Friday’s topic was “Emergency Preparedness and Crime Prevention”. Our speakers were Sergeant Jason W. Davis of the Arcadia Police Department and Captain John Twitchell of the Arcadia Fire Department.
First to speak was Sergeant Davis, who has been with Arcadia PD since 2006. He has taught at First Avenue Middle School, grades 6-8 on History, English and ESL Block. He is currently in the Administrative Division, with emphasis on Crime Prevention presentations. He concentrated his talk on personal and public safety and crime prevention. Normally, in conjunction with Captain Twitchell, their presentation will encompass a four hour time slot. In speaking to Arcadia Rotary, he condensed his portion of the talk to highlights we should all bear in mind.
Personal safety involves being aware of your surroundings and keeping your eyes open to what is around you. He emphasized that if you see something strange around your house or neighborhood, good, bad, or whatever, don’t hesitate to call the police, 911. The police are looking for opportunities to put criminals in jail. Things to be careful about during the holidays and other times, are “predators”, i.e. people who will follow you home after purchases, or who follow delivery trucks to homes. If you are not at home, arrange for the package to be delivered to some who will be home to receipt for the package. There has been a “spike” in stealing of late, so it pays to be vigilant. Keep doors and windows locked at home and in your car.
If you are traveling, be aware of your surroundings. If someone suspicious is approaching you, stare directly at them.
Another area of concern is identity theft. Sources of stealing information are the Internet, safeguarded information, and telephone solicitations. It is good practice to contact credit bureaus to check your status, as a check against identity theft.
Finally, he emphasized if there is an emergency situation, call 911, and don’t be reluctant to call the police. Report strange things. The police do not consider it a bother, that’s what there for. And, when describing a person to the police, try to describe the persons from head first and then down to toes.
Captain Twitchell has been with Arcadia Fire since 1991 when he was hired as probaionary Fire Technician. He became a Fire Engineer in 1996 and was both a Truck Engineer and Engineer on an Engine Company. He was promoted to Captain in 2010. He also teaches at the Ventura/Oxnard Regional Fire Academy.
Captain Twitchell said the most important thing in Emergency Preparedness is “preparation”. He believes the previous windstorm to hit the San Gabriel Valley was a great learning experience for people to learn how to adjust to like without utilities and common comforts. After the wind event, the Fire Department had 33 calls and answered all within five minutes.
Be prepared to mitigate problems. In an emergency, the Fire Department is the first line of defense. Know your neighborhood. Be prepared to share resources in the event of an emergency.
The Fire Department’s response time is excellent, but it is also responsible to answer to State calls and local needs and mutual aid.
In the possibility of the big earthquake, use your cell phone to text as direct calls maybe impacted. Practice for the Earthquake, he emphasized practice as the best preventative. Have a survival kit, try to have cash as banks may be closed, be self sufficient for 72 hours. Buy a 55 gallon water drum. Small bottles of water expire very quickly. Some people think pool water is potable, it is not. It is okay for washing but that is it.
Finally, he reminded everyone the Department has a graffiti hot line, if you see any call the Department. Like the Police Department emphasized, if you see anything odd in the neighborhood. Give them a call.