Keeping you and your family safe is a big deal. But sometimes, it is the little changes you make that add up to a big difference. Here are some residential security tips to help every member of the family feel safe and secure.
- Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for dust and lint build up that can hinder sensors.
- Whether you are buying, building or just remodeling your home make sure to select roofing that is fire resistant.
- If possible, install a locked mailbox at your home and never put outgoing mail containing personal information in an unsecured out-box or in your mailbox for pick up.
- To help prevent tipping off burglars, if you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, set your phone ringer to the lowest volume.
- Never leave notes on your door for service people or visitors when you are not home. It’s a signal to burglars that the home is empty.
- Do not use indoor extension cords outdoors. A safe outdoor cord will read “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.”
- If your power goes out, a full freezer can hold food safely for up to 48 hours.
- It is recommended to have interconnected smoke alarms. These alarms are linked together; if one alarm is triggered they all go off.
- Never attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries. Attempting to recharge non-rechargeable batteries could cause the batteries to explode.
- Oily rags can easily combust, even without being exposed directly to a flame. Hang them outside to dry, and then throw them away in a metal can with a lid when finished.
The following is a list of activities that many residents continue to express concern about and which we remind everyone of at least once a year. The great news is that most of us do most of these things most of the time so the challenge for each of us is to change the word “most” to “all” if we want to continue to have the kind of beautiful, friendly, quiet and safe community we all desire! Safety is of increased concern now that we have many new families with small children who need our constant protection especially now that we’re on Standard Time and darkness occurs very early.
VEHICLES
- Observe the 25 mph speed limit and slow down when pedestrians are present.
- Make full stops at all stop signs and right turns 24/7.
- Keep roadways clear of vehicles overnight to permit easy access of emergency/maintenance vehicles and to enhance the appearance of the community.
- Vehicles parked on a roadway should be facing the same direction as traffic so that your red tail light reflectors are effective.
- Park at least 30 feet (2 car lengths) back from the Sorrel/Silverside Roads intersection and stop sign so as to not block movement of vehicles at that dangerous intersection.
- Be cautious and patient when approaching a school bus stop with children present.
- Stop at the stop line and over the sensor wires at the Coachman/Shipley Roads intersection so the signal will cycle for you.
- Parking of unattached trailers and oversized motor vehicles on roadways is prohibited. (see attachment)
- Parking of boats and camping vehicles on residential property is restricted by County Code.
PEDISTRIANS & BICYCLES (the attached Pedestrians’ Rights and Duties are critical to reducing pedestrian casualties)
- Walk on the left side facing traffic. This will protect you from being hit by a vehicle that you couldn’t see and might not have heard!
- Carry a light or reflector at night.
- Yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
- Ride bikes on the same side as cars
ANIMALS (see attachment for Codes regarding animals and noise)
- Restrain dogs at all times when off property with a leash (in hand) of maximum 20 foot length.
- Remove excrement immediately.
- Quiet a constantly barking dog.
NOISE (see attachment for Codes regarding noise)
- Schedule loud equipment jobs to begin after 9:00 AM.
Be vigilant, be prepared and report all suspicious activity immediately to 9-1-1