•  Chimney fires are preventable with proper care
•  Crime prevention tips
•  Curfew
•  Curfew laws in effect
•  Emergency help - Call 911
•  Fire pits & recreational fires
•  Fire prevention tips
•  Fireworks
•  Good home security habits
•  Home emergency kit
•  Home health concerns
•  Identity theft
•  Is your address visible on your home or business?
•  Locking your car isn't enough
•  New sirens added to enhance traffic safety
•  Personal safety tips
•  Phone and internet security
•  Reevaluate the security of your home
•  Seatbelts and Airbags
•  Smoke detectors
•  Spring safety tips
•  Theft from Auto - Safety Tips
•  Warning sirens

Chimney fires are preventable with proper care
Chimney fires caused about $1 million in damage in 2004 and made up 60 percent of all the heating-related fires in our state (257). Chimney fires can start with a low rumbling sound and then explode onto the roof or they can smolder silently inside the chimney and build up intense heat that ignites combustible materials nearby. Chimney fires are usually caused by buildup of creosote. Creosote is highly combustible and restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and cooler-than-normal chimney temperatures can contribute to creosote buildup. You can help prevent a chimney fire by calling a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney annually, and have necessary repairs completed before you light a fire. In addition to regular cleaning, you can take these steps to avoid chimney fires:

• Use seasoned wood only. Dryness is more important than hardwood/softwood considerations.
• Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke.
• Never burn cardboard, wrapping paper, trash or holiday trees; they can spark chimney fires.
• If you have a wood stove, install a stovepipe thermometer and adjust burning practices.

For information on selecting a chimney sweep, the chimney cleaning process and more, go to the Chimney Safety Institute of America web site at www.csia.org.

Crime prevention tips
Here are a few home crime prevention pointers from the St. Louis Park Police Department. Call the Police Department at (952) 924-2661 for more information.

• Install deadbolt locks that have at least a one inch bolt. Screws fastening the strike plate should be four inches long.
• If the lock is keyed from the inside, make sure the key is easily available in case of fire.
• Have strong quality doors with sturdy frames.
• Make sure all accessible windows have secure locks.
• Don't hide an extra house key outside under the door mat or in a fake rock or flower pot.
• Always lock the doors to your home and garage. Don't forget to lock the doors between your house and attached garage.
• Leave exterior lights on during the evening. Or, install motion-sensing exterior flood lights.
• Mark valuables through Operation I.D.
• Place Neighborhood Watch stickers on your doors and windows.

Curfew
Hennepin County's juvenile curfew prohibits youth from public places (parks, streets, movie theaters, restaurants, bowling alleys, etc.) during certain nighttime hours.

Youth age 12 and under -

• Home by 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays
• Home by 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Youth ages 12 to 14 -

• Home by 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays
• Home by 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Youth ages 15 to 17 -

• Home by 11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays
• Home by midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Young people out after curfew can be stopped and questioned by police; curfew violations may lead to a fine or court appearance. Parents or guardians may also be guilty of a misdemeanor if they allow - either intentionally or through negligent supervision - a juvenile to break curfew.

Young people may be out after curfew if they are with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult, or if they are going to or from their job. They may also be out if they are attending or returning from an organized and supervised school, church, synagogue, or youth group activity. There are also exceptions for emergencies and running errands for parents or guardians.

County curfew law in effect
Since 1995 Hennepin County has had a countywide curfew ordinance restricting the nighttime hours when juveniles can be in public places.Police are authorized to enforce this ordinance.

