HVNA

HVNA Elections are in February, too!
While the major emphasis on elections is the Presidential primary on February 5th, HVNA will also be having elections to its Board of Directors at our meeting on February 28th. The Nominating Committee will be seeking candidates for the HVNA Board who are representative of the community, reflecting our diversity on the Board in terms of age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, community involvement, etc. The committee will need to interview all those who express interest, incumbent or otherwise, and agree on a slate to present to the membership by February 18.

If you are interested in serving the neighborhood in this way, please let the nominating committee know of your interest. Email Nominations@hayesvalleysf.org or call 263-3996. Committee members include Gail Baugh, Lynne Creighton, Chris Mejia and Paul Olsen. People interested in being on the Board, or in voting for Board members, must ensure their dues are current.

Crime Prevention Tips

For Seniors and People with Disabilities

Whenever possible, travel with someone you know.
Have a plan for what you will do if confronted. Show confidence, yell, use a body alarm or whistle or find some other way to make noise.
Be realistic about your limitations. Avoid places or situations that put you at risk, such as dark alleys and unlit parking lots.
Avoid establishing predictable activity patterns. Most of us have daily routines, but never varying them may increase your vulnerability to crime.
If you use a wheelchair or other adaptive device, keep money and personal items hidden from view, but easily accessible to you. Use a fanny pack or pocket attached to the wheelchair arm rather than bags attached to the rear of the chair.
Have emergency phone numbers and a means of contacting emergency assistance available and accessible to you at all times.
Plan an escape route from each room in your residence to use in case of emergency.
Make sure doors have peepholes or viewing areas at a level that allows you to view visitors.
Put good locks on all your doors and windows. Use them while you re home as well when you re out.
Never open the door for a stranger. Ask for proof of who they are and the purpose of their visit. If you are visually impaired and unable to see the person s official identification, verify by checking the person s identity with their agency.
Never tell a stranger calling by phone that you are alone or disabled.
When riding a bus, sit as close to the driver as possible.
Always carry your medical information in case of an emergency.
If you have a speech or hearing impairment, carry a card of communication symbols to ensure that you can be understood by others.
If you have difficulty speaking, have a friend record a message giving your name, address and type of disability to use in emergencies. Keep the tape in a recorder next to your phone.

More info: use the"Search This Group" feature at http://groups.google.com/group/dimondpublicsafetycouncil