As summertime becomes a distant memory, both parents and
motorists need to spend some time thinking about back-to-school
issues. Listed below are some common sense, suggestions from the
Summit Police Department for making this school year a safe one.
Walking & Biking to School
*There is no “right” age for kids to start walking to and from
school. Parents need to consider the maturity of their child, how
many busy streets have to be crossed and the availability of others
to walk with them.
*Each Summit public school has a “Safe Walking Route” in their
student directory, which has been approved by the Summit Police
Department. Prior to the first time your child walks/bikes to
school, research the route together. Talk about not diverting from
the route and taking shortcuts through backyards. Show them where to
cross safely.
*Don’t let them play electronic games or walk with headphones on.
They will be distracted and not aware of their surroundings.
*Review proper pedestrian safety guidelines with your child and have
them obey all traffic light signals and/or the crossing guards.
*Show your child how to properly cross the street:
*Stop at the curb, look left, then right and then left again before
crossing.
They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely
across.
If the child’s vision is blocked by a parked vehicle or other obstacle,
they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see
other vehicles- then stop, look left-right-left again and cross.
*Have your child use the “buddy system” when walking or biking to school.
Driving Safely Near Schools
Safety Awareness for Parents
* Increased traffic demands extra caution. Be aware of traffic
congestion around schools as people drop children off and pick them
up.
* Buckle up everyone in vehicle – which includes you.
* Park in the proper drop-off area when dropping your child off at
school. Parents should not have their children crossing the street
between parked cars so that they can avoid congestion in the proper
area. Wait and watch your child enter the school or play area.
Safety Awareness for Motorists
* Obey reduced speed limits posted within school zones.
* Reduce speed in residential areas. Be alert. Children who are running
late may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
* Watch for children walking or bicycling to school when backing out of a
driveway or garage.
* Motorists must yield to any and all pedestrians walking within a
crosswalk. Slow down as you approach crosswalks and be aware of
pedestrians about to cross the street.
* Be aware of posted school crossing points and crossing guards. Be Alert
!
Having our children arrive at school and home safely is everyone’s
responsibility !
Drive Safe !!!!
Any questions, please contact Lt. Robert Weck at the Summit Police
Department’s Traffic & Special Services Bureau (908-277-9397)
Chimney Cleaning Scam
‘Tis the season when unscrupulous scam artists try to take advantage of some
of the well-intentioned residents of Summit.
There are several different types of scams which have taken place in the past
and have recently taken place in surrounding towns,
They will call on the phone asking if your chimney needs cleaning, if you
agree to a low cost cleaning and inspection it will inevitably turn out to be
a $1500.00 repair. Requiring that the victim’s chimney be relined.
Don’t fall for this scam, consider the following.
1. Why would a chimney cleaning service travel miles, sometimes even from
another state to do a $60.00 cleaning job on your chimney?
2. Any repair to your chimney requires a city permit before the work
commences, this is for your protection, and not a revenue maker for the city.
Inquire about permits before any work.
3. Every chimney these scam artists have checked is in need of relining, but
when checked by a local well-established service, some did not even require
cleaning.
4. The so-called chimney cleaning service man just happens to have enough
supplies in his van to do the repair on your house, coincidence. I think not!
Driveway Sealing Scam
Another scam which has been successfully used in the past, the driveway repair
or seal coating service. A man will come to your door usually stating that he
has just finished a neighbors driveway and has some of the sealing product
left over, he will do your driveway for half the price just to get rid of the
excess sealant. In most cases is not sealant but waste motor oil, which will
look good for a while but will not dry and will deteriorate the driveway.
Consider the following
1. Are there several men walking about the neighborhood, if so how much
sealant could he have left over?
2. Are you a senior citizen? Seniors are very trusting and might fall for a
scam quicker than others. Seniors are sometimes reluctant to report the fact
that they have been scammed, they are embarrassed at being tricked.
3. Is the suspect driving a vehicle with out of state license plates, most do.
4. Close your door. DO NOT let any stranger into your house. Call the police
immediately and report what is happening.
Utility
Worker Scam
Several men will call at the door; some might even be wearing uniforms such as
water company or gas company employees. They will say that there has been a
water leak or gas leak in the area and they have to get into your house to
check your water/gas service. One of the men will keep you busy talking while
the others ransack your home stealing anything of value. One elderly lady lost
her engagement ring simply by shaking hands with one of these thieves.
Consider the following
1. Are they driving an official water/gas company vehicle?
2. Are they wearing identification badges?
3. If there is even the slightest doubt in your mind, call the police
immediately. Do not let strangers into your house.
4. Legitimate utility workers will not take offense at being asked for their
identification, that’s why they carry identification cards
Please Don’t Become A Victim
Don’t give your money away and don’t let strangers into your house to steal
your valuables.
Officer Rodney
Watson
Crime Prevention Officer
For a free
Security Survey conducted at your home in Summit, phone or
email
the Crime Prevention Unit.
For
information on Neighborhood Watch, phone or email Officer Rodney Watson
