Smoke Alarms
June, 2010
I was sleeping the other night when I heard this suspicious chirping downstairs in my house. So faced with a
possible dangerous situation my immediate solution was to wake my wife up and have her go check on it, but common sense kicked in and I decide that I should take on that task.
While wandering around downstairs in the darkness facing danger, I located the noise coming from one of my smoke alarms. Being a good husband I went back up stairs and woke my wife up to ask her where the batteries are stored. So, with this crisis averted, I decided that I should discuss smoke alarms in this month’s article so you can avoid a traumatic
situation.
The typical smoke alarm is either hard-wired into your home’s electrical system with a battery backup or run solely on battery power.
The three most common types of smoke alarms are:
| 1. |
Ionization – For installations with the potential for fast burning fires. |
| 2. |
Photoelectric – For installations with the potential for smoldering fires. |
| 3. |
Combination – Has both Ionization and Photoelectric
features. |
It is important to remember that in 25% of all reported fires in homes equipped with smoke alarms, the devices did not work. Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead, or disconnected batteries.
For your safety and to ensure effective operation of your smoke alarm, please do the following:
| 1. |
Replace all smoke alarm batteries when you change your clock for daylight savings |
| 2. |
Replace the battery in any smoke alarm that “Chirps” immediately. |
| 3. |
Replace all smoke alarms every ten years. If you can’t remember how old it is, then it’s probably time for a new one. |
| 4. |
Never paint over your smoke alarm. |
| 5. |
Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home and in the hallway for each bedroom. Smoke alarms should also be installed in each bedroom. |
| 6. |
Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceilings because smoke rises. |
| 7. |
Make sure you replace all smoke alarm batteries when moving into a new home. |
| 8. |
If someone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing,
consider installing an alarm that combines flashing lights, vibration and/or sound. |
| 9. |
Alarms that are hard-wired should have battery backups in case of power outages. |
If you have specific questions regarding smoke alarms, please contact the Orange County Fire Authority Community Relations at (714) 573-6200. If you have questions or concerns regarding policing issues in the Village of Woodbridge, please contact me at 949-724-7025 or brichardson@ci.irvine.ca.us
Barking Dogs
May, 2010
Have you ever wondered how your neighbor’s dog knows you have an important meeting early in the morning so he barks all night keeping you awake? Well, I don’t know the answer to that but I can tell you the Irvine Police Department responded to approximately 979 animal noise calls last year. The following information explains the civil citation procedure for excessive dog barking:
4-5-1202 IMC Definitions: “Barking dog means a dog that barks, bays, cries, howls, or makes any noise audible beyond the boundaries of the property on which the dog is situated for an extended period of time to the disturbance of any person at any time of day or night, regardless of whether the dog is physically situated in or upon private property. Such extended period of time shall consist of incessant barking, baying, crying, howling, or making of any noise for thirty (30) minutes or more in any twenty-four-hour period, or intermittent barking, baying, crying, howling for sixty (60) minutes or more during any twenty-four-hour period. A dog shall not be deemed a “barking dog” for purposes of this Chapter if, at any time the dog is barking, a person is trespassing or threatening to trespass upon private property in or upon which the dog is situated, or when the dog is being teased or provoked.”
Irvine Animal Services recommends that neighbors make an attempt to resolve the problem with the nuisance animal owner or other responsible person prior to filing a formal complaint. Sometimes the Responsible Person is unaware of the noise and is grateful for the opportunity to address the issue. If a formal complaint is submitted, Irvine Animal Services will attempt contact with the Responsible Person in an effort to help in the resolution of the reported problem. We cannot help resolve this matter however, without the assistance of the complaining party.
