Recent Shooting Prompts Thought for Neighborhood Action

A recent shooting in our neighborhood made me realize there's not many options to prevent random acts of violence.  They are tragic, unfortunate, and leave everyone feeling bad.  However, is there a way to prevent future events?  Perhaps.  As the progression of video surveillance systems become more cost effective and easier to install, it might just be feasible to come together as a neighborhood and setup a few video cameras that would together, act as a layer of defense and aid in the collection of evidence if something were to happen.  Setting such a system up might entail two corner neighbors and one or two houses in the middle of the block.  A few simple cameras placed strategically within a block could cover who comes and goes, catch vandalism, thieves, someone casing an area and then returning, or just provide solid evidence when no one was around to see what was happening.  These Security Camera Systems might be a good start -- and something to consider - either as a home owner, or a neighborhood watch.

Facebook May Encourage Robbery and Break Ins

I recently read an article about a house robbery that eventually led back to someones Facebook status telling those following them that they were heading to a concert for the evening (or: hey, my house will be empty from 7-10pm tonight if your looking for some things to steal).  At first thought, one might be shocked to hear this.  However, in this instance, the Facebooker trusted and accepted too many people.  They had accepted friend requests without thinking through the invitation.  Apparently an old high school friend connected with her and was in tough times and needed some quick cash.  So, after seeing her post and knowing where she lived (he was a local neighbor), he headed over to grab some goods.  Two things jump out here as take away as everyone around us posts more updates to their Facebook and Twitter feeds: 1) don't publicly tell everyone your headed out on vacation, etc. via a live itnternet feed, and 2) think through who you accept as a friend on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media connections.  It's an easy mistake to make, but an easier one to prevent.

Did your Gmail get hacked with a bunch of outbound spam?

First, I'm sorry to hear about this -- as I know it's never a good feeling! The odd thing is, my wife's account was also "hacked" this past weekend. I've been doing some research on this, and apparently a number of other accounts where compromised, as a timely article was published from the UK:

http://www.cio.co.uk/news/3221131/gmail-accounts-hacked-by-drug-dealing-spammers/

After reading the article I noticed the "Details" link at the bottom of Gmail, which gives some insight on who last logged in to the account, however, it doesn't yet explain HOW the account was compromised, nor does the article provide any insight as to HOW to prevent this - other than referencing Gmail's "make sure your secure" article. All we can really hope at this time is that Goggle / Gmail responds with greater security measures - as something is obviously wrong and Gmail doesn't seem to want to admit to anything.

However, I've been attempting to figure out any regularities with the compromised accounts. The article DOES make mention of accounts either being hacked from the mobile side, or that those that access their accounts via mobile might be targeted. Either way, if there's a Gmail hole that was exploited via the mobile side, then it's a problem.

Gmail DOES seem to do a decent job at preventing hackers from cracking passwords, as after about ten attempts to login to Gmail with an incorrect password they require you to manually enter a confirmation word. This would slow down hackers and/or any scripts written to try and break passwords. HOWEVER, it's never a bad idea to have a STRONG password. I suggest using one that is NOT in the dictionary. Take a word, and then spell it backwards. Add a digit to the front and the end, and include some type of punctuation. For example: 39cisum!62 ... how do you remember it? 3 x 3 is 9, so 39, and cisum is music spelled backwards, add some punctuation and another few digits that mean something to you. Good luck hacking that password!

Also, do you access your Gmail from a mobile browser on your phone? My wife regularly does this, and the article mentions a possible stemming from mobile Gmail. This MIGHT point to a particular "hole" for hackers to exploit, as I don't access Gmail from a mobile browser, rather I use my mobile e-mail solution (via POP access) to download email to my cell phone.

I'd be cautious about accessing Gmail from a mobile browser at this point.

Community Message: WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER

Community Message has been issued by the Saint Paul Fire Department.

Wednesday April 21, 2010 3:21 PM EDT

WEEKLY SAINT PAUL FIRE & EMS BLOTTER

This feature we call "Fire & EMS Blotter" is a weekly update of the activities of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

During the week of April 14 thru April 20, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to 603 emergency calls.  Here is a sampling of some of the emergency and non-emergency activities from information provided by the fire department.

WAREHOUSE FIRE - On April 14 at 8:02 p.m. on the 300 block of Randolph Avenue crews raced to a vacant warehouse fire.  The 9-1-1 caller saw kids throwing rocks through windows prior to the fire. It appears combustibles were placed in a pile and set on fire. This is the second fire in two weeks.

BICYCLIST STRUCK - On April 15 at 5:20 p.m. paramedics came to the aid of a 33 year old female after being struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle.  She was treated and transported to a near by hospital for further evaluation.

