Since Realtors interface with strangers in various public and private locations, including open houses, they face more on-the-job risks than many other business professionals.

"Unfortunately, the risks Realtors face often have an impact with tragic consequences. Working with an unfamiliar person, in an isolated location, may potentially expose both male and female agents to life-threatening situations," said the association's president, Cathy Whatley.

Safety experts say that selling real estate is one of the most dangerous jobs there is, but knowing simple strategies can save lives. Open houses can sometimes become a safety problem. Realtors are encouraged to work together with a partner and not let buyers wander through a home by themselves. That's one of the reasons why a Realtor will usually try to greet open house attendees as soon as they come in the door and engage in conversation with them.

Some other strategies to keep Realtors safe include keeping a charged cellphone with them, developing a check-in system with the office, and designating a code word to indicate there is trouble. Knowing the sales area and previewing the property is recommended. Realtors are also advised not to list a property as vacant. Meeting clients at the Realtors office for an introductory meeting is also a good idea.

"Realtor safety is extremely important, especially for anyone new to the business," said Realtor Kale Klippel of Prudential California Realty. "Within communities all throughout our great nation we are seeing more and more crime developing. This same trend has carried over to the real estate sector as well, but thank goodness, not as bad as it could be as long as we all keep our guards up."

Klippel advises Realtors to think ahead. "As the days get shorter and the open houses on Sunday are closing up after dark, be careful picking up signs. Hold an open house with another agent for a totally safe day. Meet clients at the office first, not at the property site, for the first meeting," Klippel said.

Broker John Gieseker, also of Prudential California Realty, supports getting the word out about Realtor safety. "Agents can become lazy about their safety, so anything that can help share good ideas and keep them alert to a potentially dangerous situation is always welcome," he said.

Most Realtors have never experienced a problem, but the nationwide campaign by the National Association of Realtors is an important way to raise awareness about the issue of safety as it relates to doing business in the real estate industry.

While some neighborhoods obviously have more potential for problems, it's always a good idea, as a general rule, to be vigilant.

Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.