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March 2010 |
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In a time of cutting costs, unemployment, higher mortgages, and a somewhat flawed banking system the burden truly takes its toll on our American way of life. As a result, the reality is that while people's hopes go down, the crime rate goes up.
Richard Rosenfeld, a sociologist at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, told the New York Times, “Every recession since the late ’50s has been associated with an increase in crime and, in particular, property crime and robbery… Typically, he said, “there is a year lag between the economic change and crime rates.”
During previous recessions of the 1980s and early 1990s burglary rates continually increased and only dropped once the economy became stable. It is estimated that burglaries went up around 7 percent by the end of 2008 and while burglaries, theft and robbery have only slightly increased in 2009 most of other types of crimes actually decreased.
In the first half of 2009, as unemployment skyrocketed, reported murders, forcible rapes and aggravated assaults decreased by 4.4 percent compared with the first half of 2008, according to the FBI. The decline in homicide was especially striking: down 29.8 percent in Los Angeles, 14 percent in Atlanta, 10 percent in Boston. New York was even on track for the lowest number since comprehensive record-keeping began in 1963 -- when the Big Apple was a slightly smaller town.
So why the decrease? An accident of demography? An increased the level of safety in the community? Many are inclined to credit higher levels of security with better technology and smarter tactics. Some point to policies that put more brave and dedicated cops on the street. New York City continued to see lower homicide rates in the past decade even as its police force shrank by 6,000. New York officials say that city's tougher gun laws have helped; yet Houston also recorded a drop in homicide in the first half of 2009 despite loose gun laws. So what is the forecast for 2010?
Some experts say, with the economic situation as it stands, we are set up to see a spike in all types of crime while others predict we will continue to see a slow decline as the economy stabilizes. And like predicting the weather, although there are many ways to forecast the future nothing is guaranteed. At Pinnacle, we hope for the best but prepare for the worst. We are doing all we can to make sure you, your family and home are secure and prepared as possible.
Preparedness
2010 has seen its share of natural disasters around the world. And there doesn’t seem to be any sign that the number of disasters will be decreasing in number and frequency in the future. Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes can be devastating. Even more devastating are the consequences of not being fully prepared. Below are some general suggestions for disaster preparedness.
Always keep a 72 hour supply of food and more importantly, water available. Choose foods which do not require cooking or refrigeration. Also keep on hand covered containers which may be used to store fresh water. After a flood, discard any food that may have come in contact with flood water. Boil any water for ten minutes before using.
Always keep a battery-powered radio to keep abreast of any warnings or weather alerts. Have several flashlights readily available. Keep a supply of batteries on hand and store in a waterproof container.
Keep important papers and insurance policies in a safe place where they will be easy to find if home must be evacuated. If pets must be left behind, make sure that they are put in the safest place possible with a supply of food and water. If not required to evacuate, keep indoors and stay tuned to news and weather programs for updates on conditions.
When returning home after evacuation take special care. Live power lines may be hidden under standing water or debris. Do not use open flames when entering the home since ruptured gas lines might be leaking. Be careful when walking since walls and floors may be unstable.
Below are more specific safety suggestions for each of these types of natural disasters.
FLOODS
If time permits, clean all bathtubs and sinks with bleach and then fill with fresh water. Move as much furniture as possible and valuables to a higher floor, if possible. Turn off electricity and open windows to allow water to move freely through the home. This will help to keep the home from being carried away by high flood waters.
Immediately move to higher ground and stay there until waters recede.
EARTHQUAKES
If inside when an earthquake strikes, stay away from all windows, chimneys and tall furniture. If your home has a heavy desk or stairway, take shelter under them. If outside during an earthquake, try to move to an open area. Avoid high buildings, walls and power lines.
TORNADOES AND HURRICANES
A tornado or hurricane watch is an alert to conditions that indicate that one of these storms may occur. When alerted, stay tuned to local weather information for instructions and updates. If there is a sighting, take shelter immediately in a basement. If a basement isn't available go to the center of the house or get under a heavy piece of furniture.
We would like to thank everyone for their submissions in February. We received letters from all over the US and Canada describing the safety and security Pinnacle Security provides. Four of those entries were selected to receive one month of free monitoring (up to $69) from Pinnacle Security.
Last month I received a call from Pinnacle Security while I was at work. They told me that they had received a signal from my system and wanted to know if they should call the police. I said yes because nobody should be there.
After hanging up I wasn't sure what to do since I was about 45 minutes away. I decided to finish what I was working on, shut down my computer and go home. But within just a couple minutes Pinnacle Security called back and said that the police were on the way. Before that conversation ended the police called and said they had arrived at my home and found the front door open. They were going to go inside and search the house but it appeared that a package left between the storm door and front door had caused the front door to open.
They didn't find any evidence of intrusion so they locked the door and left. Apparently I had not closed the front door securely when I left for work. So all was well and I finished my workday knowing my home was safe.
This little incident proved to me how quickly and well my Pinnacle Security System works. It certainly gives my wife & I peace of mind.
Thanks Pinnacle,
George C. - MN
Hi, I am a single mother of 4 kids. Three of which are teenagers. I believe an Angel sent the young woman sales person to my house the day she came to ask if I would be interested in a security system. That day I prayed for help because one of my teens was making some potentially dangerous choices that involved drugs and sneaking out of the house. I was at the point of not knowing what to do to help him. I had thought of a security system, but thought I could not afford one. That was when a Pinnacle Security consultant knocked on my door. I signed up, they installed the system and I believe it has helped to save my sons life. Thanks Pinnacle from the bottom of my heart!!
Diane M. - AZ
Last month, a criminal broke into my next-door neighbor's house at 3 a.m., while they were home. They do not have an alarm system. Fortunately, their dog chased the criminal off the property, but only after he had stolen some antiques and jewelry. This criminal was a convicted heroine user, who had broken into other homes in the neighborhood, been caught and arrested, and released on bond, only to continue to rob houses after that.
That early morning, my young daughters and I were home alone. My husband was out of town on business. We have Pinnacle signs surrounding our home, and I always set the alarm before going to bed. When we spoke with detectives that showed up after the crime, they told my neighbors and me that the criminal "cases" houses in the neighborhood, and only breaks into ones without alarm systems and without outdoor sensor lighting! I cannot tell you how grateful I was to have your alarm system that night. Had he broken into my home, with only my daughters and me in there, I can only imagine how terrible things could have gone.
Pinnacle protects, even when you don't suspect it! Thank you.
After note: The criminal was eventually caught again, however, my neighbors did not recover everything that was stolen...including their "peace of mind."
Holly B. - OH
We had gotten pretty lazy about setting our alarm at night. Even so, Pinnacle saved the day! We were broken into at 2:30 at night, and woke up to hear footsteps on the stairs to our second floor. Mari grabbed the key fob that sits next to the bed and pushed the panic button and the house filled with the alarm voice sounding off, as well as our voices shouting. The burglar or burglars ran out, getting very little, and without our having any confrontation with them. Now we are serious about using our security system, and are grateful that the panic button feature helped keep us safe in what could have been a much worse situation.
Glynes G.
Pinnacle Security has protected thousands of homes from burglaries, fires and medical emergencies. We would like to hear how your alarm has benefited you and your family. Three entries will be selected every month. Those entries selected will be given one free month of monitoring (up to $69) from Pinnacle Security. Whether the system saved your home or a loved one, or simply gives you peace of mind when you leave your home, we want to hear your story. Send your comments to: [email protected]
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