Inverness E-Newsletter - April 5, 2024
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Message from Mayor Jack Tatooles
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Dear Inverness Residents,
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In this newsletter, there is information about safeguarding your property, staying alert to outdoor warning signals, and protecting yourselves against imposter scams.
This week, the Inverness Police Department has received two different reports involving telephone scams using the Department’s phone number. The scammer claims to be from either the Inverness Police Department or the FBI and attempts to extract personal information under the guise of an official investigation. Should you receive a call from a law enforcement agency, and you doubt the authenticity of the call, do not hesitate to hang up and contact that department independently. I urge every citizen to remain vigilant against these scams and to report them to the Inverness Police Department.
Furthermore, with the warmer months approaching, this is a good time to establish good habits for protecting your personal belongings.
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Verify that your outdoor shed has a sturdy lock.
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Always lock your vehicles doors when unattended
- When participating in outdoor activities in the backyard or neighboring home, do not leave front or garage doors open or unlocked.
- Do not allow strangers to escort you out of your home, such as a request to look at something in the backyard.
As always, Call 911 for ANY suspicious activity immediately!
Jack Tatooles
Mayor
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Protecting Your Shed Property from Theft
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Sheds are a common target for thieves looking to steal valuable tools and equipment. Whether you use your shed for gardening supplies, outdoor power tools, or storage, it's essential to take steps to protect your property from theft. Here are some tips to keep your shed secure:
Invest in Quality Locks: One of the easiest ways to deter thieves is by installing sturdy locks on your shed doors. Look for heavy-duty padlocks or deadbolts that are difficult to tamper with. Additionally, consider adding security hinges and latch protectors for added protection.
Illuminate Your Shed: Adequate lighting can make your shed less appealing to potential thieves. Install outdoor lighting around your shed, preferably with motion sensors, to deter intruders from approaching. Well-lit areas are less likely to be targeted by criminals.
Install Security Cameras: Surveillance cameras can be a valuable tool in deterring theft and identifying intruders. Place cameras in strategic locations around your shed, covering entry points and the surrounding area. Make sure they are visible to act as a deterrent.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Avoid storing high-value items where they can be easily seen through windows or doors. Keep expensive tools and equipment out of sight by using opaque containers or covering them with tarps. Thieves are less likely to target what they can't see.
Regularly Inspect Your Shed: Make it a habit to inspect your shed regularly for signs of tampering or damage. Check locks, windows, and security features to ensure they are functioning correctly. Address any vulnerabilities promptly to prevent potential break-ins.
Finally, the Inverness Police Department urges everyone to promptly report any suspicious activity by calling 911. As members of our community, you are familiar with what is typical in our area. Should anything seem out of the ordinary, please don't hesitate to reach out. Remember, 911 services are not solely for emergencies but are available for any situation requiring police assistance.
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Outdoor Warning Sirens Overview
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The Village of Inverness maintains four strategically positioned outdoor warning sirens to promptly alert the community in case of emergencies, particularly tornadoes and hazardous weather conditions. These sirens are effective within a range of one to two miles, though weather conditions like rain, hail, and wind can impact their reach.
While outdoor sirens serve those outdoors, individuals indoors should rely on alternative methods such as radios, televisions, or NOAA weather radios for updates on potential dangers.
The Village's sirens are remotely monitored and controlled by the Northwest Central Dispatch Center. Monthly audible tests occur on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m., with additional silent weekly tests to confirm functionality, ensuring they remain operational even during power outages.
In case of activation, residents should immediately seek shelter and stay vigilant. Local media should be consulted for updates, as the sirens will cycle for five minutes every ten minutes until the warning ends. Calling 9-1-1 to inquire about the siren activation is discouraged unless there's an emergency.
The primary criteria for siren activation are tornado warnings or severe thunderstorm warnings with wind speeds exceeding 75 MPH and hail larger than 1.75 inches. The village doesn't issue an "all-clear" signal; a secondary activation indicates a new threat, and shelter should be maintained until further notice.
