Tag Archives: Holiday Safety

Traffic Codes During The Holidays

Staff Reports

Know your traffic violations during this upcoming holiday season to avoid getting a ticket. There are no exceptions except for emergency situations. If you violate these laws be prepared for a hefty fine.

Unattended Child in Vehicle: 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. CVC 15620(a), 22516

Disabled Parking: Unless a vehicle displays a disabled license plate or placard, you may not park in parking spaces designated for the disabled by blue lines or signs, nor in the cross-hatched area adjacent to them. CVC 22507.8

No U-Turn Sign: It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal. CVC 21461 (a)

No Parking Signs: You may not stop or park your vehicle, whether occupied or not, except while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers. CVC 463, 22505, 22506, 22507

Passing a Stopped School Bus: When approaching a school bus, from either direction, that is stopped for the loading or unloading of school children, and which displays a flashing red light signal and stop signal arm, you must immediately stop and shall not proceed until the flashing red light and stop arm cease operation. CVC 22454 (a)

U-Turn in Residential District: You shall not make a U-Turn in a residential district when any other vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device. CVC 22103

Impeding Traffic: You may not drive your vehicle upon a highway at a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Please do not unload your children from the traffic lane and allow them to walk between vehicles in motion . CVC 22400 (a)

Double Parking / Unlawful Curb Parking: You may not park on the street adjacent to another parked vehicle. Vehicles parked must be within 18” from the curb. CVC 22500 (h) , CVC 22502

(a) Red Curbs: No Stopping, standing, or parking, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended. CVC 21458 (a) (1)

Package Safety for the Holiday Season

Staff Reports

Package thieves are hard at work during the holiday season. The pickings are ripe when you can drive through a neighborhood, see packages sitting on front porches that won’t be touched for hours. With online shopping being so prevalent, those packages will contain some valuable commodities for them to be enticed by.

Here are some safety tips for package delivery for the upcoming holiday season:

10 Holiday Package Delivery Safety Tips

1. DELIVER TO YOUR OFFICE

If your place of work allows it, have your packages delivered right to your office. You may not be able to get weekend delivery if you’re not there, but it would be a convenient, safe way to handle package delivery when you can’t be home to wait.

2. USE PICK UP POINTS

Different than a P.O. Box, delivery services are setting up temporary delivery points for you to have your packages delivered to. You can then pick up your packages on your way home from work. Amazon Locker and UPS’ Access Point Network provide those areas in local grocery stores, convenience stores, storefronts and more.

3. USE A TEMPORARY PO BOX

Many delivery services such as UPS or FedEx will not deliver to a traditional P.O. Box address, but will deliver to a street address that just happens to be in a Postal Delivery Service Office. Many of those offices will even call you when you have a package arrives, and take a photo of it for you to see ahead of time. The UPS Store has this service, as well as many privately owned companies. Check your local listings to find one a location near you, then rent the P. O. Box through the season. Be mindful of contract times and fees.

4. REQUEST A RE-ROUTE OR RE-DELIVERY

You can request that a package be held at the delivery facility of your deliverer, rerouted to another location, or delivered on another day.

  • Call UPS or FedEx once you have a tracking number from the company you’ve purchased from, and have UPS or FedEx hold the package at their facility for pickup later.
  • Use  FedEx’s Delivery Manager, and UPS My Choice, premium memberships, which allows you more choices in re-delivery.

5. USE A NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE

Keeping your packages safe during the day is hard if you’re working all the time, but you can find a neighbor who may be willing to accept deliveries for you. Or, if you’re the entrepreneurial type, start a service for a small fee for friends and family. You can become your own Amazon Locker!

6. USE A WIRELESS HOME MONITORING SYSTEM

Use a wireless door monitor, such as Ring, that allows you to see your porch. You’ll know when packages are delivered, and will be able to see visitors, even when not at home. It works through a wi-fi-enabled camera at your door and an app on your phone. You can set off alarms for snoopers, as well as ask questions to those approaching.

7. REQUEST A SIGNATURE CONFIRMATION

Requesting a signature delivery is a little harder in this day of order and drop, but you may be able to call the delivery service to request a required signature for a package using the tracking number. This insures that the package isn’t just dumped. Packages sent through USPS have the option for a small fee.

