Emergency responses to incidents at homes and business can easily be delayed if the numbers are not visible to those who respond. Chief Michael Taylor suggests that every home and business have numbers that are reflective and easy to read from the roadway that can speed up the arrival of emergency responders. In addition to being visible, Chief Taylor states that too many times vehicles block the numbers, brush or trees are overgrown or the porch light is not working and the numbers are not seen.

Chief Taylor reminds residents that during any emergency whether a heart attack or a Domestic Violence incident or even someone breaking into a home, precious minutes can be lost if the responders cannot read your house numbers.

 The Violet Township Fire Department can be contacted to obtain reflective signs.

 Passing Bad Checks - New City and County Policy

The Fairfield County Municipal Prosecutor has issued a new policy regarding how to process the receipt of bad checks.  The new policy covers how to accept checks for your business, what course of actions to take if a check is returned, and what conditions must be met before prosecution of the offender can be completed.  The City of Pickerington Prosecutor has accepted this policy into the Mayor's Court as well.  For a copy of the new policy, click the below link to be redirected to the Prosecutor's Forms and Protocols page on their website.

Municipal Prosecutor Policy Page

Identity Theft Alert

Identity theft is rising. Many times professional thieves use false pretenses to obtain personal information from you. The Pickerington Police Department wants the community to know what to do in the event this happens.

Never give any information over the phone, or be internet unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure that the company or organization is legitimate and you have dealt with them before. This includes phone numbers, because many times the phone call to you has been random number punching.

Your Social Security number belongs to you and should NEVER be given, except to Police when you have face to face contact with a police officer. There may be occasions at banks and other places but generally speaking your social security number should be protected.

Recently the Ohio Department of Commerce issued an alert where an organization is using their information to obtain your information. It is not unusual for thieves to use such names as The US Government, The FBI, The Department of Commerce, The local Police and Fire Department, as well as disaster relief services to get money and information from you while lining their own pockets.

If your identity has been stolen or used to make false purchases call the police. We will direct you to the proper authority for mail, international or local help.

You can also stop identity theft by keeping your wallet and purse with you at all times, never leaving them in cars or accessible to any one except you.

What to do in a Natural Disaster

First and foremost you must be prepared to take action to protect yourself and others. Remain calm and do not make any hasty decisions.

The Pickerington Police Department and the Fairfield and Franklin Emergency Management Agencies are providing the following steps to help you through a catastrophe.

Weather Related Emergencies:

Stay in if the weather is such that road emergencies have been declared. Floods and Ice Storms are the most likely to be our primary problems.

Floods are dangerous. It only takes a small amount of running water to literally lift a vehicle and swoop into a creek or pond. Do not cross high water if it is moving. Pay attentions to roads that are closed. If your home is being threatened by flood there are some steps you should consider:

Turn off all electrical devices, including your furnace, washer and dryer.

Move items that cannot be salvaged if wet.

Keep your pets upstairs and away from danger.

If the threat of flood is eminent, leave your home and follow evacuation routes. Take only those items needed to survive a few days.

Ice Storms will always be a problem in the Pickerington area. There a couple of dangers generally associated with this disaster. First, the loss of power, that means no heat. If the loss of power is the only problem, many homes have built in fireplaces. Have firewood ready or use an alternate source of power (generators) to provide for basic services. Remember that not every portable generator is large enough to provide power to your entire home, so be careful purchasing one.

Utilizing the “Shelter in Place” equipment will also help keep you warm for a short time.

The secondary danger often associated with Ice Storms is falling tree limbs. One reason for staying inside your home is to remain safe. If your home is struck by a tree, be sure that everyone is moved to another location in the home for safety reason. Call the Pickerington Police Department or The Violet Township Fire Department if you need assistance.

Harmful Agents in the Air:

If harmful agents are in the air you will need to seek shelter in your home.

Go inside or stay inside. Take your pets with you!

Close windows and doors and keep them closed.

Turns off any venting systems, including air conditioners, bathroom fans, and fireplace dampers.

Go into a safe room and block off gaps with duct tape and plastic to prevent harmful contaminants from entering your safe place.

Have a portable radio or TV for local news and information available.

What items do I need to make a basic “Shelter-in-Place” kit?

Plastic sheeting, duct tape, blankets, flashlights first aid supplies, snack foods, bottled water, battery operated clock, battery operated radio or TV, extra batteries, bath towels.

Fortunately the chance of this type of disaster is small but being prepared can safe your life.

During any disaster police and fire personnel are prepared to protect you and your family. Police will bring in extra personnel to assist in whatever needs are determined. Fire personnel have extensive training in rescue and evacuations.

The Pickerington Police Department and the Violet Township Fire Department work hard to keep you safe.

Evacuation:

First and foremost bring your shelter in the kit. Bring extra clothes and enough food and water for a couple of days. Most evacuees will be headed to other family members or friends homes so it is not essential to bring everything you own.

Pay attention to the directions that are given to you by TV, radio and on the streets. It is imperative that you follow directions. Safe evacuations routes are set up to permit egress from a disaster without traffic interference.

The City of Pickerington will utilize SR 256 in a north and south direction, while Refugee road will be used for the east and west directions. These roads are the primary roads. Secondary roads such as Long, Diley, Lockville will also be utilized in parallel routing if needed.

