With the recent prediction of 2013 having the worst fire season in the last 100 years now is the time for you and your family to make plans to survive a wildfire.

If you live in what firefighters call the “urban interface areas,” you face the added risk of wildfire. Fire is, and always has been, a natural part of this landscape, but many have chosen to live in brush-covered canyons and on hillsides. These areas have historically burned long before homes were built.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department takes every precaution to help protect you and your property from wildfire. Firefighters are proactively meeting with many local community groups within the wildland areas to share the important message of preparation.

They have published this Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Action Plan to give you the tips and tools to successfully prepare for a wildfire. It will teach you what needs to be done to retrofit your home with fire-resistive features. It will also help you create the necessary defensible space around your home. This publication will help you prepare your home, yourself, and your family so that you can go early, well ahead of a fast-approaching fire.

This week’s crime report we have had 3 home burglaries and 2 vehicle burglaries this past week. Of particular concern is the burglary at 2100 block of Via Visalia where victim’s were in the home sleeping at the time of the burglary.

Much of Palos Verdes Estates is lush and private, which is why we love it so. But it is just that that also makes it an attractive target for would be criminals. I cannot stress enough the importance of closing your garage doors, locking your doors and windows when away (even for short periods) and not leaving items visible in your vehicles.

The best deterrent we have in reducing these types of crimes is not making Palos Verdes Estates a desirable target, and letting criminals know that we have a unified Neighborhood Watch and we will say something if we see something. Continuing to be observant is certainly a great step, but talking with your neighbors so that you know if they are expecting someone to hoist a 2nd story ladder to the master bedroom is the best deterrent of all.

If you are interested in hosting a block meeting or becoming a Block Captain please contact me at 310-378-4211

MICROSOFT TECH SUPPORT SCAM
A resident shared with us that the Microsoft Scam is still occurring. If someone calls and says they are from Microsoft and they detect your computer has virus(s) and they can assist you with fixing it, it most likely is a scam. Do not give them any information, passwords or access to your computer. Microsoft has indicated that they do not contact customers directly on the phone. See more at this link: Avoid Tech Support Scams