I think its a great idea to familiarize yourself with the neighbourhood, keep doors locked, be aware of your surroundings and report things that look suspicious, setting up a neighbourhood watch program is a great idea.
I have got to be the most backwards person when it comes to giving directions. I tend to rely on establishments and landmarks to describe my location to people, but it hardly ever works and just winds up confusing them. For those inevitable times where I need directions I can usually follow...but some of the times when you ask strangers for directions, where I'm from, you get a very negative response. Yes, the joys of living in the city :)