This idea is crazy easy, and very important. 50 years ago, this would be common knowledge, but today we live in a different kind of world.
Lets be honest for a second. How well do you know your neighbors? Do you even know their names? I know I have been guilty of not knowing my neighbors. It turns out, research and numerous first hand stories point to the fact people survive natural disasters because of friends and neighbors.
Take for instance, this guy, a man who had recently moved to New Orleans. A neighbor knocked on his door at midnight and said, "Look, you have small kids, you should really leave." This was before the Hurricane Katrina evacuation warnings had even begun. The neighbor, who had lived in the region for years knew what the weather could be like.
The man said in an interview, " Without that information we never would've left. I think we would've been trapped."The truth was, "by the time the people were told to leave, it was too late and thousands of people got stuck."
Knowing your neighbors will not only create a greater sense of safety, it will save you from embarrassment when things go wrong. For example, if the first time you meet your neighbor is when you need help lifting a tree off your car, it might be a little awkward.
It is also important to note, be aware of neighbors that have physical or mental disabilities. They might need extra help during an emergency. Also, knowing each neighbor's skills and talents could prove to be extremely helpful. For example, knowing there is a doctor living three doors down might be essential information in an emergency situation.
So, if you haven't don't so already, get over the awkward feeling and go meet your neighbors! Bring them a treat or just stop by and say hi. It doesn't matter if you have lived in a house one year, or twenty years, knowing your neighbors could save your life.
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