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12Feb/100

Escambia County Noise Ordinance

Posted on February 12th, 2010 by roselyn

ARTICLE III. NOISE*

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*Editor's note: Section 3 of Ord. No. 2001-8, adopted March 1, 2001, repealed §§ 42-61--42-67 and enacted similar provisions to read as herein set out. Former §§ 42-61--42-67 derived from §§ 1-20.3-1--1-20.3-7 of the 1985 Code. Section 4 of said ordinance created additional provisions pertaining to the same subject matter and designated as §§ 42-68--42-70.

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Sec. 42-61. Short title.

This article shall be known as the "County Noise Abatement Ordinance."

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 3, 3-1-2001)

Sec. 42-62. Authority and purpose.

This article is adopted pursuant to the general laws of the state to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and citizens of the county.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 3, 3-1-2001)

Sec. 42-63. Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended:

County administrator means the county administrator of Escambia County or the county administrator's designee.

dbA's means decibels shown in a reading made on a decibel A scale.

Decibel (dB) means a unit for measuring the volume of a sound equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).

Emergency means any occurrence or set of circumstances involving actual or imminent physical trauma or property damage demanding immediate attention.

Emergency work means any work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating physical trauma or property damage, whether actually caused or threatened by an emergency, or work by private or public utilities when restoring utility service.

Noise sensitive area includes, but is not limited to, a posted area where a school, hospital, nursing home, church, court, public library, or similar institution is located.

Person means any individual, firm, association, partnership, joint venture, or corporation.

Public right-of-way means any street, avenue, boulevard, highway, sidewalk, alley, or similar place normally accessible to the public which is owned or controlled by a government entity.

Public space means any real property or structures on real property, owned by a government entity and normally accessible to the public, including but not limited to parks and other recreational areas.

Residential area means any real property which contains a structure or building in which one or more persons reside, provided that the structure or building is properly zoned, or is legally nonconforming, for residential use in accordance with the terms and maps of Escambia County's zoning ordinance.

Sound level meter means an instrument used for measurement of the intensity of sound and accurately calibrated in decibels. Readings shall be made on a dbA scale.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 3, 3-1-2001)

Sec. 42-64. General prohibition.

(a) No person shall make, continue, or cause to be made or continued:

(1) Any unreasonably loud or raucous noise; or

(2) Any noise which unreasonably disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivity, within the jurisdictional limits of Escambia County; or

(3) Any noise which is so harsh, prolonged, unnatural, or unusual in time or place as to occasion unreasonable discomfort to any persons within the neighborhood from which said noises emanate, or as to unreasonably interfere with the peace and comfort of neighbors or their guests, or operators or customers in places of business, or as to create unreasonable adverse effects on such residences or places of business.

(b) Factors for determining whether a sound is unreasonably loud and raucous include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) The proximity of the sound to sleeping facilities, whether in residential or commercial structures;

(2) The land use, nature, and zoning of the area from which the sound emanates and the area where it is received or perceived;

(3) The time of day or night the sound occurs;

(4) The duration of the sound; and

(5) Whether the sound is recurrent, intermittent, or constant.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 3, 3-1-2001; Ord. No. 2003-55, § 1, 12-11-2003)

Sec. 42-65. Noises prohibited.

The following acts are declared to be per se violations of this article. This enumeration does not constitute an exclusive list:

(a) Unreasonable noises : The unreasonable making of, or knowingly and unreasonably permitting to be made, any unreasonably loud, boisterous or unusual noise, disturbance, commotion or vibration in any boarding facility, dwelling, place of business or other structure, or upon any public street, park, or other place or building. The ordinary and usual sounds, noises, commotion or vibration incidental to the operation of these places when conducted in accordance with the usual standards of practice and in a manner which will not unreasonably disturb the peace and comfort of adjacent residences or which will not detrimentally affect the operators of adjacent places of business are exempted from this provision.

