Summer 2020 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC SAFETY Stay fire safe at home

DID YOU KNOW? During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shakopee Fire has implemented safeguards and physical distancing protocols in the workplace. Our fire stations remain closed to the public through summer. During the Stay at Home order, we used

The Shakopee Fire Department is urging everyone to remember fire safety as they adjust to our new normal of more time at home. As you find yourself spending extended time at home for work, self-isolation or physical distancing, please remember the importance of preventing home fires. “Regardless of the circumstances, additional time at home with family members provides an

Lock It, Shakopee showing promising results The Shakopee Police Department launched “Lock it, Shakopee” earlier this year to reduce the number of thefts and burglaries from unlocked vehicles and garages. The mission is simple: Partner with the community to reduce overall crime. Since its introduction, year-to-date vehicle thefts and thefts from motor vehicles have seen a significant decrease from 2019 numbers. Residential burglaries remain similar. As you see this message, please help spread the word and do your part to Lock It, Shakopee. Together, we can take a stance against crimes of opportunity and make simple changes in our lifestyle habits by locking doors and windows.

excellent opportunity to discuss fire safety and review your home fire escape plan,” said Fire Chief Rick Coleman. Here are some simple things you can do to protect your family: • If you smoke, continue to smoke outside. Use a deep ashtray filled with sand or water. Make sure cigarettes are extinguished completely, every time. • Keep an eye on what you fry. While staying home will likely involve more cooking, remember to pay attention to what’s on the stove. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn the burners off. Keep pets and young children at least three feet away from the hot surfaces. • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using the test button. If the alarm fails to sound, replace batteries or if you have lithium–ion alarms, replace the device. Make sure to replace all smoke alarms, even hard-wired alarms, every 10 years. • Practice your home fire escape plan to make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if a fire occurs. Designate someone to help older adults, children and anyone else who may need help to escape. • Use care when recharging electronic devices such as laptops, tablets or mobile devices. Check electrical cords and charge cables to ensure they are in good condition. Don’t overload electrical circuits. Avoid placing electronics on soft surfaces when recharging to avoid the risk of overheating. As Shakopee Fire continues to do its best to protect the community under these unusual circumstances, we ask residents to do what they can to practice fire safety at home and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information, visit www.ShakopeeMN.gov/fire. 24-hour, full-time continual coverage seven days a week.

Night to Unite to return Aug. 4 The Police Department is making

preparations for everyone's favorite Night to Unite block party celebration Tuesday, Aug. 4. The annual event invites

neighbors to gather in the street to meet one another for food and fun. Staff from city departments, including police, fire and public works, stop by parties to answer questions and connect with residents. This year's theme is Shakopee Spirit. Parties are encouraged to theme their events in red, black and white. Early bird registration opens June 22 at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/ nighttounite. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event date is subject to change based on Centers for Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

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