Warmer weather is finally here and that means our children are going to be moving about outdoors and maybe out of sight from time to time. Included here you will find some ideas on what to share with your children regarding strangers and proper conduct in dealing with them.

1. First of all remind your children that a stranger is "Someone you do not know". Make sure they understand that the person's age, race, gender or appearance have nothing to do with who a stranger is

2. Make sure they understand some strangers are helpers, but also make sure they know how to positively identify those strangers. Here are some "Helpers":

• Police Officers
• Firefighters
• Ambulance workers
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Uniformed Security at the mall, zoo or other such place
• Uniformed workers at various retail establishments noted by their aprons, smocks or matching shirts and the like.

3. Some suggested "Rules" to teach your children as it relates to strangers. Add any others you feel are appropriate.

• Never talk to a stranger (You may consider allowing a simple hello)
• Never take anything from a stranger
• Never go with a stranger
• Never help a stranger search for a lost puppy, kitten or child.

4. Teach them "Run, Yell and Tell"

• "Run" means that you run to a safe place such as a McGruff House,store, trusted neighbor, school, friend, gas station, police car, fire truck, etc.
• "Yell" means that you yell for help while running.
• "Tell" means you tell a a grown up to call the police once you arrive at the nearest safe place.

5. Employ a "Code Word" in your home. This is a word or phrase that only Mom, Dad and the children know. Not even Grandma or Grampa should know that word. That way should you need to send another family member or neighbor to pick the child up from school, day care or any other function; the person picking them up has to give the code word to your child before your child goes with them. Teach your child that no matter who is picking them up, they do not go unless the code word is said.

Please note that providing the code word to the person picking up your child does not preclude contacting staff or others in charge at the place / event the child is being picked up from.

Should the code word have to be used change it immediately, use each code word or phrase only once. You can make it fun by allowing the children to make up the code word.

As always, these are merely suggestions and may not be suitable or appropriate for you and your family and only you can decide that. "Stranger Danger" should be reviewed regularly by improptu verbal questions and proper answers or behaivors need to be positively reinforced.

   New gifts soon to be open; smiling faces, wishes fulfilled, surprises made. And, if you are not careful an advertisement to the bad guys as to the new goodies received at your household. Yes, if you leave those computer, television and game console boxes at the curb the bad guys can see which house may have the best pay off for their effort.

   If you are ready to discard the box, break it down and then cut it up before putting it into the new recycling carts. Better yet, break them down and make a run to the City yards with the boxes. No need to advertise your goodies to the bad guys.

Well Ladies and Gentlemen we are one day away from Thanksgiving and the weather looks like it might give us our first driving challenge of the late fall. Forecasters are having a hard time pinpointing exactly what we are in for, but it does appear at a minimum that it could be a sloppy and slippery mess. We had a great summer and early fall weather-wise but now it is time to focus on getting the rust and dust off our winter weather driving skills. I am asking that you take the time to read the points below and give them some thought as you venture out on your first winter driving adventure, be it today or later in the season.

• We all have a route planned before we leave but have you considered an alternate route? Give it some thought should weather or traffic dictate change.
• Always give a "Flight Plan" to those you are leaving behind as well as traveling to; this includes your vehicle's description and license plate. Doing this will aid law enforcement in searching for you should the need arise.
• Carry extra cash or credit cards with you should you need to interrupt your trip and seek a hotel for an overnight stay.
• Make sure your car is in good working order. Brakes, tires, headlights, blinkers, windshield wipers, and windshield wash should all be inspected before departing.
• Use your headlights no matter what the time of day.
• If you can, have at least another person along while traveling. Maybe you can share driving to cut down on fatigue.
• If fatigue sets in, or the weather becomes too difficult for you to continue traveling in, find a safe place to park and wait it out or get a hotel room.
• Watch the mile marker and exit numbers as you travel, it will help you pinoint a location should you have to contact help for yourself or other motorists.
• The use of cruise control is discouraged on icy or otherwise slippery roads.
• Remember to drive defensively; leaving larger gaps between you and the vehicles in front as well as reducing your speed.
• Remember also that overpasses will ice up sooner than the roadway.
• Four wheel drive, all wheel drive and front wheel drive all have advantages in bad weather, but none of them are your "Pass" to drive less carefully.
• If you should become stranded, stay with the vehicle and run the vehicle intermittently. Crack a window to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Carry a winter travel kit and consider the following items for it:
• Cell Phone
• Extra gloves, hats and socks
• Boots
• Blanket(s)
• Snack foods
• Bottled Water
• Flashlight
• Candle
• Matches / lighter
• Good book / magazines
• Cat litter for traction
• A portable radio, preferably with a weather band
• Lock de-icer
• Jumper Cables or portable jump back
• Road flares

