signs work - for about two weeks......
Yard Signs Work!
The Neighborhood Association has a few of these signs available to residents to post in their yard for two weeks.
Well, For About Two Weeks
If you are interested, email wnakzoo@aol.com
Studies say that signs last about two weeks and then little effect
Kalamazoo city ordinance effective june 1, 2019
Shared Streets
Streets should be safe for everyone, no matter what mode of transportation you use. To help make transportation safer in Kalamazoo, City ordinance changes took effect June 1 that require drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Certain rights and responsibilities for road users have also been clarified. Know your responsibilities and make sure everyone gets where they are going, safely!
DRIVERS:
Stop for people in crosswalks
Don't pass other cars stopped at crosswalks
Applies to marked and unmarked crosswalks
BICYCLISTS:
Bikes can ride on sidewalks - unless otherwise signed
When riding on sidewalks, bicyclists must follow all laws that apply to pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and notify when passing
Bicyclists may ride in the street and must abide by all applicable traffic laws when doing so.
PEDESTRIANS
Stop before entering a crosswalk
Obey pedestrian signals where present
Yield to vehicles outside of crosswalks
Scams continue to target westwood residents!
SCAMS HIT WESTWOOD!
Scams are hitting Westwood again and just seem to continue.
They disguise themselves as anything from insurance to funeral agents, and offer a great deal. Some still claim that they need to update your current account information, even though they don't actually work for that organization.
DO NOT offer information to over the phone or e-mail to persons you do not know!
Also, on March 1, I received three calls that caller ID said was me calling! This was definitely a scam!
Call the county-wide non-emergency number 269-488-8911 to report a scam attempt. Check with your service provider to block these people, too.
They are going after all ages and getting better at it - BEWARE!
SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING:
It's better to have called law enforcement and have it be explainable than to have a situation escalate into something major, with no law enforcement aware.
Non-Emergency number is 269-488-8911. See something suspicious, CALL!
Safety Tips
Teach your children how to call 911 in emergencies. Practice dialing with them, but don't actually call 911 (an officer WILL show up at your house, even if you hang up quickly)
Be sure emergency numbers - police, fire, poison control, and emergency medical - are by all phones.
Make sure they know their full name, address, and phone number (including the area code), plus your work phone or cellphone number.
Talk about carrying themselves confidently and staying alert to what's going on around them.
Encourage them to walk and play with friends, not alone.
Teach them to refuse rides or gifts from anyone, unless it's someone both you and your child know and trust.
If your child is home alone, teach them:
- Not to let strangers, adults, or children into the home for any reason.
- Not to tell telephone callers that they're alone.
- That door and window locks must always be used. Be sure your children know how to work them.
- Not to go into the home if a door is ajar or a window is broken, but to go to a neighbor's or public phone and call the police.
21st Century Neighborhood Watch
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Service has joined the Neighbors by Ring network.
At our Neighborhood Association meeting, Wednesday, April 17th,
Sgt. Juday with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety did a presentation on RING's Neighborhood app that is available free for smart phones.
To understand a little about follow the link:
https://shop.ring.com/pages/neighbors
It is a great start to the 21st century neighborhood watch.
You don't need a "RING" device and you can post comments, observations and concerned pictures from your phone.
I have the app and hopefully none of us will ever need it, but it keeps you aware of what is happening.
The service is monitored to keep things from interfering, like car for sale adds and the such.
You can adjust the area your phone receives alerts about and it is also being monitored by local law enforcement who may post important information, also.
Worth a try!
more safety tips
Using The ATM
Try to plan your visits to the automatic teller during the day, rather than after dark.
Choose an ATM location that is in a busy public place.
When visiting a drive-through ATM, keep your doors locked and be prepared to drive away quickly. If anyone approaches your car on foot, roll up your window and drive off.
Pre-plan your transaction carefully, and don't spend too much time at the machine.
When you make a withdrawal, quickly place the money in your purse or wallet and leave as soon as you finish.
Watch out for suspicious-looking people waiting around an ATM - they may not really be customers. If someone offers to let you go ahead of them, decline politely and leave.
If you have not finished your transaction and you are approached by a suspicious character, press the CANCEL button, receive your card, and leave quickly.
Lock Your Car
Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you'll only be gone a short time.
