Williamsburg Parish

Katy, Texas

SAFETY & SECURITY REMINDERS

Pool Safety and Security Reminder

What You Need To Know About Swimming Safety

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 260 children under five years of age drown each year in residential swimming pools and spas. The Commission estimates that another 3,000 children under age five are treated in hospital emergency rooms following submersion accidents each year. Some of these submersion accidents result in permanent brain damage.

Nationally, drowning is the fourth leading cause of death to children under five. In some states such as California, Florida and Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death to children under five.

CPSC offers the following tips for pool owners:

•Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.

•Instruct babysitters about potential hazards to young children in and around swimming pools and

        the need for constant supervision.

•Completely fence the pool.

 

Install self-closing and self-latching gates. Position latches out of reach of young children. Keep all doors and windows leading to the pool area secure to prevent small children from getting to the pool. Effective barriers and locks are necessary preventive measures, but there is no substitute for supervision.

Do not consider young children "drown proof" because they have had swimming lessons; young children should always be watched carefully while swimming.

•Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.

•Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place, since children may become entrapped under                    it. Remove the cover completely.

•Place tables and chairs well away from the pool fence to prevent children from climbing into the

        pool area.

•Keep toys away from the pool area because a young child playing with the toys could

        accidentally fall in the water.

•Remove steps to above ground pools when not in use.

•Have a telephone at poolside to avoid having to leave children unattended in or near the pool to

        answer a telephone elsewhere. Keep emergency numbers at the poolside telephone.

•Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

•Keep rescue equipment by the pool.

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT A DROWNING. WATCH YOUR CHILD CLOSELY AT ALL TIMES. MAKE SURE DOORS LEADING TO THE POOL AREA ARE CLOSED AND LOCKED. YOUNG CHILDREN CAN QUICKLY SLIP AWAY AND INTO THE POOL.

Diving Safety

Diving injuries can result in quadriplegia, paralysis below the neck, to divers who hit the bottom or side of a swimming pool, according to CPSC. Divers should observe the following precautions:

•Never dive into above-ground pools. They are too shallow.

•Don't dive from the side of an in-ground pool. Enter the water feet first.

•Dive only from the end of the diving board and not from the sides.

•Dive with your hands in front of you and always steer up immediately upon entering the water to

        avoid hitting the bottom or sides of the pool.

•Don't dive if you have been using alcohol or drugs because your reaction time may be too slow.

Improper use of pool slides presents the same danger as improper diving techniques. Never slide down head first.  Slide down feet first only.

Health, Safety and Security Reminders

Extremely hot weather takes a large toll on the human body. In an average year, the summer heat in the U.S causes about 175 deaths. People most at risk for heatstroke are the elderly, small children, and people with weight and alcohol problems. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

HEAT WAVE SAFETY TIPS:

• Slow down. Don’t perform strenuous activities.
  

• Dress: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  

• Drink plenty of water. Your body needs water to keep hydrated and cool.
  

• Avoid alcohol or high sugar content drinks.
  

• Spend more time in air-conditioned places.
  

• If you don’t have air-conditioning, then have plenty of fans running.
  

• The pool may not be the best place to be.  Don’t get too much sun.
  

• Heatstroke, heat exhaustion and sunstroke are possible with prolonged exposure to the heat.
  

• If you, or someone you know, gets heatstroke or exhibits heat exhaustion symptoms seek medical attention immediately.  Don't wait - DIAL 911
  

Home Security Basics

Nine out of ten household burglaries are preventable. Knowing about a burglar's three worst enemies - light, time and noise levels - can help you protect your home from crime. A burglar won't find your home an "easy mark" if he's forced to work in the light, if he has to take a lot of time breaking in, and if he can't work quietly and "Case" Your Place.

Take the time to "case" your house or apartment, just as a burglar would. Here are a few questions to get you started:

Where is the easiest entry? How can you make it more burglar resistant?

Trim trees and shrubs near your doors and windows, and think carefully before installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but privacy is a burglar's asset.

Consider trading a little extra privacy for a bit of added security. Force any would-be burglar to confront a real enemy  - light. Exterior lights, mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness a burglar finds comforting.

