Notes from Russ Mitchell’s talk

* The Onondaga County NW is part of the Sheriff’s Dept. The City of Syracuse also has a NW group through the Syracuse Police Dept.

* Signs will be put up near the entrances to the Community and at a couple of other key points. 3 X 3 stickers are available for placement in your home window. Send a request for one to [email protected] and we will get it to you.

* NW becomes eyes and ears for law enforcement. It also helps with quality of life issues such as feeling safe, knowledge of safe practices for your home, etc.

* Some of the reasons for NW group formations are noise and speed issues in a community, creating a safe and secure environment, and ways for neighbors to get to know each other and to look out for each other’s safety.

* Calling 911. Many people think this service is only for emergencies but it can also be used for non-emergency reasons (law enforcement questions, notification of out of the ordinary activity, etc.). For non-emergency calls you should tell the operator that when you call and they will transfer you to a different person so as not to tie up the emergency desk.

* Land lines allow them to know your exact address but calls from a cell phone only give them a general area. Be sure to identify the house number you are calling about. Residents should be sure to have a visible house number so emergency vehicles can easily identify the location.

* Tips on safe habits were given. When away make your house appear the same as when you are home. Use automatic lighting that go on with sensors. Use things like dog dishes, large size boots, etc. to make it appear that the home has a dog, large male present, etc. Phone answering machines are best with a male voice.

* There are groups that drop prowlers, thieves, etc. off in neighborhoods to commit crimes. So don’t assume your neighborhood is safe just because your neighbors are all nice, honest people.

* At night it’s a good idea to keep your key fob in your bedroom. Setting off your car alarm can be a deterrent and scare someone away.

* As our NW develops it is good to have area directors or block captains that keep everyone informed.