This information is intended to explain both the role of Irvine Animal Services and the role of the Complainant in the resolution of the problem. The civil citation procedure is as follows:
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The Complainant initiates a complaint either by calling the Irvine Police Department/Animal Services or by a written complaint. Once the complaint has been received, an Animal Services Officer shall attempt to contact the Responsible Person to give notice of the complaint, explain the civil citation procedure, and provide suggestions to resolve the situation. |
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Once notified of a barking complaint, the Responsible Person is given ten (10) days to resolve the situation (a reasonable extension may be granted). If the situation still exists after the (10) ten day correction period, the complainant may report a second complaint to the Irvine Police Department/Animal Services through dispatch at (949)724-7200 or Irvine Animal Services (949)724-7092. |
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The purpose of issuing a civil citation is to encourage voluntary and complete compliance with the Municipal Code to eliminate barking dog nuisances for the protection and benefit of the entire community. The issuance of a civil citation is solely at the Irvine Animal Services’ discretion, and is one option the Irvine Police Department has to address barking dog violations. |
| • |
If the Complainant requests to have a civil citation issued, the Complainant is required to sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury that the dog(s) is/are a nuisance as defined by the Municipal Code. |
| • |
The Responsible Person has the option to pay the fine and abate the nuisance, or contest the citation at an administrative hearing. Both the Complainant and the Responsible Person are required to attend the administrative hearing. If one of the parties fail to attend the administrative hearing, the citation can be upheld or dismissed based on which party fails to attend. If both parties attend as required, a hearing officer will listen to testimony and weigh evidence related to the case. The hearing officer will render their decision at the conclusion of the hearing and the decision is final. |
| • |
If the citation is upheld by the hearing officer, the fine is due and payable at the conclusion of the administrative hearing. Payment of the fine shall not excuse the violator from correcting the barking dog violation. |
Prescription Drugs and Teens
April, 2010
Did you know that prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are quickly becoming the drug of choice of our youth? While abuse of illicit drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, PCP and others are on the decline, many prescription drugs and even over-the-counter medications are being widely abused by our children. Even scarier is the potential deadly effects these drugs have when taken in excess, when
combined with other medications, or when combined with alcohol.
A 2008 survey revealed that 15.4% of high school seniors reported using a prescription drug for a non-medical purpose within the past year. This category includes amphetamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, and opiates other than heroin.
Several studies show that painkillers are the drug most commonly abused by teens. Almost two out of five teens report having friends who abuse prescription painkillers.
Painkillers such as Vicodin or Oxycontin are opiods. These drugs either contain opium or are derived from and imitate opium. These drugs act by changing the way a person experiences pain. When used as prescribed, they are safe and effective. However, when abused, they pose a risk for addiction and other serious effects.
How can you prevent your teen from abusing drugs?
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Safeguard all drugs at home. Know what drugs you have in the home, and prevent uncontrolled access to them. |
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Talk to your teens about drug use, including prescription drugs. |
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Properly dispose of old or unused prescription medications. |
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Know who your kids are hanging out with and ensure that they will not have uncontrolled access to these drugs at friends’ and other family members’ houses. |
| • |
Look for objective symptoms of drug abuse. Objective symptoms of opiate based drug influence include drowsiness, lack of concentration, lack of energy, constricted pupils, slurred speech, constipation, and most significantly, respiratory depression. |
If you need additional information or resources, please go to our department webpage at www.irvinepd.org and click on “Juvenile Resources” located on the left side menu bar.
If you have any issues or concerns regarding crime or quality of life issues in your community, please feel free to contact me at 724-7025 or e-mail me at brichardson@ci.irvine.ca.us. Be safe!
Loud Party Calls
March, 2010
Every year the Irvine Police Department responds to approximately 2,000 loud party calls. On many of these calls, our officers are confronted with large parties where underage drinking is prevalent. These types of parties impact our community in ways that are sometimes not entirely visible.
Recently, our officers responded to a large party involving underage drinking. When officers arrived, they found individuals involved in a physical fight with other juveniles, driving away in numerous vehicles. The street was littered with empty alcohol beverage containers and common sense would indicate that many of the drivers leaving the community had most likely been drinking.
Further investigation revealed a street robbery had occurred on the street during the party and later in the evening, officers responded to another part of the city where there was a fight in a park followed up by another fight adjacent to the park where a young adult was injured and had to be transported to the hospital for his injuries. Additional investigation revealed that some of these same individuals had been at the prior mentioned party and had been drinking.
My point is simple: these types of parties do impact your community, and your children. Your children may be drinking at these parties and may become a victim of an assault or a drunk driver. In addition, they may be the one operating your vehicle while driving under the influence.
Finally, many of these parties involve binge drinking which is the most common pattern of alcohol consumption among high school youth who drink alcohol, and is strongly associated with a wide range of other health risk behaviors. These include riding with a driver who has been drinking, being the victim of dating violence, attempting suicide, and using illicit drugs.
In addition to resources available on the Irvine Police Department website at www.Irvinepd.org, take the time to talk to your teenagers about underage drinking, know where your teenagers are at night, and if you’re away for the evening or the weekend, please provide appropriate supervision.