The curfew law specifies when a juvenile should be at home. During curfew hours, juveniles are not permitted in any public place (including streets, parks, movie theaters, restaurants, parking lots or any car in a public place). Although it always extends to 5:00 am, the curfew start time depends on the age of the juvenile and the day of the week:

Age	Weekdays	Friday/Saturday
Under 12	9 p.m.	10 p.m.
12 to 14	10 p.m.	11 p.m
15 - 17	11 p.m.	Midnight

A curfew violation is a petty offense, and it is a misdemeanor for a parent to allow a juvenile to violate curfew (either intentionally or through negligent supervision).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Officers can stop and question any juvenile in Hennepin County who is out after curfew. After speaking with the juvenile and considering the facts and surrounding circumstances, the officer must reasonably believe that the juvenile has violated the curfew law and that none of the exceptions (below) apply before issuing a citation, detaining the juvenile or taking the juvenile into custody.

Specific exceptions to the curfew are:

• The juvenile is with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.
• The juvenile is working or is in transit to or from work.
• The juvenile is involved in an emergency.
• The juvenile is attending or in transit to or from an official school,
  religious or other sponsored recreational activity.
• The juvenile is doing an errand for a parent or guardian.
• The juvenile is exercising First Amendment rights protected by the U.S. Constitution.
• The juvenile is engaged in interstate travel.
• The juvenile is on the public boulevard or sidewalk next to his or her home.

The County Attorney's Office has business-size cards and refrigerator magnets which detail the curfew times. These are provided to schools, police, libraries and youth-serving agencies for distribution to parents and children. To obtain cards or magnets, call the County Attorney's office at 612-348-6765.

Emergency Help - Call 911
Emergency assistance is available to you every day of the year, 24 hours a day. Dial 911 if you need the immediate assistance of a police officer, firefighter or paramedic. If you are dialing from a pay phone, you do not need to deposit coins. To help the dispatcher send appropriate help, try to remain calm so you can describe the problem. (If you are unable to speak and calling from a conventional phone - not a cell phone - your address is displayed in the 911 center so dispatchers will be able to send help.)

Call 911 if you witness or find yourself in an emergency situation such as -

• Accident
• Injury or medical emergency
• Fire
• Strong gas smell inside a building
• Intruder
• Suspicious person(s)/activity
• Crime in progress
• Violent/potentially violent individual(s).

If you aren't sure whether the situation constitutes an emergency, don't hesitate to call 911. The 911 dispatcher will determine what assistance is appropriate.

Fire pits & recreational fires
St. Louis Park residents may have a small recreational fire on their private property from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and from 7 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

A Recreational Fire Permit is required for fire pits and other devices designed for outdoor recreational fires (not barbeque grills). There is no cost for the permit, and it’s good for the calendar year. The purpose of the permit is to provide applicants with information about safe recreational fires and to give the Fire Department the addresses of area fire pits in case they get calls from neighbors worried about seeing or smelling smoke. You can reduce the amount of smoke with the use of seasoned dry wood.

You can print out the permit from this web site and mail or fax it to the Fire Department. Click on Permits & Licenses to view the form. For more information, e-mail csmith@stlouispark.org or call (952) 924-2171.

Whenever you have a recreational fire, please take these precautions

• Thoroughly extinguish your fire when you’re done.
• Never light start a fire with lighter fluid, gasoline or another flammable liquid. The vapors from flammable liquids can flash back and burn anyone standing nearby. Flammable liquids also have the potential to initially burn too high and get out of control.
• Always have a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case of a problem.
• Never have an outdoor fire on a windy day.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Recreational Fire Permit

Fire prevention tips
Here are a few pointers from the St. Louis Park Fire Department. Upon request, firefighters will visit homes to advise you on where to place smoke detectors or how to create an evacuation plan. Call (952) 924-2171 for more information.

