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safercommunities Being neighbourly
I have a couple of large dogs. They didn’t bark a lot but when they did, they were certainly noisy. And when I was away at work I didn’t know how much they disturbed our neighbours. We didn’t ever discuss it, but I had an uneasy feeling that there could be a problem.
However, for those who live next to less considerate owners of noisy dogs, there’s now a gadget that you can buy to protect your property. It includes a microphone that can detect a barking dog up to 15 metres away. The unit then sends out a short burst of ultrasonic sound that is heard by dogs but not by humans. Again, this signal is not severely distressing but it So I’ve bought a couple of collars that respond to a dog’s bark is uncomfortable enough for a dog to learn very quickly that with a very tiny sensation under the throat. The signal doesn’t barking is not acceptable. seem to cause the dogs any discomfort. Indeed, my two line up in the morning to have their collars put on without any hes- Of course, this is an investment some complainants might itation at all. feel they shouldn’t have to make. But if it contributes to better neighbourly relationships it could be well worth while. But the collars work. The amount of barking has dropped away sharply. I can be confident my dogs won’t be upsetting our The key thing in all this is to talk to your neighbours to see if neighbours. there might be a problem. A chat over the fence can often fix most things. That’s what was important for me. As a Community Constable I’ve found that noisy dogs can be a real threat to neighbourly Editor’s Note: Devices of these kinds can be seen at relationships. I am glad to have been able to do something to www.innotek.co.nz keep things on an even keel around our place. Constable Michael Brown Community Constable
Orewa Police Station | 4 Riverside Road | Orewa | PO Box 50 | Orewa P 09 426 4555 | E MBX747@police.govt.nz
Preparing for the colder months ahead Hi again, folks.
drain or guttering is to blame. We need your help to keep the community and fellow neighWell, as we bask in the late summer early autumn weather, it’s bours safe. If you notice anything unusual or hear a smoke timely that we prepare for the colder and wet months ahead. alarm going at your neighbour’s, please call us immediately. We suggest that electric blankets are tested on a regular basis Have you got your emergency exit plan in place? and, if there are any signs of damage, these should be repaired or discarded immediately. Everyone should have an exit strategy and plan in place, in the event of a natural disaster or fire in the home. This is your ‘go-to Over the years, I have personally been to several house fires place’ where you can be safe. that were caused by electric blankets catching fire These devastating fires are usually due to faulty wiring in the blanket, or If you need further information on fire-safety tips, please don’t the blankets left on for long periods of time with washing or hesitate to call the nearest Fire Station and we will be happy to heavy weights on the bed. provide that support. One metre from the heater. Keep everyone and everything Station Officer Dave Lattimore back from the heater and the rule of thumb is a metre. Radiat- Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade ed heat from the fire or heater can ignite clothing or furnishings, so please be vigilant at all times. We have had a dry start to the autumn and winter, so now is a good time to check spouting and drains are unblocked. It’s never fun mopping up after a weather event where a blocked
