How to stay safe in frigid winter temperatures, plus tips on dealing with scammers.

By: David Stacy

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Training via Wikimedia Commons

We would like to wish a Happy New Year to all of our fellow Northsiders. Now that 2020 is in our past and 2021 is here, it seems that hope is drawing near.

I will refrain from saying too much on the COVID-19 pandemic that we all are suffering from in one way or many ways because facts and regulations can change on a weekly—sometimes daily—basis. Those of us who are reluctant or resistant to vaccines have several months before the general public will receive a COVID-19 vaccine. I implore everyone to pay attention to science and medicine and to study any and all the facts throughout these next few months.                              

Winter and cold weather is also upon us. Remember that dressing in layers can be more effective than just a coat to keep you warm and protect you from frostbite. Especially if you spend a lot of time in the elements, keeping your feet, hands, and head covered and warm makes a big difference in keeping your body heat intact. Also, know that there are rules and regulations on your pets being in cold or very hot elements. You can call Animal Control at 412-255-2036 for all the details of what’s required for pet safety. Please be good to your pets and if you see a dog or pet in distress, call 311 or go directly to Animal Control to report your concerns.

Scams are on the rise. I would like to warn you to be careful on the internet, social media, and on phone calls. Do not open anything on the internet if you are not sure where it’s coming from. Do not give any information out at all via internet and phone scams. Also, be aware of anyone coming to your door unannounced: Do not open your door as people can pose as utility agents and do-gooders but ultimately have bad intentions. Don’t open or crack your doorway: This can give someone the opportunity to force their way into your home.

As always, please keep an eye open for your neighbors who are elderly, disabled, and less fortunate as well as their pets that may need some sort of assistance or just a voice to talk to or speak up for. Always remember to be COVID-19-safe if or when you interact.

Finally, the North Side Public Safety Council (NSPSC) really needs your help in sending a representative from your particular neighborhood within the Northside to our meetings that are now virtual until further notice.  You can contact us via email for the link to our monthly meetings at [email protected] or call 421-321-0295 if you have any concerns or questions. 

NSPSC meets on the first Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m., but note that we will not be meeting in the month of January. We will resume in February at our regular time. Also note that representatives from the Zone 1 Police Department, Mayor’s Office, City Council, and Housing Authority attend all of our meetings with reports and to take questions or concerns you may have.                                                   

Be safe, alert, and aware of happenings in your neighborhood whether they be good or bad. Be kind, as Northsiders always have been through the five or so decades I’ve lived here. I call the Northside my home and am proud to be a Northsider. 

Warm regards,

David Stacy  

David Stacy is the president of NSPSC.