Topics covered include:

• Child safety seat laws
• Children Prohibited From Soliciting On Roadway
• Dangerous cleaning mixture
  (under your sink)
• Extreme Heat: A prevention guide
• Fire Prevention Week
• Flood safety tips
• Graffiti reporting
• Grilling safety tips
• How good of a witness are you?
• ICE, what is it?
• Identity Theft
• Jaywalking, what is it really?
• No Slang
• Pool safety tips
• School zone information!
• Storm Safety Tips

Click on any of the above topics to "jump" to that section then click on "return to top" to be brought back to the top of this page.

Child safety seat laws

Did you know that Texas state law requires all children under the age of 17 must be properly secured in a safety belt or child safety seat?

Children under the age of five (5) or less than 36 inches tall must ride in a safety seat; children taller than 36 inches and at least five (5) but younger than 17, must be secured by a safety belt whether in the front seat or the back seat.

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Children Prohibited From Soliciting On Roadways

The El Paso Police Department wants to remind residents it is illegal for children under thirteen (13) years of age to solicit on a roadway.  Recently, there have been several groups soliciting monies on our roadways.  Although, many of these are for good causes, such as sending a youth baseball team to an out of town tournament, they can be dangerous.  Municipal Code 12.32.060 outlaws this activity for anyone twelve years of age or younger on the City’s roadways to include the sidewalks and medians.  Children twelve years of age or younger are smaller than adults and harder for motorists to see, placing the children in danger of being struck by a vehicle.  It is irresponsible for adults to be placing our community’s children in jeopardy in efforts to sell items or solicit donations for their youth groups.  To date, no child has been inured during these fund raising efforts; however, if one is the El Paso Police Department will consider possible charges against the adult coordinating the fundraising efforts.  There are several ways to raise money for youth activities without placing the participating children in jeopardy.  It is also illegal for an occupant of a motor vehicle to contribute to, accept or purchase material from a person twelve years of age or younger who is on the surrounding sidewalks, medians, islands and unpaved roadway.

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Dangerous cleaning mixture (under your sink)...

Recently, occupants of a local home had mixed two different types of drain cleaners in the bathtub to unclog the drain. The two drain cleaners produced a cloud of chlorine gas and caused the occupants to get sick. The occupants of the home and an EMT later complained of trouble breathing and tightness in the chest. Chlorine is a gas that is a respiratory irritant to the mucous membranes and lungs. Chlorinated liquids burn the skin and many fabrics. 

El Paso Fire Officials would like to remind citizens how dangerous everyday household products can be and are asking the public to read the labels of the products in their homes and follow all the instructions for proper use. Many containers will state the most common dangers from interaction with other products.

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Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Historically, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure.

People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

To read more on what you can do to prevent becoming a victim or how to assist, click on the link below...

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

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Fire Prevention Week

(even though this week has ended, we feel this is still good information to keep on the web site)

El Paso Fire Department Officials would like to remind the Citizens of El Paso that this week, October 7-13, is Fire Prevention Week. The message for this year is “Practice your Escape Plan”. More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires, and approximately 20,000 are injured. Deaths resulting from failed emergency escapes are particularly avoidable. Nearly 85 percent of parents polled admitted that they do not frequently discuss fire safety with their children, and seven in 10 parents report that their children are less than fully prepared to escape and survive a fire.
The El Paso Fire Department believes that having a sound escape plan will greatly reduce fire deaths and protect you and your family should a fire occur in your home  In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.
With the coming colder months and holidays, Fire Departments nationwide, including El Paso, see an increase in residential fires. Some of the reasons for the increase in home fires include holiday decorations such as jack-o-lanterns, holiday lights, candles, and christmas trees. Other reasons include the use of heaters, heating appliances, and fireplaces. People also cook larger meals during the holidays and use ovens, stoves, and turkey fryers.
El Paso Fire Officials encourage the El Paso Community to “Practice Your Escape Plan” and offer these Home Fire Safety Tips.

Practice Escaping
From Every Room In The Home

Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed. Security Bars Require Special Precautions
Security bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also trap you in a deadly fire! Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.

