Weekly Tip - Keep Your Dog Safe While on the Road

We want to remind you that it can be unlawful, and moreover hazardous, to transport any animal or dog in the open bed of a truck or pick-up.  California Vehicle Code section 23117 specifies the animal must be contained or cross tethered to prevent their falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle.  See the link for other language and mandates in the code section.  There are some exceptions, such as in farming or rural areas. 

The ASPCA also offers tips on car travel with your pet, along with a printable version on their website.

Remember these laws are in place and the tips offered to help keep your pet and all traveling public safe. 

Weekly Tip - Don't Let Your Mail and Newspapers Pile Up

A sure way to let folks know you are away from home is to allow newspapers or mail to accumulate on your driveway or in your mailbox.  Whether you are going away for just a day or going on vacation for a week, it is a good practice to place a "hold" on your mail and newspaper delivery while you are gone.  Making your home looked "lived in" is a good crime prevention tool.  Another option is to ask your house or pet-sitter to remove door hanger advertisements, the paper, and your mail.

The postal service (USPS) offers online notification for mail "hold" requests.  Check out their site HERE.  Contact your individual newspaper provider for steps to temporarily stop service while you are away.

These are a few simple ideas to help you become less of a target to a thief.  Remember to be proactive in crime prevention!

Happy Father's Day

"Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever." ~Author Unknown

The Arcadia Police Department would like to wish a Happy Father's Day to all dads, and to anyone who has the role of a father in a child's life!

Weekly Tip - Free Vacation Checks of Your Home

Before you head out of town for vacation this summer, do everything you can to make sure your home is safe while you are gone.  After you get your home ready and ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for anything suspicious, there is one more thing you can do to have an extra piece of mind while you are away.

The Arcadia Police Department’s Volunteers in Patrol offer a free Vacation Home Check service. Police Volunteers will keep a periodic eye on your home and conduct random safety checks of your property.  To sign up for this free service, call 626-574-5151 the day before you leave. 

Weekly Tip - Think Pool Safety!

Summer is quickly approaching and one of the biggest attractions during this time of year is the swimming pool. Unfortunately, our pools are also one of the leading contributors to accidents, injury, and death in the home. Children love water and a pool is an inviting place, not only in the summer but throughout the year for a young child. That is why there are rules and regulations that apply to all residential swimming pools. Fences, alarms, clearance, self-closing gates, and latches, are just some of the requirements. Visit your local City website and view the municipal code requirements or call your local City Hall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has a handout available online that gives excellent tips for pool safety. See the City of Arcadia website and other sources, such as the Red Cross, for additional tips and resources available on the web.

In addition to the physical requirements, remember to always be aware of your young childs whereabouts when pools are near. Even if they know how to swim, keep an eye on them. Set rules for your children about not using the pool without adult supervision, keep toys and other inviting objects away from the pool when not in use, always have a phone available near the pool, keep pool gates locked and shut when not using them, do not place ladders or chairs against the outside of a pool fence. Learn basic safety techniques and take a CPR class. Be proactive and prevent accidents before they happen!

Summertime is also a time for outdoor gatherings and hosting a pool party. Never assume your child is being watched. Appoint someone to be the "pool monitor" at all times. Time is not on your side with a drowning victim. Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. Answering the phone, getting another drink, grabbing a snack, all allow time for a drowning. Be responsible and be always aware of what is happening in the pool! If a child is missing, the first place to look should be the pool. In the event of an emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.