Safety counts in open houses

I'm reading more and more about violence perpetrated on real estate sales people so look out and be smart. Some ideas:

1. Never let a stranger into your home alone and agents shouldn't show homes alone...if someone's insistent, have a neighbor come over.
   
2. Identify visitors. At a minimum use a guest registry or use a more stringent prequalification process including disclosure of a picture ID.
   
3. Don't make an appointment with potential buyers unless they give you their names and numbers and you have called them back to verify the number.
   
4. Before letting anyone in, turn on all the lights and open the blinds, shades, and curtains.
   
5. Before an open house, remove valuables, including jewelry, artwork, and electronic equipment.
   
6. Never go into a basement, storage area or closet with someone you don't know.