Real Estate Information Archive

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and best-known crime prevention concepts in North America. It is also one of the most efficient and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Neighborhood watch is a group of neighbors looking out for their fellow neighbors, and these types of groups have been shown to reduce crime by 50%. 

This program empowers homeowners to become active in protecting their community through participation in Neighborhood Watch groups. Residents participate in Neighborhood Watch in their area by organizing residents to communicate any suspicious behavior to others by phone trees and reporting it to the authorities. 

Benefits of  Neighborhood Watch

• Your risk of being burglarized as well as other crimes such as auto theft, vandalism and personal assault are significantly reduced.
• By helping with this program you help to stretch the tax dollars by helping law enforcement agencies, who are limited in their available manpower.
• Not only does neighborhood crime go down, but many communities report a new feeling of caring and belonging amongst neighbors. Many have used their combined efforts to improve their streets, recreation opportunities and local services.

If you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch in your community, below are some steps to help you get started!

• Form a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss the needs of your community, gage the level of interest and potential problems, decide on a date and place for an initial Neighborhood Watch meeting
• Contact Your Local Sheriffs Office or Police Department for more information or to arrange a speaker
• Arrange a meeting location close to your neighborhood. It should have enough room to hold your invited neighbors and, if needed, for the use of audio visual aids such as an overhead projector.
•  For more information and educational materials related to starting a Neighborhood Watch, visit the National program's website.

Nothing is better after being in the cold than coming home to a warm fire. With the brutally cold temps this winter, many homeowners in our area have been giving their fireplaces a workout. According to the US Fire Administration, more than one-third of Americans use fireplaces or wood stoves to heat their homes. To avoid fire and injury it is important to reduce your risk by following some safety tips listed below when heating with wood.

• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
• When choosing firewood it is best to select "Well-seasoned firewood" that has been thoroughly dried for a minimum of six months and stored properly. 
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• Make sure your fire alarms have fresh batteries and are in working order by testing them monthly!
• Install a type ABC fire extinguisher near the fireplace.
• Install a screen to completely cover the fireplace opening to keep sparks from flying out.
• Keep combustible materials such as carpets, furniture, paper, logs and kindling at least 3-feet away from the fireplace.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Do not use gasoline or other flammable liquids to kindle or rekindle a fire.
• Flammable vapors can explode! Any flammable liquids, including those from craft projects can vaporize and travel the length of a room!
• Keep the damper open while the logs or gas is burning to provide for efficient burning and to prevent accumulation of poisonous or explosive gases.
• Do not treat artificial logs the same way you treat real wood logs. Use only one at a time. If you use more, they can produce too much heat fro some fireplaces to withstand.

Fireplaces are a wonderful addition to a home and provide not only warmth but add charm to a home. Be safe and follow these safety tips and enjoy!