Neighborhood Watch B ER WY N PO LIC E DE PARTME NT NEWSLETTER SPRING 2015 Chief of Police James Ritz What’s Inside Dear Resident, With springtime finally upon us, I’d like to thank every Berwyn resident for being a good neighbor during February’s blizzard. The simple acts of checking on your neighbors, shoveling the area around the fire hydrant on your block and moving your vehicles during the cleanup effort make a significant positive impact on the well being of this community. Ways to Make Kids Safer page 2 Keeping Your Children Safe Online page 3 Scam Watch page 4 Prom Night Safety page 5 Understanding Teen Dating Violence page 6 Think that underage drinking doesn’t affect a teen’s brain? Think Again. page 7 Green Thumbs Against Crime page 8 Upcoming Events page 9 Get Ready page 10 Ponse Listos page 11 Community Event page 12 On Wednesday, April 29th, we will be continuing our “Prevention through Education” series of City-wide meetings at 7PM at Heritage Middle School (6850 W. 31st Street). The topic for this meeting is fire safety. In the past year, fire has claimed the lives of two Berwyn residents, and another remains in critical condition. You may be surprised to learn that fire is much more dangerous now than it was only a few decades ago. The synthetic materials that make up most modern household products burn hotter and produce a toxic smoke that reduces the amount of time that a person has to safely evacuate a building affected by fire. Representatives from the Berwyn Fire Department will share videos, first-hand accounts and helpful information for you to share with your friends, family and neighbors to properly prevent and react to fires. I wish everyone a safe and mild spring, and look forward to seeing you at the City-wide meeting on April 29th! Respectfully, Estimado Residentes, Como la primavera se aproxima, me gustaría darle las gracias a todos los residentes de Berwyn por ser buenos vecinos durante la tormenta de nieve de febrero. Los simples hechos de revisar a sus vecinos, palear el área alrededor de la boca de riego de fuegos en su cuadra y mover sus vehículos durante los días de limpieza, hacen un impacto positivo en el bienestar de esta comunidad. El miércoles, 29 de abril vamos a continuar nuestra serie de reuniones de toda la ciudad “Prevención a través de la Educación” a las 7PM en la Escuela Heritage Middle School (6850 W. 31st Street). El tema de esta reunión es la seguridad contra incendios. El año pasado, un incendio tomo la vida de dos residentes de Berwyn, y otro permanece en estado crítico. Es posible que se sorprenda al saber que incendios son mucho más peligrosos de lo que eran hace sólo unas décadas. Los materiales sintéticos que componen la mayoría de productos modernos para el hogar queman más caliente y producen un humo tóxico que reduce la cantidad de tiempo que una persona tiene para evacuar de forma segura un edificio afectado por el incendio. Representantes del Departamento de Bomberos de Berwyn compartirán videos, relatos de primera mano e información útil para que usted compartan con sus amigos, familiares y vecinos para prevenir y reaccionar ante los incendios correctamente. ¡Les deseo a todos una primavera leve y segura, y espero verlos en la reunión de toda la ciudad el 29 de abril! Respetuosamente, Berwyn - Neighborhood Watch Newsletter Ways to Make Kids Safer May 25th is Missing Children’s Day, and as always the Berwyn Police Department encourages you to “Take 25” minutes out of your day to speak with your children about safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has the following tips to promote safety with your family, and be sure to check out the online safety information on the next page as well. At Home • Teach children their full name, address and home telephone number. Make sure they know your full name and how to reach you at work or on your cell phone. • Teach children how and when to call 911, and make sure they have a trusted adult to call if they’re scared or have an emergency. • Instruct children to keep doors locked and not to open doors to talk to anyone when they are home alone. • Choose babysitters with care. Ask children about their experiences and listen carefully to their responses. • Pledge to Take 25 minutes out