(b) Vehicle horns, signaling devices, and similar devices : The sounding of any horn, signaling device, or other similar device, on any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle on any right-of-way or in any public space of Escambia County, for more than ten consecutive seconds. The sounding of any horn, signaling device, or other similar device, as a danger warning is exempt from this prohibition.

(c) Nonemergency signaling devices : Sounding or permitting sounding any amplified signal from any bell, chime, siren, whistle or similar device, intended primarily for nonemergency purposes, from any place for more than ten consecutive seconds in any hourly period. The reasonable sounding of such devices by houses of religious worship, ice cream trucks, seasonal contribution solicitors or for traffic control purposes are exempt from the operation of this provision.

(d) Emergency signaling devices : The intentional sounding or permitting the sounding outdoors of any emergency signaling device including fire, burglar, civil defense alarm, siren, whistle, or similar emergency signaling device, except in an emergency or except as provided in subsections (1) and (2) below.

(1) Testing of an emergency signaling device shall occur between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Any testing shall use only the minimum cycle test time. In no case shall such test time exceed five minutes, testing of the emergency signaling system shall not occur more than once in each calendar month.

(2) Sounding or permitting the sounding of any exterior burglar or fire alarm or any motor vehicle burglar alarm, shall terminate within 15 minutes of activation unless an emergency exists. If a false or accidental activation of an alarm occurs more than twice in a calendar month, the owner or person responsible for the alarm shall be in violation of this article.

(e) Radios, televisions, boomboxes, phonographs, stereos, musical instruments and similar devices : The use or operation of a radio, television, boombox, stereo, musical instrument, or similar device that produces or reproduces sound in a manner that is plainly audible to any person other than the player(s) or operator(s) of the device, and those who are voluntarily listening to the sound, and which unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighbors and passers-by, or is plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet from any person in a commercial, industrial area, or public space. The use or operation of a radio, television, boombox, stereo, musical instrument, or similar device that produces or reproduces sound in a manner that is plainly audible to any person other than the player(s) or operator(s) of the device, and those who are voluntarily listening to the sound and unreasonably disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighbors in residential or noise sensitive areas, including multifamily or single-family dwellings.

(f) Loudspeakers, amplifiers, public address systems, and similar devices : The unreasonably loud and raucous use or operation of a loudspeaker, amplifier, public address system, or other device for producing or reproducing sound between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays in the following areas:

(1) Within or adjacent to residential or noise-sensitive areas; and

(2) Within public space if the sound is plainly audible across the real property line of the public space from which the sound emanates, and is unreasonably loud and raucous.

This shall not apply to any public performance, gathering, or parade for which a permit has been obtained from Escambia County.

(g) Yelling, shouting and similar activities : Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing in residential or noise sensitive areas or in public places, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time or place so as to unreasonably disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of reasonable persons or ordinary sensitivities.

(h) Animals and birds : Unreasonably loud or raucous noise emitted by an animal or bird for which a person is responsible. A person is responsible for an animal if the person owns, controls or otherwise cares for the animal or bird. Sounds made by animals or birds in animal shelters, kennels, veterinary hospitals, pet shops or pet kennels are exempt from this subsection.

(i) Loading or unloading merchandise, materials, equipment or commodities : The creation of unreasonably loud, raucous, and excessive noise in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle or vessel at a place of business or residence. In times of emergency, whether declared or undeclared, such hours of loading and unloading shall be governed by the emergency operating hours provision of subsection 42-66(i).

(j) Construction or repair of buildings, excavation of streets and highways : The construction, demolition, alteration or repair of any building or the excavation of streets and highways other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. In cases of emergency, construction or repair noises are exempt from this provision. In nonemergency situations, the county administrator may issue a permit, upon application, if the county administrator determines that the public health and safety, as affected by loud and raucous noise caused by construction or repair of buildings of excavation of streets and highways between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., will not be impaired, and if the county administrator further determines that loss or inconvenience would result to a party in interest. The permit shall grant permission in nonemergency cases for a period of not more than three days. The permit may be renewed once for a period of three days or less.

