Neighborhood Watch

 

Everyone wants to live in a neighborhood that is friendly, active, and safe.  A lot of what contributes to living in a safe neighborhood is getting to know your neighbors, and keeping watch over each other.  Learn the names and numbers of those living around you.  The police cannot be here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Those gaps are best covered by people who are here all the time.  Your neighbors!

 

 

BLOCK CAPTAINS NEEDED!

CONTACT THE EMERALD FOREST NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH TO VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR STREET.

 

Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, and Medical Emergency

911

Orange County Sheriff (non-emergency)

407-737-2400

Sand Lake Hospital

407-351-8500

Poison Control 24-Hour National Number

800-222-1222

 

Contact the Neighborhood Watch

Be certain your block captain has your name, address, phone number, and email so they can keep you in touch with activities within our neighborhood and the local area.  Send this important information to Neighborhood Watch.

 


 

Regular Safety Tips
Our Orange County liaison officer is Deputy Nick Cominos.  Here are some of Deputy Nick's safety tips:

ü      Keep your hedges trimmed below window ledge height and consider thinning them at the base.

ü      Exterior lighting: Use floodlights rather than spot lighting and consider motion sensors.

ü      Sliding glass doors are very easy to break into by simply lifting them off the track. To prevent this, place two or more sheet metal screws in the top of the track to prevent the door from being lifted. A professional can also install pins or a "Charlie Bar".

ü      Windows should have thumb locks installed to prevent them from being opened too far.

ü      Be sure all deadbolts have a 1" throw into the frame to be secure.  If you have a double-keyed deadbolt, be aware that these can be extremely dangerous if you need to get out of your house in a hurry.

ü      Keep your garage doors down unless you are in the garage or front yard.

ü      Security systems only work if you use them!  It’s also best to also have signs at the front and back entrances, and of course be monitored.  A strobe light as part of your alarm system, mounted above the garage, will help police find your house quicker.

ü      If you leave town:

o       Ask a neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail every day.

o       Have someone take care of your lawn.

o       Use the slide bolt or a padlock to secure your garage door in the down position.

o       Place timers on some interior lights and alternate the timing.

ü      Don't keep your garage door opener on your car visor.  Your registration papers are also in your car and they contain your address.  A thief can easily break into your car, then get into your home with the garage door opener while you are shopping.

ü      Remember that swimming season is year round in Florida.  Please be very careful with young children and infants near the water.  A drowning can happen quietly and quickly.  Safety fences are great, but nothing beats close observation.

 

 

 

 

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