PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
Your Public Safety Department is dedicated to providing the highest standard of police and fire services to you. During these difficult economic times we are asking the citizens of Center Line to work together with our officers to keep the city safe and a pleasant area to live and conduct business. Here are a few reminders to help our residents continue to enjoy the community that many generations have built.
The Public Safety Department is implementing a program to assist us in helping you.
If you or a family member is sick/injured or has a history of falling down and need medical attention, we can help, if you install a Key Storage Security Lock on your front door. You can register the lock with us. We will only use it to gain entry into the home to administer medical assistance and/or assist in emergency situations. We will not open the home for family or friends. Officers will not be permitted to use the keys to check on the interior of the home if you are out of town, even at your request. You will have control over who knows the combination you will set. The code, waiver, and contact list will be stored in our dispatch center and will only be accessible to Police personal when needed.
If you have any questions you may call our station and talk to a dispatcher or ask for Cpl. Kenneth Frizzell, Badge #29. We will let you know where you can purchase the locks and how to install them if requested.
The current economy has created conditions that most of us have never experienced in our lifetimes. All police and fire departments in our area have to do more with fewer resources. However, your Department of Public Safety has rededicated itself to providing the professional law enforcement and fire protection services that the City of Center Line has come to expect from its officers. We hope that this downturn is short lived and remind all of our residents and business owners that the officers of this department are here to assist you wherever we can.
Below are some reminders to help everyone enjoy a safe and fun summer and fall season.
School
With the summer comes summer vacation for the kids. We can remember as children spending warm summer days and evenings running all around the neighborhood. As adults we need to remember those activities and mindful of the children today that will out enjoying the weather. Children are not always thinking of the dangers running across the street to a neighbor’s house. Especially in the residential areas, watch out for kids darting into traffic. By keeping a watchful eye, we can help all of our children have a safe summer vacation.
Fraud and Scams
Warm weather is, unfortunately, also the season for con-men and women to reappear. As the years pass, these individuals become more brazen and bold in their scams. Some of the more common scams include; re-roofing your house, sealing the cracks in your driveway, checking the water or electricity in your home, and giving them some money for a larger sum later. The intent of these people is to steal from you. We tell our children and grandchildren not to talk to strangers. When it comes to scam artists, the same holds true for adults. If they appear at your door without you first calling them, be suspicious. Never let them in your house. Have a neighbor’s telephone number handy or call 911 if you become afraid.
Fireworks
We encourage everyone to celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s founding. However, too often these celebrations lead to severe injury or death due to the dangers of certain fireworks. Please remember that the State of Michigan has a limited type of legal fireworks. A general rule of thumb is that if it flies off the ground on its own or explodes it is probably illegal. Enjoy the 4th of July with friends and family but remember to do it safely.
Vacations
There are certain things that burglars look for to help them commit a crime without being caught. Whether you are going up north or staying with relatives for a period of time, help make your home less appealing to would-be thieves. Pay a neighbor kid to keep the grass cut (he/she could probably use a few bucks). Have your mail and paper delivery stopped until you return. Use a timer for a light in the house. Remember how nice it is to be home after a time away. You don’t need to ruin that feeling by having to make a police report.
Pets
Your pets are affected by the heat of summer just like you. Be sure to leave plenty of water available to them. Never leave your pet, or child, in an enclosed car when you are not present. It takes only a minute for temperatures to reach dangerous levels. Make sure your dogs are properly licensed. Licenses are available from the Macomb County Animal Shelter.
Blight
These are our neighborhoods. It is up to us to make sure that our property is maintained and kept clear of clutter and debris. The Public Safety and Building Departments will be actively seeking to blighted areas cleaned up. The failure of owners to maintain their property could lead to substantial fines. Keeping a tidy yard not only looks good it helps keep the rodents away.
Back to School
School begins shortly after Labor Day. Drivers are reminded to watch for school children at crosswalks. Crossing guards are provided to see that our children make it to and from school safely. Drivers are to stop whenever they see a crossing guard in the street holding their stop sign up. School buses also need special attention. Passing a school bus with flashing lights is not only unsafe, it is illegal.
Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention Week is October 3rd thru the 9th. Many of us will be getting ready for the cold months. Take this time to inspect your home for any possible fire hazards that may have built up over the summer. Make sure the areas around your water heater and furnace are clear of any combustible items. Store all flammable and/or explosive material out of the house. Many of us follow the general rule of replacing the batteries in our smoke alarms during the time change in November. Be a trend setter, check all of your smoke alarms during fire prevention week and replace the batteries in any unit that is not working.