(k) Noise sensitive areas; school, courts, churches, hospitals, and similar institutions : The creation of any unreasonably loud and raucous noise adjacent to any noise sensitive area while it is in use, which unreasonably interferes with the workings of the institution or which disturbs the persons in these institutions; provided that conspicuous signs delineating the boundaries of the noise sensitive area are displayed in the streets surrounding the noise sensitive area.

(l) Blowers, and similar devices : In residential or noise sensitive areas, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the operation of any noise-creating blower, power fan, or any internal combustion engine, the operation of which causes noise due to the explosion of operating gases or fluids, provided that the noise is unreasonably loud and raucous and can be heard across the property line of the property from which it emanates.

(m) Commercial establishments adjacent to residential property : Unreasonable loud and raucous noise from the premises of any commercial establishment, including any outdoor area which is part of or under the control of the establishment, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when such noise creates unreasonable adverse effects on adjacent or nearby residences.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 3, 3-1-2001; Ord. No. 2003-55, § 1, 12-11-2003; Ord. No. 2005-43, § 2, 9-8-2005)

Sec. 42-66. Exemptions.

Sounds caused by the following are exempt from the prohibitions set out in sections 42-64 and 42-65 and are in addition to the exemptions specifically set forth in section 42-65:

(a) Motor vehicles on traffic ways of Escambia County, provided that the prohibition of section 42-65(b) continues to apply.

(b) Repairs of utility structures which pose a clear and immediate danger to life, health, or significant loss of property.

(c) Sirens, whistles, or bells lawfully used by emergency vehicles, or other alarm systems used in case of fire, collision, civil defense, police activity, or imminent danger, provided that the prohibition contained in section 42-65(d) continues to apply.

(d) Emergency alerting sounds. The emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to the existence of an emergency or the emission of sound in the performance of emergency work.

(e) Repairs or excavations of bridges, streets or highways by or on behalf of Escambia County, the state, or the federal government, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., when public welfare and convenience renders it impractical to perform the work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

(f) Outdoor school and playground activities. Reasonable activities conducted on public playgrounds and public or private school grounds, which are conducted in accordance with the manner in which such spaces are generally used, including but not limited to, school athletic and school entertainment events.

(g) Special outdoor events. Outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows and sporting events, and other similar outdoor events, provided that a permit authorizing a limited waiver of the restrictions in the noise abatement ordinance has been obtained from the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners pursuant to the following procedure:

1. The applicant shall file a permit application with the county administrator on a form prepared by the county which shall set forth at the minimum:

a. The name and address of the applicant.

b. The address of the site for the event.

c. The dates and time of the event.

d. The activity which will exceed the limits established by the noise abatement ordinance.

e. The steps that will be taken to minimize the disturbance to the surrounding or neighboring properties.

2. The county administrator shall provide the permit application as well as any other available information, to the board of county commissioners for consideration at a meeting of the board of county commissioners.

3. A permit granted by the board of county commissioners shall indicate the dates and times during which noise at the subject event may exceed the limits established by the noise abatement ordinance. However, if a permit does not indicate the applicable times for the waiver, then the permit shall not allow the excessive noise to begin earlier than 12:00 noon or to extend beyond 10:30 p.m. or to continue for a period of more than four hours between the hours of 12:00 noon and 10:30 p.m.

4. The board of county commissioners may impose any other conditions on the permit as it deems necessary to reduce the disturbance to surrounding or neighboring properties.

5. Violation of the terms or conditions set forth in the permit shall constitute a violation of the Escambia County Noise Abatement Ordinance.

(h) Pensacola Interstate Fair. The Pensacola Interstate Fair, a traditional two-week event held each October at the Pensacola Fair Grounds, is exempt from the restrictions of this noise ordinance. This exemption applies only to the Pensacola Interstate Fair and does not exempt an other event or activity held at the Pensacola Fair Grounds.

