• To deter forced entry install single or double cylinder deadbolt locks on doors (3-inch wood screws minimum). Lock doors and windows when you leave home, even if it’s just for a few minutes.  Do not leave key in door (s)!
• Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from the outside.
• Consider breaking boxes down and transporting to a recycling center instead of setting them at the curb.
• Conduct a holiday inventory. Take photographs or make videos of items and list descriptions and serial numbers.  Keep photos/video in a secure place for future reference.  If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.  Make sure items like TVs, DVDs, DVD players, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment and power tools are on the list. 

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer. Here are some safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.

- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use. 

CHOTG Citizenship and Government outdoor class is designed to enlighten students about civic pride, government and inspire them to become active members in their community.  Students are relaxed outside of the normal classroom and encouraged to ask questions of the presenter’s personal and professional experiences and why they became involved in government.

Eddie Davis speaking with approximately 76 students at Eastway Elementary School

Sandy Ridge Elementary School participated in a Bull City Play Streets as part of their end of the year awards recognition ceremony.  Students and teachers enjoyed bowling, lawn darts, hop scotch and jumping in the bounce house.

A local brewery has just received recognition for setting an example of environmental stewardship in the area of water pollution prevention. 

The Stormwater and GIS Services Division within the City of Durham Public Works Department has recognized Fullsteam Brewery for completing a year-long program to become certified as a Stormwater STAR business.

As part of Fire Prevention Month Easley and Holt Elementary Schools invited the Durham Fire Department to come out to talk with students about fire safety.  Students enjoyed learning how to get out of fire in the smoke house.  Also students learn the role of a firefighter and the different components of a fire truck.   

The North Street Community had their first Fall Festival and Play Streets. Children and adults dressed in Halloween costumes and enjoyed games such as; Yoga, Bocce ball, Lawn Darts and Corn Hole.  The community delighted in food cook on the community grill and music until 10:00PM.  Ms. Deirtra Spellman from Parks and Recreation came out to teach the Bocce Ball and Corn Hole to the residents.

The City of Durham Neighborhood Improvement Services Department partnered with the Greyson Green Neighborhood and the Milan Woods Neighborhood this month for a neighborhood cleanup.  The Impact Team collected all bulk trash that was placed at the curb by residents after extensive outreach to spread the word by neighbors. 

The Human Relations Division accepted a complaint based on a landlord’s alleged discriminatory treatment of a person with a disability.  The disability affects the resident’s ability to use her arms and her legs.  As such, she uses a wheelchair.  When the resident requested permission to install a ramp outside of her dwelling and grab bars within her dwelling, the landlord allegedly refused even though the resident agreed to cover the cost to install these elements of accessibility.