• Install a smoke detector in every bedroom, in the hallway outside of bedrooms, and on every level of your home (including attics and basements).
• Test your detectors every month, and change the batteries twice a year.
• Buy a fire extinguisher (rated 2A-10BC) for the kitchen. (Some insurance policies offer lower rates for homes with smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher.)
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Avoid the use of extension cords. Use a fused power strip instead.
• Power strips should be equipped with overload protection.
• Periodically check electrical cords for insulation cracks.
• Have your furnace properly maintained and change filters regularly.
• Don't store boxes too close to the furnace or water heater: leave at least three feet of clearance.
• Keep lint from accumulating in your clothes dryer.
• If you have gas appliances, learn where the shut-off valves are and check to make sure they're operational.
• If you have an attached garage, make sure the firewall between the house and garage is in good condition.
• Properly install and maintain wood burning appliances.
• Light bulbs get very hot: keep clothes, curtains and papers away from them.
• Don't leave burning candles or oil lamps unattended.
• Teach children what a smoke detector sounds like and what to do if they hear the alarm.
• Teach children never to hide during a fire. Tell them to call for help if they can't escape.
• Prepare and practice a home evacuation plan in case of fire. Set a meeting place so you can be sure everyone is safe.

Fireworks
Minnesota law allows the sale of only non-explosive and non-aerial fireworks to consumers. Legal fireworks include: sparklers, cones, tubes that emit sparks and novelty items such as snakes and party poppers. Explosive and aerial fireworks are illegal for public sale, possession and use.

• You must be at least 18 years old to buy fireworks.
• Consumers may not use fireworks in parks, roads, alleys, schools, government property or any public property.

Good home security habits
St. Louis Park Police Department would like to remind residents to practice good home security habits. Here is a quick and easy checklist to assist you in developing these good habits:

• Do you lock up? Double check that ALL doors and windows are locked tight while you are out of your home.
• Do the exterior lights illuminate your home well?
• Are the shrubs trimmed by the windows and doors?
• Are garage doors closed AND locked when not in use?
• Do you report suspicious activity or persons to the police immediately?
• Do you lock up your tools and ladders and make sure they are not laying out in the yard for burglars to use?
• Do you have heavy duty strike plates mounted on exterior door frames?
• Does your deadbolt extend at least one inch?
• Is your house number displayed in such a way that it is visible from the street both day and night?
• Most importantly, do you know a neighbor or two? This is important so that if you are out of town someone can look over your home. Go out and introduce yourself to your neighbors or get involved in your neighborhood watch group!

You should be able to answer "yes" to all of the above suggestions to be well on your way to burglary prevention. If you have any other questions or concerns, or would like to set up an appointment for a premise survey of your home, you can contact Community Outreach at (952) 924-2661. Click Here for a printable flyer

Home emergency kit
It'd be a rare Minnesota summer without at least one trip to the basement because of a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning. The St. Louis Park Fire Department recommends you keep an emergency kit in your basement that contains:

• Flashlight
• Battery operated radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Candle and matches
• Pillow and blanket
• Snacks and beverages with a long shelf life
• Deck of cards, books, toys, etc.
• Notebook with your doctor's name and phone number, names of all family members and their blood types and special medical conditions. It should also list your homeowner's insurance policy number and agent's phone number.

Home health concerns
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of natural gas, propane, oil, coal or wood. When CO replaces oxygen in the blood's hemoglobin, oxygen starvation-and eventually death-can result.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, flu-like symptoms and sometimes loss of memory. If you have these symptoms, get out of the house immediately: do not stop to open windows. Call 911 from a neighbor's house.

CO poisoning can be caused by a bad furnace, a blocked flue, or improper exhaust venting from illegal connections. Extreme moisture accumulation in the house can be a warning sign of CO gas. If you're concerned about your furnace, hire a licensed heating contractor to perform a carbon monoxide and smoke bomb test.

The St. Louis Park Fire Department recommends that homeowners install a carbon monoxide detector close enough to bedrooms to wake you from a sound sleep. Make sure the detector is properly installed and maintained.

Deteriorated chimneys can become blocked and allow potentially lethal carbon monoxide gas into the home. Signs of chimney deterioration include excessive moisture in the home, an aldehyde odor (similar to the smell of exhaust emitted when a car shuts off) or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information, call 952/924-2588.

Formaldehyde is an irritating gas vapor that, depending on the individual's tolerance, can cause reactions such as coughing, headaches, cramps, burning eyes or shortness of breath.

