Navigating the busy streets of our neighborhood requires more than just knowing the quickest route to your destination. According to local community leaders, the most crucial tool residents possess is their own situational awareness. Whether rushing down Kingston Avenue to catch a bus or taking a stroll down Eastern Parkway on a Shabbos afternoon, paying attention to your surroundings is paramount.
“We live in a busy, beautiful, and sometimes unpredictable city,” says Yaakov Prager, coordinator of Crown Heights Shmirah. “My biggest safety tip for anyone walking alone is to keep your head up and your phone in your pocket. When you’re staring at a screen, you make yourself an easy target because you aren’t watching your back.” Prager emphasizes the need for vigilance—noticing who is walking behind you and who is standing on the corner, and crossing the street if something feels off.
While community patrols put in the work to keep the streets secure, Prager is quick to remind residents of a higher truth. “Our efforts only go so far,” Yaakov Prager notes. “At the end of the day, it is Hashem who truly protects our community, watching over every step we take.”
