15 Ways To Get To Know Your Neighbors

How well do you know your neighbors? A few years ago, I had a mini-flash flood in my backyard in Southern Utah. We had torrential rains, and several homes were flooded. We were okay, but some of our neighbors’ houses were flooded with water and mud, and some swimming pools were filled with muddy water.

Our dirt and sand are reddish orange. They stain clothes and shoes. The rocks in Southern Utah are beautiful to look at, climb, repel, and walk on nature trails, but too much rain in a very short time can be hazardous.

We had neighbors texting each other to make sure everyone was okay. We asked questions like, “Are you okay?” or “Do you need sandbags?” The rain and hail pitted cars, garage doors, front doors, and gates. Some cars were so badly pitted that they looked like rocks had been thrown at them.

I want to share these 15 ways to get to know your neighbor because we might need that family that lives six doors down to come and help in a fire, a tornado, a hurricane, a flood, an earthquake, or a torrential rainstorm.

Sometimes, we feel very secure and confident we can care for ourselves. That truly is an excellent feeling. But sometimes, we need to know our neighbors better so we can share labor, tools, and know-how in an emergency. When I teach emergency preparedness classes, I have said many times,” That guy down the street with a chainsaw may be your new best friend.”

15 Ways To Meet Your Neighbors:

1. When going outside to get the mail from your mailbox, greet, wave, or say hello to your neighbors.

2. Plan a neighborhood movie night.

3. Invite friends over to play card games, make crafts, or play outdoor games in the yard.

4. Plan a potluck dinner and have people bring their favorite recipes to share.

5. Suggest having a girls’ night out or a luncheon to get to know each other.

6. If you see a garage door open that is usually not open (at night)….knock on the door of that home or call them if you know their phone number. I am sure they will be thankful to know it was open and that someone is looking out for them.

7. Plan a “Clean up our street” and tell your neighbors about fellow neighbors who could use a little help. They might be older, disabled, sickly, and hesitant to ask for help.

8. If you have kids, plan play dates, join the local PTA, or volunteer to coach a youth team. Consider attending a local church and volunteering for a committee.

9. If you feel comfortable, ask neighbors for family members’ phone numbers you can contact in an emergency. Let them know of any unique talents/skills you have that might be useful.

10. Have you ever thought about a block party? Suggest a park or area nearby so people can exchange ideas about what you have available to help each other survive a disaster. Some people have no idea they should store water, food, etc.

11. Get a dog….it is beautiful to take a dog out walking and meet neighbors or to walk dogs together.

12. If you make bread, take a loaf to a neighbor you haven’t met or who just moved in. Exchange phone numbers so you have someone you can contact if help is needed in a real emergency or disaster.

13. Have a barbecue in the front yard and send notes to neighbors to bring a dish and their meat of choice. Chairs are welcome, too! Our neighborhood has a “Treats in the Street” get-together twice a month during the summer.

14. Spend more time in the front yard, porch, deck, or balcony. Say hi to those who pass by on foot, riding their bike, etc.

15. Make a jar of homemade jam and deliver it to neighbors with your name and contact information on an attached tag. Indicate you are available if they need help.

15 Reasons To Know Your Neighbors:

1. If you feel comfortable, giving them a key is a great convenience, like if you get locked out.

2. They can watch your home for unusual activities.

3. Gather your newspapers if you are out of town.

4. Collect your mail if you are out of town.

5. Take out your garbage cans and put them back if you are out of town or ill.

6. See if you can make a new walking or sports friend.

7. Someone to take fishing.

8. Someone to help put together an emergency neighborhood group.

9. Someone to call if you have fallen or hurt yourself.

10. Someone to travel with.

11. Someone to go camping with.

12. Someone to walk your dogs together.

13. Ask someone to join a civic club with you.

14. Plant a garden together and share the harvest.

15. Go for a bike ride or hiking together.

Final Word

Knowing your neighbors is a great way to provide your community with extra security. We rely on the police to patrol the area looking for trouble spots. A well-informed neighborhood provides that “crime watch” feel and reality. Be aware of who is driving down the street. Alert neighbors if you think the door-to-door solicitor/salesperson may be casing the homes looking for that weak link.

If you notice papers piling up out front, grass growing longer than usual, weeds in the planter areas, etc., these may be signs of challenges in that home. Be vigilant and concerned. How better to show we live the mantra to “love thy neighbor”? May God Bless this World, Linda