Representatives from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department hosted an online forum Thursday to educate residents about crime and fire-related safety.
Below the Town Crier highlights some key presentation points, courtesy of Sheriff’s Deputy Jarvis Bui and Fire Department community risk specialist Jennifer Ceynowa.
Crime
• Be wary of any entity that requests payment or compensation by gift card or wire transfer.
• Confirm soliciting charities are registered with the Better Business Bureau or respective state entity.
• Hang up on any caller claiming to represent the IRS; the agency does not contact taxpayers by phone.
• Do not share personal information with anyone who randomly contacts you.
• Regularly check bank accounts for fraudulent activity.
• Shred all documents containing personal information.
• Be aware of telephone spoofing applications capable of mimicking real law enforcement phone numbers.
• Erect “Beware of Dog” signs and signs advertising security systems (even nonexisting ones) to deter burglars
• Call the agency associated with the stranger at the front door to confirm they are who they say they are.
Fire
• Set a timer or wear an oven mitt as a reminder of oven and stovetop cooking.
• Turn stovetop pot handles inward.
• Never try to relocate burning objects; extinguish flames by cutting off their oxygen supply.
• Keep a fire extinguisher at the ready and know how to use it.
• Develop an escape plan with the entire family and ensure children know not to hide in the event of fire and/or the sounding of a fire alarm.
• Ensure power strips feature surge protectors and do not overload them.
• Remove lint from a clothes dryer after every cycle.
• Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Keep cell phones, glasses and a pair of sturdy shoes near the bed to ensure rapid escape.
• Never return to a burning building.
• Use an app or photograph or videotape belongings as proof to insurers.
• Create Lifesaving Information for Emergencies (L.I.F.E.) documents to inform emergency responders about medical histories.
For more information on upcoming fire safety webinars, visit sccfd.org.