I hope this helps and has refreshed your memory as sooner or later you are going to have to drive in less than desirable weather. Also, please look to the tags at the right of this blog and click on "Accidents" for some tips on what to do should you become involved in a motor vehicle accident.

If you have been to Mayfair Mall this week you have seen the Christmas / Holiday decorations are up. Add that to the fact that the busiest retail day of the year, the Friday after Thanksgiving is just two short weeks away; not to mention the fact that the ladies in my family are about to embark on the annual shopping weekend this second weekend in November; well I am compelled to write about shopping safety tips.

 

Please take the time to review the tips listed below and should you think of some additional tips, add them in the comments section or give me an email.

 

Ø      Always park in a well lit area.

Ø      Remember where you parked.

Ø      Keep your car locked at all times.

Ø      Walk with authority, always making eye contact with others.

Ø      Shop in groups.

Ø      Dress casually and comfortably.

Ø      Leave the expensive or even expensive appearing jewelry at home.

Ø      Avoid carrying a purse if possible.

Ø      Take only the cash, credit cards and identification needed.

Ø      If carrying cash, credit cards and identification on your person, keep it in your front pocket.

Ø      Don’t flash large amounts of money around.

Ø      Always double check to make sure you have your credit cards back.

Ø      Never allow your credit card to leave your sight.

Ø      Always be alert to your surroundings.

Ø      Do not allow yourself to be overloaded with packages. Make several trips to your vehicle if needed.

Ø      Never leave packages or anything of value in view in your vehicle.

Ø      When returning to your vehicle, look around, inside and out of your vehicle before opening it up.

Ø      If using an ATM, use one in a busy area, have a friend with you.

 

And from the Better Business Bureau, here are some online shopping tips.

 

Ø      Shop only at Internet Merchants you know and trust. If in doubt visit www.bbb.org

Ø      Beware of emails offering cut-rate prices, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Ø      Check the merchants refund policies before making a purchase.

Ø      Make sure the merchant is using a secure server.

Ø      Refrain from using a debit card or online check, it exposes your personal checking/savings accounts to fraud.

Ø      Always print and save any confirmation or order forms.

Ø      Frequently check your accounts online, no need to wait for a paper statement.

 

Every year we are reminded about Trick or Treat safety, and yes, this year I am going to remind you yet again. Please take a few moments to review the list and discuss the appropriate items with your children before venturing out in search of sugary treats.

* Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes
* Costumes should be loose fitting to allow for warmer clothes underneath.
* Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard
* Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Use facial make-up instead
* If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye hole
* Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or reflective
* Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision
* Walk; do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards
* Walk on sidewalks, not in the street
* Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks
* Give your Trick or Treat bunch a meal or snack before going out
* Have at least one adult go with the children, more if the group is larger
* Trick or Treat in areas where there are a lot of people around
* Trick or Treat folks should avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots
* Always check your child¡¦s candy before allowing them to eat
* And of course, ensure that your Trick or Treat bunch is having fun!

Did I miss something? If so, contact me at dsemega@wauwatosa.net

Many thanks to Mark Maley...

From the National Crime Prevention Council, www.ncpc.org

The news is full of stories about people who have been raped, robbed, mugged, or otherwise assaulted, and everyone cringes when they hear these reports. Who hasn’t feared becoming one of these victims? The truth, however, is that the incidence of personal violence has dropped to its lowest level in almost three decades.

Violent crime - murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault - was down from a high of 52.3 incidents per 1,000 people in 1981 to just 21.1 incidents per 1,000 in 2004, according to statistics compiled by the Bureau of Justice Statistics at the U.S. Department of Justice. Aggravated assault - which involves attack with a weapon or attack without a weapon that results in serious injury - was down even more sharply, from 12.4 incidents per 1,000 people in 1977 to just 4.3 incidents per 1,000 in 2004.

