Beat the Heat: Hot Weather Safety Tips
With temperatures expected to soar into the 90′s, the Boston Police Department is offering hot weather safety tips. In normal weather, the body’s internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. Extreme heat and high humidity, however, slow down evaporation and force the body to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, potentially leading to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To keep yourself and your loved ones healthy, please consider the following:
• Avoid strenuous activity on hot days.
• Drink plenty of water. Even if you do not feel thirsty, stay hydrated.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.
• Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Too much sun is harmful. Use sunscreen with a high SPF rating when outdoors.
• Cool off at one of the City’s many pools or water spray stations.
• Go indoors to beat the heat, such as air-conditioned community centers, schools, libraries, or theaters.
• If your home does not have air conditioning, try to stay on your lowest, coolest floor.
• Use electric fans to cool you down, even if they do not cool the air.
• Cover windows that receive morning/afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings. Outdoor awnings can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors to make sure that they are safe.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Do not leave pets outside for extended periods, be sure they have shade and give them plenty of water to drink.
If you believe you or someone you’re with is experiencing a heat-related medical emergency, promptly call 9-1-1. For non-emergency questions about the City’s heat-related services, please call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500.
Safety Message for Students During Spring Break
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Spring break brings the opportunity for students to get away but it can also provide opportunity for would be thieves.
The Boston Police Department reminds students to secure their off campus housing units before leaving for ANY length, or extended period, of time. Check all the locks on doors and windows. Ask neighbors to watch the area around your home. Electronic devices are valuable and attractive to thieves, safeguard laptops, game systems, iPods and iPads. take them with you if at all possible. Do not let mail collect in mailboxes or on porches. Keep your apartment from being targeted, leave a light on a timer.
And finally, when you are at home, pay close attention to who’s coming and going from your multi-family dwelling or apartment building. Be sure anyone you do let into the building has a legitimate purpose for their visit.
The Boston Police encourages you to take a few extra minutes to do a simple security check before you leave your unit, it could help prevent you from becoming a victim.
Stolen Smartphone-Brick It!
Boston Police Department reports more than 2200 cell phones were stolen in 2012. Expensive and easy to re-sell, the threat of having your smart phone stolen a real one. But, now there is something you can do to render the phone worthless and prevent the thief from accessing your personal information.
It’s called bricking. If your smart phone is lost or stolen, contact your carrier and ask them to remotely disable the device. After a phone has been ‘bricked’ or disabled, it has little value to any would-be thief who tries to sell it or anyone who tries to use it. Bricking a phone essentially makes the phone useless (like a brick). After a phone is bricked, all the information that was once on the phone can no longer be accessed.
By bricking your phone, everybody wins. Not only will you protect your private information but you’ll also help police eliminate the black market that exists for stolen smart phones. Said another way, you can help reduce robberies by eliminating the reason criminals steal smart phones in the first place.
A variety of resources, mostly online, can be found and used immediately once a person’s cell phone is stolen.
BPD warns people who may have misplaced their cell phone and don’t believe it was stolen may not want to brick it. Bricking cannot be reversed.
For safety tips pertaining to wireless devices, visit the FCC’s website: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/stolen-and-lost-wireless-devices
For instructions on contacting your service provide in case of robbery or theft, visit: http://www.fcc.gov/stolen-phones-contact-numbers
Community Alert: Boston Police Warn Against Scam
Over the past several weeks, the Boston Police Department has taken several reports from residents who appear to have been targeted by variations of a popular phone extortion scam.
In almost all cases, unknown person(s) have called or texted the victim and made claims that a family member or loved one is being held captive and will be harmed or held until the victim pays a specific sum of money. In several cases, the party being held captive is alleged to have been in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in property damage that he/she is unable to pay for. It is not uncommon for the caller to know basic details about the victim’s life, including names of family members, places of employment and school information. This information is used to help convince the victim of the legitimacy of the caller’s claims.
Victims are often instructed to not call the police. This scam appears to target the Hispanic community and is known to be an issue in several other cities across the United States.
Residents that receive a call similar to the above scheme are advised to:
• Ask the caller specifics about where the family member is located
• Have the caller physically describe the family member to see if the caller can provide some level of detail that could help confirm or dispel the claim.
• After gathering as many details as possible during the call the resident should attempt to make contact with the person that is allegedly being held captive and confirm safety.
• If a text is received the resident should first make contact with the person that is allegedly being held captive to ensure that they are safe and if they are unable to make contact then they should probe the individual texting to provide specifics, as mentioned above.
• In all cases note the phone number where the call or text originated and report the incident to the Boston Police Department.