(i) Emergency operating hours. During times of emergency, whether declared or undeclared, the prohibited operating hours established by this noise ordinance for those commercial/industrial activities necessary to the public health, safety, and welfare may be temporarily suspended by resolution of the board of county commissioners.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 3, 3-1-2001; Ord. No. 2001-36, § 1, 8-2-2001; Ord. No. 2005-43, § 3, 9-8-2005)

Sec. 42-67. Regulations for Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key.

Recognizing the unique tourist, recreational and entertainment characteristics of Santa Rosa Island (Pensacola Beach) and the Perdido Key areas of the county, the provisions of sections 42-64 and 42-65 shall not apply to these geographic areas. For these geographic areas, in no event shall a person operate or cause to be operated or create any source of sound in such a manner so as to create a sound level which exceeds 70 dbA (sound level measurement) when measured by a sound level meter at or within the property boundary of the receiving land use.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 3, 3-1-2001)

Sec. 42-68. Enforcement.

(a) The following individuals shall enforce this article: the Escambia County Sheriff's Department will have primary responsibility for the enforcement of the noise regulations contained herein. Nothing in this article shall prevent the Escambia County Sheriff's Department from obtaining voluntary compliance by way of warning, notice or education.

(b) If a person's conduct would otherwise violate this article and consists of speech or communication; of a gathering with others to hear or observe speech or communication; or of a gathering with others to picket or otherwise express in a nonviolent manner a position on social, economic, political or religious questions; the person must be ordered to, and have the opportunity to, move, disperse, or otherwise remedy the violation prior to arrest or a citation being issued.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 4, 3-1-2001)

Sec. 42-69. Penalties.

(a) A person who violates a provision of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 60 days or both.

(b) Each occurrence of a violation, or, in the case of continuous violation, each day a violation occurs or continues, constitutes a separate offense and may be punished separately.

(c) In lieu of making an arrest or issuing a notice to appear, a law enforcement officer or a code enforcement officer may issue a citation pursuant to section 30-63 of the Escambia County Code of Ordinances. Each violation of any provision of this article shall constitute a separate offense.

Any person who willfully refuses to sign and accept a citation issued by a law enforcement officer or a code enforcement officer shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in F.S. § 775.082 or 775.083. A written warning to this effect shall be provided at the time any citation is issued hereunder.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 4, 3-1-2001; Ord. No. 2009-21, § 3, 7-23-2009)

Sec. 42-70. Effective area.

This article is enforceable in the unincorporated areas of Escambia County, Florida.

(Ord. No. 2001-8, § 4, 3-1-2001)

Secs. 42-71--42-90. Reserved.

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24Jan/100

Escambia Household Hazardous Waste Roundup

Posted on January 24th, 2010 by roselyn

On a regular basis Escambia County runs a Regional Roundup for the collection of household hazardous waste. Here is the information:

Regional Roundup Held February 27

Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management will host the next Regional Roundup on Saturday, February 27 from 8 a.m. until noon at Escambia High School, 1310 N. 65^th Ave. Regional Roundup events provide an opportunity to properly dispose of electronics, household hazardous waste (HHW), shoes and up to four tires free of charge.

Businesses and residents can dispose of all types of clean, dry, recyclable electronics including computers, monitors and terminals, keyboards, mice, printers, TVs, copiers, fax machines, VCRs, stereo systems, and telephones. Electronics that have been stored outdoors or have water damage cannot be recycled. Businesses should call the Division of Solid Waste Management to make an appointment for disposal. Appliances are not accepted.

HHW items can cause injury if handled improperly. These items will usually have a warning or cautionary statement on their labels, such as: flammable, corrosive, poison, or toxic and include items such as swimming pool chemicals, cleaners, drain openers, paint and paint products, fuels, gases, lawn and garden chemicals, aerosol cans, and automotive repair and maintenance products.

Shoes are also collected for the Soles4Souls program. Donated shoes should be bound together with a rubber band.

For more information about Regional Roundup events, proper disposal of waste or to make an appointment for a business electronics drop-off, contact the Escambia County Division of Solid Waste Management, 937-2160.