Everyone - and this applies to residents of big cities, small towns, and even rural areas - needs to be careful, but these lower rates of crime are evidence that if people are vigilant and take common-sense precautions, crime can be prevented.

Tips

* Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.

* When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.

* Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.

* Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.

* If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

* Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.

* Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.

* Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.

* Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.

* If a dating partner has abused you, do not meet him or her alone. Do not let him or her in your home or car when you are alone.

* If you are a battered spouse, call the police or sheriff immediately. Assault is a crime, whether committed by a stranger or your spouse or any other family member. If you believe that you and your children are in danger, call a crisis hotline or a health center (the police can also make a referral) and leave immediately.

* If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life.

* If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

During the fall and winter months, darkness arrives earlier in the day. As such, extra safety precautions should be taken when moving from your vehicles to your homes. It is recommended that if you are arriving home after darkness falls that you have some interior and exterior lights on to greet you as you arrive.

For exterior lighting please consider the following options:

* Motion sensor lighting can be effective but it does have to be properly adjusted so that it catches movement by people but does not pick up every rabbit or raccoon as it crosses your yard or driveway.

* Low level lighting such as a 40 or 60 watt conventional or compact fluorescent bulbs with dusk to dawn sensors are my favorite. With a dusk to dawn sensor it comes on and off automatically and provides enough light for facial, color and clothing recognition while not providing an overpowering light. Further it is on during all hours of darkness and lighting is one of the biggest deterrents to neighborhood crime. Of course, it appears as if the compact fluorescent is more efficient to operate.

* If you have a larger property you may want to consider High Pressure Sodium (HPS) fixtures and lights. HPS Light fixtures come complete with either a 35W bulb that is equal to a 175W incandescent bulb or a 50W bulb that is equal to a 210W incandescent bulb. The fixture with bulb and dusk to dawn sensor included is approximately $50.00 to $100.00; they replace most existing fixtures and can be found at most home or hardware stores. Each bulb should last approximately 5 years and currently costs about $4.00 to replace. Annual operating cost for a 35W HPS bulb is estimated to be between $18 and $25 annually based on 12 hours of operation per day. This type of lighting also provides good recognition

If you park in the driveway or a detached garage, don¡¦t be in a hurry to drive up your driveway. Take your time, looking around and listening with your window cracked open while you drive in as well as before exiting your vehicle.

If you do have a garage and don¡¦t have an electric door opener, consider one as it allows you to stay in your car providing extra light and time to check for suspicious activity as the garage door opens.

Consider carrying a noise making device such as a whistle should you need to gain the attention of neighbors or family during an emergency.

Most of us have those timers inside our home we use when we can escape reality and run away on vacation. Have you ever considered using them during fall and winter so that the interior of your house is lit up upon your arrival? It also gives your home the appearance of being occupied as darkness sets in. Further, consider having a radio tuned into talk radio, this too will make any potential burglars or thieves that the home is occupied.

Recently I spoke to a group of care givers who conduct in home visits. In preparing my presentation it became obvious to me that many of things I planned on pointing out to them can apply to anyone who is moving out and about in public. So below you will be able to find some practices that will help keep you safe as you travel around and conduct your day to day business away from your home.

„« Be alert at all times.
„« Be confident, walk with a purpose and make eye contact with others; this will dissuade most bad guys from considering you as a victim. While interviewing arrested suspects after a crime, they almost always indicated they picked their victim because they looked weak or vulnerable.
„« Advise others of your intended destination, route of travel and anticipated return time.
„« Dress appropriately for the weather as well as the event or activity.
„« Leave jewelry and other valuables at home when appropriate.
„« Leave purse and/or wallet at home. If carrying your purse and/or wallet, empty it of all the credit cards, cash and other items not needed for the event or activity. Carry only the necessary cash, credit cards and identification needed.
„« Never carry your Social Security card on your person unless applying for a job or credit.
„« Always carry a cell phone. Inexpensive ones for just emergency use are available.
„« Only carry the key(s) you need.
„« Carry a Whistle to help summon help when needed in an emergency
„« Quickly remove yourself from dangerous situations, trust your instincts and hunches, call the police when appropriate
„« Travel in pairs or groups whenever possible
„« Survey you surroundings at all times, seeking out escape routes and safe places to run to.
„« Keep your vehicle in good repair
„« Have emergency supplies in your vehicle.
„« Attend as much safety training as possible as well as do your own research on safety practices. It is important to continue to educate yourself in all areas of safety.

