PRESENTATIONS FROM WDCA SAFETY AWARENESS FORUM OCT 2022

Posted on by Jane

The following reports were presented to residents who attended WDCA’s Safety Committee presentations on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. 

These are the highlights of what was discussed at this meeting

Key takeaways from the crime reports and how to reach key reporting numbers

These first two linked items were created by Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen before his recent retirement. Please click the links to access the presentations.

Crime in Colorado 2022

Criminal Justice Reform Impact on Crime 2022

Key points:

  • If you hear gunshots, report them and if you are unaware specifically which streets, indicate your major cross streets and time of shots heard – call 911
  • If you hear speed racers or loud bikes, call 911 AND www.reportstreetracing.com.
  • If you feel something is “off” regarding a vehicle that “doesn’t belong”, report it to 311 or non emergency police number 720.913.1300
  • Buy a club that prevents car theft if you park outside. You can get these on Amazon, at Auto Zone, Ace Hardware. Google “car club for steering wheel”
  • Hate Crimes Hotline 720.913.6458
  • Poison Control 1.800.222.1222
  • Suicide Hotline 1.844.493.8255
  • You are the eyes and ears of this neighborhood, so please know your neighbors and check in on them if you notice something “not right”
  • Neighborhood Watch program is one hour and one-time training – get involved and see this website Calendar for dates of training. To read the handbook please click here.
  • District 3 Police Station 1625 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210 can apply anti-theft screws to secure license plates

Denver Fire Station 19 also spoke at our meeting.  Key takeaways

  • Fire extinguishers – at least one and ensure it is in date as they do have expiration dates. Recommend shaking the extinguisher randomly a couple of times a year to keep the contents mixed and ready to use.  Purchase at most major hardware stores.
  • If you need to dispose of a fire extinguisher: Place the fire extinguisher in a cool, dry place and check the pressure gauge periodically. Once the pressure gauge needle on the fire extinguisher is below zero, the fire extinguisher may be placed in your regular trash for disposal. If the gouge needle is not below zero, please google where to dispose of hazardous waste.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors in each bedroom.  Purchase at most hardware stores.
  • Smoke alarms – at least one per floor. Purchase at most hardware stores.
  • Remember “chirping” sounds from detectors mean low batteries; loud alarms mean take action to exit property and report to 911
  • For health emergencies- Post to refrigerator either the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST form) or other legible posting on your refrigerator to cite major medical issues and medications you take. Denver Fire and Paramedics always look for this form first. Your doctors can review the Colorado MOST forms with you.  Click here to download the form, or get one through your medical doctor.
  • Call 911 for emergencies
  • Get low for fire/smoke and exit property
  • Wood burning fireplaces are still permitted but bans may apply; no open fire pits near homes; open fires in open areas are “gray area” and are case by case- if you have questions about it, call the Fire Department  at 720.913.3473
  • Fire Safety brochure 

Halloween Safety

  • Look for sponsored events such as the Lowry Halloween Festival held October 29 from 3pm to 6pm in Lowry Town Center or through DPS and other trusted sources.
  • If you prefer to not have people ring your bell for Trick or Treat, please keep your porch lights off and it’s good to have a sign on door: PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB
  • The most common hours for kids to trick or treat are from 5:00pm to 7:30pm; older kids may come as late as 8:00pm
  • Remain in well-lighted areas and carry flashlights

Other Information

  • The Denver Police cannot remove homeless camps if they are on public property, but if they are trespassing on private property, they can be involved. Best to call 311 or email 311@denvergov.org and they will route the report to proper areas. Please be prepared to give good location and what you see such as lots of trash, open fires, etc.
  • The camp behind the Walgreens along Quebec at Leetsdale has been moved, and clean up is forthcoming

If you don’t report, no actions are taken. Calls drive actions. If 911 asks if you want to talk to an officer at a scene, say yes and where you can be reached