SAFETY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (NW) CORNER By Fay Wood, NW Chief Holiday Crime Prevention: Part Three The holiday season is upon us and unfortunately it is the time of the year that criminals take advantage of citizens. This is part three of our holiday crime prevention series. Traveling within the USA • Secure your home before you leave. Check the doors and windows to make sure they are locked and if you have an alarm system, use it! • Check appliances, electronics and electrical equipment are either unplugged or shut off. • If you have packages scheduled while you are away, make sure you ask a friend of neighbor to pick them up for you. • Let your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain know you will be away and when you will return. • Stop all mail with the Post Office. • Give your itinerary along with contact information to a designated family member or friend. • If you are driving, make sure your vehicle is up to date with preventative maintenance. • Plan your route, along with alternatives to compensate for the increased holiday traffic. • Keep presents and valuables in the trunk while you are traveling. • Always be aware of your surroundings and secure all valuables while you are in hotels, etc. Traveling outside the USA • Make sure all your official identification (passports, visa, etc.) are up to date. • Make copies of your passport, itineraries, drivers license and give it to a trusted family member or friend. • Ensure you are up to date on any vaccinations you may require. Additionally, if you have any existing medical conditions check with your provider for any precautions. • Be sure to check with the US State Department for any travel advisories to the location you are going. A great resource is https:// travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/traveladvisories.html. • Enroll in airline notifications to inform you of any travel changes in flight times or status. • Do the same things at your residence as if you were traveling state-side (see above). • Always be aware of your surroundings and if something does not appear or feel right, either notify authorities or leave the area immediately. The Holidays are a fun time to visit with family, friends or travel to exciting places. Please use these hints to keep you and your family safe and secure. On behalf of your Lake Ashton Neighborhood Watch Team, have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season! POND SAFETY REMINDER Visitors are not permitted to wade or release pets into any of the ponds located within Lake Ashton. Not only is there a potential of encountering alligators and venomous snakes, harmful germs may be present as well. The FWC recommends keeping pets 10' away from the water. For residents who have concerns with an alligator that poses a threat to humans, pets or property, call the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (392-4286). Remember, it is illegal to feed or harass alligators. All vehicles, including golf carts, must obey all stop signs and the 20 mph speed limit throughout Lake Ashton. A person operating a golf cart on public roads or streets who is under 18 years must possess a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license.
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