Neighborhood Watch - City of Berwyn

Dear Neighbor, On behalf of the entire City of Berwyn, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to every resident that contributed to the successful snow removal efforts after February’s winter storm. Whether you helped to clear snow, checked on your neighbors’ health and safety, or even just moved your vehicle to allow the plows to properly clean your block, it all helped to prove that Berwyn works together in both the best and worst of times. A special thanks is due to our Public Works Department, which had crews working throughout the day and night during the storm to ensure that our main thoroughfares remained passable. With spring now approaching, it brings with it the potential for other types of severe weather; Are you prepared? Join the Berwyn Police Department for their biennial “Prevention through Education” event, where they will be joined by meteorologist Kaitlin Cody of FOX 32 News to discuss the resources that are available in times of severe weather to stay informed. The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 19th, at 7:00 PM in the main auditorium at Morton West High School (2400 S. Home Avenue). I hope that you can attend. Lastly, a different kind of community meeting is really picking up steam in Berwyn. Coffee with a Cop brings members of the public together with members of the Berwyn Police Department to discuss whatever comes to mind, with no agendas or speeches, just good conversation about the things that are important to you and your neighbors. The next Coffee with a Cop will take place on Saturday, May 12th from 8:30-10:30AM at the Skylite West Banquet Hall (7117 W. Ogden Avenue). I wish you and your family a safe and happy spring, and I look forward to seeing you at the “Prevention through Education” event and “Coffee with a Cop” in the weeks ahead! Respectfully, Mayor Robert J. Lovero Querido Vecino, De parte de la Ciudad de Berwyn, me gustaría extender mi más sincero agradecimiento a cada residente que contribuyo a los esfuerzos exitosos de remoción de nieve después de la tormenta invernal de Febrero. Así sea, que ayudo a despejar nieve, estuvo al pendiente de la salud y el bienestar de sus vecinos, o movió su vehículo para permitir que se limpiara la nieve en su cuadra, todo ayudo a comprobar que Berwyn trabaja en conjunto durante los mejores y peores momentos. Un agradecimiento especial para nuestro departamento de Public Works, quienes tuvieron personal trabajando día y noche durante la tormenta para asegurase que las calles principales se mantuvieran transitables. Con la primavera ya cerca, se aproximan también otros potenciales tipos de clima severo; ¿Está usted preparado? Acompañe a el Departamento de Policía de Berwyn en su evento bianual “Prevention through Education”, del cual también será parte la meteoróloga Kaitlin Cody de las noticias FOX 32 quien discutirá recursos disponibles para mantenerse informado durante clima severo. Esta reunión se llevara a cabo el Jueves 19 de Abril, a las 7:00 PM en el auditorio principal de la Morton West High School (2400 S. Home Avenue). Espero que pueda asistir. Por último, un diferente tipo de junta comunitaria está popularizándose en Berwyn. Coffee with a Cop reúne a miembros del público con Policías de Berwyn para discutir cualquier tema, sin agendas o discursos, solo buenas conversaciones sobre temas importantes para usted y sus vecinos. El próximo Coffee with a Cop se llevará acabo el Sábado 12 de Mayo de 8:30-10:30AM en el Skylite West Banquet Hall (7117 W. Ogden Avenue). Les deseo a usted y a su familia una primavera segura y feliz, y espero verlos en el evento “Prevention through Education” y “Coffee with a Cop” en las próximas semanas. Respetuosamente, Mayor Robert J. Lovero

IN THIS ISSUE

Have You Done Your #9PMRoutine . . . . . . . Springtime Neighborhood Watch Challenge . Be Prepared for Spring Weather . . . . . . . . . Special 9-1-1 Tips for Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . Tobacco Ordinance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7

10 Safety Tips for Spring Cleanin. . . . . . . . . Page 8 Waste Watch Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Coffee With a Cop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 Severe Weather, Are You Prepared? . . . . . Page 12

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Some of the most common crimes that occur in Berwyn are burglaries and thefts, and what’s surprising about this is that many of those crimes could have been easily prevented, had the victims only taken the small act of ensuring that their vehicle, garage and home were locked for the evening, and securing their valuable property (bicycles, tools, etc) inside instead of leaving it in plain sight. In an effort to combat these crimes of opportunity, the Berwyn Police has started to post nightly reminders to their followers on Facebook as part of a national initiative called the #9PMRoutine.