Formaldehyde is found in adhesives used in fabricating carpet and rug backing, curtains and particle board. It has a pungent odor and is easily noticeable. Formaldehyde is generally considered a health hazard until the resins have totally cured. Once the adhesives have cured, the vapors are eliminated and the health threat is over as long as the material remains moisture-free. If you are concerned about formaldehyde, call the Minnesota Department of Health at (651) 215-0909 or the City of St. Louis Park 952/924-2589.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of radium, an element commonly found in rock and soil. Outdoors, radon gas is not a health hazard; indoors, it can become a problem when it accumulates to high levels. Initial testing for elevated radon gas levels should be done with an alpha track detector available from many hardware, drug and discount stores.

St. Louis Park residents may buy radon detection kits for $7 at city hall (Inspections Department) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651/215-0909 or the City of St. Louis Park at (952) 924-2589.

Identity theft
Identity theft involves taking a victim's identity to obtain credit and steal money. Here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim

• Don't give out personal information by phone, mail or internet unless you have initiated the contact.
• Use a cross-cut paper shredder to shred all discarded financial documents, including pre-approved credit applications, insurance forms, bank checks and statements.
• Don't use your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your social security number or a similar series of numbers as a password for anything.
• Carry as little identification as possible. Don't carry your social security card, birth certificate or passport unless absolutely necessary.
• Don't carry every credit card you have in your wallet. Leave infrequently used cards at home or alternate which cards you carry. (For example, if you have both a VISA and a MasterCard. Leave one at home.)
• Don't put your social security number on checks or credit receipts.
• When using an ATM or phone card, make sure no one is looking over your shoulder to get your PIN number.
• Once a year, check your credit report for inaccuracies.
• Read your account statements to check for unauthorized credit card charges.
• Keep a list of all credit card and bank account numbers with customer service phone numbers.
• Don't put your credit card number on the Internet unless it's an encrypted, secured site.
• Don't download files sent by strangers or click on hyperlinks in e-mails from senders you don't know.
• Don't store financial information on laptop computers.

For more information, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at 1-858-693-7935 or www.idtheftcenter.com. St. Louis Park residents can report identity theft by contacting the police department's Support Services at: (952) 924-2600.

Is your address visible on your home or business?
Every second counts when you're waiting for a fire truck or ambulance. Please help police and firefighters find your home or business quickly: make sure your address numbers are easy to read at night.

To test how readable your address numbers are, try reading them from your car at night. If you have to squint to see them: replace them with larger numbers that contrast sharply with your home's siding. Emergency vehicles will be able to find your home much more quickly if they don't have to slow down and shine a spotlight to read small address numbers. Garages facing alleys should also have a visible address numbers.

Locking your car isn't enough
Thefts from vehicles have increased dramatically - especially from short-term drop-off locations such as day care centers and schools. Most of the thefts are committed in 10 to 20 minutes. Nearly half of the thefts were committed because the car doors were left unlocked, and nearly all the thefts involved vehicles where valuables were in plain view.

In addition to losing valuables, police are finding an increasing connection between car thefts and subsequent identity theft.

To reduce your chance of becoming a victim, take your valuables with you when you park your car. Car alarms and locking your car will NOT protect you from theft. It only takes seconds for thieves to break a car window and grab items from the seat. If you must leave valuables in your car, lock them in the trunk before arriving at your destination. (Be aware, however, that trunks of many newer cars are easy to tamper with because they have a release lever in the passenger compartment.)

If you see suspicious activity, call 911 immediately. If you are the victim of a theft, report the incident to the police promptly. Police need citizens to file reports so they can monitor crime trends and patterns. Once police have a good idea of when, where and how crimes are being committed, they can better solve the problem. For more information, contact officer Kurt Bahr at kbahr@stlouispark.org or (952) 924-2609 or officer Mike Garland at mgarland@stlouispark.org or (952)924-2607.

