick my nose in where it doesn't belong. They ask if I worry about retaliation or getting someone in trouble. Should I be concerned about someone who had to speak to law enforcement officials to explain a situation that looked questionable? I always reverse the situation and ask, what if it were me in trouble or my property at risk, would I rather have a nosy neighbor or someone passing by that minded their own business? I want someone just like me to be the witness! Someone not afraid to dial 9-1-1 and let the emergency professionals serve and protect us, as they are trained to do.

I imagine my neighbors could have been angry at me for me calling, but I bet if it was a real fire, they would call me a hero for getting involved. I want that kind of hero around if I am ever in trouble and I bet you do, too! Be the hero that you want to see. Call 9-1-1.

"Tracey, the Safety Lady" Appears on News Program to Discuss Holiday Safety

http://www.kctv5.com/video?clipId=6570796&autostart=true

Please look at this interview where I discuss the recent disappearance of a Kansas City-area college student, a recent car-jacking and the assault of a 71-year old woman in her home. What is the one safety tip that you actually follow and share?

Great News! I have been selected to teach Coldwell Banker University's Real Estate Agent Safety Course to their agents worldwide! Will you be there online tomorrow?

Please join me online tomorrow! It's set up on the Coldwell Banker Universtiy Registration Site



(Anyone intertested in attending the Webinar on the 17th at 2:30 CST, just has to type "Agent Safety" in the search box of the University Registration Site home page and scroll down - they will see it listed on the bottom left of the screen): Safety and Security Source - Agent Safety Event




Coldwell Banker University Training Center



Safety is on the top of the list for every real estate agent working in the field. Many of you have had close calls, been victimized, or know someone who has been. Tracey Hawkins, former agent and real estate safety expert has created realistic, actionable safety training for agents. In this webinar, you will learn to: Safely screen clients and learn methods to improve the process Discuss the challenges of showing and selling distressed properties and ways to make it safer Use Social Media safely; learn about privacy, research your online reputation and information and how to safely use Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to grow your business Confirm that your whereabouts are known in case of an emergency. Learn about using your smart phone as a weapon and safety apps that make it easier Create a Safety Plan Show properties safely And More......



You must register for this class by clicking the REQUEST button. To attend the class on Nov 17th at 3:30pm EST, click the LAUNCH button to the right of the class name (under Learning -> Transcript