Every evening at 9PM, the Berwyn Police Department Facebook page posts a reminder for everyone to secure their property. This includes verifying that the doors and windows of their home, garage and vehicle are properly locked, removing any valuables left in their vehicles, and taking any belongings indoors that may have been left out (bicycles, tools toys, etc). Doing so sends a message to criminals that committing crimes in Berwyn will not be an easy task, and to take their business elsewhere.

frequently asked questions WILL THE #9PMRoutine REALLY STOP CRIME FROM HAPPENING?

It’s a start. The truth of the matter is that if a burglar really wants to steal something, they might make the extra effort of breaking in. What the #9PMRoutine does well is reduce the amount of easy targets. Our officers and investigators have viewed countless security recordings of burglars walking down the street, trying every door handle until they found ones that were unlocked. If locking the doors is all that it takes to prevent crime, why not take that small step? SHOULDN’T WE ALWAYS KEEP OUR DOORS LOCKED? WHY 9PM?

Yes, you should always keep your doors locked, but the #9PMRoutine offers you a double-check for peace of mind before you go to sleep. Maybe you forgot to lock the car when you got home from work, maybe the kids forgot to lock the front door when they got home from school – the #9PMRoutine doesn’t leave room for maybes! BACK IN THE DAY, WE NEVER HAD TO LOCK OUR DOORS. WHY IS THE WORLD SO UNSAFE NOW?

Since the dawn of civilization, as long as people have owned things, other people have tried to steal those things from them. Locks have existed for over 6,000 years, so why did we as a modern society ever start to think it would be a good idea not to use them? WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PREVENT THEFT AND BURGLARIES?

It’s good to remember that the #9PMRoutine is just the first step toward improving your safety. We encourage everyone to level-up their protection however they can. For your home, that might mean investing in stronger locks, secondary window locks, an alarm, security cameras, etc. For your vehicle, examples might include installing anti-theft devices (steering wheel lock, engine cutoff system), or an alarm. Every step you take to better secure your property decreases your likelihood of victimization, as most criminals are only interested in easy steals. I GO TO SLEEP EARLY/GET HOME LATE/DON’T HAVE FACEBOOK – CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?

Absolutely! Any time is a good time to verify your safety, so whether you’re in bed by 7:30 or you don’t get home until 1AM, work within your schedule to take a few moments for your nightly double-check. The same can be said for those who don’t have a Facebook account. It doesn’t really matter when or how you verify the security of your property, just as long you get into the routine of doing so on a daily basis.

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SPRINGTIME NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Challenge 1 – Take a friend, neighbor or relative on a safety walk. 15 minutes is about 1% of one day. That being said, by spending 15 minutes of your day outside on your block, you are being a visual deterrent to crime for 1% of the day, and you are doing your part to keep your block (and about 0.2% of the entire City of Berwyn) safer. NEVER WALK ALONE! There is safety in numbers, so you will become a bigger deterrent to crime with every person that you add to your group. Whether you coordinate a time to walk your dog with a neighbor, or make a regular activity of walking with a spouse, friend or other family member, always have at least one other person with you to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. Look for open garage doors, parking violations, blight, graffiti and other damage to property and give the police department a call at 708-795-5600 to report what you’ve seen. If you should notice any suspicious activity or a crime in progress, DO NOT GET INVOLVED OR PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER! Find a safe location (back at home or with a trusted neighbor) and CALL 9-1-1. Giving a detailed description of the offenders and their vehicle to the dispatcher is the best thing that you can do to protect yourselves and your neighbors.