of your day on May 25th to talk to children about safety and encourage others to do the same. • Create teachable moments—devote dinner time or drive time to talk with children about safety. • Practice “what if” situations with children to help prepare them to handle an uncomfortable situation. • Engage the entire family by discussing family rules and review Safety Tips with children. Out and About • Walkordrivetheroutetoandfromschoolwithchildren,pointingoutlandmarksandsafeplacestogoiftheyneedhelp. • Remindchildrennottoplayaloneoutside,totakeafriendwhenevertheywalkorbiketoschoolandtostaywithagroup when going on outings. • Takechildrenonawalkingtouroftheneighborhood.Tellthemwhosehomestheymayvisitwithoutyou. • Teachchildrentoaskpermissionbeforeleavinghome. • RemindchildrenitisOKtosaynotoanythingmakingthemfeelscared,uncomfortableorconfused.Teachchildrento tell you if anything or anyone makes them feel this way. • Teachchildrentoneverapproachavehicle,occupiedornot,unlesstheyareaccompaniedbyaparentorothertrusted adult. • CautionchildrennevertoacceptaridefromanyoneunlessyouhavetoldthemitisOKtodosoineachinstance. • Teachchildrentocheckinwithyouifthereisachangeofplans. • Establishacentral,easy-to-locatespotduringfamilyoutingstomeetshouldyouget separated. • Teach children how to locate help in public places. Identify people they can ask for help such as uniformed law enforcement/security guards and store clerks with nametags. • Helpchildrenlearntorecognizeandavoidpotentialriskssotheycanaddress them if they happen. • Teachchildrenifanyonetriestograbthem,theyshouldmakeasceneandmake every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting. • Encouragereligiousinstitutions,libraries,andotherfamilyfriendlyvenuesto incorporate safety messaging into its youth programs. 2 SPRING 2015 Keeping your children safe online The Internet has drastically changed the way that children interact with the world. They have access to in-depth knowledge, tools to express their creativity, and people from all over the world. Yet along with offering a fascinating, new way to connect with the world, the Internet also offers new risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate material, online predators and revealing too much personal information. The following are tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that you can employ no matter how your children use the internet. • Keepthecomputerinahigh-trafficareaofyourhome. • Establishlimitsforwhichonlinesiteschildrenmayvisitand for how long. • SurftheInternetwithyourchildrenandletthemshowyou what they like to do online. • Knowwhoisconnectingwithyourchildrenonlineandset rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming, and using webcams. • Continuallydialoguewithyourchildrenaboutonlinesafety. Start a discussion with your child: • Whatareyourfavoritethingstodoonline? • Whatispersonalinformation?Whyshouldyoukeepitprivate? • Whatcouldyoudotobesaferonline? • Whatwouldyoudoifanyoneonlineaskedtomeetyouface-to-face? • Besidesme,whodoyoufeelthatyoucantalktoifyouareinascaryoruncomfortablesituation? Also consider what your children are doing on their cell phones and mobile devices: • Establishrulesforwhentheyareallowedtousetheircellphone,whatwebsitestheycanvisit,andwhatappstheycan download. • Reviewcellphonerecordsforanyunknownnumbersandlatenightphonecallsand texts. • Remindyourchildrenthatanythingtheysendfromtheirphonescanbeeasilyforwarded and shared. • Teachyourchildnevertorevealcellphonenumbersorpasswordsonline. • Talktoyourchildaboutthepossibleconsequencesofsendingsexuallyexplicitor provocative images or text messages. • Whenshoppingforacellphoneforyourchild,researchthesecuritysettingsthatare available. The more often you talk with your children about their online safety, the easier it will get. Here’s some cell phone-related conversation starters: • Whatfeaturesdoyouuseonyourcellphone?Couldyoushowmehowtousethem? • Haveyouevergottenatextfromsomeoneyoudonotknow?Ifso,whatdidyoudo aboutit? • Haveyoueversentatextthatwasrudeormean? • Howmanynumbersdoyouhavestoredinyourphone?Doyouknowthemallin person? • Hasanyoneevertakenanembarrassingpictureofyouwithoutyourpermission? • Haveyouevertakenanembarrassingpictureofsomeoneelse?Whatdidyoudowithit? • Haveyouevertalkedwithsomeoneyoufirstmetonlineonyourcellphone? • Whatwouldyoudoifsomeonesentyouatextorpicturethatwasinappropriate? 