Neighborhood Watch Program

MAY 1, 2018

– Neal Within, Committee Chair

The Barefoot Neighborhood Watch Program was established in 2009 following the Highway 31 Wildfire that caused 2500 residents to be evacuated in the middle of the night. More than 100 homes were damaged in Barefoot alone, of which 69 homes were completely destroyed.

In keeping with the Neighborhood Watch Program Mission: The purpose of this program is to create a network of neighbors in both Single Family and Multi-Family neighborhoods who watch out for each other and each other’s property. This “network” will provide a rapid means of communication not only within Barefoot but also between Barefoot and the NMB Public Safety Department in cases of emergencies.

BENEFITS

Barefoot Neighborhood Watch is a program which –

  • Creates a body of concerned, involved neighbors. 
  • Encourages neighbors to get to know each other and their routines and to recognize any out of place activities.
  • Emphasizes the importance of being aware of suspicious activities and sounds, evaluating them and knowing how to properly communicate this information to the authorities and within Barefoot if appropriate.
  • Teaches techniques to reduce the risk of being victimized.
  • Advises how to make homes more secure, to accurately identify property, and how to look out for each other.
  • Fosters a partnership with the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety.

FOCUS

  • Achieves results by working at the neighborhood level.  
  • Uses block captains and telephone chain contact lists to disseminate information.  
  • Promotes “Neighbors helping Neighbors” through the exchange of information related to neighborhood and individual household safety issues. 
  • Educates residents about security and safety.
  • Encourages residents to stay informed by using reliable resources such as NIXLE.

http://www.nixle.com/