Challenge 2 - Change your passwords. During your spring cleaning every year, make it a habit to change the passwords to all of your online accounts (banking, e-mail, social networking, etc). Try to choose a new password with 8 or more characters, and include numbers and special characters. Some people find it easier to remember if you associate your password with a phrase such as “I started 7th grade at Lincoln Middle School in 2010” and use the initial of each word like this: “Is7gaLMSi#2010.” Most importantly, don’t use the same password for all of your accounts – if someone should figure out one of your passwords, they’ll likely try it on all of your accounts.

Challenge 3 – Do the #9PMRoutine! Check out page 3 if you haven’t heard of the #9PMRoutine yet, and if you have, get involved! It only takes a moment to double check your vehicle, garage and home to ensure that everything is locked, and that none of your property if left in plain sight. You don’t even need a computer - just set a reminder for every evening at 9PM to do your nightly routine, and do your part to reduce crime in Berwyn!

Extra Credit - Build an Emergency Kit. With the increased risk of hazardous weather that springtime brings, this is a perfect opportunity to build an emergency kit to keep you and your family safe in the days following any disaster. Make sure to store at least 3 gallons of water and a 3 day supply of non-perishable food for every person in the family. Other smart things to include are a flashlight, first aid kit, batteries, whistle, tools, can opener, local maps, and a battery-powered or hand crank radio with NOAA tone alerts. More information can be found at Ready.gov/build-a-kit or join us for our “Prevention through Education” meeting on severe weather preparedness on April 19th (see back cover for more information), where we will be doing a presentation on what to include in your emergency kit.

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Berwyn - Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

Be Prepared for Spring Weather Tornadoes, lightning, floods, rip currents and early season heat - spring is three months of danger that can imperil the unprepared. It roars in like a lion, rampaging across the United States throughout March, April and May. Spring hazards include severe weather/tornadoes, floods, lightning and heat Nobody knows the hazards of this dynamic season more than NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS). Their tips will get your family weather-ready for spring with just a few simple steps:

1. Know Your Risk

Check weather.gov every morning. It is a simple action that will ensure that you’re ready for the day’s weather. Don’t leave home without knowing the forecast.

2. Take Action!

Assemble an emergency supplies kit with 72 hours worth of food and water. In an emergency (such as after a tornado or some other hazard event), you may be stuck at home without electricity for three days or more. Make sure that you’re prepared. Also, ensure that everyone in your life knows how to stay in touch with an emergency communication plan. This plan lists meeting places and alternate ways of communicating in case of emergency.

3. Be A Force of Nature

Inspire others by sharing your weather-ready story on social media with the hashtag #SpringSafety. It can be as simple as posting a photo of your emergency supplies kit or letting your friends know how to reach you during an emergency. Together, we can build a Weather-Ready Nation, one that is ready for any extreme weather, water, or climate event.

Springtime Hazards You are not powerless in the face of extreme weather and water events. Learn about the hazards most common to spring - and some that are threats year-round - and what you can do about them.

Severe Weather/Tornadoes

Floods Due to snowmelt and heavy rain from thunderstorms, flooding is common across much of the U.S. in the spring. In May of last year, widespread flooding in Texas left 17 dead. Flash flooding is the number one killer associated with severe weather. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. What to Do: It’s simple: Turn Around Don’t Drown®. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

Lightning In 2015, there were 26 lightning fatalities - five in Florida alone. 62% of fatalities were men. Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. What to Do: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.

Heat Extreme heat comes early to the Southwest. Last year, Phoenix hit 100 degrees on May 1. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of deaths each year. What to Do: During a heat wave, reschedule strenuous outdoor activities for the coolest time of the day, drink plenty of water and spend time in locations with air conditioning.