8. REQUEST A KNOCK

Our UPS delivery folks are hit and miss with this quick convenience. It is helpful to hear that a package has been delivered, even when you’re home, so that you can pick it up, instead of it sitting outside. So request it in the notes on your order form, call your delivery service with tracking number and put that request in, etc. You are not going to be guaranteed a knock, but it is a note that will be on the delivery for the carrier.

9. CREATE A DELIVERY CORNER

You may be able to hide smaller package deliveries behind planters or decorations on your porch. This is not a guarantee that a delivery person will actually put a package there, but many try to make sure that packages are put in places that don’t draw attention. There is also the Package Guard, a Wi-Fi-enabled device that alerts you, through an app, when a package has been delivered to your house, and sets off a loud alarm if anyone unauthorized tries to steal the package. You can program it, to allow a neighbor to pick it up for you, but unauthorized ‘pick ups’ will be alarmed.

10. GIVE THEM A VIRTUAL KEY

Amazon Key is a new program that puts a keypad lock on your door that is accessible to anyone you give the code to. You get notifications on your phone app that a service has used the lock. Amazon deliverers place your package just inside the door, are recorded on video, and you receive notification. You can also use the service to allow cleaners, dog walkers, etc., into your home with the same service. It’s $250 to begin the service, Amazon installs for you, and it gives you an option for safe package delivery if you have concerns about your package, your neighborhood, and all other options have been exhausted.

I’ll be honest, this last program is one that we wouldn’t use for our home, but I understand the convenience factor for so many. It isn’t any different than having a cleaner or dog walker coming to your home to provide service when you aren’t there, but at least those folks have been vetted personally. I’m sure the service is bonded, and regulations are in place that the deliverer cannot be in the home longer than thirty seconds, it’s just not something I’d be comfortable with. I’d love to hear your experience if you have used it, though.

Holiday Package Delivery Safety Tips — keep those gifts from the heart safe from thieves during the holiday season and anytime during the year! Don’t let Christmas holidays be ruined by thieves, protect your deliveries!

Other alternatives for package delivery safety

  • Purchase a lock box for your front porch
  • Purchase a mailbox with secured access
  • Place a hold on mail and pick up at post office
  • Insure your packages – it may not stop a thief, but it may get you your money back or items replaced at no cost to you!

Stay Safe This Fourth Of July Holiday

Chino Valley Fire District

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District reminds residents that fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the City of Chino Hills and in the unincorporated County areas.  State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks can be used in the City of Chino, except in the area south of Pine Avenue and in the area east of Euclid Avenue between Merrill and Kimball avenues.

 

“Safe and Sane” fireworks do not fly or blow up and are registered with the California State Fire Marshal as a “Safe and Sane” firework.  In the City of Chino, these fireworks can only be used or possessed in residential areas from noon on July 1st through midnight July 4th, and not on school grounds, parking lots, commercial areas or parks.

 

The Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department/Chino Hills Police Department will be enforcing zero tolerance for illegal fireworks.  The penalty for using illegal fireworks is up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.  Parents/guardians will be held liable for any fire suppression costs, damages or injuries caused by their children’s use of fireworks.

 

The Chino Valley Fire District encourages residents to enjoy the various professional fireworks shows scheduled throughout the county.  Below are some helpful tips for the use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

 

  • Always read and follow the directions
  • Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
  • Buy from a reliable fireworks vendor
  • Ignite fireworks outside and have a water source available
  • Never experiment with fireworks, modify fireworks or try to make fireworks of your own
  • Ignite fireworks one at a time
  • Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks
  • Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Never throw fireworks or carry them in your pocket

 

“Please make safety a priority while using fireworks to celebrate the July 4th Holiday” said Fire Chief Tim Shackelford.

 

For additional information regarding fireworks, visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.

 

Five Holiday Safety Tips To Keep Pets Safe

By LEAFF (Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters)

 

LEAFF Law Enforcement and Fire Protection

L.E.A.F.F. Eastvale

Eastvale – The holidays are a time of family and celebration, and that celebration also includes the family pets. While most of us know the holiday dangers in regard to keeping our homes and families safe, pets are just as likely to be injured from owner negligence. Follow these important tips to ensure that the holidays are a time of joy for all the members of your family.