With some recent incidents there seems to be more concern on how to stay safe. Below are some things that should be considered.

• Do you have a "Block Watch" organized on your block? If you do not and would like to meet your neighbors, learn how to recognize crime and team up to take a stand against it in your neighborhood; then contact the Wauwatosa Police Department’s Community Support Division at 414-471-8430 ext. 111 for information and help getting started!
• Do you want to reduce your chances of being the victim of a crime? Then contact the Wauwatosa Police Department's Community Support Division and schedule a home or business security survey. Although we cannot guarantee you will not be the victim of a crime we can make suggestions to make your home more secure and take away the "Bad Guy's" opportunity. Let's keep the bad guys off of our streets.
• Residents are reminded to lock and properly secure their homes, garages, vehicles and businesses. Please remember, and remind your neighbors to call 911 immediately if they see any suspicious people or vehicles.
• Never leave anything of value in plain sight in your vehicle or home.
• You are reminded that if you are the victim of a crime you should report that crime immediately! Delay in reporting hampers investigation and lessons the chance of making an arrest and recovering property.

Regarding suspicious persons or activities, read below

First of all “Suspicious” is not a stranger walking up our street. But that same stranger walking back and forth, hanging around, looking up and down driveways, looking into cars or looking into homes; now that is suspicious. A vehicle that is unknown to our neighborhood that drives up our street is not suspicious. But if that same vehicle is continually driving up and down the street, or through the alley or parked in the driveway of an unoccupied house; now that is suspicious. How about the movers, plumber or cable guy at your neighbor’s house while they are away on vacation? Suspicious? I would think so. Now of course, this small paragraph does not identify all the possible activities that can be suspicious; you will have to be the judge in most circumstances, trust your intuition.

If it is suspicious, it does warrant a call to the police department. That is an immediate call, do not hesitate. The sooner you call the sooner we can respond and hopefully contact the person or persons involved in the suspicious activity. As a police officer there is nothing more frustrating than receiving the call about suspicious activity 10 -20 minutes after it was observed. And worse than that is talking to the neighbors after a burglary or other such crime and finding out that a clearly suspicious person or vehicle was observed in the area, but that person did not want to bother the police.

You, the citizens of Wauwatosa, are our best law enforcement asset.

The internet has evolved into a great tool for everyday life, learning and entertainment. But, it also has some pitfalls that anyone can fall into. As such I would like to outline some internet safety points for consideration.

• Never allow a minor child to be on the internet without direct and full time supervision. This means that the computer should be kept in a common area of the home and an adult should be able to see the screen at all times.

• Have a filter or screening software installed to try to prevent unwanted sites from popping up.

• Make sure you have all of your child’s passwords for any email, social sites or chat rooms they may belong to.

• Maintain your own identity, unknown to your child, so that you can check up on them that way as well.

• Every chat system has a way of preserving or archiving all communications, make sure that function is turned on.

• Teach your child not to give out any personal information including phone numbers, addresses, school names, school clubs, sports, driver’s license number or other identifying numbers.

• Teach your child to come to you and report anything scary or uncomfortable that they may witness on the internet.

• Teach your children that it is never okay to meet anyone face to face that they may have met on the internet.

• Encourage your children to use false names and never post or share pictures of themselves.

These are but a few items to think about, keep in mind that your best tool is your brain and parental instinct. For further information I recommend visiting the following sites:

www.ncpc.org
www.iSafe.org
www.netsmartz.org

You can also do a search for “Internet Safety” and find a wide array of other helpful sites. Good luck and safe surfing.

It seems like it took forever for this area to get some solid, consistent weather that is ideal for bike riding. Bike riding is good for the heart and soul. It brings friends and families together and helps to keep the kids occupied during the summer months.

I would like to remind everyone that safety comes first and provide you with some bicycle safety tips. Many of these are just a review, but important nonetheless.