Spring is a time when severe weather and tornadoes are a threat for much of the Southeast and Great Plains. Since 2005, 49 states have come under a tornado warning; all 50 states have come under severe thunderstorm warnings; and lightning strikes occur in every state. While tornadoes can strike almost anywhere, the Great Plains is particularly prone to tornadoes in the spring. The 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornado, which killed 24 people and injured hundreds, struck in May of that year. What to Do: You may have only minutes to find shelter before a tornado strikes. Practice a family tornado drill at least once a year.

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SPECIAL

TIPS FOR SENIORS Today’s seniors are more healthy and active than ever before, but like everyone, emergencies can happen to us at any time. April is 9-1-1 Education Month, and 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the very first 9-1-1 call, so Bob Stuckey, General Manager of Sarasota County Public Safety Communications, along with the Illinois National Emergency Number Association, Illinois APCO and the Berwyn Police Department are offer the following 9-1-1 safety tips for common problems facing seniors. Whether living independently or in a care facility, there are steps that seniors can take to remain safe. • Invest in a touch-tone phone with large, easy-to-read numbers. On a landline phone, make sure that it is set to touch-tone mode. • Call 9-1-1 right away in an emergency. • Dialing “0” will not always connect you with an operator nearby. It may connect you with an operator many hundreds of miles away. Always dial 9-1-1 for local police, fire or medical emergency assistance. • Call 9-1-1 before calling a family member. Once help is on the way, arrangements can be made to notify your family. • Stay on the line and answer all questions. The more information they have, the better they are able to help you. • Try to be patient and stay calm. The call taker and emergency dispatchers may need to ask additional questions or provide you with pre-arrival instructions while help is on the way. • It is a good idea to post your address by your telephone. If you have just moved, you may have a new address-but you may recite your old address in an emergency situation. Or you may have visitors who are not familiar with your address. This makes it difficult for the call taker to verify the address that appears on the computer screen. • Emergency responders cannot help you if they cannot find you. Put your house number-large white numbers against a dark background works best-outside your home so it can be seen from the road day or night. • Any calls to 9-1-1 are free, even from pay or cell phones. • 9-1-1 is a 24-hour-a-day service. You should call immediately when an emergency occurs, even if it is in the middle of the night. • Keep your medical history taped to the refrigerator clearly marked with your doctor’s number(s). Remember: • 9-1-1 is for police, fire and medical emergencies. • If you call 9-1-1, don’t hang up. Stay on the line until you are told to hang up. • When you call 9-1-1, pay attention to the questions that you are being asked. • Stay calm and speak clearly. For questions or additional information, please contact Manager of Emergency Communications Wayne Sedore at 708-795-2119 or [email protected]

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City of Berwyn Passes Ordinance Raising the Minimum Age to Purchase and Possess Tobacco Products Berwyn’s City Council recently updated its ordinances regarding tobacco products. They have declared that cigarette smoking is dangerous to human health, citing substantial scientific evidence that the use of tobacco products causes cancer, the fact that the Surgeon General of the United States has declared that nicotine addiction from tobacco is similar to an addiction to cocaine and is the most widespread example of drug dependence in the country, and that the updates that have been made to the City’s ordinances have been applied in furtherance of the health, welfare, safety and morals of the residents of the city, particularly those residents under 21 years of age.

1 2 r e d n U o c c a b o T No

What this means for residents and visitors to the City of Berwyn under the age of 21: • No person under the age of21 years shall purchase tobacco products, misrepresent his or her identity or age or use any false or altered identification for the purpose of purchasing tobacco products. The sale of single cigarettes is specifically excluded under this section. • No person under the age of 21 years shall possess any tobacco products, provided that the possession by a person under the age of 21 years under the direct supervision of the parent or guardian of the person in the privacy of the parent’s or guardian’s home shall not be prohibited.