How does the BPD ensure my tip is anonymous? Can I collect a cash reward from my crime tip? And other frequently asked questions about Crime Stoppers
Boston Police Department Anonymous Crime Tip Program
Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions
In 2007 the Boston Police Department was the first in the nation to launch the innovative Text a Tip program. This new function revamped the city’s anonymous crime tip hotline by adding the ability for citizens to text message an anonymous tip to police.
How does the program work?
Users type the word “TIP” on their cell phones and send it to CRIME (27463). Follow up questions are typed in the interface and sent directly to the tipsters’ phone via SMS. Text-a-tip is 100% anonymous and there is no way of determining the user’s identity. Crime Stoppers takes the information and sends it to an investigator. Only the investigator sees the tip, it does not go out to the entire police department. The investigator is also unable to receive the tipster’s identity.
Should I use ‘Text a Tip’ in an emergency situation?
No. If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911. This new crime tip service is for non-emergency investigative information only and will not generate a radio call or summon the police to your location.
How do I ensure my anonymity?
For your safety, you should always delete all text messages to and from “CRIME” (27463) from your inbox and outbox.
Note: The program is available on most, but not all major wireless carriers; therefore we cannot guarantee this program will work for all participants. Although the program is complimentary to participants, standard text messaging rates may apply. Check with your carrier and wireless plan for details.
How do I know my tip is confidential?
The mobile phone address of tipsters’ is concealed from the Boston Police Department via a specially designed mobile messaging application that denies the department the ability to access the tipster’s mobile phone number. Your text-a-tip is completely anonymous to the Boston Police Department and any phone numbers or web addresses are changed to a tip code number before the police (Crime Stoppers) read them. No tipster has ever been identified.
How do I submit a tip via text message?
To text a tip to the Boston Police Department, you must have text messaging enabled on your phone and subscribe to a participating cell phone carrier. To begin your tip session, text the word “TIP” to the number 24763, this spells the word “CRIME” on your phone’s keypad.
While handset menus differ by carrier or model, here are some basic steps on how to compose a test message containing
Find “Messaging” or “SMS” on your phone’s main menu.
1. Create a new text message or send text or SMS text.
2. When composing your message:
-Enter the number 27463 as the mobile # or in the “to” line
- Then, in the message body, type the word TIP
3. Hit “send” to send the message
4. You will receive follow up questions about the tip as well as a tip #
For your safety, after submitting your tip you should always delete all text messages to and from 27463 from your text message inbox and outbox.
What are the hours of operation?
Monday-Friday 8:00 am-12:00 midnight
Saturday 12:00 noon-12:00 midnight
Sunday 12:00 noon-4:00 pm
What types of crime are reported?
The BPD is interested in receiving tips on every type of crime. We believe this new nameless form of submitting tips to Police allows tipsters to assist Crime Stoppers in increasing safety in the neighborhoods in Boston.
Does it cost money to submit a tip?
Although participation in the text-a-tip program is free, standard messaging rates and other fees may apply. Check your mobile plan for more information.
Can I receive a monetary reward?
Yes! When a tipster calls or texts in they are given a tip #, for example 110101. The tip is recorded and sent to an investigator. The tipster would re-contact Crime Stoppers with their tip # and we coordinate with the investigators as to find out whether or not the tip was relevant in the investigation and how significant it was to the detective.
How do I collect my reward?
The tipster is told to call back in a week so we can tell them how much they are being rewarded and a bank location in Boston to pick up their money. When they go to the bank the tipster is to ask for a manager who is told the code number and the tipster is rewarded. We never physically interact with the tipster we only communicate through text message. The tipster remains anonymous through the entire process.
ATTENTION SHOPPERS: IMPORTANT HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS (Brochure Attached)
BOSTON POLICE OFFER THE COMMUNITY HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
The holidays are a special and joyous time of year. It is also a time when individuals need to be alert to the possibility of crime. The Boston Police Department encourages individuals to take simple precautions to ensure a happy and safe holiday.
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily create a distraction for people. However during this festive time, it is important to pay special attention to the things going on around you. The holiday season can create opportunities for burglars, pickpockets and shoplifters.
Thieves love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it’s an opportune time for crime.
The Boston Police Department believes you can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share these safety tips with your family, friends and neighbors. We ask you to remember these simple safety precautions and enjoy excitement of a safe and happy holiday.
The attached Holiday Safety brochure provides some tips on how to celebrate safely this holiday season, including:
- If You Are Traveling
- If You Are Out for the Evening
- If You Are Hosting a Party
- If You Are Attending a Party
- Protecting Your Vehicle
- If You Are Shopping
- Take a Holiday Inventory
- Celebrate Responsibly
Click on link to read the Boston Police Holiday Safety brochure — happy holiday safety .
