When to call 9-1-1:
Ever think, "I need a policeman or a fireman, but I don't think it's an emergency?"

Whenever in doubt, call 9-1-1. It is always better to error on the side of caution. Your call to 911 will be answered by a Call Receiver normally based out of Cencom "Central Communications" based in Bremerton, Kitsap County, Washington. Cencom provides emergency response for all local emergency medical, police or fire aid. The Call Receiver will ask if your call is an emergency and may put you on hold briefly if a non-emergency to handle an emergency detail. The Call Receiver will take your information and dispatch the necessary aid personnel, often times aid is dispatched while you are on the phone with the Call Receiver. The Call Receiver will enter the information given to them by the caller while at the same time it is being read by a Dispatcher on another computer who is alerting and sending emergency personnel to your location. Police Officers are often in their cars and the 911 Dispatcher is the best resource for reaching them. Note: Be sure your address is visible from the road to ensure Emergency Aid can find you saving valuable time!

Firearm Safety:
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY - FREE GUN LOCKS

Ask at the Front Desk of the Bainbridge Island Police Department. Be a responsible gun owner and lock your firearms. Many gun owners feel the need to keep their guns unlocked and loaded. Many feel this gives them a greater sense of self-protection and the ability to protect their home and family. In reality, unlocked and loaded guns are putting loved ones at risk. Unlocked guns are especially dangerous if you have children or adolescents who live in or visit your home. A gun can be a source intrigue and curiosity. It can be an overwhelming temptation for a depressed loved one. We encourage anyone to stop by the police department during business hours and pick up a free lock for their firearm. To learn more about what you can do to protect your friends and family from firearms, please visit the website: www.lokitup.org .

• Ride with Traffic. Always ride single file on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic.
• Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, avoid swerving or sudden turns or movements, and always use hand signals when turning.
• Obey all Traffic Signs and Signals. Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road motorists do.
• Be Visible. Be sure to have reflectors and reflective equipment on your bicycle, have lights on your bicycle when riding at night and always wear bright colors.
• Be Safe. Always wear a bike helmet.* Avoid racing, doing tricks, carrying extra passengers or over-sized packages while riding your bicycle on public roadways. Never wear audio headphones while riding.
• Be Alert. Always keep your eyes and ears open. Constantly look ahead and around you for traffic and other potential hazards. Shout or honk to alert a potential hazard of your location.
• Keep Your Children Safe. Do not allow your children to ride at night for their own safety. Most drivers do not see riders until it is too late.

* FREE HELMETS! The Bainbridge Island Police Department will give a free bicycle helmet to anyone in need. Just stop by the department during regular business hours.

Identity Theft Prevention:
NEVER GIVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION I.E. DATE OF BIRTH, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME, BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER OR PIN NUMBER OR CREDIT CARD NUMBER OVER THE PHONE, MAIL OR INTERNET UNLESS KNOW IT IS A SECURE LINE AND/OR LEGITIMATE LICENSED AND BONDED BUSINESS.

Nationwide, an estimated 700,000 people become victims of ID theft each year. An average victim spends $808 to clear up discrepancies related to identity theft, and spends approximately 185 hours over two years to straighten their credit and financial matters. To avoid becoming part of these statistics, please follow some of these helpful suggestions:

If you find you have become the victim of Identity Theft, please read the following recommendations:

• Report the Crime to Law Enforcement Immediately. To report the theft or abuse of your financial information or property you can call 911, your local law enforcement agency, or walk-in and ask to file a report at your local police department. The police will take a report and give you a case number to reference with creditors, financial institutions or to use if further future instances occur. You will often times be required to fill out Loss Affidavits regarding the fraud with your bank or creditors. This is important to identify you as the victim of the loss or theft and the financial entity as the victim of the forgery or fraud.
• Notify Your Bank, Financial Institutions and Creditors. The sooner you notify your bank and creditors of your lost or stolen information the sooner measures can be put in place to "flag" your account. Having your account immediately "flagged" will help to catch the perpetrators and protect you from being liable for any fraudulent charges. It is best to close the jeopardized account and open a new account disallowing criminals access to your new information. Always keep your account numbers with account contact information in one location easily accessible by you. If fraudulent charges appear, call Consumer Credit Counseling Services @ 1-800-388-2227 to help clear your credit report.
• Credit Reporting Agencies. If you are the victim of a loss or theft, call the fraud units of the three major credit report agencies, as set forth below, to report and request that your accounts be "flagged." It is also recommended that you request a copy of your credit report every six months or annually to check for fraudulent credit reportings.
• Change Your Passwords. To protect all your accounts and personal information always change your password on a regular basis. If a victim of a crime, change all passwords immediately.
• Stolen Mail. Should you find that your mail has been stolen immediately report to your local post office AND your local law enforcement agency. Locking mailboxes are a wise investment and usually available at your local hardware store.
• Guard Your Garbage. It is recommended that you shred any documents containing your personal or financial information. Criminals often peruse citizens' garbage cans for any useful data they can find and steal. Be on the alert and report if your garbage appears to have been rummaged through.
• Social Security Theft or Fraud. If you are aware of theft or fraud of your Social Security funds or fraudulent use of a Social Security Number, please contact the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline @ 1-800-269-0271.

CONTACTS:
EQUIFAX www.equifax.com ; Report Fraud 1-800-525-628
TRANS UNION www.tuc.com ; Report Fraud 1-800- 680-7289
EXPERIAN www.experian.com ; Report Fraud 1-800-301-7196
WASHINGTON ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE www.wa.gov ; Report Fraud 1-800-551-4636