3 IRS IMPOSTER SCAMS on the rise HOW THE SCAM WORKS IRS You get a call. IRS The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government agency that collects federal taxes. The caller might give a badge number and know the last four digits of your Social Security number. you to send them money. You owe us taxes Your caller ID might show it’s the IRS calling. You are told: “you owe money.” “you better pay now, or you’ll be arrested.” Complaints by Month received by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 8,293 9,000 “put money on a prepaid debit card or wire it to us. ” If you pay... 2,694 You find out it wasn’t the IRS. It was a scam. 94 0 Jul 2013 Jan 2014 Jun 2014 ! Dec 2014 The money is gone. GOT A CALL? WARNING SIGNS Don’t give the caller information such as your financial or other personal information. How will the IRS first contact you? IRS phone call NO email mail NO IRS YES Write down details such as the number and name of the caller. Hang up Contact the IRS directly If you’re worried the call is real, contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 or go to irs.gov. Report the call File a complaint with: How will the IRS ask you to pay? with a prepaid debit card NO with a money transfer NO won’t require a specific type of payment YES • the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at tigta.gov or 800-366-4484. • the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or 877-FTC-HELP. Warn friends and family Tell people you know that these calls are scams. ftc.gov/taxidtheft Federal Trade Commission January 2015 SPRING 2015 Prom Night Safety Prom is a night of celebration, dancing and fun, and is a night that you will remember for the rest of your life. How do you want to remember yours? Tips for Teens • Planaheadtomakesureyouhaveasafeplanforpromnight. • Discussyourplanswithyourparents.Keepthemupdatedthroughoutthenight,andcontactthemifyour plans change. • Asalways,stayawayfromdrugsandalcohol.Youalreadyknowthatthey’reillegal,you’reawareofthe damage they can cause to your health, and you know how terribly they can impair your judgment. Don’t risk an arrest, injury or worse! • Beagoodexampleforyourfriends,anddon’tletthemdrinkanddrive.Discussyourplanswiththem, and encourage each other to make the right choices. • Donotacceptanydrinksfrompeopleyoudon’tknow–pourthemyourselfifpossible.Ifyoubecome separated from your drink, discard it and get a new one. • Don’tleaveyourpossessionsunattended. • Havearesponsiblepersonavailablefortransportationforasaferidehomeorincaseofanemergency. • Remembertochargeyourcellphoneandkeepitwithyouatalltimes. • Trustyourinstincts–ifyoufeelendangeredoruncomfortable,leaveimmediately! Tips for Parents • Makesurethatyourchildhasasafeplanforthenight.Talkwiththemaboutthedangersofdrugs,alcohol and impaired driving. • Knowwhoyourchildisattendingthepromwithandobtaintheircellphonenumbers.Gettoknowtheir parents and discuss the pre/post prom activities. • Setrulesandacurfew,anddiscusstheconsequencesofviolatingthoserules • Ifyourchildistravelingbylimousine,makesurethatitisareputablecompanythatwillnotallowaperson to bring, serve or introduce alcohol in the vehicle. • Ifyourchildistravelinginsomeoneelse’svehicle,knowwhoisdrivingandhowmanypassengerswill be in the car. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce distractions. • Know the location of any post-prom parties that your child may be attending and who is sponsoring them. • Ifyourchild’splanschange,confirmthechangewiththeparentsofotherchildreninhisorhergroup. • Remindyourchildrenthatyouarethereforthem! 