Lock doors when driving.
If your car breaks down, raise the hood and place emergency reflectors or flares. Then stay in the locked car. When someone stops to help, don't get out. Ask him or her (through a closed or cracked window) to telephone the police to come and help.
If you're coming or going after dark, park in a well-lit area that will still be well-lit when you return.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Control you keys. Never leave an identification tag on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, it could help a thief locate your car and burglarize your home.
If carrying packages or valuable items, store them in your trunk. If you do leave packages, clothing, or other articles in the car, make sure they are out of sight.
Keep the following information in a safe location: Year, Make, Model, Color, VIN, License #, Identifying Marks, Insurance Co., and policy.
And remember, Nearly half of the vehicle thefts the drive left the keys in the car, in the ignition and/or left the car unlocked. Never leave a running car unattended. Lock your car and/or park in a garage with the door closed and locked. Never leave valuables or packages in your car - it is too tempting.
Lock Your Doors At Home
Make sure that ALL doors to the outside are metal or solid, 1 3/4" hardwood and ALL have good, sturdy locks.
Use the locks you have. Always lock up your home when you go out, even if it's only for a few minutes.
Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broomstick in the door track.
Make sure your windows, especially at ground level, have good locks, and use them.
Make sure all porches and other possible entrances are well-lit.
Don't hide your house keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot. It's much wiser to give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
Keep written records of all furniture, jewelry, and electronic products. If possible, keep these records in a safe deposit box, fireproof safe, or other secure place. Take pictures or a video, and keep purchase information and serial numbers if available. These help law enforcement agencies track recovered items.
Clearly display your house number, so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly. (This is so important, it is required by Kalamazoo Township Ordinance.)
If you see a screen that has been cut, broken windows, or a door that's been left open, don't go in. Call the police from a safe location.
If you hear a noise that sounds like someone breaking in or moving around, quietly call the police. If you can leave safely, do so. Otherwise, lock yourself in the room you are in and keep quiet.
Think carefully before buying a firearm for protection. Guns can be captured and used on you or the police, or they can be stolen and sold to anyone. In fact, firearms are so sought after that someone could break into your home for the sole intent of stealing a gun. If you do own a gun, keep it locked up, with the ammunition secured separately, and learn how to use it safely
emergency preparedness
Keep A Supply Of Food & Water
THE GOAL: Have an emergency food supply that will meet the needs of your household for three days without outside help :
An emergency food supply doesn’t have to sit on a shelf, ready for disaster to strike (although it can). It can be part of the food you use every day. The key to a good food storage plan is to buy ahead of time. Replace items before they run out. Buy items when they are on sale. A large duffle bag or plastic tub with a lid makes a great storage place for an emergency food supply. Make sure your family, including pets, will have what they need when disaster strikes.
PROTECT YOUR REFRIGERATED & FROZEN FOOD DURING OUTAGE
During an extended power outage, temperatures in your fridge and freezer will begin to rise, even if the doors stay closed. As the temperature rises, harmful bacteria may begin to grow on your food.
If the temperature in your fridge stays above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours, perishable food items (milk, lunchmeat, mayonnaise based salads, poultry items, leftovers, etc.) may be unsafe to eat.
If the temperature in your freezer stays above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than one to two days, food may be unsafe to eat. Food that still contains ice crystals should be safe. Always check the color and odor of food, particularly meat when it is thawed. If it is questionable throw it out (make sure it is discarded where animals can’t get to it).
Take steps now to make sure your perishable food remains as safe as possible:
• Install a thermometer in your fridge and freezer.
• If you anticipate a power outage, such as a winter storm, reduce the temperature of your fridge and freezer. The colder your food is the more time it takes to thaw.
• Keep containers of ice in your freezer to keep the temperature down.
When the power goes out:
• Cover the fridge or freezer in newspapers and blankets. Keep vents clear in case the freezer starts operating again.
• Avoid opening the door to the fridge or freezer.
• Use dry ice, if available. Identify a source for dry ice in advance and remember that if the power outage is widespread, there may be a lot of competition for this resource.
If you don’t know the temperature of your fridge or if the fridge was off for more than four hours, the food should be discarded. Eating perishable food that has not been kept cold can cause food poisoning, even if it is refrozen or cooked. When in doubt, throw it out!