New sirens added to enhance traffic safety
If you've thought sirens on St. Louis Park police vehicles sound different lately, your ears are not playing tricks on you.

The new police sirens feature a vibrating, low frequency pulse that dramatically increases siren warning effectiveness. These sirens are engineered for improved recognition inside other vehicles and are ideal for dense urban environments with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

In addition, when combined with a standard siren tone, the vibrating pulse can be seen as well as heard by other motorists, something that is especially important when approaching crowded intersections.

As a reminder, when you're driving and hear a siren, please move to the right and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. This helps police and other responders to reach their destination more quickly and safely.

Personal safety tips
Here are a few personal safety pointers from the St. Louis Park Police Department.

• When walking, choose well lit areas where other people are present. Walk briskly and purposefully. Be alert to your surroundings and, if you feel uneasy, go immediately to a place where there are other people.
• When driving, keep valuables out of view. If you are being followed, go to the first open business you see and honk your horn or call police.
• Park in well lit areas and look around before you get out of your car. Always lock car doors.
• Car alarms and locking your car will NOT protect you from theft. It only takes seconds for thieves to break a vehicle window and grab items from the seat. Do not leave purses, briefcases, cell phones, gym bags, power cords, CD's or packages on the seat visible to passersby.

Phone and internet security

• Don't be pressured by telemarketers. If you are not familiar with a charity, you can call the Charities Review Council of Minnesota at (651) 224-7030. They can answer your questions or send you a brochure listing the charities that meet their standards for accountability, fund use, governance and fundraising practices.
• Be skeptical of any sales pitch that sounds too good to be true.
• Never give out your number to someone who calls the wrong number. Instead, just ask the caller what number he or she is calling.
• Never give out your name, address or other personal information to unknown callers or wrong number callers.
• Never give out credit card information to someone who calls you. Some criminals will say they are calling to verify an expiration date or a card number and will then purchase items with your account number.
• Never let an unknown caller know that you are home alone.
• If you receive a threatening or harassing call, hang up immediately. Do not say anything. If the calls continue, keep a record of the date, time and content of each call. You can get the phone number of the caller by pressing *69 on your telephone immediately after you hang up. Or, trace the call by pressing *57 (there is a charge for this). Then notify the police.
• Before doing business on the Internet, do some homework to make sure the company is legitimate.
• Protect yourself when paying online by checking the company's security policies and whether the browser is secure and encrypts your personal and financial information during online transmission.
• Shop only from online vendors that respect your privacy. Check the vendor's privacy policy before revealing personal information.

Garage burglaries
Recently there have been several garage burglaries in St. Louis Park. In order to reduce the chances that you will become a target of a burglary, please exercise the following important precautions.

Reevaluate the security of your home:

• Do not leave your garage door open.
• Do not leave valuables unsecured.
• Do not leave doors or windows unsecured or unattended.
• Update your doors and locks. Replace single cylinder locks with double deadbolts. Be sure door hinges are exposed from the inside only.
• Improve exterior elements, such as lighting. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.
• If leaving town, please notify your neighbors so they can watch your property.
• Home Security Tips
  

The police department will conduct a security survey of your property. To arrange for a survey, please contact the St. Louis Park Police Department at (952) 924-2661.

REMEMBER: ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOORS ON YOUR VEHICLES AND DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN UNATTENDED VEHICLES
Please report all suspicious activity in your neighborhood:

• Trust your instincts! If someone or something looks suspicious, report it!
• Call 911 or (952) 924-2618 (non-emergency.)
• Talk with your neighbors regarding all suspicious activity.
• If you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch group, please contact the Community Outreach Officer at (952) 924-2661.