  1. Secure Your Christmas Tree:Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pets. This will also prevent the tree water – which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset – from spilling. Stagnant tree water is also a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should they ingest it.
  2. Avoid Tinsel on Trees: While sparkly and eye-catching, tinsel can beswallowed by pets, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.
  3. Holiday Food is Not Pet Food: Chocolate and anything sweetened with Xylitol is very dangerous for animals. Keep in mind, animals will go to great lengths to chomp on something tasty. Be sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and secure the lids on garbage cans.
  4. Holiday Lights: Keep wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of the reach of paws. An exposed wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus. Shards of breakable ornaments can also damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
  5. New Year’s Celebration Noise: As you count down to the New Year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in an animal’s intestines, if ingested, possibly necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Just like the Fourth of July, the clanging of pots and pans, firecrackers, and other loud disturbances can cause outside pets to become fearful and attempt to leave your yard in search of shelter. Keep pets safely inside as midnight approaches.

 

Tips Courtesy of the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Chino: Holiday Safety Tips

Staff Reports

 

Chino – ‘Tis the season of joy, cheer…and theft. Shoppers nationwide are most vulnerable to theft during the holidays. While out, shoppers are urged to stay alert, and check their safety list twice.

The City of Chino offers the following tips to make your holidays more enjoyable:

 

  • Plan shopping trips to allow extra time, and avoid dark hours.
  • Use the buddy system and include a shopping partner.
  • Walk confidently with your head up, make eye contact with people and have your keys ready.
  • Be alert and aware (look for suspicious persons or individuals who appear to be loitering).
  • Know your surroundings at all times (location, exits, security staff).
  • Always lock your car doors and remember where you park.
  • Never hide spare keys in or on your car.  If you need spare keys, keep them in your wallet or purse.
  • Do not carry more cash/valuables than is absolutely necessary.
  • Be discreet with cash and valuables. Do not count money in your car or public areas.
  • Carry your purse with the opening flap next to your body and with the strap hung over your shoulder.
  • Place valuables out of sight (i.e. bags, purses, cell phones, tablets, etc.) in the trunk prior to parking, or take them with you.
  • Re-park your vehicle if you drop bags off in the trunk.
  • Tell children where they are (location)
  • Identify a safe place and instruct youngsters to contact a store employee or security guard should he/she become separated.
  • Talk to children about stranger-danger and staying away from candy or bribes while shopping.
  • Do NOT have your child’s name visibly displayed on clothing or bags.
  • Check your basic vehicle maintenance (gas, lights, tire pressure).
  • Drive defensively and courteously.
  • Do not drive across parking stalls; use marked driving lanes and obey all traffic signs.
  • Remember, parking lots will be more crowded and checkout lanes will be busier, so be patient and have a safe shopping experience.
  • For cyber-shopping, use familiar websites and apps from reputable retail companies.
  • Look for the Lock on website URLs to ensure it is a safe site for credit transactions.
  • Do not provide information like social security numbers and birthdays.
  • Ensure your PC has anti-virus software; most will have an identity theft prevention component.
  • Use strong passwords.

 

Chino: CVFD Offers Thanksgiving Cooking Tips

The Chino Valley Fire District wants to help ensure that your Thanksgiving holiday is a safe and happy one. Below are some safety tips that will help you and your loved ones stay safe during the holiday.
Cooking Safety:
 Begin holiday cooking with a clean stove, oven and food preparation surfaces.
 Keep the kitchen area “off limits” to young children and adults that are not helping with food preparation to avoid accidents or mishaps.
 Have games or other activities for young children outside the kitchen area to keep them entertained.
 Avoid wearing clothing with loose or long fitting sleeves that might ignite if too close to a flame. Also avoid wearing dangling jewelry that might get caught on pot handles.
 Never leave boiling pots unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off all burners or have another adult watch what is being cooked.
 Have a fire extinguisher available no more than 10 feet from the stove or cooking area.
 Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
 Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains— away from your stovetop.
Deep-Fryer Safety:
 If you are using a deep fryer to cook your turkey, make sure it is set up outdoors in an open area that is away from walls, wooden fences, hanging tree branches and any other structure or item that can catch fire.
 Never use a deep fryer on a wooden deck or inside a garage.
 Never let children or pets near the fryer when it is in use.
 Never leave a deep fryer unattended.
For more information on holiday safety tips, visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Eastvale: Neighborhood Preservation Standards – Did You Know?

Did you know that the City Municipal Code Sec. 120.05.080.(c)(7) – Neighborhood Preservation Standards – Temporary exterior display and holiday display provides enforceable guidelines:

a. Any temporary exterior display or holiday display shall not physically impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic on any street, sidewalk or right-of-way;

b. Any temporary exterior display or holiday display shall be allowed for a period not to exceed 45 consecutive days.