Boston Police Bike Safety Tips
Do you know your rights as a bicyclist in the City of Boston? As a motorist, are you aware of how to properly share the road with cyclists?
With residents increasingly going green and choosing two wheels for transportation, here’s some information on how both cyclists and motorists ought to operate on city streets:
FOR BICYCLISTS
- You may ride your bicycle on any public road, street, or bikeway in the City ofBoston.
- You may use either hand to signal stops and turns.
- You may pass cars on the right.
- Although you may ride two abreast (two cyclists side-by-side), you must allow faster vehicles to pass; stay in single file when cars need to get by.
- You may hold a bicycle race on any public road or street in the city as long as you do so in cooperation with a recognized bicycle organization, and obtain approval from the appropriate police department beforehand.
Your Rights
- You may ride your bicycle on any public road, street, or bikeway in the City of Boston.
- You may use either hand to signal stops and turns.
- You may pass cars on the right.
- Although you may ride two abreast (two cyclists side-by-side), you must allow faster vehicles to pass; stay in single file when cars need to get by.
- You may hold a bicycle race on any public road or street in the city as long as you do so in cooperation with a recognized bicycle organization, and obtain approval from the appropriate police department beforehand.
Your Responsibilities
- Always adhere to the traffic laws and regulations for the City of Boston.
- Use hand signals to let people know that you plan stop or turn, unless two hands are necessary to steer or break.
- Like motorists, you must give pedestrians the right of way.
- Before overtaking or passing pedestrians, an audible signal is required.
- You must ride astride a regular, permanent seat that is attached to your bicycle.
- You must keep at least one hand on your handlebars at all times.
- If you are 16 years old or younger, the law requires you to wear a helmet that meets ANSI standards at all times. The helmet must fit your head and the chin strap must be fastened.
- You must wear reflectors on both ankles if your pedals do not have reflectors.
- Wear brightly clothing and use bike lights when riding in early morning or evening. Not only do they help motorists see you, they also help you to navigate around potholes and debris in the roadway.
- If you carry children or other passengers inside an enclosed trailer or other device that will adequately restrain them and protect their heads in a crash, they do not need to wear helmets.
- You may not carry a passenger anywhere on your bike except on a regular seat permanently attached to the bike or to a trailer towed by the bike.
- Any child between the ages of 1 and 4, or weighing 40 pounds or less, must be in a baby seat attached to the bike. The child must be able to sit upright in the seat and must be held in the seat by a harness or seat belt. Their hands and feet must be out of reach of the wheel spokes.
- You may not carry any child under the age of 1 on your bike, even in a baby seat.
FOR MOTORISTS
- Don’t cut off bicyclists after passing. Motorists used to be required only to stay a safe distance to the left of a bicyclist (or any other vehicle) when passing. Now, motorists are also prohibited from returning to the right until safety clear of the bicyclist.
- Don’t squeeze bicyclists in narrow lanes. If the lane is too narrow for a motorist to pass a bicycle (or any other vehicle) at a safe distance while staying in the lane, the motorist must either use another lane to pass, or, if that is also unsafe, wait until it is safe to pass.
- Don’t “right-hook” bicyclists. A “right-hook” is when a motorist makes an abrupt right turn too close to a bicyclist, causing the cyclist to crash or make an emergency maneuver to avoid crashing. Motorists are now prohibited from making abrupt right turns at intersections and driveways after passing a cyclist.
- Yield to all bicyclists before turning left. Motorists are already required to yield to oncoming vehicles (including bicycles) before turning left. The law now expressly includes yielding to bicyclists riding to the right of other traffic (e.g., on the shoulder), where they are legally permitted but may be more difficult for motorists to see.
Ride safe! The bottom line when operating any form of transportation is the safety of both yourself and those around you. Make good judgments and respect your fellow travelers.
Halloween Safety Tips in the Wake of Sandy
“We want children to have a safe and happy Halloween,” said Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis. Davis continued, “The storm left a lot of damage behind. As a result, we are asking parents or adults taking children out trick-or-treating to be aware of possible dangerous conditions.”
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Carry a flashlight
- Stay away from downed tree limbs and power lines
- Do not go into any neighborhood/streets where the power is out
- Parents or an adult should accompany small children going door to door
- Be mindful of traffic-always look in both directions when crossing streets
- Keep costumes short –to avoid getting caught in debris from trees or slippery wet leaves
- Wear bright colors or reflective clothing