Seatbelts and Airbags
Facts:

• Traffic crashes are the leading killer of people in Minnesota ages 4 to 33 (according to the Center for Disease Control). In addition they are the leading cause of death in the workplace and cause of death by unintentional injuries for all ages.
• Seatbelts are the most effective safety device in vehicles. In frontal crashes they can increase your chance of survival by 45% in a car and 60% in a light truck.
• An airbag is meant to supplement a seatbelt and NOT replace a seatbelt. Only a seatbelt can protect you in a rollover, not an airbag.
• Without wearing a seatbelt, a 35 m.p.h. crash is the equivalent of falling from a third-story window.
• Of 544 motor vehicle occupants killed in 2002, 62% were not wearing their seatbelt. Over half of the unbelted fatality victims were partially or fully ejected from the vehicle. If all unrestrained occupants who died in 2002 had buckled up - 205 could have survived if vehicle and crash type is factored.

Most accidents occur close to home at speeds 45 miles per hour or less, so make sure wearing your seatbelt is a habit. Parents should set a good example for their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics published a study that showed a direct correlation between driver seatbelt use and child restraint use. When a driver buckles up, child passengers are restrained 87% of the time. However, when a driver chooses not to buckle up, children are restrained only 24% of the time.

Minnesota's Seatbelt Laws:
Minnesota has a mandatory seatbelt law that was first enacted in 1986. The seatbelt law is the only traffic law in Minnesota that is considered "secondary" in nature; meaning that an officer must first witness a moving violation before citation can be issued for noncompliance. Not complying with Minnesota's belt law can result in a seatbelt ticket which can cost you on average between $70 - $115 (including court fees).

Smoke detectors, fire alarms and doors
It's illegal for tenants to tamper with fire alarms or smoke detectors. Some detectors become overly sensitive to steam from bathroom showers, cooking, dust or cobwebs. If your smoke detector frequently sounds false alarms, don't disconnect or disable the detector! Instead, call your building caretaker or manager to have the detector repaired or replaced.

To ensure that water is released in the event of a fire, don't hang anything from fire sprinkler heads or pipes. Do not place furniture or other items within 18 inches of the sprinkler head.

Unless your building has magnetic hold-open doors connected the building's fire alarm system, all fire doors - including laundry and storage room doors - must be kept closed at all times.

Learn where fire extinguishers are located in your building.

Spring safety tips
The change in seasons means a change in activities. The St. Louis Park Police Department passes along these safety reminders.

• Don't leave windows open when you're not at home (unless they can be secured).
• Always lock your doors even if you're just out working in the yard.
• Keep garage doors closed and locked even when you're home.
• Keep bikes locked in your garage or house.
• Join Operation ID and engrave your valuable property. Make sure to keep a list of valuables.

Theft from Auto - Safety Tips
Thieves target vehicles with ANY personal items visible inside, including personal electronics, checkbooks, credit cards, CDs etc.

Follow these tips to help reduce the chance of becoming a victim:

• Always lock your vehicle.
• Never leave personal items in your car.
• If you must leave valuables in your car, lock them in the trunk before arriving at your destination.
• Look around before you get out of your car. Be aware of surroundings. Report any suspicious activity immediately to the police.
• Do not leave your car running.
• Lock your garage. Unlocked cars in unlocked garages are also targets of auto theft.
• If you use an underground garage, wait for the door to close before driving away, so unwanted guests can’t sneak in.

Be especially alert to suspicious persons in or near underground garages. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.

Warning sirens
Public warning sirens are sounded when dangerous weather or emergency conditions exist. When sirens are sounded, evaluate conditions. If strong winds, heavy rain or large hail are present, take shelter immediately. If the weather doesn't appear threatening, check the television or radio for warnings.

Please remember that sirens are designed to warn people who are outdoors - not indoors. While sirens can be heard inside many homes, they cannot be made loud enough to be heard inside every home-especially when air conditioners and televisions are on. To increase the likelihood that you're alerted about dangerous weather conditions, you can buy a weather alert monitor. They're sold at many electronics stores. You can also make it a practice to check the television or radio whenever weather conditions appear threatening.

Sirens are sounded at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month to test the system. No action is required during siren testing.

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