• Always wear a helmet when riding
• If you are wearing long pants, secure the cuff so it does not get caught in the chain
• Wear highly visible clothing
• Wear a good shoe that covers the foot and toes completely; no sandals or flip flops
• No headphones should be worn while riding, being able to hear is important
• Always tell others of your intended route and planned time of return
• Keep a water bottle with water or a sports drink to help prevent dehydration
• Remember and use the appropriate hand signals for slowing, stopping and turning
• Make sure you have a red reflector on the rear of your bike, and a white one on the front.
• Consider having amber or white reflectors mounted to the spokes of both wheels
• When riding at night, have a bright white light mounted on the front of your bike
• A warning device such as a bell or horn, used as a warning when approaching and passing others
• If you don’t have a warning device, announce that you are passing and on what side
• Be aware of your surroundings when riding, especially when on trails or off road
• Always lock your bike and secure any valuables whenever you are not actually riding

Many people don’t realize this but it is a Wauwatosa ordinance to have your bicycle registered if you live in the City. This can be accomplished free of charge at Johnson’s Cycle and Fitness, 6916 W. North Ave, any of the Fire Stations and the Wauwatosa Police Department.

Another fact that many bike riders are unaware of is that when on the roadway, a bike rider is subject to all the same rules and laws that a motor vehicle is subject to. This includes speed limits, traffic signs, traffic signals and yielding the appropriate right of ways. Violators can be issued a traffic citation even if they do not hold a drivers license. Also, bikes have to remain single file on a roadway to allow motor vehicles clearance to pass. If bikes are not single file, those riders not closest to the curb can be cited for impeding traffic.

On the same topic, motorists need to remember that bike riders have equal rights to the road. As long as motorists and bike riders heed all the rules of the road, everyone can get around without incident or injury.

When inviting installers, repair technicians, or any other services(s) into your home or apartment there are several things to consider. Although the majority of companies are honest and law abiding, an “In Home” visit can expose you to theft, burglary, or worse. Taking simple precautions and preparing for an in home visit is simple.

Whether your furnace or hot water heater needs service, you are having cable, satellite, or telephone service installed, or you are considering a home repair or improvement, there will occasions when you invite a stranger into your home or apartment.

Before considering a company, get to know your contractor:

• Use reputable companies that are established in your community.
• Use references from family, friends, and neighbors
• Research companies through the Better Business Bureau
• Use insured companies who conduct background checks on their workers
• Compile a list of companies before the need arises so you make sound decisions

Calling For Service

• When making the appointment ask the name or names of the employee(s) coming to your home
• Ask the exact time you can expect the employee(s) and if they can call just before arrival
• Get a description of the service vehicle(s)

Prepare Yourself and Your Home

• Hide easy to carry away valuables
• Do not “brag” about or “Show off” valuables or collectables
• Have a family member or friend with you during the visit if you are uneasy being alone

Upon Arrival

• Look for marked company vehicle
• Look for employee uniforms and photo identification
• Keep employee(s) under observation and limit access to unnecessary areas
• Be suspicious of employees who appear more concerned about your belongings than their job


If at anytime during a service visit you become uncomfortable, ask the worker(s) to leave.

If you feel you have been the victim of a crime, call local law enforcement immediately.

Cordless / Cell Phone Safety


Many of us use cordless and / or cell phones in our daily activities. What we don’t think about is the fact that those types of phones are actually mini radio transmitters. This means that everything you say is transmitted over the air and can possibly be intercepted by people who have receiving or listening devices. Although certain FCC rules prohibit monitoring of conversations that take place with these types of phones, anyone with some basic electronic knowledge can build such a device.

With this in mind you are asked to be very cautious about what type of information you are sharing over cordless and cell phones. Never give any information that you would consider confidential or that may relate to your personal identity. If you do need to relay this type of information over the phone please switch to a good old fashioned hard wired telephone to cut down on the chances of that information being intercepted.

Information considered confidential or related to your personal identity includes:

• Social Security Number
• Drivers License Number
• Date of Birth
• Bank Account Numbers
• Credit Card Numbers
• Banking and Credit Card Passwords or PIN’s
• Medicare / Medicaid Identification Numbers

Also, keep in mind that this information should only be shared with well known and trusted individuals. Never share it with telemarketers and be very leery of people posing as your bank or other service providers.

