Category Archives: Safety

PACommutes :: Walking – Safety and Laws

03 Monday Mar 2014

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PACommutes :: Walking – Safety and Laws.

Safety and Laws

Before making walking a part of your commute, make sure you know how to be safe. Basic safety guidelines and pedestrian laws for Pennsylvania are below.

Crossing the Street Safely

Most accidents involving pedestrians occur while crossing the street. Below are some tips for crossing safely:

  • Just because the light is green doesn’t mean it’s safe: Before you step off the curb, always check to the left, right and left again to make sure it is safe to cross the street.
  • Never assume a driver sees you: Just because you see an oncoming motorist, that doesn’t always mean the driver sees you. Always make certain the driver sees you and stops.
  • Don’t assume you’re safe on a crosswalk: Drivers do not always see pedestrians or stop for them on a crosswalk. Always look left-right-left before crossing and continue to look and listen as you go. Stay within the lines of the crosswalk and never walk behind a car that is blocking the crosswalk.
  • Always obey walk/don’t walk signs when crossing a crosswalk: Even when the sign indicates it is safe to walk, always look both ways and look and listen as you cross. The driver may not see you, may turn without looking for pedestrians or may run a traffic light illegally.
  • Walk, don’t run: Running or darting into the street increases the danger that motorists will not see you or will not be able to stop in time. (READ MORE)

 

Lower Merion Township : Vacant House Program

20 Friday Dec 2013

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Lower Merion Township : Vacant House Program.

vacant houseVACANT HOUSE PROGRAM: For those who may be taking vacation, don’t forget to utilize the Vacant House Program. Call 610-649-1000 to set it up and fill out a form. The police will come to your home several times during their shift to check perimeter, windows and doors. This is a Lower Merion Township program. Narberth has the same program. Call or email the mayor

When you are on vacation or away from home in excess of 24 hours, you can contact the Lower Merion Police Department at 610-649-1000 to report your home vacant.  You will be asked a series of questions which include:

  • Your Name
  • Your Address
  • The dates you will be away
  • An Emergency Contact Phone Number
  • Whether or not that Emergency Contact person has a key to your home
  • Whether or not you have an Alarm System
  • If you have lights on timers
  • And any other specific instructions you would like the Police to know

Based on this information, the Lower Merion Police Department will assign a patrol officer to check your home in your absence.

When you return, please contact the Police to inform them that you no longer need this service.

 

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Lower Merion Community Watch and Tips for Crime Prevention in Lower Merion Township

13 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by in Community Building, Safety

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LOWER MERION COMMUNITY WATCH

Burglary prevention, and crime prevention, in general, can only result from a cooperative effort between the residents of a community and their police department. One of the most important aspects of this total law enforcement effort in Lower Merion Township is the Community Watch.

Organized in 1977, the members of this important adjunct of the department provide a valuable service by patrolling our residential and commercial areas.

The Community Watch is always seeking new members. It is obvious that we become a more effective tool for protecting our community with the greater the number of volunteers we can put “on the street.” You must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of Lower Merion Township. If you are interested in becoming a part of this worthwhile organization, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit of the police department for more information.  APPLICATION FOR TOWN WATCH

BURGLARY PREVENTION TIPS

Useful Burglary Prevention Tips
•LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS – Most burglars are opportunists. Many gain entry by “cruising” the neighborhood looking for unlocked residences. This allows a quiet and easy entrance to your home.
•LIGHT UP THE OUTSIDE – Good exterior lighting is one of the best deterrents of a burglar. Inexpensive electric timers, electric photo-cells, or passive infrared sensors will automatically turn lights on and off. If a burglar is afraid they will be seen around your house they won’t approach it.
•DON’T GIVE A BURGLAR A PLACE TO HIDE – Shrubbery should never block the view of your exterior doors and windows. This allows a burglar a place to hide while they attempt to gain entry into your home. It also shields then from passing neighbors and police patrols.
•DOG INSIDE  – Burglars hate dogs.There are basically two types of dogs that can boost your security: Guard dogs, the big, scarier looking ones that intimidate and alarm dogs, the yappy ones that alert you to someone’s presence around your home. Don’t buy a dog for the sake of security, but if you’re thinking about getting a dog that also helps keep your family safe, it’s something to consider.
•REPORT ALL SUSPICIOUS PERSONS TO THE POLICE – The MOST important thing you can so is to report all suspicious persons to the police immediately. “Cruising” the neighborhood can occur at anytime. This could help prevent you or your neighbor from becoming a possible target of a burglar.
•ALARM SYSTEMS – An Alarm system is excellent for home security.  It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation.  There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market.  Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security system available to you and your budget.
•SOCIAL MEDIA – Don’t post any status updates about your vacation while you’re still on vacation or post upcoming travel plans. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is posting anything about your vacation while you are still on it. A thief trolling social media or perhaps a friend with a delinquent brother who happens to see your vacation post, will be able to put two and two together and infer that you are not at home, since you are posting while on vacation. Never assume that your status post is going out to ‘friends only’ as your friend may have left their Facebook account logged in to a computer at the local library, allowing complete strangers to view your status posts.

