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COVID-19 Safety Tips By Brian Hartman, #866 Scottsdale Police Department Crime Prevention Officer, Via Linda District
By the time you receive this publication, I hope that we are all back to our normal lives and are enjoying each day as we did before COVID-19 took over. With that, I also hope that you are able to find some time to take a vacation and decompress. Below are some tips and reminders while traveling. It’s been a challenging time for everyone over the past few months. In one way or another, we have all felt the effects of Covid-19 on our lives as well as the lives of our families and friends. It is so important to follow the guidelines as directed by our local, state, and federal leaders. There are many aspects of our lives that will be changed as a result of this pandemic to include the manner in which we travel. There are some guidelines that don’t change over time. So, as we all attempt to get back into our summer routines, to include out-of-town vacations, here are a few tips to do it safely: 1. Make sure that your home appears lived in. Put your lights on a timer and keep your blinds and curtains closed. Have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers. Make sure that your lawn is maintained while you are away. 2. Make a list of credit card numbers and phone numbers for the card companies just in case you lose one. Let your credit card companies know that you are leaving so that the purchases that you make while on vacation are not f lagged as fraudulent. 3. Consider leaving your tablets and laptops at home. Trust me, I understand how convenient those items are when traveling with children, but it is one more expensive item that could be lost or stolen. Travel as lightly as possible. Cash, credit cards, passports, and cell phones can be carried in fanny packs or other totes…just make sure that the strap is made of material that is not easily broken and/or cut. If you aren’t fashionable enough to wear a fanny pack, place your wallet in your front pocket instead of your back pocket. 4. Never leave your bags and belongings unattended. Not only does leaving your baggage unattended draw the attention of Airport Security Officers, it also makes an easy target for criminals. Travelers at airports, train stations, bus terminals, boat docks and car rental areas are especially vulnerable due to those being places with a lot of activity and confusion…and often a lot of stress. 5. When checking into a hotel room, make sure to do the obvious. Always lock the door and secure the safety chain. Check adjoining doors and all windows to ensure they are locked. Also, have at least two exit routes in mind in case of an emergency. Many hotel rooms are equipped with a safe in the room. Use it to keep your valuables safe when you are away from the room. 6. Talk with your family about whom to call and what to do in case they get lost or another emergency arises while you are on vacation. When traveling with kids, bring along an updated photo of each child—in case you become separated from them. Be safe. 22
June/July 2020
Residents Helping to Keep our Community Clean Pictured is longtime Scottsdale Ranch resident Joni Van der Veen. You may see her walking early mornings and early evenings getting her daily exercise. On her walks, Joni carries a trash bag with her and picks up any litter she may find along the way. We live in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the valley. Let’s work together and keep it that way. Thank you, Joni!
City of Scottsdale Community Notices Fill out your census forms; it’s easy and safe. The U.S. Census Bureau is committed to making the 2020 Census quick, easy and safe for all participants. Here are some tips to help you stay safe. Avoid scams online: A key way to identify scam websites is to look at the website address. All valid Census Bureau websites will always have “.gov” at the end. The Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request your participation in the 2020 Census. Remember, the Census Bureau will never ask for your information via email. Further, during the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask for your social security number; bank account or credit card numbers; anything on behalf of a political party; or money or donations. To learn more visit www.2020census.gov. Scottsdale EZ Whether it’s a broken streetlight, a fresh pothole or a missing trash can, a new online service is making it easier for residents to report problems with city facilities or services. Scottsdale EZ is a single, mobile-optimized system that lets you quickly report issues and provides the city with a consolidated tracking and reporting system. This can be found on the City of Scottsdale’s website at www. scottsdaleaz.gov. Temperatures are rising – obey hiking and hydration rules. Play it safe when hiking: Take a buddy. Hydrate the day before you go. Bring plenty of water and your phone. Tell friends and family where you are heading and when you plan on returning. For more information go to www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “preserve”. Donate items for senior centers’ “Beat the Heat” program. Contribute new reusable water bottles, nutritional supplement drinks, bottled water, small healthy snack items, unused personal hygiene items, stamps and grocery store gift cards. Drop donations to the Via Linda Senior Center by early June. Visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “Beat the Heat” for more information.