In closing, please take time out of your busy lives to enjoy your family. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (949) 724-7025 or richardson@ci.irvine.ca.us.
Hands Free?
January, 2010
Have you ever had the experience driving to work on a beautiful sunny day when you observe traffic slowing down in front of you and switching lanes? All of a sudden, you’re faced with a slow moving vehicle driving 10 to 15 miles an hour below the posted speed limit. After several hundred yards of trying to switch lanes, and making numerous comments about the vehicle’s driver, you’re able to pass the vehicle and see that he is holding his cell phone to his ear oblivious to everything going on around him.
Despite the enactment of the California Hands Free Laws in July 2008 and January 2009, I encounter many people each day that are still driving and either using their cell phones without a “Hands-Free device,” or texting while driving. I could easily write 20 or more tickets a day for these violations.
While there is much debate over whether it is holding the phone, or merely the act of talking that causes distraction, the studies are clear that cell phone use while driving causes distraction, and increases the risk of traffic collisions. Some studies have even equated the level of distraction to the same level of impairment experienced driving while under the influence of alcohol.
California’s Hands-Free Laws
I would like to challenge each of you to take these studies to heart. We have enough distractions on the road without needlessly creating additional distractions and increasing our likelihood of either causing a collision or being involved in one. If you must use your phone while driving, here are some of the facts related to California’s Hands-Free laws:
| • |
All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. |
| • |
Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving even with a hands-free device. |
| • |
Drivers over 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving unless a hands-free device is used. The speakerphone can be used as long as the phone does not need to be held. |
| • |
The law does not prohibit the manipulation of the phone to initiate or receive a call. |
| • |
Emergency calls to law enforcement or other emergency services are exempt. |
| • |
The base fine for a first offense is $20.00, and the fine for a second offense is $50.00. After penalty assessments the total fine can be almost triple the base amount. |
| • |
If issued a citation, it is a reportable offense so it will show up on your driving record; however, a DMV point is not assessed |
In closing, please drive safe and avoid unnecessary distractions while driving. This will allow you ample time to arrive safely at the florist shop to purchase those flowers for Valentines Day. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (949) 724-7025 or brichardson@ci.irvine.ca.us.
New Years Resolutions
January, 2010
I would like to take this time to wish you all a happy New Year. In addition to the “get back to the gym” resolution that we all make, I thought I would provide you with a few more.
We all Long for... a Cross Cut Paper Shredder
First and foremost, if you have read any of my previous articles, you will know the number one item we all long for; a cross cutter paper shredder. This item will make it difficult for the suspects who dig through your trash cans looking for items containing your personal information to commit identity theft. So if you haven’t done it yet, run to the store, purchase your paper shredder, and shred to your heart’s content.
Be Prepared
Second, if you have had the opportunity to see the doomsday movie “2012,” that should make you want to run out and purchase supplies for a family “Emergency Kit” and enroll in our “CERT” - Community Emergency Response Team training. If you would like more information on CERT training, please contact Dawna Finley in our Emergency Management Unit at 949-724-7148. If you need more information on what you should place in an emergency kit, please go to the website www.readyoc.org.
Some Things Really are Free!
Third, everyone is looking for a no cost item that you and your family can enjoy. How about a free security inspection of your home? Crime Prevention Officer Dick Berg will conduct an on-site custom security inspection of your home or apartment at your convenience.
You will be given information and training on the most effective locks, alarm systems, and lighting specific to your home and your area. You will receive a written evaluation of the improvements you can make to increase security without making your home a fortress. The one-hour investment of time that is necessary for the inspection will pay huge dividends, both in physical security and in peace of mind. Contact Dick Berg to schedule your Home Security Inspection at (949) 724-7051 or dberg@ci.irvine.ca.us.
Add us to your Invitation List
Fourth, invite me and one of your area officers to attend any type of homeowners, professional, or neighborhood meeting and discuss policing issues that impact you. You can contact me at 949-724-7025 or email me at brichardson@ci.irvine.ca.us to schedule. This is also a no cost item other than a glass of milk and a few cookies.
Safety for your Family
Fifth, if you can remember back far enough, the rainy season is this time of year. Please check your teenager’s vehicle tires and windshield wipers and discuss their driving on wet roadways. Remind them that even the slightest precipitation can cause roadways to be slick and increase stopping distances.
In closing, I hope this helps you have a safe New Year and if you need any other New Year’s resolutions, please contact me.
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