GUN SHOT WOUND - On April 15 at 2:42 p.m. paramedics responded to the 900 block of St. Albans Street North to assist a 29 year old male who was shot.  Paramedics treated him at the scene and transported him to a near by hospital.

KITCHEN FIRE - On April 17 at 3:41 p.m. on the 1200 block of St. Anthony Avenue a small fire was extinguished by a sprinkler head in the kitchen.  The occupant was sterilizing baby bottle nipples in a pan of water on the stove and left for a short while when the water boiled off.  Water damage to apartment contents.  Damage estimated at $3,000.

CAR FIRE - On the 1100 block of Rainey on April 17 at 12:41 a.m. there was a fire in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.  Fire spead to nearby fence and there was radiant heat damage to a small section of the vinyl siding.  Damage is estimated at $1,000.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT - On April 17 at 12:10 p.m. on Case and Mendota Street a 46 year old male was involved in a motorcycle accident.  He was driving at a high rate of speed when he struck a vehicle.  He was ejected off the motorcycle and landed approximately 50 feet from the crash.  He was not wearing a helmet.  He sustained serious injuries.  Paramedics treated him and transported him to a nearby hospital.

BURNS - On April 18 at 9:20 a.m. paramedics went to the aid of a 1 year old female on the 1300 block of Farrington Street.  She sustained 3rd degrees burns to her forehead and face when she was accidentally burned from cooking oil.

STABBING - On April 18 at 8:39 p.m. on the 1600 block of Ames Street a 14 year old male was stabbed in the back.  Paramedics treated and transported him to a near by hospital.

BUSINESS FIRE - An overheated ceiling fan or electrical malfunction caused a $750 estimated damage in a women's restroom on the 900 block of West Gate Drive on April 20 at 9:41 a.m.  Employees were working for several hours before noticing a burning odor.  The fan appears to have been left on since Friday. They then checked the restroom and discovered the fan burning and extinguished with a dry powder.

DRYER FIRE – On April 20 at 5:29 p.m. on the 600 block of Front Avenue crews responded to an apartment fire. An occupant had been drying clothes in the first floor laundry room when the clothes in the drum caught fire. Another occupant from the apartment noticed smoke coming from inside the dryer and tried to extinguish the fire with a dry chemical. He removed some of the clothes, unplugged the dryer, shut off a circuit, opened a window and put a fan in it. He left the room when the smoke got to heavy. This fire was confined to the area of the dryer. Damage is estimated at $1,000.

AWARDS - On April 20, the Marine Force Reserve Master Gunnery Sergeant presented an award to Fire Chief Tim Butler for Saint Paul Fire's participation in the "Homecoming of the Marines" when 300 Marines flew in from Africa last April. There was also a plaque presented the department's involvement of the Toys for Tots mission held this past year.

4/14/2010 - Community Message: Fire & EMS Blotter

Community Message has been issued by the Saint Paul Fire Department.
Wednesday April 14, 2010 5:17 PM EDT
Fire & EMS Blotter

This feature we call "Fire & EMS Blotter" is a weekly update of the activities of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

During the week of April 7 thru April 13, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to 614 emergency calls. Here is a sampling of some of the emergency and non-emergency activities from information provided by the fire department.

PORCH FIRE - On April 8 at 5:52 p.m. on the 1800 block of Old Hudson Road, unknown juveniles lit a planter box on fire causing damage estimated at $5, 000 to the siding and window. There have been repeated acts of vandalism caused by unknown juveniles at this location.

CAR FIRE - On April 9 at 10:07 a.m., after hearing a knocking noise and seeing white smoke the driver pulled over to the shoulder on University at Marion. After getting out of the vehicle they saw flames showing from under the motor. There was a trail of what looked like transmission fluid leading to the vehicle. The owner had just recently had a new motor installed and had felt it had not been working properly since. This is an accidental fire due to an engine/ transmission malfunction.

BURN/SCALD - On April 10 at 12:34 p.m. paramedics were on scene to assist a 3 year old male who was burned by a hot clothes iron. Paramedics treated him at the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital.

BICYCLIST STRUCK - On April 10 at 12:53 p.m. paramedics arrived on scene to assist a 53 year old male who was struck by a car while bicycling on Cretin Avenue and Mississippi River Blvd. He had rolled up onto the hood and suffered minor injuries. He was treated on scene and transported to a nearby hospital.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM - On April 10 at 8:47 p.m. on the 900 block of Ivy Avenue East, a CO alarm was sounding. The fire crews CO monitor reading determined that levels were unsafe. The fire company moved all personnel to fresh air for further evaluation. Xcel called. Occupants advised not to return to building until problem fixed and checked again for CO poisioning.