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9Jan/100

Agencies for Code Enforcement

Posted on January 9th, 2010 by roselyn

Escambia County Code Enforcement website with a description of their services:

http://www.co.escambia.fl.us/Bureaus/Corrections/CodeEnforcement.html or 850-471-6160

Office of Environmental Protection.

6708 Plantation Rd
Pensacola, FL 32504
850-494-7161

They can help with a number of items, grass etc over 12" tall, neglected swimming pools, safety hazards (fences down) broken windows etc. 1. A lot of things come under the heading of nuisance conditions, (breeding for rats,vermin, misquitoes, or other athropods that are capable of transmitting disease) this applies to overgrowth, debris piles etc. 2. Trash and debris nuisance 3. Overgrowth of vegetation more than 12" 4. Not structurally sound roofs 5. Portions or additions of a roof including, but not limited to the fascia, eave, soffit, sheathing, rafter, tail, barge rafter, vent screen, gutter, downspout, roof jack, lead or metal flashing etc.

They will also enforce correction of the above on county or state land.

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24Nov/090

Vacation Precautions For Your Home

Posted on November 24th, 2009 by roselyn

You can request the Sheriff's Office have a deputy drive past your home each day while you are out of town. Call the Sheriff's Office at 436-9620 to request this service.

The Neighborhood Watch will also walk/drive past your home daily and look from the street to see if anything is amiss. Note, we do not enter your property. Please contact your Block Captain and President to alert the Neighborhood Watch about your vacation.

General security precautions:

Request a Neighborhood Watch window sticker from your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain or President (we have more available courtesy of the Sheriff's Office) and prominently display it on your home.

Either put a vacation hold on your mail and newspaper or ask a neighbor to collect them daily.

Have a light or two set to turn on via a timer (inexpensive at Walmart or Lowes) while you are gone. At the very least, leave some lights on.

Make sure all of your doors and windows as well as your garage are securely locked prior to leaving.

Adjust your window shades so that it is difficult to look into your home.

Don't leave "tempting" items visible outside to attract thieves on to your property.

Ask your neighbor to set out and retrieve your trash can on trash day even though it is empty.

If you have an alarm system make sure to activate it when you leave.

If you can lock the gate to your backyard do so. It is just one more barrier and it's easier for neighbors to notice someone going over your fence than slipping through the gate.

During growing season arrange for a lawn service to cut your lawn if you will be gone long enough for it to get long.

Additional recommendations from readers are welcome via comments or the "contact us" button.

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19Oct/091

Basic Computer Security At Home And Beyond

Posted on October 19th, 2009 by Webmaster

Have you ever been in the checkout line of a store and had the cashier ask you for your phone number or address? Did you respond by providing your personal information? If you did, you may have inadvertently opted-in to be solicited by third-party vendors, the store's marketing partners, or even worse. Unless you're writing a check for payment or applying for other services, there's really no need for the cashier (or the person standing in line behind you) to have access to your personal data. You are free to decline the request and may avoid a future full of mail fliers and phone solicitations in the process.

Defensive thinking and common sense can help keep your personal data and yourself more secure. This applies not only in real-world situations, but also in the virtual worlds of computers and the Internet.

Below, I am going to list some important things that you should know about your computer, your network, and the Internet. My goal is to help you to keep yourself and your data more secure while you're computing. My focus will be on Windows operating systems as they are most widely used and most insecure.

Your Computer

Unless you have never used your computer for email, banking, or other private activities, ALWAYS remove and/or destroy the hard drive before disposing of or selling the computer. Even if you erase the data disc, the data can sometimes still be extracted from it - data such as social security numbers, passwords, email addresses, web-browsing history, etc..
Always keep your computer software updated. Always opt-in to automatic updates if you have Internet connectivity. This especially applies to computers that use Windows operating systems.
If your computer is connected to a network or has Internet connectivity, be sure it is equipped with firewall and anti-virus software. Windows 98 and lower versions DO NOT have anti-virus or firewall software preinstalled. However, Windows XP and higher versions do have firewall software.
If you still use Windows 98 or lower, you need a new computer.

