REALTORS® have works days (and nights) that don’t resemble any other profession. They are constantly moving around and they’re often alone. They might find themselves in neighborhoods they are not familiar with. Most of the time, the worst hiccup is an incorrect lockbox code. But the worst-case scenario is a tragic one, and it has to be taken into consideration.

Criminals target agents because of their vulnerability.

NAR has published a comprehensive list of safety precautions for agents who might find themselves in precarious situations. After all, agents go out every day and meet strangers in empty houses, so the likelihood of something sinister happening is higher than the average person.

Some of the best tips from the list are:

1. Light

Try not to show properties at night. If a client can’t meet by day, try to show up to the house beforehand and turn on all the lights and make the interior as visible as possible by opening the curtains and raising the blinds.

2. Stay in Touch

Always make sure to let another agent know what you’re up to and the circumstances of your day. If something does occur, you can rely on a friend or colleague to raise a red flag.

Services like CurbCall Protect allow you to send a text to emergency contacts and let them know you’re starting a showing while transmitting your exact location. Then, if something goes wrong, you can hit a panic button that will alert the same emergency contacts.

3. Clear House

Make sure to check every room before and after an open house for strangers with ill intent. Consider staying on the phone with a colleague while making your sweep.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when the stakes are so high. There’s nothing extreme about taking a self-defense class or carrying pepper spray. They might come in handy if, heaven forbid, something terrible were to unfold. The best way to get yourself out of trouble is to avoid it altogether, and ensuring your safety is all about preparation.