TREE HOUSE FIRE - On April 11, crews raced to the 600 block of California at 1:10 p.m. where a fire originated in combustibles stored in the backyard and spread to a nearby two story tree house. After the tree house became fully involved the fire spread to the garage and home on the property. There was also minor heat damage to three adjacent homes and a garage located across the alley. Red Cross was called for the occupants. Board up and Xcel were on scene. Damage estimated at $75,000.

SAUNA FIRE - On April 11 at 1:25 p.m. on the 1000 block of Bandana Blvd. West, fire started in the wall of a sauna. This fire started in a light fixture or its junction box and spread up in the wall from there. A sprinkler did activate but because the fire was in the wall it did not completely extinguish the fire. Damage is estimated at $5,000.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT - On April 13 at 4:09 p.m. a 62 year old male was struck by a motor vehicle on Finn Street and Ford Parkway. He had to stop quickly in the intersection and set the bike down. He was not wearing a helmet. He sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

STOVE FIRE - On April 13 at 7:06 p.m. on the 1000 block of Van Slyke Avenue, occupants returned home to discover heavy smoke and called 9-1-1. The fire started on the kitchen stovetop and spread up an adjacent cupboard to involve the soffit area. Occupants had not used the stove but there were indications the fire started on the rear left burner. This fire appears to be the result of an unattended burner or stove malfunction. Damage is estimated at $30,000.

Our new camera intercom doorbell system is in!

Quantity:

Community Message has been issued by the Saint Paul Fire Department

Community Message has been issued by the Saint Paul Fire Department.

Wednesday April 7, 2010 5:13 PM EDT
Saint Paul Fire & EMS Blotter for April 7, 2010

This feature we call "Fire & EMS Blotter" is a weekly update of the activities of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

During the week of March 31 thru April 6, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to 637 emergency calls. Here is a sampling of some of the emergency and non-emergency activities from information provided by the fire department.

VEHICLE FIRE - A vehicle started on fire at 9th & Main Street on March 31, 2010 at 9:02 a.m. in a parking ramp. The fire was confined to the engine compartment and extinguished with the aid of the foam truck. This fire is accidental as a result of a malfunction in the engine compartment.

VACANT BUILDING FIRE - On March 31 at 6:11 p.m. on the 40 block of Hawthorne Avenue, a caller reported seeing a broken basement window and smoke coming from a vacant building. Upon arrival, crews found heavily charred mattresses against the wall in the basement that had mostly self extinguished because of lack of ventilation. This fire is under investigation at this time. Damage is estimated at $42,500.

CARELESS DISCARDED SMOKERS' MATERIAL - On March 31 at 5:24 p.m. crews raced to the scene on the 1300 block of West Minnehaha Avenue after a neighbor called reporting the deck being on fire. The neighbor reported seeing a small flame approximately one hour before the fire from a small flower pot. She thought the occupant was home and burning some type of device on the deck. After returning to the window an hour later she discovered the deck on fire and called 9-1-1. The occupants returned home a short time after the fire was extinguished. The electrical meter was also damaged and Xcel was on scene. This fire is accidental in origin and cause. Damage is estimated at $10,000.

BURNS - On March 31 at 7:59 a.m. on the 800 block of Albert Street a 44 year old male had been working on his stove when it flashed over. Paramedics treated him at the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital.

CARELESS DISCARDED CIGARETTE - A fire started in the rear store room on April 1 at 2:39 p.m. on the 700 block of Fourth Street East. Occupants would use this area to smoke. An improperly disposed cigarette caused the fire when it came in contact with combustibles that were underneath the table. Damage was contained to the room of origin. The fire is accidental. Damage is estimated at $5,500.

JUVENILES PLAYING WITH LIGHTER - A fire was caused by juveniles playing with a lighter at 3:55 p.m. on April 1 on the 2200 block of West Seventh Street. They were burning a bug on the comforter of their bed with a lighter they found in a kitchen drawer. They notified their babysitter of the fire and fled the apartment. They have been referred to the fire department's Fire Play Intervention Program. For further information about Fire Play Intervention, call the fire department's Public Education Office at 651-228-6203. Damage is estimated at $11,000.

CARELESSLY DISCARDED CIGARETTE - A carelessly discarded cigarette by juveniles caused an estimated $5,050 damage to a front porch on the 1200 block of Cook Avenue on April 1 at 1:56 p.m. The cigarette was thrown in a box containing papers, clothing, and other miscellaneous items. The fire was reported and extinguished by a neighbor with a dry chemical extinguisher. The fire is accidental in nature and the juveniles will be reffered to the Juvenile Fire Play Intervention Program. For further information about Fire Play Intervention, call the fire department's Public Education Office at 651-228-6203.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK - On April 3 at 7:09 p.m. on Baker and Chippewa, paramedics raced to the scene of a pedestrian struck. A 29 year old female had been struck by a motor vehicle. She was transported to a near by hospital.