Here are a few helpful resources regarding Windows Firewall -
- A guide to Windows XP's firewall - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/winfirewall.mspx
- How to turn the firewall off or on in Windows Vista - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Turn-Windows-Firewall-on-or-off
- Understanding Windows Vista Firewall settings - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Understanding-Windows-Firewall-settings
Anti-Virus software comes preinstalled on most newer computers. However, most of that software has a trial period for free-use and later may require paid subscriptions for updates.
I advise removing ANY trial-ware from your computer as these program versions typically produce annoying advertisements.
I always use and recommend AVG Free anti-virus. The AVG website is a little tricky because it's sometimes difficult to locate the download for the free version, but it's there if you look for it. There are AVG products for sale also if you like, but I tend to go for the freebies.
- AVG Anti-Virus - http://free.avg.com/us-en/get-basic-protection

Your Internet Connection And Home Network

As far as the Internet connection goes, I highly recommend Cable Internet service above DSL, Satellite, or phone-line modem. I know, I'll sound like an advertisement when I say this, but in my opinion, the reliability and connection speed of cable Internet cannot be matched.
If you use a wireless router in your home, be sure your wireless network is password-protected. Otherwise, your neighbors, someone in a parked car outside of your house, or anyone else in range can leach from your wireless Internet connection. An unsecured wireless router leaves your network completely vulnerable. You can be held responsible for any illegal activities which are conducted on your unsecured network. Your computer can also be invaded via an unsecured router.
How to secure your wireless network can vary greatly depending on the router brand or model.
Believe it or not, unsecured wireless networks are a common occurrence. Presently, I have three unsecured wireless networks within range of my own home. Anyone could connect to them at any time and do whatever they want on these unsecured networks.
Refer to the router's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for information on how to secure your wireless network.
- Linksys - http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/home
- Belkin - http://www.belkin.com/

Your Web Browser

What is a Web Browser? - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_browser
Some popular Web Browsers are -
- Internet Explorer - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx?WT.srch=1
- Mozilla Firefox - http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html
- Opera - http://www.opera.com/
- Safari - http://www.apple.com/safari/
- Google Chrome - http://www.google.com/chrome
I highly recommend both Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome over any of the other browsers. Internet Explorer is the most widely used browser, but it's also the least secure and standards compliant. At this point, I have to say that Google Chrome is probably the most secure browser. Google Chrome also has a feature which allows you to browse the web "Incognito" - meaning, it does not store browsing history, passwords, or other similar private data to your computer. This is the best way to do banking, make online purchases, etc..
Keep the browser's cache clean and delete the cookies while you're at it! This will help keep your private data secure and will help maintain your computer's peak performance.
- What is a browser cache? - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browser_Cache
- How to clear the browser's cache? - http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Browser%27s-Cache
- What are browser cookies? - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browser_cookies
- How to delete cookies? - http://www.aboutcookies.org/Default.aspx?page=2

Browsing The Web

No matter which web browser you prefer or how secure your computer is, you should always practice caution while browsing the Internet.
I always say, "everything online is suspect until proven otherwise".
Social networks and dating websites are plumb-full of scammers, spammers, lowly hackers, and worse.
If you've been contacted through a social network or dating website, do some research before responding!
- Romance Scams - http://www.romancescam.com/
- Urban Legends - http://www.snopes.com/
- State Sex Offender Registry Websites - http://www.sexoffender.com/state.html
  - Florida Sex Offender Registry - http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/homepage.do
- Florida Department Of Law Enforcement - http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/home.aspx
  - Escambia County Sheriff's Office - http://www.escambiaso.com/
  - Pensacola Police Department - http://www.pensacolapolice.com/index.htm
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Fraud Page - http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/internetschemes.htm
Reporting Internet Crimes
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) Internet Crime Complaint Center - http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx
Avoid things that sound too good to be true because they usually are too good to be true.
Avoid bitTorrents (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.torrent), warez websites(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warez_%28scene%29), or websites that offer browser toolbars, plugins or other free software downloads.
Never opt to download or install any third-party "toolbars" for your browser.
You have not won anything, so don't even think about clicking that advertisement!
Be sure to verify the spelling of the web address you're visiting. For example, http://bankofamerica.com and http://bankoamerica.com will take you to two different websites. Tricksters register misspelled domain names and use them for phishing schemes. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
Always use a pop-up blocker for your web browser.
Know what you're clicking by looking at the browser's status bar (the bottom of the browser window) while you hold your mouse pointer over a link. In most cases, you will be able to see the link's web address in the status bar.
Visually check to be sure the website is secure before sending sensitive data.
- How to tell if a website is secure? - http://info.ssl.com/article.aspx?id=10068
Never EVER give out your personal data to people or websites you encounter online unless you're absolutely, without-a-doubt, positively sure it is safe and secure! There are no exceptions to this rule.

