City View: When it comes to safety, local government is your ally

May 16,2008

"I'm from the government, and I'm here to help." This quip usually results in a "yeah, right" response, but when it comes to keeping your family, home and business safe, the City of Columbia really is here to help.

Many city departments work to ensure your safety, from restoring utilities after a storm to keeping your online payment information secure. Since some departments spring to mind more quickly, it seems fitting to start with programs available through the Columbia Police Department's Community Services Unit.
Let me start by encouraging you to schedule a commercial or residential security evaluation. Crime-prevention officers will evaluate your home or business and suggest ways to improve security. They will also help businesses assess opening and closing procedures, cash-handling protocol and other concerns. To make requests online, visit www.gocolumbiamo.com and follow the "Public Safety" link to the "Police." Or call 874-7405.

If you own or manage hotels, rental homes, multi-housing complexes, mobile homes or mini-storage facilities, there are Crime Free programs tailor-made for you. Those who have attended the training and implemented the Crime Free principles have witnessed a reduction in calls for police service. Information is available online, or by contacting Officer Tim Thomason at 874-7426.

The Community Services Unit also offers programs to deter bank robbery, burglary, shoplifting, internal theft, violence in the workplace, fraud and identity theft. The officer in charge of the unit also conducts in-depth presentations on Personal Safety. For information, contact Officer Jessica Haden at 874-7448.

The Neighborhood Watch Program is another important resource. Online information includes an informative video, subscription to the bimonthly "Crime Watch" newsletter and a vacation watch form you can submit so officers know to keep an eye on your home. Contact Officer Mike Hayes at 874-7658 for details.
Of course, the term "safety" encompass more than crime. Is your home or business fire-safe? I urge you to request a free fire audit by contacting the fire marshal's office at 874-7556. An assistant fire marshal will visit your home or business to assist in checking your smoke alarms, designing fire escape plans and identifying fire hazards. The fire marshal can also arrange fire extinguisher training at the workplace.

During a major disaster, emergency services may be overwhelmed or delayed. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers are trained by the Columbia Fire Department to deal with minor medical emergencies, light rescue, traffic control, safe means to shut off natural gas and other measures which could mitigate damages, injuries or deaths. If you are interested in CERT training, call Captain Eric Hartman at 874-7644, or register online by visiting www.gocolumbiamo.com and following the "Public Safety" link to the "Fire" link.
In addition to police and fire services, the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management supports the citizens of Boone County with community and individual planning and preparedness.

When disaster strikes, do you know where you will be and where your family and employees should go? What would you do if basic services were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. Knowing what to do is your best protection. You can get step-by-step instructions at gocolumbiamo.com/EM/On and request emergency management presentations by calling 874-7400.

Do you have information or instructions that could be critical to 9-1-1 dispatchers and first responders? If so, please visit the joint communications office at 17 N. 7th St. , and ask for a 9-1-1 Special Information form, or call 874-7400.

Finally, I invite you to learn more about the Columbia/Boone County Health Department. The department handles public health and safety issues, from animal bites to West Nile virus. Visit www.gocolumbiamo.com and click on "Health and Community Services" for more information.

I hope this overview will prompt you to assess and improve your personal and professional safety measures. Don't forget the City of Columbia is here to help—really.

Bill Watkins is Columbia's city manager.

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