Historical November–December 2005 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Sitting around the conference table recently, your SD Neighborhood security committee had some ponderings then these suggestions about what might be helpful for folks in the Neighborhood to consider about home, personal and neighborhood safety. Lighting.
All residents are encouraged to turn on lights in the front and rear of their property from dusk until sunrise. Use lighting strong enough to illuminate a person at least 100 feet away and flood lights should be in common areas.
We also encourage all to use the newer screwin fluorescent bulbs.
These bulbs can save money by producing the desired amount of light yet using less electricity.
In some locations, neighbors find it convenient to share the cost of operating a dusk-to-dawn mercury vapor light that may illuminate backyard and alley spaces. Parked Car Security. Unattended cars need to have all windows closed, all doors locked, key out of the ignition with no valuable or desirable items visible inside the car.
To further discourage car theft, an antitheft locking bar can be installed on the steering wheel. That bar needs to be installed every time the car is parked. Make it a matter of habit. ‘The Club’ is a popular product name, and that product is available to City residents and employees at Operation SafeStreet in City Hall for $10.00. Other antitheft products are available there also. Awareness and Responsiveness. Know the people who live around you. Get out to meet your neighbors, learn and call them by name as well as their dogs, say hello to folks walking and riding in the neighborhood so you become acquainted with who is a regular in the area and who is not. Be aware of the comings and goings of folks.
As you make it a habit to chat with your neighbors, share news of the Neighborhood with them just as you do the news of your families.
When you feel uncomfortable with persons or occurrences in your neighborhood, or when you see people actually doing things or being where they should not be, call 911 immediately with details of what you’ve observed.
Please realize that just because the people or situation in question moves out of your immediate vicinity, the potential or actual problem moves with them; they may remain active in your Neighborhood, just not in your sight. Alerting the police by calling 911 will make officers patrolling in the area aware of your concerns and descriptions. Calling 911 immediately is so important. Home Security Measures. Interior. Keep all doors locked even when you are in the home. Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors are encouraged. Deadbolts should have a tapered cylinder and at least a one inch throw. Strike plates and hinges should be secured to the door frame with screws at least 2 inches long. Install a peep hole with 180 degree view in exterior doors so you can identify people before opening the door.
Some burglaries have occurred recently even while people were in the house as access was through an unlocked door. Close and lock all windows when you leave the home. Secure upper story as well as basement doors and windows. Secure sliding doors with an antislide device and install a screw into the track to prevent the door from being lifted out of place. Arm your security system every time you leave, whether for a few minutes, an hour’s shopping trip, or for a long weekend. Arm the system especially when you’re retiring to bed for the night. Test your alarm system monthly to make sure it works as you expect it to. Contact the alarm company to assure that your test signals are received and that the company is clear about what you want to happen when an alarm is received by the company. Keep a flashlight and a phone in the bedroom where you sleep. Should you ever be surprised by an intruder in your home, DO NOT block their escape route and DO NOT make threatening gestures. Exterior. Be sure that your house number is easily visible and in a well lighted area. Post your house number clearly at the back of your lot also. Keep trees and shrubs from becoming hiding places or impairing the view of entrances. Trim tree limbs to at least 7 feet off the ground. Trim shrubs to below window height. Rose bushes outside windows can act as natural barbed wire, making it difficult for burglars to enter (also difficult for window washers and painters!).
A bed of rocks outside entry points can make can make enough noise to alert neighbors. And turn on lights in the front and rear of your property from dusk until sunrise.
When Reporting to Police.
Here are some helpful details to report to police when you call the 911 number: • Location by address: use street names and numbers • Date and time of the occurrence • Description of vehicle: color, number of doors, new/old estimate, license number • Descriptions of people: number, age, sex, race, dress • Your name, address and telephone number (you may request to be anonymous). Personal Safety.
Finally, take care of YOU!
When walking in the neighborhood, walk with others whenever possible. Be aware of others in the general vicinity and move to keep a distance from strangers, especially when you’re alone. Avoid darkened areas, alleys or lightout areas.
When walking, carry little to no valuables with you.
If you are accosted, give up the “things” demanded. Things can be replaced. Use your energy to LOOK, to gather as much visual information as possible about the assailant. Working together as friends and neighbors, we can make Skinker-DeBaliviere a more attractive, fun and safe neighborhood to live in!
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2005.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2005_11.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