How can you slow burglars down? Time is a burglar's enemy, too. A burglar delayed for four or five minutes is apt to give up and try for another, less difficult location. Simple security devices including such ordinary equipment as nails, screws, padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars and bolts can discourage intruders and keep them from entering.

How about noise? Try to make the general prospect of robbing your home a noisy job. Noise is that important third enemy of the burglar. Many types of alarm systems are available, with detectors to be mounted on doors and windows. Deciding just how much home protection you need and can afford is a personal judgment. Ask your police department or sheriff to have someone survey your home and advise you about suitable protection.

Are any of your valuables - such as a painting, a silver collection or an antique chair-easy to see from outside? Rearranging your furnishings might be advisable if it serves to make your homeless inviting to criminals! Incidentally, should you ever need to report a burglary or file an insurance claim, a household inventory - a listing of your furniture and major personal belongings, with photographs if possible - could be a valuable document.

Consider Some Specifics:

Reducing the risk of break-ins is simply a matter of making your home less inviting to burglars than other homes in the neighborhood. It's up to you.

Doors. Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood, and at least 1 3/4 inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material, and each door must fit its frame securely. Remember, if it is placed in a weak door, even the most efficient lock will not keep out a determined burglar. A peephole or a wide-angle viewer in the door is safer for identifying visitors than a door chain. Sliding glass doors present a special problem because they are easy to open, but there are locks designed for them. A broomstick in the door channel can help, but don't depend on it for security.

Locks. Deadbolt locks are best.

Windows. Key locks are available for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured simply by "pinning" the upper and lower frames together with a nail, which can be removed from the inside. For windows at street level, consider iron grates or grilles. For windows opening onto a fire escape, metal accordion gates can be installed on the inside.

Make the Extra Effort

Here are some "home security habits" to develop and practice:

• Establish a routine to follow in making certain that doors and windows are locked and alarm systems are turned on
  

• Avoid giving information to unidentified telephone callers, or announcing your personal plans in want ads   or public notices (such as giving your address when advertising items for sale). Notify police if you see      suspicious strangers in your area.
  

• Handle your keys carefully. Don't carry house keys on a key ring bearing your home address or leave house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot. Don't hide your keys in "secret" places outside your home - burglars usually know where to look.
  

• Remember special vacation tips. There are clear giveaway that the owners are not home. When going on vacation, leave blinds open in their usual position. Have mail and packages picked up, forwarded or held by the post office. Lower the sound of your telephone bell so it can't be heard outside. Arrange to have your lawn mowed. Stop newspaper deliveries. Ask a friend to pick up "throwaway" newspapers and circulars. Use automatic timers to turn lights on and off in your living room and bedrooms at appropriate times. Consider connecting a radio to a timer. Tell police and dependable neighbors when you plan to be away and join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on what's happening in your area - working closely with them is a good way to prevent crime.
  

And remember this:

Confronting a thief in your home is frightening. Follow this advice:

• Run away if you can and call police.
  

• Lock yourself in a room if you can't escape.
  

• Cooperate and stay as calm as possible should you find yourself face-to-face with a burglar.
  

Webmaster's Tip: Do you use a home-cleaning service?  Do you provide a "hideaway key" for the cleaner on cleaning day?  Just from casual observation, driving around the subdivision on Parish business, I know some residents that do, and I know where that key is.  If you don't trust the cleaning company with your key and if they are not bonded and insured, perhaps you might consider changing services.

LIGHTS: We would like to remind everyone that lights are one of the best deterrents against crime. We have many street lights throughout the neighborhood and these are one of our best weapons against crime. At any given time there is at least one street light that is burnt out or goes on and off every few minutes in our subdivision. We drive the neighborhood and try to report the failed lights but no one or two people can keep up with this task. So I would like to once again tell you about an easy and effective way to report a light outage around your home. You can go to this website (http://cnp.centerpointenergy.com/outage) and report the outage 24 hrs a day. Centerpoint Energy will have the light repaired in 3 days or less and there is an option where they will email you when it is repaired.

E-Shopping - Safety and Security Reminder

Shopping online Safely

The Internet is becoming a progressively more convenient way to shop.  If you like to shop from the quiet of your home PC instead of venturing out into a busy store. The tips below are published by the Federal Trade Commission and will help you stay clear of the online scammers. Happy on-line shopping!

Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping in a store or by mail. Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won’t find shopping in a store or by mail. The Internet is always open – seven days a week, 24 hours a day – and bargains can be numerous online. Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one.

Use a secure browser: This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. Your browser should comply with industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These standards scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, helping to secure your transaction. Most computers come with a browser installed. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet.

Shop with companies you know: Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. If you’re not familiar with a merchant, ask for a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services. Also, determine the company’s refund and return policies before you place your order. These should be posted on the company’s Web site. If the site says "no refunds" - we suggest you shop elsewhere.

Keeping your password(s) private: Be creative when you establish a password, and never give it to anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.

Paying by credit or charge card: If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you generally would be held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.

Keep a record: Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records. Also, you should know that the Mail and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online orders. This means that unless the company states otherwise, your merchandise must be delivered within 30 days; and if there are delays, the company must notify you.

Paying your bills online: Some companies let you pay bills and check your account status online. Before you sign up for any service, evaluate how the company secures your financial and personal information. Many companies explain their security procedures on their Web site. If you don’t see a security description, call or e-mail the company and ask what their security procedures are.  If you cannot reach an Internet company customer service representative, shop elsewhere.

Webmaster Tip:  After completing any financial activity from your PC such as shopping, on-line banking, stock transfers etc., CLOSE YOUR BROWSER COMPLETELY.  Then reopen it to continue using the Internet for other activities.  If you move from a financial to a non-financial website without closing your browser, a good hacker (and there are thousands of them watching and waiting) can backtrack to your financial information and steal your financial identity.

Off-Road Vehicle (ATV) Safety and Security Reminder

The following information comes from the Texas Department of Public Safety. You can go the link listed below for more information.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/atv.htm

Before riding an ATV on public property you are required to:

Register your ATV for off-highway use;

Place the decal on the ATV handlebar, and

Complete the fun and informative ATV safety course.

Registration Fee:  

The annual fee for an ATV, $30-$40, includes a $6.30 registration fee, plus a $6.00 safety fee, plus an optional, and variable, road and bridge fee, or child safety fee, plus a $13.00 title fee.

Your local tax assessor-collector will issue the registration decal that expires March 31st of each year.  Valid registration is required if you ride on public land, and is also recommended if you ride on private land.

Promote ATV Safety:

• Learn the Texas ATV laws
  

• Complete the required ATV training course
  

• Wear safety gear
  

• Pay attention to where you are riding
  

What is an ATV?

An "All-terrain vehicle" is:

• Equipped with a saddle
  

• Propelled with three or four tires in contact with the ground
  

• Designed for off-highway use by the operator only (no passengers), and
  

• Not designed for farming or lawn care
  

Limitations:

ATV operators younger than 14 years of age MUST be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.

Minimum Age     Engine Size

6 years and older         under 70cc

12 years and older       70 - 90cc

16 years and older       over 90cc

ATV Equipment:

If you ride on public property your ATV must be equipped with:

• An Effective brake system;
  

• A muffler system in good working condition;
  

• A United States Forest Service qualified spark arrester; and
  

• An effective headlight and tail light to be displayed one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and at anytime when visibility is reduced.
  

Crossing the Roadway:

Riding your ATV across a public street, road, or highway that is not an interstate or limited-access highway is permitted if you:

• Stop the ATV completely;
  

• Yield the right-of-way;
  

• Cross with headlight and taillight on, and
  

• Go quickly and safely at a 90-degree angle to the roadway.
  

Safety Apparel Required:

A helmet, properly fastened, and eye protection are required year round.

Whether pleasure riding, hunting, camping, playing in the sand dunes or riding in the forest, you must wear safety gear while riding on public land.

Trespassing:

Penalties can be severe and result in fines up to $4,000 and jail time up to one year. Trespassing can include: Entering a posted area; an area noting crop for harvest; a fenced area; or remaining after being asked to leave.

Pay attention to where you are riding.

Know before you go:

Are your plans complete?  Before you gather your gear, ask if ATVs are allowed in the area where you plan to ride.

Caution:

• Always stop and check the entrance to lands where you want to ride.
  

• Look for chains, rope or wire that may span the entryway.
  

• Stop and look.  These barriers can be difficult to see. Stop and look again.
  

Violation Fine:

An offense of the ATV laws is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $200.