IF YOUR HOME IS BROKEN INTO – DO NOT ENTER
 The perpetrator may still be inside. ◦Use a cell phone or neighbor’s phone to call the police by dialing 9-1-1. ◦Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence. ◦Write down the license plate number of any suspicious vehicles. ◦Note the description of any suspicious persons.

The Lower Merion Police Department is sponsoring a FREE home security survey.  For more information see Security Survey.

Remember the three “L” of Crime Prevetnion: LIGHTS, LOCKS & the LAW
LIGHT up your residence, LOCK your doors at all times, and call the LAW when you see something suspicious.

LOWER MERION VACANT HOUSE PROGRAM

vacant house

When you are on vacation or away from home in excess of 24 hours, you can contact the Lower Merion Police Department at 610-649-1000 to report your home vacant.  You will be asked a series of questions which include:

  • Your Name
  • Your Address
  • The dates you will be away
  • An Emergency Contact Phone Number
  • Whether or not that Emergency Contact person has a key to your home
  • Whether or not you have an Alarm System
  • If you have lights on timers
  • And any other specific instructions you would like the Police to know

Based on this information, the Lower Merion Police Department will assign a patrol officer to check your home in your absence.

When you return, please contact the Police to inform them that you no longer need this service.

nixlwCommunity Notification and Resources

 Nixle is a community information service that alerts you to public safety threats and community events via web, e-mail, and cell phone.

Montgomery County uses the Roam Secure Alert Network to immediately contact you during a major crisis or emergency. The Community Alert System delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to you on all your devices….(MORE INFORMATION)

Personal Safety Guidelines for Selecting a Home Services Contractor

06 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by in Home, Household Tips, Safety

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Here are some tips on personal safety. Many of these opportunistic crimes are preventable. By doing research up front, and then using some common sense techniques, it is possible to avoid becoming a victim. 

When hiring a contractor, referrals through online social networks or word of mouth is likely the most trusted source. Before allowing anyone to begin work in your home, your personal safety and the safety of your family must be considered.

There are incidents reported each year involving homeowners being victimized by home service technicians, so screening is a necessity. Here are some essential questions to ask about safety and security before allowing the work to begin.

  • If the company hires sub contractors how are they screened?
  • Does the company conduct criminal background checks and perform regular drug testing as permitted by law.
  • Does the company perform credit checks on their employees? This should absolutely be a concern. A contractor working in your home who has bad credit, is going to have the aptitude and ability to steal.
  • If you live in an apartment, don’t take for granted that the person theyr will send is trustworthy. How does your landlord screen the service people they hire?

Single women, the elderly or disabled can be easy targets. If you are alone and you are expecting a contractor, try some of these tips.

  • Have a friend come over for a visit while the contractor is there.
  • If you are alone make a phone call while the contractor is there. Tell the person on the other end that you have someone here working. This may seem rude, but it may disarm a perp who is planning to act.
  • Keep the blinds, curtains open, and keep the front door open if possible.
  • Tell the contractor that you have a boyfriend, or friend on the way over. This way there will be an expectation that someone is about to come to the door any minute.
  • Never put yourself in a compromising position, ie. walk into a closet with the tech. behind you, into a basement without an exit plan strategy

Finally, when interviewing a contractor, trust your gut. The most important criteria when hiring a contractor is choosing someone you trust. This person will be in your house, around your family, and maybe even ripping out walls, floors and ceilings. If you don’t trust the person, for any reason, even just a gut instinct, then don’t hire him.