Holiday Safety Reminders

Southern California Edison reminds its customers to stay safe around electricity this holiday season. Residents are encouraged not to attach holiday lights to Edison equipment, including street lights and utility poles, since this poses a potential safety and fire hazard for the residents and Edison crews. Here are a few safety reminders as you begin preparing for the holiday season:

•       DO NOT attach decorations, lights and/or ornaments to any Southern California Edison equipment or street lights.

•       Do not use decorative lighting with frayed cords and wires, broken fuses or broken light bulbs.

•       Do not use staples, nails or tacks to hang electrical cords. These can pierce the protective insulation.

•       Use only Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved lighting and extension cords.

•       Plug no more than three strands of lights into each electrical cord/outlet.

•       Ensure live trees are well watered, and keep electric cords away from tree stands with water pans.

•       Never use lighted candles on or near holiday trees or decorations.

•       Remember to unplug decorative lights when you leave home and before going to bed.   NOTE: See also “Safe Use of Power Cords” at http://www.sce.com

•       Safely remove and store your holiday lighting and electrical decorations.

•       Unplug all decorations, lights and extension cords before taking them down. Plugged in items are still energized and can be dangerous.

•       Don’t tug on electrical cords – this may tear the insulation and expose wires.

•       Do not approach or touch overhead power lines and avoid service drops (pole-to-house connections) when removing decorations – keeping ladders, long-handed tools and dangling light strands in mind too.

•       Follow the manufacturer and your city’s directions for safely disposing of worn or broken lights and decorations.

For more information about the Neighborhood Preservation Standards, please visit the Municipal Code page on the City’s website: http://www.eastvaleca.gov/index.aspx?page=170

If you have additional Code Enforcement questions, please feel free to call the Code Enforcement Department at City Hall at (951) 361-2888 or email Code_Complaint@eastvaleca.gov.

Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

Holiday giftsBy Your Local L.E.A.F.F. Organization

Eastvale – With the holidays swiftly approaching, thefts and burglaries, as well as fire risks, are elevated.  Help keep your loved ones safe this season by following these important tips:

Indoor House Safety

• Treat your Christmas tree like another houseplant.  When you water your houseplants, check the water in your tree, and make sure and check for any dead branches, and remove them.

• Keep your tree away from electrical sources and outlets.  This includes fireplaces and burning candles.

• Before hanging lights on the house or tree, inspect the lights for rips and tears and bulbs that may be burned out or broken.

• Make sure your tree is suitable for your house.  A 10-foot tree should not go in a room with a 9-foot ceiling, and so forth.

• Make sure your tree is safe, secure and upright to prevent it from falling on children, pets or guests.

• Keep pets away from lights and trees.  Animals, especially young ones, like to chew on cords, which can cause an electrical shock and even spark a fire.

• When you are not at home, leave blinds and curtains closed so that your tree and gifts are not on display for curious criminals.  When you are home at night, it is okay to open blinds and “display” your tree.

• Boxes from the big ticket purchases like plasma TVs, X-Boxes, Play Stations, etc., should not be thrown in the outside trash container as they draw attention to what is inside your house.  Instead, flatten boxes and throw them away at work or in a local dumpster.

• Retrieve mail and packages immediately.  Do not allow them to sit on doorsteps or in the mailbox as thieves regularly break into mailboxes and steal packages right off the porch.

Shopping Safety

While out shopping, be aware of your surroundings and never shop alone.  Keep an eye out for suspicious persons or people that appear to be “watching” you. If at all possible, shop during the day and try and only go to one store.  If you need to shop multiple stores, check your purchases into the store’s bag-check instead of leaving them in your trunk. Thieves will often watch shoppers as they go from store to store, drop items off at their car, and return to shopping.  Once you have left your car, especially at night, they break into your car and grab your purchases.  If you must put things in your trunk, try to at least cover purchases with blankets or other items to make it more difficult for thieves to grab and go.

Personal Safety

When you attend holiday parties and other celebrations, make sure you designate a responsible driver or call a taxi or a friend if you drink too much.  Also be aware of your surroundings and your neighborhood.  If something looks out of place or is questionable, call the police.  According to L.E.A.F.F. President, Rigo Arrellano, local law enforcement would rather you call them than not. You never know when your suspicion could catch a criminal or save a life. In other words, don’t just talk about it, be about it.