What this means for businesses that sell tobacco products: • No person, including any licensee, shall sell, offer for sale, give away or deliver tobacco products to any person under the age of 21 years. • Signs informing the public of the age restriction provided for herein shall be posted by every licensee, at licensee’s sole cost and expense, at or near every display of tobacco products and on or upon every vending machine which offers tobacco for sale. Each sign shall be plainly visible and shall state: “THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.” The text of the signs shall be in red letters on a white background, the letters to be at least one inch high. • No licensee, or any officer, associate, member, representative, agent or employee of the licensee, shall engage, employ or permit any person under 18 years of age to sell tobacco products in any licensed premises. More information about this, and all other City ordinances can be found on the City of Berwyn’s website at Berwyn-IL.gov

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10 Safety Tips for Spring Cleaning from the Berwyn Fire Department Spring is officially here, and that means it’s time to pull out those cleaning supplies, declutter the house, and spruce up the yard. While you’re at it, we have ten tips that can help make your home safer, and more secure. We can’t stress enough the importance of working smoke detectors in your home, so if you forgot to replace your smoke detector batteries when you changed the clocks ahead on March 11th, please take a few minutes to do so. Take the time to go through the attic, basement, or cluttered closets and donate, recycle, and/or throw away any unneeded, accumulated items such as newspapers, magazines, packaging, boxes, and clothing, all of which become potential fire hazards when stored in large quantities. While often overlooked, not cleaning the clothes dryer vent can pose a significant fire hazard. When the highly combustible lint accumulates, it reduces the airflow, which can increase the temperature enough to ignite it! You can also reduce the likelihood of a clothes dryer fire by vacuuming inside of the lint trap and checking for lint and debris (like all of those missing socks!) around and beneath the dryer. Check all electrical cords, especially extension cords used outside, for any possible damage. Be sure to inspect the plugs, and length of the cord for any cuts, breaks, or strains. Extension cords that spend time outside are more susceptible brittleness and cracking, even more so if regularly exposed to direct sunlight. If the insulation is damaged or there are wires visible, replace them right away as they are in danger of creating a short, which can easily start a fire. Test all windows, not only to ensure that their locks are working properly, but that they can be quickly and easily opened from the inside, should you need to use one as an emergency exit. Also examine all doors that lead to the outside, making sure that they seal completely and that all locks and deadbolts are working properly. Not only is having a secure home important; with warmer months already on their way, even a small gap around a door will make your air conditioner have to work harder. This not only affects your comfort, but can significantly increase your electric bill. Large bushes and hedges that are close to the house can provide burglars with an easy hiding spot or a means for easier entry through a window, trimming them regularly can help reduce this risk. If you haven’t been grilling all winter, make sure to inspect the fuel line, and propane tank for any damage, or leaks. Also be sure to fully secure the propane tank and fuel line connection before using. While cleaning, keep all chemicals and hazardous cleaning materials out of reach of children and animals; it is equally important that they are stored properly, under lock and key, when not in use. When working with, or disposing of any potentially hazardous chemicals, never use the same container to mix them, which could cause a deadly reaction and check with Public Works or Waste Management for disposal programs or instructions on proper disposal methods. Adding these small measures to your spring cleaning routine can help ensure that you and your loved ones are ready for a great spring and summer!

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Waste Management Partners with Berwyn Police