Immediately Leave The Home

When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.

Never Open Doors
That Are Hot To The Touch

When you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route.

Designate A Meeting Place Outside
and Take Attendance

Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.

Once Out, Stay Out

Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.

Finally, having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.

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Flood safety tips:

• Many people are killed while trying to drive or walk on roads and bridges covered by water. Though the water may look only inches deep, the pool could be far deeper and have very strong currents. It only takes two feet of water to carry away many cars and only six inches of swiftly moving (6 mph) water can sweep a person off their feet.
• Trucks, two wheel- as well as four-wheel-drive and sports utility vehicles, are also susceptible to the dangers of pooled water. Such vehicles often give motorists a false sense of security, believing the vehicles are safe under all hazardous conditions.  This is simply not true.  For instance, large tires add to the vehicle’s buoyancy and can cause it to lose traction sooner.   Simply put, do not allow overconfidence in your vehicle to cost you your life.
• Consequently, if you are approaching a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route. Though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water, you may not be as lucky.
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
• Never let children play near storm drains when the water is rising or is high. Every year, deaths or injuries occur as a result of people being swept away.  Sadly, the most frequent victims are children.

If you live in a low-lying area, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain events. Water levels rise rapidly during flash floods often surprising victims. Be prepared to move quickly to higher ground if water levels begin rising. Sandbags are available at all city fire stations and are free to the public.

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Graffiti in your neighborhood?

If you leave graffiti up it will lead to more graffiti. You can make a differance by reporting it as soon as possible so it can be removed quickly. If it is left for any period of time, others are likely to add their mark to the property. If it is removed quickly, in time they will stop.

To report graffiti, call the Anti-Graffiti hotline at (915) 621-6789 or visit their web site at the following url:

https://www.elpasotexas.gov/police/graffiti_report.asp

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Grilling safety tips

• NEVER use charcoal indoors
• NEVER use gas to ignite coals
• Pour water over coals before disposing of them
• Check grill hoses and all connections
• Keep grills on a level surface, away from structures and children
• Cook meats thoroughly
• Refrigerate leftovers quickly (within two hours)
• Baking soda can be used to help control a grease fire
• Keep raw meat juices away from other foods and utensils
• Wash hands often as well as plates, utensils, surfaces, etc..

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How good of a witness are you?

While attending our state Crime Stoppers annual conference, one of the programs we attended was on national security and terrorism. As part of the presentation, we were given an assignment of watching a video clip then asked to identify the suspects. To help us with the exercise, we were given a "suspect witness" form to use as an aid. I took the basic form along with notes I took during the presentation and created my own version.

Here are some points to keep in mind as the community’s role:

• Staying alert
• Recognize suspicious activity
• Providing accurate reports to law enforcement
• Forming partnerships with law enforcement
• Enhancing security

Two considerations when providing a report:

• Accuracy
  • Only what you saw
  • Reason for making the report
• Timeliness
  • Suspicious
  • Situation can change
  • Might be law enforcement's only time to interview
  • Increases opportunity to react

NEVER endanger yourself

NEVER confront the individual

By clicking on one of the links below, you can download a PDF of that form/file I created for your own use. There are two versions: one with our Crime Stoppers log and one without. Feel free to use which ever one you like.

Suspect ID form with logo

Suspect ID form without logo

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What you do is create a new contact in your cell phone under the entry ICE. If you are in need of emergency care and unable to talk or respond, EMS, Fire, or PD can simply grab your phone and dial ICE. That simple action will connect them to a person you have designated as an emergency contact who can help on your behalf.

It is impostant to make arrangements ahead of time so that person knows that they are now your ICE contact. Additionaly, you can provide them with any and all medical or personal information emergency personal might need.

One note of caution, if you are an ICE contact for someone, and you receive a call from that person's cell, a word of caution is recommended. Inform the emergency personal that you will need to check the validity of the call. You then can contact 911 to confirm that emergency personal are responding to a call at the given location. With confirmation, you can simply cal the cell phone back and proceed to assist as needed. If 911 is unable to confirm the validiy of the call, you know something is wrong.

