Safety When Conducting Home Visits
By: Amy Briggs
General Safety Information
Trust your instincts.
Stay alert.
Have a good and safe working car.
Stay alert.
Have a good and safe working car.
Before Home visit
- Make sure that someone knows where you will be and if possible how long.
- Know where you are going. (Is it a safe neighborhood?)
- Dress appropriate. (Minimal jewelry, comfortable and easy to walk in shoes, and non-revealing tops or bottoms)
- Carry ID and a charged cell phone.
- Park car in a way that you can make a quick exit.
- Ask a supervisor or co-worker to go along if you feel the need to have an extra body.
- Avoid home visits in the dark.
During Home Visit
- Trust your instincts.
- Be aware of surrounding- know where the nearest exit is.
- Have car keys readily available.
- Do not reveal too much personal information to client.
- Do not have back turned towards client.
- Be aware of weapons in the house.
- Be aware of any drug paraphernalia or possible drug sales taking place within the home.
- Be vigilant of any family pets.
- Sit on hard surfaces to avoid any infestations or hidden weapons in the cushions of furniture.
- Know your boundaries.
- Do not let your guard down.
After Home Visit.
*Safety is still a concern after the home visit has concluded*
- Be aware of surroundings as you leave.
- Before entering your car check under, around, and inside your car for possible intruders or other people.
- Lock your doors once inside your car.
- Wash hands to help avoid getting sick.
References
Safety tips for home visitors: Planning for a safe home visit. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.achd.net/hvn/pubs/pdf/HVNSafety.pdf
DeBoer, L., (2012). Home visitor safety training. Retrieved from http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Portals/0/Children/HomeVisiting/Home%20Visitor%20Safety%20Training.pdf
Victor, P., (2014). Safety tips for home visits from a veteran NYC social worker. Retrieved from http://www.naswnyc.org/?489
DeBoer, L., (2012). Home visitor safety training. Retrieved from http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Portals/0/Children/HomeVisiting/Home%20Visitor%20Safety%20Training.pdf
Victor, P., (2014). Safety tips for home visits from a veteran NYC social worker. Retrieved from http://www.naswnyc.org/?489