on Waste Watch Program 30 Drivers and Helpers Trained on Community Watch Program Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. and the City of Berwyn have partnered to expand a community safety program through the company’s Waste Watch Program. Waste Watch is a program in which collection drivers are trained to assist local police and emergency service agencies by reporting to law enforcement authorities’ suspicious activities and potential emergency situations. “This program is like a neighborhood watch program, as our drivers are in these communities every day,” said Vaughn Kuerschner, public sector manager for Waste Management. “Waste Management drivers may stop at as many as 16,000 homes a week in the City of Berwyn.” Waste Management’s operations teams and security groups participated in training sessions with Berwyn Police officials on spotting potential problems. “I would like to commend the staff of Waste Management for training their employees to recognize the signs of suspicious activity and report it to the police. Our officers will always be outnumbered, and can’t always be everywhere at all times, so we depend on the extra eyes of our residents and the good people that serve and work in this city to remain vigilant of questionable conduct and crimes in progress,” said Berwyn’s Chief of Police Michael Cimaglia. As part of the program, drivers, equipped with radios and phones, are trained on the best ways to report and communicate any potential threats to the police. “Many of the drivers work in and drive the same streets week after week. It’s noticeable when something is out of the ordinary,” said Randy Dettloff, residential driver. Waste Management developed Waste Watch in 2004 and has seen the program expand to more than 270 communities nationwide. It has trained and certified drivers across North America to keep a watchful eye on communities the drivers serve. Waste Management’s Waste Watch program has been recognized by the National Sheriff’s Association. “We sincerely appreciate the Berwyn police staff for taking personal interest in this program and for sharing their in-depth knowledge in law enforcement and public safety with our drivers,” said Kuerschner. “Upon completing this training, Waste Management’s drivers are now able to assist authorities if they see any activities out of the ordinary on their routes.”

;GCFƑ Family Events Upcoming 11th Annual South Berwyn School District 100 W E L L N E S S FA I R The Berwyn Park District and South Berwyn School District 100 Wellness Committee present the 11th Annual Wellness Fair. Walk through the Fair and gain information for children and family members with a variety of resources on health, wellness and safety topics. The event will entail exhibitor booths, free screenings and a variety of demonstrations throughout the evening. All Ages Thursday, March 22, 2018 • Heritage Middle School and Emerson Gym, 6850 W. 31st Street, Berwyn, IL

HUNTS

The Berwyn Park District, Berwyn Recreation Department, and the North Berwyn Park District will host its popular Easter Egg Hunt! Race for some eggs and have your child’s photo taken with the Easter Bunny! Ages: 0-10 Years Friday, March 30, 2018 10:00am (Sharp) Location: Morton West High School Field Non-perishable food item or $1 to be donated to the C.B.S. Anti-Hunger Foundation

NBPD Easter Egg Hunt

Grab your Easter Basket and join us on the field to gather your portion of the 18,000 eggs the Easter Bunny has left. All ages • Saturday, March 31, 2018 • 10:00 am SHARP! Location: Jefferson Field *Free event

Hop down 16th Street from Jefferson Field to Prairie Oak School for our Easter Eggstravaganza. To enter a float or group call (708)749-4900. All ages Saturday, March 31, 2018 10:30 am Jefferson Field *Free event

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Gather the family and enjoy a colorful array of activities that are sure to delight. Photos with the Easter Bunny and Spring crafts. All ages Saturday, March 31, 2018 •11:00 am - 1:00 pm Prairie Oak School Gym *Free event

Playground clean-up, neighborhood beautification, gardening opportunities, recycled art projects and more! Friends, Family and Neighbors. Volunteer. Recycle. Participate. You make a DIFFERENCE! All ages • Saturday, April 21, 2018 9:00 am - 12:00 pm North Berwyn Boundaries • Free event

Berwyn Recreation Department Upcoming Senior Events St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Lunch includes: Corned Beef Sandwich, pickles, chips, coleslaw, Irish Soda Bread & dessert. Fresh hot coffee, tea & lemonade will be served. Photo Booth! Entertainment to be announced. Split The Pot between two lucky winners - $1 per ticket! Friday, March 16, 2018 • 11:30 am – 2:00 pm Berwyn Recreation Center – 6501 W. 31st Street FREE for Berwyn residents - $8 for non-residents To register, please call 708-788-2010

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Lunch menu to be determined Raffle tickets $1.00 for a chance to win Quarter BINGO – winner keeps the pot! Wednesday, April 18, 2018 • 11:30 am – 2:00 pm Berwyn Recreation Center – 6501 W. 31st Street FREE for Berwyn residents - $8 for non-residents To register, please call 708-788-2010

great

prizes!
