Our First-Responders

We understand that many residents are apprehensive about reporting crime, and wish to remain anonymous when reporting crime in order to protect their own safety.  To remain anonymous when calling 911, you can always simply state that you wish to remain anonymous.

Baltimore's Crime Watch numbers are available to residents seeking additional assurance and confidence that they will remain anonymous when reporting crime.  

What is a Crime Watch Number?

Baltimore City's personal Crime Watch number is a confidential, unique, seven digit number issued to you by the police department.  It allows you to anonymously report crimes in progress and suspicious activity.  If you use the number when you call 911, the operator will not ask for your information and the responding officers will not contact you to follow up.  

How it works:

When you give your Crime Watch number to the 911 Operator, the Operator will ask you several questions, including the location of the incident about which you are calling. The 911 Operator will tell the police about the location of the incident, but WILL NOT tell the police any information about the person calling 911.  

The police officer will respond to the location of the incident, not to the caller. Even if the incident is right in front of your house, the responding officer will not know if the call came from your house, one of your neighbors or someone passing by.  

The LRIA encourages ALL residents to get involved in the Crime Watch program. 

 Do NOT leave valuables visible

• Place packages and shopping bags in the trunk
• Do NOT leave your vehicle running unattended and with your keys in the ignition!  This action not only gives thieves a golden opportunity to steal your vehicle, but you could also receive a citation and points on your driving record.   

CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced from fuel burning appliances in and around the home, an oil furnace, a natural gas water heater and even a lawn mower.   Install a carbon monoxide detector on every level of the house.  

ELECTRICAL FIRE SAFETY

Electrical fires claim the lives of 280 Americans each year.  Most of these fires are caused by incorrectly installed electrical wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords.  Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use.   

• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.  Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.  Do not try to repair them.
• Appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.  Never use an extension cord. 
• Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection and have the label of a recognized testing laboratory (UL rated).

SPACE HEATERS

Placing things that can burn too close to heating equipment or placing heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding, was the leading factor contributing to ignition in fatal home heating fires.  Take extra precautions and never leave unattended.  

OUTDOOR GRILLING

To make sure your next barbecue does not go up in flames, follow these safety tips:

• Designate the grilling area a No Play Zone, keeping kids and pets well away until grill equipment is completely cool. 
• Before using, position your grill at least 3 feet away from other objects, and 10 feet away from the house and any shrubs or bushes.
• Only use starter fluid made for barbecue grills when starting a fire in a charcoal grill.
• Never bring a barbecue grill indoors, or into any unventilated space. 
• Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to be sure it is working properly and not leaking.
• Check grill hoses for cracks, brittleness and holes. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the tubing.
• Never use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.
• Always keep propane gas containers upright.
• Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.

HOLIDAY SAFETY

• Freshly  cut trees and flame-retardant artificial trees bearing the UL label significantly reduces fires
• The trunk of the tree should be cut off at an angle and kept in a water-filled holder. Make sure the tree is fastened securely
• Every year, examine lights for frayed wires and loose sockets. Use only lights that are UL approved
• Never place a tree near any heat source (radiators, fireplaces, portable heaters, etc.) Don’t place tree in front of a doorway.
• Don’t use candles as decorations or displays on or around the tree.
• Never place electric lights on an artificial metal tree.
• Keep gift wrappings away from electrical wiring and electric or battery-powered toys away from the tree