Get Alarmed Program Launched to Address Rise in Fatal House Fires

Fatal house fires are reportedly on the rise. Last year, the state Fire Marshal Tracked 93 fatalities from home fires compared to 72 in the previous year. Nationally, two-thirds of all fatal house fires occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

In order to address those startling statistics, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security has launched the Get Alarmed program, with a goal to install 10,000 smoke alarms in homes in the next two years.

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NJ-SP to Host Youth Educator for Indiana’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

A Youth Educator for Indiana’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force will be in Starke County tomorrow presenting information to North Judson-San Pierre students in grades 3 through 12.

The ICAC Task Force works with state and local law enforcement agencies to develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation through investigations, training, prevention and community education.

Youth Educator Cathie Bledsoe will be discussing the dangers that the internet poses for children and teenagers. Continue reading

Don’t Let a Skimmer Scam Ruin Your Summer

Federal Trade Commission officials are warning motorists to avoid being scammed by skimmers this summer travel season.

A “skimmer” is an illegal card reader that attaches to credit card slots and steals data off of your card’s magnetic strip. They’re used most frequently at gas pumps. Criminals sell this info or use it to buy items online. Card owners may not even realize their information has been stolen until they receive their statement or an overdraft notice.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to spot a skimmer to protect your personal information from potential thieves. Continue reading

Public Perception of Safety Discussed During Culver School Board Meeting

School safety was a topic discussed at this week’s Culver School Board meeting.

Superintendent Karen Shuman said that the school recently sent out a survey to teachers, students and parents. Though the survey included a variety of questions, Superintendent Shuman focused on the question that gauged the community’s perception of safety at Culver Community Schools during Monday’s meeting. Continue reading

Today is Safer Internet Day in the USA

Nowadays, internet usage is so common and some may not realize the dangers that could be lurking behind the screen. Today is recognized as Safer Internet Day.

According to organization representatives, the initiative aims to create an internet environment that empowers everyone to use technology responsibly, respectfully critically and creatively. It is geared toward children and young people as well as parents, caregivers and educators to make the most of out the internet’s potential to bring people together.

On Safer Internet Day, consider some of these tips from Indiana’s Attorney General’s Office.  Continue reading

LaPorte County Residents Encouraged to Sign-up for Rave Alert to Stay Informed

LaPorte County public safety officials are excited to announce a new free notification service that can keep residents and travelers informed on potentially hazardous situations involving weather, traffic and emergencies as well as other community events.

The service, Rave Alert, enables individuals to receive timely and useful emergency alerts via voice messages, texts or emails that are delivered directly to their cell phone. They can identify when and how they are alerted and communicated with before, during and after the emergencies.

Rave Alert is a trusted service utilized by several state and local authorities, business and educational institutions. Millions of messages are sent daily that help make first responders and residents better informed during emergency situations. Continue reading