For the indoors, radios, televisions, or NOAA weather radios are recommended for receiving weather updates. Weather radios function similarly to smoke detectors, remaining on standby until a warning is issued, upon which they automatically broadcast the alert, facilitating prompt action. Portable models are available for outdoor or travel use.
In addition, modern mobile devices are Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)-capable for emergency use. A WEA alert is sent to mobile devices, based on its location, to warn of imminent dangers like severe weather or public safety threats. To learn more about how WEAs work and their importance in emergency preparedness, visit https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea.
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Insights about Imposter Scams
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) states that last year, people reported almost half a million business and government imposter scams directly to the FTC. These reports reveal three trends:
- Scammers are relying more on text or email messages to start their schemes, and less on phone calls.
- Scammers are increasingly convincing people to send money through bank transfers or to pay with cryptocurrency.
- Scammers often impersonate more than one organization, like a business and a government agency.
And these are the five most common imposter scams people described:
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Scammers send bogus alerts about suspicious activity or unauthorized charges on your account. Read an FTC blog post, Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It’s a scam, breaks down this complicated scam.
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Scammers send you phony notices saying they’re going to charge you hundreds of dollars to renew a subscription, often impersonating Best Buy’s Geek Squad tech support service. Find out how to recognize a fake Geek Squad renewal scam.
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Scammers try to trick you into paying for things like fake discounts, bogus giveaways, or non-existent prizes.
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Scammers make bogus allegations implying you committed a crime but then claim they’ll connect you with someone who’ll help. To learn more about this intricate scheme, read Never move your money to “protect it.” That’s a scam.
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Scammers send you fake delivery notifications to trick you into giving up your financial information,and have been known to impersonate the U.S. Postal Service and FedEx.
(Source: Federal Trade Commission)
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Become a Paws-itively Great Neighbor
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Village ordinance requires that all dogs must be on a leash and under the control of the owner at all times when off the owner's private property. Those who violate the Village's leash law may be ticketed and fined.
While out for a stroll with your furry friend, it is essential to diligently clean up after them and dispose of their waste appropriately. Please, do not dispose of pet waste bags in other’s refuse containers. The optimal method of disposal is by flushing pet waste down the toilet. Neglecting to pick up pet waste heightens the risk of public health hazards as it allows harmful bacteria to seep into the environment, ultimately finding its way into the local water system.
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Yard waste collection is underway
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Yard waste collection resumed April 4
- All yard waste materials should be placed in biodegradable paper bags at the curb and folded at the top.
- Two bags of yard waste will be collected weekly for no charge. Each bag or bundle set out, exceeding the first two bags or bundles, must have one yard waste sticker, each affixed for collection.
- Yard waste that is too bulky to be placed in a bag, such as branches or brush, must be securely tied (with biodegradable twine) and bundled not to exceed 4 feet in length and no larger than 2 feet in diameter.
- Yard waste materials will be collected through December 12th.
- Acceptable landscape includes grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, garden plants, flowers, weeds, vines, bark pieces, garden vegetables, and garden fruit.
- Unacceptable landscape includes fence posts, railroad ties, firewood, sod, earth, and rocks.
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Sunday, April 14, 2024
10:00am - 2:00pm
Old Orchard Westfield Shopping Center
4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
50 Ways to Improve Habitat in Your Yard with Peggy Simonsen.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
10:00am - 11:30am
All Saints Lutheran Church
630 South Quentin Road, Palatine
Saturday, April 27, 2024,
9:00am - 12:00am
Forest View Educational Center
2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights
Saturday, May 4, 2024,
9:00am - 12:00am
Wheeling Public Works
77 W Hintz Rd, Wheeling
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Refuse and Recycling Collection Schedule
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Yard Waste Collection
Thursday, April 4
First Day of Yard Waste Collection
Memorial Day Holiday
No service on Thursday, May 30.
Collection service will be on Friday, May 31.
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9-1-1 IS NOT ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES IT IS FOR ANY POLICE RESPONSE
If you see someone or something suspicious, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY
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