Friendly Police Reminders for Safety

In the latest edition of the Muskego Police Department's "Neighborhood Watch Newsletter," Lieutenant David Constantineau outlines several safety points for residents.

"Looking at the calendar, we appear to be a little over half way through winter," he writes. "While we can look forward to spring, we still have a few winter responsibilities we need to keep in mind."

Winter Parking – Parking on Muskego streets is prohibited from 3 to 7 am, December 1 to April 1. Police are ticketing vehicles in violation.

Keys In a Running Car – During the winter, most drivers start their cars to let vehicles warm up before heading out. Muskego police say they understand why drivers warm up their cars, they also say it's an invitation for thieves unless the vehicle is equipped with a remote start that keeps the car locked while warming up. Constantineau reminds residents city ordinance prohibits keys being left in a car, whether or not the vehicle is running.

Blocked vents – Recent snowfall can pile up and block furnace and water heater vents. Residents need to be sure the vents are free and clear to prevent heat loss, and more importantly, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Muskego police also urge residents to get a carbon monoxide detector to help reduce or eliminate the risk. If the detector goes off, residents should call the fire department immediately and then leave their home.

Fire Hydrants – The city and fire department ask residents to dig out fire hydrants in front of their homes. In the case of an emergency, fire personnel will need unfettered access.

Ice – When daytime temperatures rise, snow will melt, but quickly turn to ice once the sun goes down. Home- and business owners are urged to brush icicles off their gutters to prevent possible injury. Addressing icicles can also prevent stress to gutters and the possibility of ice dams, which can lead to water leaks inside homes and buildings. Drivers should also watch the ice dropping off of bridges and overpasses to avoid or prevent damage to vehicles.