Summer is the perfect time to get to know your neighbors at a block party. You’re probably considering who you’ll invite, what food you’ll make and what activities you’ll plan.

Have you stopped to think about the security, too? You should, because crime tends to rise during the summer. Read on to learn about our top tips for throwing a safe block party.

Meet All of Your Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors is useful for security purposes and is a benefit of hosting or attending a block party. If you know your community members personally, it will be easier to distinguish unusual activity -- such as break-ins -- from day-to-day happenings. Neighborhoods that are well-acquainted and utilize neighborhood watch programs have significantly less crime.

Additionally, meeting your neighbors gives you the chance to discuss overall neighborhood security. If one person has a security system, it helps to improve the safety of their neighbors—the more of you that have security systems, the better.

On the other hand, houses without security systems are three times more likely to be broken into than homes with them. Not only is the conversation about neighborhood security important, but it can also be an easy ice-breaker.

Lock Up Your Home

Lock up your house during the block party. There will be a decent amount of foot traffic depending on the size of your neighborhood, which can mean plenty of distractions for burglars to capitalize on.

Consider involving security measures beyond locks, as well. There are plenty of features that can be installed into a home to improve its security, and are helpful whether or not you’re in the house:

Be Prepared

There are many small measures you can take to improve the safety of the party. For example, talk to your local city officials about getting street barricades that can stop traffic to a cul-de-sac.

Because you won’t be in the house during your block party, it will be handy to have mobile security options that allow you to monitor the house and lock or unlock it as needed. That way, you can allow a neighbor or family member to run in the house and grab supplies for you, without leaving the party yourself.

How does your neighborhood tackle crime and improve security? Share in the comments below.