5 Berwyn - Neighborhood Watch Newsletter Understanding Teen Dating Violence Dating violence is a type of intimate partner violence. It occurs between two people in a close relationship. The nature of dating violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual. • Physical—This occurs when a partner is pinched, hit, shoved, slapped, punched, or kicked. • Psychological/Emotional—This means threatening a partner or harming his or her sense of self-worth. Examples include name calling, shaming, bullying, embarrassing on purpose, or keeping him/her away from friends and family. • Sexual—This is forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when he or she does not or cannot consent. This can be physical or nonphysical, like threatening to spread rumors if a partner refuses to have sex. • Stalking—This refers to a pattern of harassing or threatening tactics that are unwanted and cause fear in the victim. Dating violence can take place in person or electronically, such as repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into more serious forms of violence. Dating violence is a widespread issue that had serious long-term and shortterm effects. Many teens do not report it because they are afraid to tell friends and family. • Amongadultvictimsofrape,physicalviolence,and/orstalkingbyanintimate partner, 22% of women and 15% of men first experienced some form of partner violence between 11 and 17 years of age. • Approximately9%ofhighschoolstudentsreportbeinghit,slapped,orphysicallyhurtonpurposebyaboyfriendor girlfriend in the 12 months before surveyed. How does dating violence affect health? Dating violence can have a negative effect on health throughout life. Youth who are victims are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, or exhibit antisocial behaviors and think about suicide. Youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college. Who is at risk for dating violence? Factors that increase risk for harming a dating partner include: • Beliefthatdatingviolenceisacceptable • Depression,anxiety,andothertraumasymptoms • Aggressiontowardspeersandotheraggressivebehavior • Substanceuse • Earlysexualactivityandhavingmultiplesexualpartners • Havingafriendinvolvedindatingviolence • Conflictwithpartner • Witnessingorexperiencingviolenceinthehome How can we prevent dating violence? The ultimate goal is to stop dating violence before it starts. Strategies that promote healthy relationships are vital. During the preteen and teen years, young people are learning skills they need to form positive relationships with others. This is an ideal time to promote healthy relationships and prevent patterns of dating violence that can last into adulthood. 6 SPRING 2015 Think that underage drinking doesn’t affect a teen’s brain? Think again. New research shows that alcohol affects a teenager’s developing brain differently than an adult’s. Memory, learning and impulse control can be seriously impaired, and the risk of addiction goes up dramatically. The most effective parenting techniques in combating underage drinking are often the simplest, and these can include: •Settingclearrulesaboutnotconsumingalcoholunderage. •Knowingyourchildren’sfriends. •Knowingwhereyourchildrenareandwhomtheyarewith. •Ensuringthatyourchildren’senvironmentsarealcohol-free •Havingdaily,positiveconversationandinteractionwithyourchildren Alcohol Consumption by Youth in Illinois Underage drinking is widespread in Illinois. Approximately 553,000 underage customers in Illinois drink each year. In 2009, Illinois students in grades 9-12 reported: •70.3%hadatleastonedrinkofalcoholononeormoredaysduringtheirlife. •20.7%hadtheirfirstdrinkofalcohol,otherthanafewsips,beforeage13. •39.8%hadatleastonedrinkofalcoholononeormoreoccasioninthepast30days. •24.7%hadfiveormoredrinksofalcoholinarow(bingedrinking)inthepast30days. •4.4%hadatleastonedrinkofalcoholonschoolpropertyinthepast30days. Illinois is ranked fifteenth in the nation based on the percentage of alcohol that is consumed underage. By staying involved in our children’s lives and dissuading them from consuming alcohol, we can help to reduce the violence, poor academic performance, sexual promiscuity, traffic deaths, addiction and other harmful behaviors associated with underage drinking. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that drinking is a rite of passage, it’s a crime for the underage, and should only be used responsibly by adults. ¿Cree que la bebida entre menores no afecta el cerebro de un adolescente? Piense otra vez. Nuevas investigaciones demuestran que el alcohol afecta el desarrollo del cerebro de un adolescente diferente que la de un adulto. La memoria, el aprendizaje y el control de los impulsos pueden ser seriamente deteriorados, y el riesgo de adicción sube dramáticamente. La técnica de padres más efectiva para luchar contra el consumo de alcohol de menores, muchas veces son las más sencillas y esto puede incluir: •Establecerreglasclarasacercadenoconsumiralcoholpormenores •Conoceramistadesdesushijos •Saberdóndeestánsushijosyconquiénestán •Asegurarquelosambientesdesushijosnocontienenalcohol •Teniendoconversaciónespositivasyinteracciónesconsushijosdiariamente Consumo de alcohol por la Juventud en Illinois Consumir alcohol es muy prevalente en Illinois. Aproximadamente 553,000 clientes menores de edad en Illinois beben cada año. En 2009, los estudiantes de Illinois de grados 9-12 informaron: •70.3%tuvieronporlomenosuntragodealcoholenunoomásdíasdurantesuvida. •20.7%tuvieronsuprimertragodealcohol,conexcepcióndeunasprobadas,antesdelos13años. •39.8%tuvieronporlomenosuntragodealcoholenunaomásocasionesenlosúltimos30días. •24.7%tuvieroncincoomásbebidasalcohólicasseguidas(consumoexcesivodealcohol)enlosúltimos30días. •4.4%tuvieronalmenosuntragodealcoholenlaescuelaenlosúltimos30días. Illinois ocupa el puesto quince en la nación basado en el porcentaje de alcohol que se consume por menores de edad. Al permanecer involucrados en las vidas de nuestros hijos y desanimarlos de consumir alcohol, podemos ayudar a reducir la violencia, reducir desempeño académico bajo, la promiscuidad sexual, muertes de accidentes de tráfico, la adicción y otros comportamientos perjudicial asociados con el consumo de alcohol por menores. No te engañes pensando que la bebida es un rito de paso, es un crimen para el menor de edad, y sólo debe utilizarse responsablemente por adultos. 7 Berwyn - Neighborhood Watch Newsletter Green Thumbs against Crime Spring is the season for gardening, but did you know that the landscape of your home could help in the fight against crime? By placing natural barriers and increasing the visibility of your property, you make a criminal’s job harder; and if the risk outweighs the reward, he or she is less likely to target your home. Below are a few suggestions for landscaping with crime prevention in mind: Groundcover plants, including annual and semiannual flowering plants should be used within 6’ of walkways, and their height should not exceed two feet in height. Shrubbery should be used between six and twelve feet from the walkway, and should not exceed three feet in height. Criminals can often hide behind shrubbery, so make sure to keep free-standing plants well-trimmed. Placing sharp shrubbery or barrier plants beneath windows can sometimes deter criminals. If used, make sure that they are trimmed a minimum of six inches below the window line. Small landscaping rocks or gravel under windows or near entryways create noise when they are stepped on. Criminals try very hard to remain undetected, and the noise from rocks and gravel might be the difference between your home being targeted or avoided. The lowest foliage from trees should not be less than seven feet from the ground, and branches should be no closer than six feet from buildings. This will discourage criminals from using them as climbing aids to access the higher windows in your home. Consider the addition of more lighting around your property. Motion lights, solar pathway lights and timed exterior lighting make it easier to identify suspicious people in your neighborhood, and can discourage them from even approaching your home. These are small changes that help to keep your home safe and looking great. Talk with your neighbors about the changes you are making, and encourage them to do the same! 8 SPRING 2015 Upcoming Events 8TH ANNUAL SOUTH BERWYN SCHOOL DISTRICT 100 WELLNESS FAIR SENIOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY LUNCHEON March 12, 2015 The Berwyn Park District and the South Berwyn School District 100 Wellness Committee present the 8th Annual Health and Wellness Fair. Walk through the Wellness Fair and gain information for children and family members with a variety of resources and information on health, wellness and safety topics. The event will entail exhibitor booths, free screenings and a variety of demonstrations throughout the evening. Time: 5:00–8:00pm Age: ALLAGES Location: HeritageMiddleSchool&EmersonGym March 17, 2015 Lunch includes: Corned beef sandwich, pickles, chips, cole slaw, Irish soda bread and dessert. Fresh hot coffee, tea and lemonade will be served. Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm Age: 55+ Location: Berwyn Recreation Center, 6501 W. 31st Street Fee: Resident - FREE, non-resident - $6.00 RSVP: 708-788-2010 EASTER EGG HUNT EASTER EGG HUNT The Berwyn Park District, Berwyn Recreation Department, and the North Berwyn Park District will host its popular East Egg Hunt! Race for some eggs and have your child’s photo take with the Easter Bunny! 30,000 candy and prize filled eggs! Bring your basket to collect eggs. April 3, 2015 April 4, 2015 Time: 10:00am (sharp) Age: 0-10 yrs Location: Morton West High School Field Fee: Non-perishable food item or $1 to be donated to the C.B.S. Anti-Hunger Foundation Time: 10:00am (sharp) Age: All ages Location: Jefferson Field, 16th & Wenonah Fee: Free EASTER PARADE April 4, 2015 Parade Route: Hop down 16th St. from Jefferson Field to NBPD Community Center, 1619 Wesley Ave. and join the Easter Eggstravaganza. Senior Spring Fling Luncheon Lunch menu to be determined Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm Age: 55+ Location: Berwyn Recreation Center, 6501 W. 31st Street Fee: Resident - FREE, non-resident - $6.00 RSVP: 708-788-2010 Fee: Free 2015 EARTH DAY KICKOFF April 18, 2015 H RT DAY K I O FF CK April 15, 2015 Age: All Ages 2015 E A Time: 10:30am Help us beautify South Berwyn! Cleaning up around every school & park, preparing CommunityGardenatHeritageMiddleSchool for this season’s planting and making a difference in the community by working together. All volunteers need to meet in the Heritage Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, 6850 W. 31st Street at 9:00am. A special lunch will take place at Heritage Middle School after the clean up, as thank you to the volunteers. Time: 9:00am Location: Heritage Middle School, 6850 W. 31st Street 9 Berwyn - Neighborhood Watch Newsletter Get Ready Home Fires Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning—a home fire escape plan that everyone in your family is familiar with and has practiced. Before • Installsmokealarmsoneverylevelofthehomeandoutsideeachsleepingarea.Forthebestprotection,installinterconnected smoke alarms in each bedroom and throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. • Testalarmsonceamonth.Changebatteriesatleastonceayear.Replacealarmseverytenyears. • Considerinstallingsmokealarmswitha“long-life”(10-year)battery.Thesealarmsmustbetestedonceamonth. • Considerinstallingaresidentialautomaticfiresprinklersystem. • Planandpracticeyourfamily’sescaperoute.Makesureeveryroomhastwowaysout.Makesurealldoorsandwindows openeasily.Considerescapeladdersforupperfloorsandmakesuresecuritybarsonyourdoorsandwindowsopen easily from the inside. Remember to plan for your pets. • Neveruseflammableliquidsinsideandstoretheminapprovedcontainersinwell-ventilatedareas.Safelydiscardall ragsormaterialsthathavebeensoakedinflammableliquidsoutsideinametalcontainer. • Inspectyourchimneyregularly.Clearanybranchesanddebrisfromthechimneyarea.Makesureyourchimneyisat least three feet taller than the roof, insulated, and equipped with spark arresters on top. • Keepspaceheatersatleastthreefeetfromcombustiblesandawayfromopenflames. • Keepmatchesandlightersuphigh,awayfromchildren’ssightandreach. • Ifyousmoke,smokeoutside.Uselargedeep,sturdyashtrays. • Stayinthekitchenwhenyouarefrying,grilling,orbroilingfood.Ifyouleavethekitchenforevenashortperiodof time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on. • Haveanelectriciancheckandmaintainthewiringinyourbuilding.Inspectcordsforfrayedorexposedwiringand loose plugs. Do not run wires or cords under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas. Do not overload extension cords. Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring. • Inspectandcleandryerfiltersandexhaustfrequently. During • Getoutandstayout.Callthefiredepartmentfromoutsidethehomeanddonotreturnintothebuildinguntilfirefighters give the okay. • Iffireorsmokeblocksyourescaperoute,useyoursecondwayout.Ifyoumustpassthroughsmoke,getlowandgo under the smoke and close doors behind you. • Ifyouneedtoopenacloseddoor,feelthedoor.Ifit’shot,useyoursecondwayout. • Ifsmoke,heat,orflamespreventyoufromexitingaroom,keepthedoorclosed,callforhelpandwaitbythewindow for rescue. After • Evacuateimmediatelyifyoudetectheatorsmokeinafire-damagedbuilding. • Ifyouareatenant,contactthelandlord. • Ifyouhaveasafeorstrongbox,waitseveralhoursbeforeopeningit.Itcanholdintenseheatandifyouopenitbefore itiscompletelycool,thecontentscouldburstintoflames. • Ifyoumustleaveyourhomeafterafirebecausethebuildinginspectorhasdeemeditunsafe,asksomeoneyoutrust to watch the property in your absence. These safety tips have been brought to you by Battalion Chief Mario J. Manfredini “Fire is Everyone’s Fight!” 