Your Email

If you can be spammed you will be spammed!
- Did you know that about 97% of all email sent over the Internet is spam? - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail_spam
Always use a disposable email address when one is requested in web-forms or anyplace else. Use a private email address for your family and close friends.
- You can create free email addresses at the following websites -
  - Hotmail - http://hotmail.com
  - America Online - http://aol.com
  - Yahoo - http://yahoo.com
  - Gmail - http://gmail.com
When you begin to get spammed too often, simply discard the email address, begin using a new one, and-voilà!-no more spam.
Avoid using Microsoft Outlook. A better alternative to Outlook is Mozilla Thunderbird - http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/
Do not fall for email scams that offer or request money or credit card information.
Do not fall for email scams that ask you to update your banking information.
Do not fall for email scams period!
Ignore emails about pharmaceuticals, weight-loss, teeth-whitening, natural enhancement, overseas investments or anything else that you've never requested.
Why would someone from Nigeria be emailing you to ask you to Western Union money for a plane ticket to visit a sick friend in Chicago? Would you purchase ocean-front property in Nevada? It's a scam! Delete it!
Don't opt-in to website newsletters - except ours of course!
Don't open email attachments unless they have been scanned for virus first.
Avoid emails with "FWD" in the subject.
Don't use "Reply All" when replying to an email.

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14Sep/090

Neighborhood Watch Related Websites

Posted on September 14th, 2009 by roselyn

This link is to the FDLE Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators website. You can search it including a search of a specified radius from your home. You can also sign up to be alerted by e-mail when a registered offender moves into a specified radius from your home.

http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/Search.jsp

Useful websites for problem properties:

http://www.escpa.org/search.aspx

http://www.co.escambia.fl.us/Bureaus/Corrections/CodeEnforcement.html

If you've been scammed:

http://seniorsvscrime.com/

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15Aug/090

Protecting Your Home

Posted on August 15th, 2009 by Webmaster

Things you can do to improve your home security.

A few ideas...

1. Err on the side of strength. Make sure all of your home’s exterior doors are solid, not hollow, and be on the lookout for any windows or glass partitions that may be situated in vulnerable spots, such as near doorknobs. You could replace the glass in those areas with polycarbonate that is shatter-resistant.

2. Batten down the hatches. Invest in good deadbolt locks for your exterior doors, and make sure your windows have locks as well.

3. Brace up sliding doors. If your home has sliding-glass doors, place a strong bar along the track when the doors are closed and locked. A sturdy broom handle or baseball bat can work nicely.

4. Lock that garage. The rest of your home may be nice and secure, but how easy is it to enter your garage? Be sure the garage door’s lock is strong, and remember to lock inside doors that lead into your garage. If you have a garage-door opener, opt for remotes that automatically change the signal code every time they’re used.

5. Prune back those bushes and trees. It’s hard to hide in neat, trimmed shrubs. Keep your greenery under control so neighbors can see whether or not anyone is skulking about your property. Also check to see that your trees can’t provide access to second-floor bedrooms.

6. Let there be light. Install motion-detection lights outside, and keep a few key interior lights on timers so it always looks like someone is home – and possibly awake. Look for a timer with a battery backup system in the event of power failures.