A final word about the use of ICE. If you loose your cell phone, be sure to contact your ICE person and inform them of the loss so as to prevent any fraud.

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Identity Theft...don't be a victim.

We will be uploading some helpful tips and more information in time; however, for now, if you ahve been a victim of ID Theft, here is a pdf packet from the El Paso Police Department to help you begin the process of correcting the matter.

Identity Theft Packet

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Jaywalking, what is it really?

You must cross the street in a designated crosswalk at the intersection. If you cross the street between two controlled intersections, you are in violation of jaywalking. If the area in the block you are crossing is not between two controlled intersections, then you may cross if and only if it is clear of approaching vehicles and safe to do so. One final note, if you are hit while jaywalking, the driver may not be liable and their insurance may not cover your injuries.

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No Slang...

Ever wondered what your kids are saying? Ever wondered if they or their friends are into drugs? Ever wondered what they are instant messeging to one another? Go to www.noslang.com and there you can read through numerous pages of slang terms used by our youth.

If you'd like to have a complete list, we have complied a pdf of the complete list from their web site and are making it available here for you to download and print if you'd like. It is 37 pages, 4 column set in 8pt. Times type...just so you know.

Slang internet terms

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Pool safety tips

• Never leave kids unattended.
• No running, pushing, or dunking while in or near a pool.
• Remove toys from the pool area when not in use. These items left lying around can attract small children.
• Do not allow kids to jump or dive into shallow water.
• Make sure there is rescue equipment near the pool like a life preserver or a shepherd’s hook.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first.
• Teaching your child to swim does not mean your child is safe in the water.

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School zone information!

Some reminders concerning school zones and the law:

• You must drive the posted speed limit (ranging from 15 - 35 mph depending upon the school zone) or what the flow of traffic is driving, which ever is the slowest.
• Technically, if any bumper passes another, you are in violation of passing; however, most officers will allow a front bumper to pass a rear bumper of another car. If the front bumpers of two vehicles pass, you will be cited.
• You may not pass a vehicle that is in motion, but if there is stopped traffic due to a left turning lane or a traffic light within the school zone, you may proceed SAFELY passed the stopped vehicle.
• Lastly, you may not stop to unload or load passengers in a school zone or stop on a crosswalk.

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Storm Safety Tips:

Lightning Safety

• Look for a large, enclosed building when a thunder or lightning storm threatens. That's the best choice.
• If you are in a car and it has a hard top, stay inside and keep the windows rolled up.
• Avoid small sheds and lean-tos or partial shelters, like pavilions.
• Stay at least a few feet away from open windows, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, electric boxes and outlets, and appliances. Lightning can flow through these symptoms and "jump" to a person.
• Do not shower or take a bath during a thunder or lightning storm.
• Avoid using regular telephones, except in an emergency. If lightning hits the telephone lines, it could flow to the phone. Cell or cordless phones, not connected to the building's wiring, are safe to use.

High Wind Safety

• Conduct a home hazard hunt and perimeter search, in which you inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or cause a fire
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs
• Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile
• Slow down when driving and have enough distance with the car in front of you due to blowing dust lowering visibility
• Do not attempt to remove any electrical wires that fall on your homes and vehicles; call 911 immediately

Flooding Safety Tips

• If you approach a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route. Though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water, you may not be as lucky.
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
• Never let children play near storm drains when the water is rising or is high. Every year, deaths or injuries occur as a result of people being swept away. Sadly, the most frequent victims are children.

If you live in a low-lying area, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain events. Water levels rise rapidly during flash floods often surprising victims. Be prepared to move quickly to higher ground if water levels begin rising. Sandbags are available at all city fire stations and are free to the public.

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Call our TIP LINE and earn a

CASH REWARD of up to $1000

If you have information about a crime or the location of a fugitive, contact El Paso Crime Stoppers 24 hours a day, at:

915-566-TIPS (8477) or
877-566-TIPS (8477) toll-free
Your call is always anonymous.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Following up on an on-line tip you already submitted, click below and follow the instructions.

www.tipsubmit.com

Once at the site, click on the button containing the following information (about middle of the web page):

Tipster Login for
Crime Stoppers Follow-up