A hit and run accident is an accident in which one of the vehicle operators leaves the scene prior to police arrival on a reportable accident, or the exchange of names and insurance information on a non-reportable accident. In the State of Wisconsin a reportable accident is any accident where one or more of the vehicles has $1,000.00 or more estimated damage or there is personal injury. For example, a two vehicle accident where the estimated damage to one vehicle is $750.00 and the other vehicle is $900.00 without injury does not need to be reported. But given that same accident, if either one or both of the vehicles has sustained more than $1,000.00 in estimated damage, or any passenger in any vehicle is injured, then a State accident report needs to be filed. When in doubt contact the local law enforcement agency.

 

Being aware following an accident will make all the difference. If you are in an accident, but especially a hit and run accident, be sure to get as much identifying information about the other vehicle and driver as possible. Things to look for are the license plate, make, model and color of the vehicle, the type and location of any damage to the vehicle and any other identifying features such as antennas, bumper stickers, extra lighting and anything that would make the vehicle recognizable. Also, try to find anyone who may have been in the area and can provide more information to the police once they respond. If you find other witnesses and they cannot or will not remain, try to solicit their name and phone number so that police can follow up with them.

 

Be suspicious of those drivers that do stop right away but want to give you money or ask for money in an effort to leave the police out of the incident. If they want to give you money, there is an underlying reason why they don’t want the police involved. If they are trying to get money from you on the scene, that may be an initial indication that they are trying to take advantage of you or even that the accident wasn’t “Accidental” at all.

 

The thing to keep in mind following any accident is make sure you assess to see if there are any injuries. If there are injuries, take the appropriate steps which will include contacting police and fire personnel; render first aid if you are qualified. Whether there are injuries or not, keep your wits about you and use your common sense. Having a cell phone along with you while you travel is clearly an asset. And again, when in doubt as to whether an accident is reportable or not, contact local law enforcement.

I was reading over some of the postings on the Town Square bulletin board associated with WauwatosaNOW.com. I am pleased to see some of the posters sharing information about crimes taking place in their neighborhood and what can be done to prevent future crimes. Based on what I read I would like to address some issues as to what is suspicious and when it is appropriate to call the police.

 

First of all “Suspicious” is not a stranger walking up our street. But that same stranger walking back and forth, hanging around, looking up and down driveways, looking into cars or looking into homes; now that is suspicious. A vehicle that is unknown to our neighborhood that drives up our street is not suspicious. But if that same vehicle is continually driving up and down the street, or through the alley or parked in the driveway of an unoccupied house; now that is suspicious. How about the movers,  plumber or cable guy at your neighbor’s house while they are away on vacation? Suspicious? I would think so. Now of course, this small paragraph does not identify all the possible activities that can be suspicious; you will have to be the judge in most circumstances, trust your intuition.

 

If it is suspicious, it does warrant a call to the police department. That is an immediate call, do not hesitate. The sooner you call the sooner we can respond and hopefully contact the person or persons involved in the suspicious activity. As a police officer there is nothing more frustrating than receiving the call about suspicious activity 10 -20 minutes after it was observed. And worse than that is talking to the neighbors after a burglary or other such crime and finding out that a clearly suspicious person or vehicle was observed in the area, but that person did not want to bother the police.

 

I hope this post helps sort out some confusion. Alert neighbors are a great crime prevention tool. If we look out for each other our neighborhoods will continue to hold their value and charm as well as remain a safe place to live and raise a family.

 
As usual, questions or comments can be directed to me by clicking on the email link shown at the top of this blog.

This coming weekend and the week following is going to be cold according to forecasters. Here a few safety tips regarding your vehicle and traveling.

- Never start your vehicle and leave it running unattended and unlocked.

- Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in a running vehicle.

- Never drive your vehicle until all the windows are completely free of ice and snow. It is unlawful to drive
with an obstructed view.

- Have a cell phone with you while traveling.

- Ensure you let friends and loved ones know your route of travel as well as the time you plan to arrive
and/or return.

- Have an emergency kit inside your vehicle which should include at a minimum extra appropriate winter
clothing, blanket, flares, snacks, matches, emergency candle and “Help” or “Call Police” Signs. See fit to
add anything else you feel is needed.

- Only abandon your vehicle if you can make it to a safe haven, never go off wandering for help. If you do
abandon your vehicle contact the area law enforcement agency immediately to advise them of the
situation.

Following these few simple tips should help you stay warm and safe during the cold driving season. If you can think of anything to add to this list, please contact me via email by following the link provided at the top of the blog.

Officer Donald M. Semega (Don)
Wauwatosa Police Department
Community Support Division.