LIGHT FIXTURE FIRE - On April 4 at 5:10 p.m. on the 600 block of Selby Avenue, a report of flames and smoke was reported. Fire companies extinguished the fire with lightwater. Burn patterns indicated that the fire started in the outdoor light fixture. The plastic fixture melted and started the bottom portion of the siding on fire when it dripped to the floor. Upon closer examination, the 60 watt fixture contained a 100 watt lightbulb. The inside wall switch was in the "on" position. Damage is estimated at $5,000.

FALL – On April 5 at 5:50 p.m. a 15 year old male was playing basketball with friends when he jumped on a bench and fell backwards injuring himself. Paramedics treated and transported him to a nearby hospital.

Community Message: Saint Paul Fire & EMS Blotter for April 1, 2010

A Community Message has been issued by the Saint Paul Fire Department.
Thursday April 1, 2010 1:10 PM EDT
Saint Paul Fire & EMS Blotter for April 1, 2010

This feature we call "Fire & EMS Blotter" is a weekly update of the activities of the Saint Paul Fire Department.

During the week of March 24 thru March 30, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to 605 emergency calls. Here is a sampling of some of the emergency and non-emergency activities from information provided by the fire department.

DWELLING FIRE - On March 24 at 3:57: p.m. a report came in of black smoke and fire on the 300 block of Winona Street East. Upon crew's arrival, heavy fire was spreading to the neighbor's house when firefighters arrived and stopped it. No injuries. Fire crews were able to contain the fire and save both properties. The fire is still under investigation. Damage is estimated at $250,000.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK - On March 24 at 8:35 a.m. on the 900 block of Geranium Avenue East, a 3 year old male was struck by a vehicle and thrown 15-20 feet. Patient was treated at the scene and transported to a near by hospital.

FATAL FIRE – On March 25 at 2:37 p.m. on the 800 block of Blair Avenue, fire companies were dispatched to a fire in a two-story duplex where a two year old male died and four others who were at home, at the time, have been injured and taken to a nearby hospital. The cause is being investigated. One firefighter was slightly injured. There were no fire sprinklers in the building.

STABBING - On March 25 at 5:34 p.m. a 45 year old male was stabbed in the chest on the 400 block of Rice Street. He was treated at the scene and transported to a near by hospital.

FIRE SET BY JUVENILES - On March 26 at 9:21 p.m. on the 1100 block of Pleasant Avenue a garabage bag of leaves on the front porch were set on fire by juveniles. The homeowner's son received a text message from friends stating they set the bag on fire. Parents and juveniles were referred to the fire department's Fire Play Intervention Program. For further information about Fire Play Intervention, call the fire department's Public Education Office at 651-228-6203.

MATTRESS FIRE - On March 27 at 5:17 p.m. on the 300 block of North Dale an occupant returned to find his mattress smoldering. He took water out of the sink and put the fire out. He then brought the blankets down to the trash room and put them into the slop sink. The mattress had been extinguished but the blankets continued to smolder. Firefighters extinguished the blankets with a dry power and ventilated. This fire is most likely the result of the careless use of smoker's material. Damage is estimated at $400.

GUN SHOT WOUND - On March 27 at 2:47 a.m. on the 300 block of Smith Avenue, a 19 year old male was involved in a fight and was shot. He was treated at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital.

UNATTENDED COOKING - On March 28 at 3:37 a.m., crews were dispatched to the 1900 block of Maryland Avenue East. The occupant stated he had been cooking on the stovetop and went into his bedroom and fell asleep. He woke up to his baby crying and discovered the fire on the stove. He took the baby outside and then came back in to fight the fire with an extinguisher. He thought he had turned the stove off. This fire is the result of unattended cooking. Damage is estimated at $5,500.

APARTMENT FIRE - On March 29 at 2:33 p.m. on the 1300 block of Mississippi Street, crews responded to an apartment fire. The fire originated in the interstitial space adjacent to the door leading to the balcony. Occupants had used the brick facade to extinguish their cigarettes before disposing them in an ashtray on an interior table. The ash fell into a hole created by squirrels and ignited the combustibles within. The fire spread and was confined to the interior of the apartment causing damage to the area of origin with overhaul ceiling damage to the apartment below. Red Cross was on scene for the occupants. Damage is estimated at $60,000.