The world is a dangerous place and for people whose jobs take them to strangers’ homes and unfamiliar neighborhoods, it can prove to be risky business.  Food delivery drivers, ride-share drivers and Notaries Public who do mobile notary work or Notary Signing Agents who handle loan signings are a few professions that have to be careful.  Notaries try to make a meeting convenient for the signer, however, with the rise in crime, they really need to have a plan for meetings like these.  What can you do to play it safe?

USE A PUBLIC VENUE: The first thing you can do is to make appointments with signers to meet in a public place such as a restaurant, an office location or a public park.  Try to find a place that is populated, has cameras, is well lit (if evening) and is easy to get in and out of.  Do not use an isolated location.

TRUST YOUR GUT: If you speak to the signer on the phone to set up an appointment, and the person is angry or upset about the transaction or gives you bad feelings, tell the signer you are unavailable.  If the neighborhood that the signer wants to meet in is not a safe area, again, you may recommend a safer location.

NEVER OFFER INFORMATION: Never, ever, let anyone know your schedule.  Do not tell them anything personal about you or your family or your business. 

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: If you must use the signers’ home, make sure you have two exits out of any room.  Never allow anyone to sit between you and your exit.

Here are some other tips for keeping as safe as you can while at the signer’s location:

• Tell someone where you are going, approximate time you will be back and who you are meeting with.
• Park facing the direction you came from for a quick exit.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged.
• Keep your phone close to your hand. If you can, have a phone with a panic button or a tracking app that is linked to a family members’ phone.
• Tell the signer that you are expecting a call. Have a pre-arranged plan with a friend or relative to call at a certain time just to be sure things are proceeding okay.  Call that person when you are getting ready to leave so that the signer believes someone is expecting you.
• Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and is in good mechanical order.
• Perhaps invest in a dash-cam.
• Have someone accompany you who will wait in the car so that you are not alone.

EMERGENCY KIT: You should have an emergency kit in case you break down or find yourself facing inclement weather.  The kit should include:

• Any numbers you need for Roadside Assistance.
• Something to eat such as granola bars or crackers and bottles of water.
• A flashlight.
• CHARGED portable USB batteries and dry cell batteries for your flashlight or other battery-operated tools.
• Charging cords.
• Small tool kit, should include jumper cables, screwdrivers, compressed air to temporarily fill a tire (Fixaflat, etc..), roadside flares & reflection markers. Even if you are not inclined to use them, a Good Samaritan may find them invaluable if they stop to help you.
• First Aid kit (to include pain reliever, bandages, medical tape, alcohol wipes and antibacterial ointment).
• Seasonal Weather-related items such as a blanket, shovel, gloves, boots and other cold-weather items, an umbrella or rain poncho, small battery-operated fan, sunscreen, etc. for summer weather.
• Make sure your Emergency Numbers are in your contacts list, and your Emergency Contacts are up to date. EMT’s may need to use your phone to contact a family member, and having them properly noted in your contacts list will save valuable time.
• Emergency data on YOU – allergies, blood type, etc…

Be smart – be safe.