Full Notification

The City of Rosemead Public Safety Department monthly Community Safety Meeting for December 19, 2013 will be cancelled due to the holiday. The next Community Safety Meeting is scheduled on January 16, 2014.

The Rosemead Public Safety Department would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Here are some Holiday Safety Tips:

Home Burglary Prevention

• Make your home appear as if someone is always at home.
o Set timers to turn lights in your home on and off at various times.
o Temporarily stop mail and newspaper deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor pick them up while if you are going to be away for a few days. Contact Temple Station to request extra patrol checks or the Rosemead Public Safety Department (626) 569-2292 to ask for a Vacation check.
o Have a trusted friend or neighbor keep an eye on your home. If you plan to travel for the holidays, don’t discuss your plans with strangers.
o Turn off the ringer on your home telephone if you are away for a few days.
o Leave an emergency contact number with someone you trust.
o Close all window coverings (blinds, drapes, etc.).
o Leave a radio on with a “talk radio” station.
• Thoroughly secure your property. Lock ALL doors and windows, even if you plan to be gone for a few minutes.
• Talk to your neighbors about being aware of suspicious persons or vehicles. Report any suspicious activity to Temple Station (626) 285-7171.

Personal Safety

• Dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Shop with friends and family. Try not to shop alone, especially at night. Walk in well-lit areas.
• Avoid carrying too many packages that put you off balance and make you an easy target.
• Never go home if you think you are being followed or if you feel threatened. Go to a busy well-lit safe place like the nearest Police Department or Fire Station.
• Your safety is a priority and property can be replaced. Comply with a thief’s demands. Record an accurate description for law enforcement: height, weight, skin, hair, and eye color, scars, tattoos, clothing, and license plate.
• Teach your children what to do if you get separated. Tell them to find a store clerk or security personnel for assistance. If possible, have them memorize your phone number.
• Tell someone where you are going and how long you will be gone. Let them know if you change your schedule.
• Hold your purse close to your body or use a front pocket if you carry a wallet.

Vehicle Safety

• Park close to the store. Avoid dark and secluded areas.
• Keep doors locked and windows closed.
• Remember where you park you car. Be aware of suspicious cars and people.
• Have your car keys in your hand when returning to your car.
• Never leave packages visible inside your car, store them in the trunk. Put your packages in the trunk before you drive to your next location not when you arrive.

In addition, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) are urging citizens to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 911 immediately.

How to Report a Drunk Driver:
• Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road or cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling.
• Give a complete description of the vehicle: make, model, color and license plate.
• Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.

Possible Signs of a Drunk Driver:
• Turning with a wide radius.
• Straddling the center of the road or lane marker.
• Almost striking an object or another vehicle.
• Weaving or zigzagging across the road.
• Driving on surfaces other than a designated roadway.
• Swerving or abruptly turning away from a generally straight course.
• Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit.
• Stopping without cause in a traffic lane.
• Stopping inappropriately.
• Following others too closely.
• Drifting or moving in a straight line.
• Erratic braking and/or braking for no apparent reason.
• Driving into opposing or crossing traffic.
• Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions.
• Slow response to traffic signals, including sudden stops and delayed starts.
• Driving with headlights off.

Don’t drink and drive! Always remember to buckle up as safety belts save lives!