ALERTS & UPDATES

STOLEN SIGN

Sometime in August, one of our newer version Neighborhood Watch signs, on the corner of Camden & Kingsbury streets, was stolen. If anyone saw someone on a ladder leaning against the light post on that corner, please notify neighborhoodwatch@pleasantviewhomes.org We did canvas the rest of the neighborhood & none of the other signs were removed. Remember our slogan – If you see something – say something! We want to work together to keep our wonderful neighborhood safe.

WARM UP THEFT

Have you heard about warm-up theft?  You can bet the average car thief has.

During the cold winter months, area drivers may be tempted to warm up their cars while they stay warm inside.  But cars left running, unlocked, and unattended are quick and easy targets for thieves.  Several individuals in the Pleasant View neighborhood can attest to this.

The National Crime Prevention Council offers the following tips:

• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you are away from it, even if for “just a minute”.
• Keep valuables out of sight or in the trunk.  Purses, credit cards, and cell phones in plain view only help attract thieves.
• Always roll up the windows and lock your car, even if it is in your driveway, garage, or in front of your home.
• Never leave the registration or title papers in your car.  If stolen, it makes it easier for the thief to dispose of your vehicle.  It can also make you a target for identity theft.
• Be alert when approaching your car, have a plan of action, and have your keys in your hand.  Check around, under and in your vehicle for suspicious individuals.  Immediately leave the scene to get help if you have any concerns for your safety.
• Only park your car in busy, well-lighted areas.
• Install a mechanical locking device—commonly called clubs, collars, or j-bars—that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake.
• If you vehicle has an alarm or other anti-theft device, use it.

DID YOU REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARM BATTERIES?

You remembered to change your clocks ahead to Daylight Savings Time, but did you remember to check your smoke alarm batteries?

Nearly 70 percent of all home fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases the chances of surviving a deadly home fire. It’s the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert scanning the air for fire and smoke.

In addition to changing your smoke alarm batteries, the United States Fire Administration recommends a few simple steps to protect your life, your loved ones, and your home. For more information on smoke alarms, fire escape planning, and fire prevention, please visit the USFA website at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/smokealarms/ In addition to changing your smoke alarm batteries this weekend, the USFA recommends following these simple steps to protect your life, your loved ones, and your home:
 

• Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when you change the batteries.
• Test alarms once a month using the test button.
• Replace the entire alarm if it’s more than 10 years old or doesn’t work properly when tested.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
• For the best protection, equip your home with a combination of ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor alarms.
• Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout your home so that when one sounds, they all sound. Interconnected alarms are available at most stores that sell smoke alarms.
• Make sure everyone in your home understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Finally, prepare and practice an escape plan so that you and your loved ones can get out of your home safely should there be a fire. Plan to meet in a place a safe distance from the fire and where first responders can easily see you.