If police have closed roads, do not attempt to cross their barriers or drive onto closed roads.

Street Sense

Throughout the year we have been asked about riding and walking on the streets.

The City of Pickerington has an ordinance that states that “no person riding upon any coaster, roller skates, sled, toy vehicle or other similar device shall go upon a roadway except while crossing a street.” (PCO 412.04). This is an $100.00 fine

If there are sidewalks you should use them. Streets are designated for vehicular traffic not for running, walking or skating. However, we recognize that some areas do not have sidewalks.

Walking and running: Always face traffic. Walking on roadways is not advisable because drivers have a difficult time seeing persons. Pedestrians do not have the right of way on open roads and should move onto the berm of the road when traffic is coming. When it is dark or getting dark, highly visible or reflective clothing should be worn so others can see you.

Bicycling:

When riding on the street, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. Bicyclist should riding in the same traffic pattern as a car. The same rules apply for a bicycle as a car. Reflective material, lights in the front and a red flashing light on the rear of the bike should be used at night. Ohio law enforcement can write citations to violators, which could cost $85 - $100 per violation. Lights can be purchased for less!

Skate:

Skaters should follow the same rules as pedestrians. If the area is unsafe to skate, then skaters should carry their boards. The City of Pickerington has a skate park and parents are encouraged to drop off and pick up their children. Parking lots and businesses are private property. Many of the businesses do not allow skating on their property. Residential streets may appear to be tempting but are dangerous!

Suspicious Activity: While out riding, biking, walking or skating in your neighborhood pay attention to suspicious activity. Citizens play an important role in our community. If you observe a any kind of activity that may seem questionable, please call the Pickerington Police or the Fairfield County Sheriff’s department.

When bicycling or skating, you should always wear a helmet and protective clothing to minimize injuries. Keep in mind that reaction time to move out of the way of a moving vehicle is never fast enough! We strongly discourage running or walking when it is getting dark.

Kids and Cars:

Would you leave a million dollars in the your car? The Pickerington Police Department is encouraging everyone NOT to leave any child in car or near a car unattended. nearly 75 children are seriously injured or killed by this form of neglect annually.

When picking up or dropping off children at day care centers, do not leave any child in the car. Do not leave the car running. Car jacking does occur and within seconds you could lose your child.

Commander Takes the Plunge . . . Polar, that is!

Commander Ralph Portier traveled to Lake Erie on February 23 and participated in the 2008 Polar Bear Plunge.  This event invites law enforcement personnel to support their 'plunge' by raising donations for the Special Olympics.  Since 1968, Special Olympics have provided sports training and competition opportunities in 21 different sports.  Ohio, alone, has over 18,000 athletes participating.  We are very proud of Commander Portier for taking the time to care enough that he not only met his pledge but surpassed it.

2007 Violet Festival Winners

During the 10th Annual Violet Festival, the Pickerington Police Department gave away 4 bicycles. Congratulations kids!! Thanks for participating and visiting our booth! Hope to see you next year.

The bicycles were donated by Wal-Mart of Reynoldsburg/Pickerington. Congratulations to the following winners:

Elizabeth Villes of Pickerington Kyle Knight of Pickerington

Ostin Manuel of Pickerington Olivia Villes of Pickerington

Natural Disasters: Is your family prepared?

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, forcing an unprecedented 411,000 people to evacuate. More than 5,000 children were separated from their families.

Within hours, the U.S. Department of Justice requested that NCMEC establish a hotline to handle calls of displaced children and adults. NCMEC also deployed thirty Team Adam Consultants to the affected areas.

As a result of NCMEC’s efforts, the last of the 5,192 children displaced by the storm was reunited with her family in Houston, TX in March 2006.

Know the Rules...Safety Tips for Children Displaced in Natural Disasters and Their Caregivers

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June marks the beginning of hurricane season. And with the threat of storms lingering through November, it is important to plan for your family’s safety.

Families may easily become separated during the chaotic period before a storm, especially when evacuation is required. NCMEC offers the following recommendations to all families potentially impacted by a hurricane or other natural disaster:  

• Take storms seriously.
• Know where your kids are at all times.
• Stay together.
• Take photos of your children with you when evacuated.
• Give children identification information to carry with them, including the child’s name, date of birth, address, phone numbers, etc. If a child is too young or otherwise unable to speak for him- or herself, consider writing his/her name, date of birth, parents’ names, home address, and telephone/cell numbers somewhere on the child’s body in indelible marker.
• E-mail digital photos of all family members to extended relatives and/or friends.
• Photocopy important documents and mail to a friend/relative in a safe location.
• Make a plan with your children, so they know what to do if your family becomes separated during an evacuation.

National Emergency Child Locator Center

In October 2006, Congress and President George W. Bush created the National Emergency Child Locator Center (NECLC). When functioning, NECLC will be operated by NCMEC when a national disaster is declared by the President, to assist in the location of children and the reunification of families resulting from the disaster or subsequent evacuations.

In the event of a natural disaster, the National Emergency Child Locator Center will:

• Establish a toll-free hotline to receive reports of displaced children;
• Create a website to provide information about displaced children;
• Deploy staff to the location of a declared disaster area to gather information about displaced children;
• Provide information to the public about additional resources;
• Partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies; and
• Refer reports of displaced adults to the Attorney General’s designated authority and the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System.