7. Plan ahead for vacations. Going away for a while? Remember to have someone bring your newspapers and mail in each day and also mow your lawn while you’re gone. Consider keeping a radio tuned to a talk radio station so it sounds like people are conversing somewhere inside the house. Tell your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain or President so the Watch members can increase walking and driving patrols past your home while you are gone.

8. Look into alarm systems. High-end systems that connect to every window and door of your home really do work. They’re pricey, though: About $3,000 or so, plus a monthly bill in the $20 to $30 range for the alarm system’s monitoring center.

9. Shop and compare. Contact at least three companies and compare estimates. The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (http://www.alarm.org/info_ctr/consumer.htm, (888) 447-1689) offers advice on how to choose an alarm system and can provide you with a list of local contractors. Some systems may qualify you for a discount of up to 30 percent on your homeowners insurance, so check with your agent about that.

10. Keep the system activated. Many homeowners end up deactivating their alarm systems for extended periods of time because they don’t want to trigger false alarms. Make sure you understand the system well enough that you’re confident enough to use it.

11. Get a dog, A BIG DOG!

12. Cameras that take photos when they detect motion ("deer cameras" from a sporting goods store) can be set up outside so if your home is broken into you may be able to provide the deputies with a photo of the criminal.

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15Aug/090

Reporting A Crime

Posted on August 15th, 2009 by Webmaster

When you report a suspicious or criminal activity you need to provide the 4 W's:

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHO (if known)

First to the Sheriff's Office and then to your Block Captain. Please call your Block Captain after any call to the Sheriff's Office so that the Neighborhood Watch can remain informed as to incidents and issues in the neighborhood.

Call the Escambia County Sheriff's Office at 911 if it is an emergency or 436-9620 for a non-emergency.

You will not be in any trouble with the Sheriff's Office for a false alarm. If something feels wrong it probably is. It is the Sheriff's Office's responsibility to investigate citizen's concerns. It is your job to let them know when you think something is wrong or suspicious.

PLEASE let your Neighborhood Watch know that you have reported a crime or suspicious activity. Use the "Contact Us" link on this website to send an e-mail to the President of the Regency Park Neighborhood Watch OR contact your Block Captain.

Please describe the suspect in as much detail as possible including:

Age/Gender

Race/Color

Height/Build

Hair/Eye Color

Body Markings/Tattoos

Glasses

Dress/Jewelry

Ears/Nose

Distinguishing Features

Facial Hair

Mannerisms

Any additional information you can provide.

Please describe a suspect vehicle in as much detail as possible including:

Make/Model

Color

Plate Number

Damage/Condition

Vehicle Type

Number of Doors

External Features (Sun Roof/Roof Rack)

Number of Persons (Male/Female)

Location of Vehicle

Reason for Suspicion

Do not approach or engage a suspicious person or vehicle. That is the job of the deputy. Never place yourself in harms way.

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15Aug/090

Help Us Help You

Posted on August 15th, 2009 by Webmaster

How you can help us help you.

Please contact us after you have made a report to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office (436-9620) or to 911 for an emergency.

You can use the contact us form on this website or call your Block Captain or call 484-7048 to detail your report (leave name and phone number for a call back if you reach the message machine). If the Neighborhood Watch is informed about crime that is occurring in our watch area we can then target it with extra patrols, member alerts, and other activity.

We WILL report any and all suspicious or criminal activity that we see. We are here for all neighbors, members or non-members, and want to hear from you.

If you are interested in joining the Neighborhood Watch please use the contact us form on this website or call 484-7048.

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15Aug/090

Getting Involved

Posted on August 15th, 2009 by Webmaster

Please use the contact us page or call the President at 484-2401 (leave your name, phone number, street address if you get the message machine please).

We always welcome new members and encourage you to join. We are a registered Neighborhood Watch group with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office requires a background check to be completed on every member prior to full membership. The Sheriff's Office approves the new member and the background check is only seen by the Sheriff's Office.

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