NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH SAFETY COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM Helping to Make a Difference in Times of Crisis and Community Need When disaster strikes, communities often need all the help they can get. While first responders like police, fire and medical professionals are critical, they can't always be everywhere at once. That's where a Citizen Emergency Response Team or “CERT” comes in. Volunteering for our Lake Ashton CERT is a powerful way to make a direct impact in our community during emergencies, and it's easier than you might think to join. You may have seen our members assisting with charitable and community events. We’re the folks wearing the green hard hats and reflective vests. But we’re also trained by Polk County Fire Rescue to assist in emergency situations when professional help is delayed or unavailable. Training is free, very informative and actually fun to participate in. Our team meets monthly to go over preparations and we practice periodically so we’re ready to support first responders, manage basic medical needs, perform search and rescue operations, and provide aid in evacuation efforts. Our CERT team is even certified as a Point of Distribution for dispensing supplies and vaccinations from governmental agencies in times of emergency. While CERT members are not trained to replace first responders, we do play a crucial role in supporting them. By helping in non-medical roles or with basic needs, CERT volunteers allow professional responders to focus on more critical tasks. Joining our team is as simple as visiting our website at https://sites.google.com/view/lake-ashton-cert or scan this QR code with your cell phone camera. We hope you’ll consider joining our team! 20 (NW) CORNER By Fay Wood, NW Chief As summer heats up, so does criminal activity. Law enforcement agencies and the National Crime Prevention Institute report that crime rates typically rise in warmer months, often due to stress and increased opportunities. Regardless of the cause, it's vital to take steps to protect your home and loved ones. Here are four essential summer safety tips: 1. Secure your windows. Open windows for a breeze, but stay safe. Install window guards or stops to prevent them from being opened too far, which also protects children. Add window sensors that alert you to unexpected openings. Most burglars seek the easiest access, so an unlocked or unmonitored window is a prime target. 2. Know who is at the door. Summer means more foot traffic: neighbors, contractors, and potentially criminals. Some burglars ring the doorbell to see if anyone’s home. If you answer and appear alone, they might attempt to force entry. A video doorbell lets you communicate without opening the door and see who’s there. Don’t open up for unexpected strangers. If they refuse to leave, call the police. 3. Make your house a difficult target. Criminals are more likely to strike when no one’s home. Deter them by: • Locking gates and storing tools and ladders out of sight. • Installing motion sensor lights to spotlight intruders. • Trimming bushes and trees to maintain clear sightlines to entrances. 4. Keep an eye on your home when you're out. Enjoy summer events without worry. Use indoor/outdoor security cameras connected to a mobile app. These can activate with motion or sensor triggers and send alerts, letting you monitor your property in real time, even from afar. Stay vigilant. Summer should be a season of relaxation. Take proactive steps to secure your home, monitor activity, and report any suspicious behavior. REMEMBER: As a member of Lake Ashton Neighborhood Watch—if you see something, say something. Report it immediately to law enforcement. .
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