Community Column by Don Butt (March 2021)

Town of Mono, ON (Don Butt)  This month I think we should talk about home security. With all the problems with Covid-19 we don’t need anything more!

When you use tools and equipment or sports equipment put it away when finished. Or you may lose it. My family were skiers and when we came in, we used to put our skies and poles on the patio, leaning against the low fence until the snow and ice melted. One night we left them out overnight and the next morning most were gone. Those that took them were not very smart as they took one ski from each pair and an unmatched pair of poles. Learning the hard way!! The same in summer when you hoe or rake, put everything away when finished.

When going away, make sure all doors and windows are locked. Most modern windows have locks on them or you can buy and install them yourself. If you are leaving a car at home and have no lockable garage, make sure it is locked and nothing visible on the seats.

When planting trees or shrubs near the house, make sure you do not hide the front door. This is where most thieves enter if no one can see them because of trees. If your front door has a window along the lock side, replace the glass with unbreakable Plexiglas. Makes sense doesn’t it?.

Lights  in the house are important when you are away. A light here and there on timers meant to show people moving around the house are great, but because of the long habit of leaving an outside light on when away. Don’t do it. It just indicates to thieves that no one is home. (A good opportunity for them). One of the best things to do is install motion lights outside  your house or garage . I have these and it tends to  scare prowlers away, especially with 300 or more watt bulbs. Try some of these things and good luck!!

Safety Tip
Check air pressure in tires every 2 weeks. Don’t forget the spare. (This tip supplied by Doug Anette, President of Safe Roads Canada)

Phone Nos. (a list of valuable numbers to have)

For all emergencies – 911

To report non-emergency incidents or bad drivers 1-800-310-1122

Or by cell phone only *677

Road Watch

To report unsafe driving behaviour contact OPP Communications Centre:

*OPP (*677) on your Cell or

1-888-310-1122 on your Landline.

If you prefer a paper form, our forms are available at Mono Plaza and OPP at Primrose. Please use them, the life you may save could be your own or a loved one.

Don Butt is currently the Public Relations and Media Contact for the Mono Community Policing Committee. If you would like more information on anything covered in Don’s Column or would like to see a topic of public interest or safety covered; contact him here.