Weekly Activity Report: August 3-9, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_8.3.14.pdf

Weekly Activity Highlights: July 27-August 2, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_7.27.14.pdf

Tuesday Tip: Secure firearms at home

California law requires secure storage of firearms when children under 18 are likely to be present and you are in control of the premises. Definitions and exemptions can be found in Penal Code section 12035, Criminal Storage of a Firearm.

Gun safety starts at home. If weapons are present in a home, children need to be taught proper weapon handling and safety. Weapons need to be properly secured. In the event that a child finds a gun, the National Rifle Association Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program teaches children the following:

•STOP!

•Don't touch!

•Leave the area!

•Tell an adult!

The NRA also offers additional information for parents on gun safety, training and additional information HERE.

There is no excuse for having an unsecured weapon in your home. Gun safes are reasonably priced and are readily available. Use of a gun safe is preferred, but many police departments offer simple gun locks for free. The Arcadia Police Department officers residents gun locks free of charge at our front counter. Check with your local agency for availability.

Weekly Tip: Dangers of children in vehicles in the heat

Last week’s tip warned of the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles.  Almost 24 hours after our post was published, local news stations were reporting a story about a child who suffered heatstroke from being left inside of an unattended vehicle.  A few days later, another child died after he climbed into a car parked in the sun.  So far in 2014, it’s estimated that 19 children have died due to vehicular heatstroke.

The Arcadia Police Department wants to remind our community that children and unattended vehicles don’t mix.  This isn’t just about leaving children inside of vehicles.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in more than 29% of vehicular heatstroke related deaths, the child climbed into an unsecured vehicle on their own. 

The California Office of Traffic Safety states that in Just 10 minutes in hot sun can raise the internal temperature of a car by nearly 20 degrees, over 30 degrees in a half hour, and nearly 45 degrees in an hour. Children’s body heat regulatory systems are less efficient than an adult’s, allowing them to overheat 3 to 5 times faster. Injuries due to heatstroke in hot cars can cause ailments including permanent brain injury, blindness and the loss of hearing, among others.

In 2001, the governor of California signed “Kaitlyn’s Law” also known as the “Unattended Child in Motor Vehicle Safety Act” into law. This law was named for Kaitlyn Russell, a 6-month-old who died after being left by a baby-sitter in a parked car for more than two hours as temperatures reached triple digits.  The law makes it illegal for a child to be left unattended in a motor vehicle.

California Vehicle Code 15620(a) partially states: A parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child who is 6 years of age or younger may not leave that child inside a motor vehicle without being subject to the supervision of a person who is 12 years of age or older, under any of the following circumstances:

- Where there are conditions that present a significant risk to the child's health or safety.

- When the vehicle's engine is running or the vehicle's keys are in the ignition, or both.

A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).  Nothing in this section shall preclude prosecution under both this section and Section 192 of the Penal Code (Manslaughter), or Section 273a (Child endangerment), or any other provision of law.

The Arcadia Police Department offers the following tips related to children and unattended vehicles:

- Never leaver a child in a vehicle with the motor running or the key in the ignition.

- Check to make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Don't overlook sleeping  children or infants.

- Place a reminder of your child's presence where you'll be sure to see it before leaving the vehicle (diaper     bag next to your briefcase, baby blanket under your lunch or any other type of reminder of your child's presence).

- When shopping at the grocery store, ask the clerks to load your bags into your vehicle and return the cart instead of leaving a child alone, even for and instant.

- Always lock your car, even in the garage or driveway. If a child is missing, immediately check the car including the trunk.

- Never leave car keys within the reach of children.

- Teach children never to play in, on or around cars.

- Make it a habit to check the inside of your vehicle prior to exiting.

- Never let children ride or play in the cargo area, trunk or bed of any vehicle.

- If a child is locked inside a vehicle, get him/her out as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 for assistance if necessary. If the child appears hot or sick, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Dangers to children left unattended in vehicles include:

- Heat Stroke (hyperthermia)

- Carbon monoxide poisoning

- Runaway vehicles

- Carjacking

- Child abduction

- Body parts crushed by power windows and sunroofs.

- Trunk entrapment

- Self-release from car seat

- Emotional trauma

Unfortunately, too many children are still being left unsupervised in or around vehicles each year and the results are often tragic.

For additional information you can go to www.NHTSA.gov  or www.ots.ca.gov

Weekly Tip- Don't leave pets in your car!

Summer is in full swing and temps are on the rise.  This past weekend we saw temperatures in the triple digits and we will continue to see the heat for a few more months.  The Arcadia Police Department wants to remind pet owners that it is against the law to leave their pets in vehicles during warm weather.

Even on cooler days, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise as much as 30-40 degrees within an hour. That's even with windows left slightly open.

Persons who leave pets inside of vehicles in the heat can be charged with an infraction or misdemeanor.  In the event the animal dies, the person can be charged with felony animal cruelty.

If you come across a pet inside of a vehicle, check to see if it appears to be in distress. These signs include heavy panting, thick saliva, lethargy, restlessness, excessive thirst, and lack of coordination. If you believe the animal is in distress please call your local police and report it immediately.  If the pet doesn't appear to be in distress, have someone monitor the pet (if possible) and attempt to locate the owner and then contact the police department.

Please remember that not only is leaving your pet in the car illegal, it could be deadly!

Weekly Activity Report, July 13-19, 2014

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_7.13.14.pdf

Honoring Mike Daleo

Today marks four years since we lost our partner and friend, Mike Daleo.  Mike was one of the first Crime Analyst’s in the San Gabriel Valley and was a long time reserve officer here at APD.  We miss you Mike!