10 SPRING 2015 Ponse Listos Incendios en el hogar El fuego puede esparcirse rápidamente en su hogar, dándole sólo dos minutos para escapar de manera segura una vez que suena la alarma. Su habilidad para escapar depende de la advertencia temprana de las alarmas de humo y de la planificación anticipada—un plan de escape de incendio con el que todos los miembros de su casa estén familiarizados y que hayan puesto en práctica. Antes • Instalealarmasdehumoencadaniveldesuviviendayfueradecadaáreadedormitorios.Paraunamejorprotección, instale alarmas de humo interconectadas en cada dormitorio y en toda su casa. Cuando una suena, todas lo hacen. • Pruebelasalarmasunavezalmes.Renuevelasbateríasalmenosunavezalaño.Reemplacelasalarmascadadiezaños. • Considerelainstalacióndealarmasdehumoconbaterías“largavida”(bateríascon10añosdevidaútil).Estasalarmas deben ser probadas una vez al mes. • Considerelainstalacióndeunsistemaderociadoresautomáticosresidencial. • Planifiqueypractiquelarutadeescapedesufamilia.Asegúresequecadahabitacióntengadossalidas.Asegúreseque todas las puertas y ventanas se abran fácilmente. Considere la instalación de escaleras de incendio para los pisos superiores y asegúrese que las barras de seguridad de sus puertas y ventanas se abran con facilidad desde el interior. • Nuncautilicelíquidosinflamablesenelinterioryalmacénelosencontenedoresaprobadosenáreasbienventiladas. Desechedemanerasegurayenelexteriortraposymaterialesquesehayanempapadoconlíquidoinflamableenun contenedor metálico. • Inspeccionesuchimeneademaneraregular.Remuevatodaramaoescombrodeláreadelachimenea.Asegúreseque su chimenea tenga al menos tres pies más de altura que el techo, que se encuentre aislada y equipada con parachispas en su parte superior. • Mantengaloscalentadoresambientalesalmenosatrespiesdedistanciadematerialescombustiblesylejosdellamas abiertas. • Mantengafósforosyencendedoresenlugaresaltos,lejosdelavistayalcancedelosniños. •Sifuma,hágaloafuera.Utilicecenicerosgrandes,profundosyresistentes. • Permanezcaenlacocinamientrasestáfriendo,asando,ohirviendocomida.Sidesatiendelacocinaaunqueseaporun corto período de tiempo, apaguela hornalla. Si está cocinando a fuego lento u horneando comida, revísela de manera regular, permanezca en su casa mientras la comida se cocina, y utilice un temporizador para recordarle que la hornalla o el horno están encendidos. • Hagaqueunelectricistacontroleymantengaloscableadosdesuedificio.Controlecablesrotosoexpuestosyenchufes sueltos. No pase cables por debajo de alfombras, por encima de clavos, ni por áreas de tráfico intenso. No sobrecargue prolongadores. Asegúrese que el aislamiento no toque los alambres desnudos. Durante • Salgayquédeseafuera.Llamealdepartamentodebomberosdesdeafueradelacasaynovuelvaaledificiohastaque los bomberos lo permitan. • Sielfuegooelhumodeunincendiobloqueansurutadeescape,usesusegundasalida.Sidebeatravesarelhumo, agáchese, pase por debajo del humo y cierre las puertas detrás suyo. • Sinecesitaabrirunapuertacerrada,sientalapuerta.Siestácaliente,usesusegundasalida. • Sielhumo,elcalorolasllamasnolepermitensalirdeunahabitación,mantengalapuertacerrada,pidaayudayespere a ser rescatado en la ventana. Después • Evacueinmediatamentesidetectacalorohumoenunedificiodañadoporelfuego. • Siesinquilino,comuníqueseconelpropietario. • Sitieneunacajadeseguridadocajafuerte,esperevariashorasantesdeabrirla.Podríaconservarcalorintensoysila abriera antes de enfriarse por completo, los contenidos podrían estallar en llamas. • Sidebedejarsucasaluegodeunincendioporqueelinspectordeledificioloconsiderainseguro,pídaleaalguiendesu confianza que cuide la propiedad en su ausencia. Estas notas de seguridad han sido traido por el Jefe de Batallon Mario J. Manfredini. “Fuego es la pelea de todos!” 11