Kids' Safety Fair

Dep. Wickstrom and Cpl. Ogaard were on hand at our Kids' Safety Fair on Saturday, May 3rd. Free bike helmets were given out to all the kids!

And moms were able to address their concerns about child safety and get answers.

Kids were fingerprinted and photographed and got to take home fun prizes!

There was lots of information for parents on everything from drug prevention to child abuse.



Because of the busy schedule of the PCSO, we didn't have all the events at the Kids' Safety Fair that we wanted to have, but that's okay...that just means we'll try again! And now that the HOA has become more supportive and active with Blockwatch, we will probably be able to provide more fun events at the next kids' fair!

Thank you, Pam, for taking pictures! You are awesome!

Vacation Tips

If you're like me, you like to get away whenever possible, even if just for a weekend camping trip to the cooler northern regions. Here are some tips to help keep your home secure while you're away.

1. If going away for more than a day or two, arrange to have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers. Newspapers lying in a driveway are a giveaway that you may not be home. You can also put a "vacation hold" on your mail and newspapers.

2. Do not leave cash or valuables in your house while you're away, unless you can secure them in a vault that is bolted to your floor. Take valuables to a safe deposit box at your bank.

3. Notify the sheriff's department of the dates that you will be gone and leave them with an emergency contact number. They will send a patrol car by to check on your house while you are away.

4. Arrange to have your grass cut while you're gone.

5. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house and call you and/or the police if they see anything suspicious.

6. Plug in light timers (available for under $10 at Home Depot, etc.) and program to turn lights on/off at appropriate times to give the appearance that someone is home.

7. Unplug all electrical appliances, including t.v.'s to prevent possible damage from storms.

8. Set your thermostat to maintain a reasonable temperature; 85 in summer and 50 in winter are good settings.

9. Turn off water to washing machine in case hose breaks to avoid flooding.

10. Turn off the ringer on your phone so it can't be heard from outside. Don't leave a message on your answering machine saying you're away!

11. Place wooden dowels in window sliders and sliding glass doors.

12. Disable automatic garage door opener.

13. Lock your door and padlock your gate.

Keeping Your Home Safe

Here are some important tips for keeping your home as safe as possible.

1. Make sure your house numbers are clear and visible from the street both day and night. This is important to police officers responding to a call. If they can't find you, they can't help you! Lost minutes can be crucial.

2. Keep shrubbery around doors and windows trimmed back--don't give a burglar a place to hide.

3. Re-key locks when you move into a new home...even a newly constructed one.

4. Don't hide keys under your doormat or around your house. Everyone knows where to look! If keys are an issue (as with kids losing them), you can purchase a keyless entry lock at Home Depot for about $100. You punch in a code which disables the lock, then open the deadbolt.

5. Keep your house, windows, garage, and cars locked at all times. If possible, always park in the garage. Use a padlock to secure your gate. A criminal is less likely to jump a gate to gain access to your backyard.

6. Use security film on windows and door glass to prevent entry if shattered. Follow link for more information: http://www.diywindowsecurity.com/ Security film is also available through most home security companies.

7. Leave your porch light and coach lights (on the front of the garage) on every night. To cut down on electricity costs, install the new compact fluorescent light bulbs (available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, etc.).

8. Don't answer the door for strangers! If you're expecting a repair person, ask for company identification. Don't use door chains as a substitute for a peephole or window from which you can clearly see someone at your door. Door chains can be pulled easily from the door with a forceful push.

9. If your garage door has windows along the top, install chicken wire behind them. A thief can easily break one window pane and use a wire coat hanger or other hook to grab the red release handle dangling there and instantly gain access to your garage.

10. Take photographs of all your valuable possessions and keep a log of serial numbers (to TV's, iPOD's, cameras, etc.).

11. Check smoke detectors regularly. Have an escape plan for your family and practice it regularly.