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Security Notes
After several meetings with the State Police Area Commander, state police patrols have been reinstated at Palmas del Mar. In addition, PHA has been successful in getting the Municipal Police to enforce the Municipal Code at Palmas and to increase its presence in our community. Also, with the cooperation of PDMPI and of Mr. José Mercado, owner and developer of the Varadero, PHA has been successful in obtaining a State Police Rapid Response Maritime unit to be stationed in Palmas del Mar. These elements, along with a strong and dedicated Palmas security force, will provide our community with a safer, more peaceful and secure environment.
Security at Palmas remains calm with very little delinquent or criminal activity taking place. Contingency plans to the summer have been developed and coordinated with police agencies.
Beach Safety
PHA Beach Patrols are doing an excellent job keeping our beach areas safe and secure. However, be mindful that our beach areas are also known for very dangerous riptides and undertow currents which can quickly turn your enjoyment into a deadly nightmare. As the summer gets hotter and the beach becomes more attractive, you need to exercise extreme vigilance when near the water. Keep children close to you and observe basic safety precautions.
Hurricane Season
The 2005 Hurricane Season (June 1st November 30) will be upon us very shortly and now is a good time to review your preparations and your own contingency planning. As was the case this past year with Tropical Storm Jeanne, PHA will be set to go with its emergency planning and response teams to handle preparations, damage assessment, road clearing and property security. You should review insurance policies, have videos/photos of your property, recheck your emergency equipment and identify the safe haven for your family. Go over inventory of your survival kit' cash, medicines, gasoline, foodstuff, water, flashlight, batteries, infant necessities, battery powered radios, camera and film, pet supplies, toiletries, candles, matches, etc. Don't forget to keep your cell phone fully charged and the emergency phone numbers handy. The official Civil Defense Shelter for Palmas del Mar is the Luciano Rios School on Road 923 at Buena Vista Ward.
Stray Dogs
This is an extremely serious problem that has affected our community for a long time and will continue as long as the tempo of construction continues. What is PHA doing?
In addition to working with construction sites through the ARB and inspectors checking for garbage and food waste and imposing fines where problems are detected, a program was implemented in close coordination with the Humacao Municipality which is beginning to show positive results. Under the guidance and specifications of the Civil Defense Department responsible for picking up stray dogs, PHA installed a set of mobile traps which allows dogs to enter as they are enticed by bait, but they can't come out. These traps are moved throughout the community based upon sightings. Traps are checked daily and dogs caught are then picked up by the Municipal Dog Catchers Unit.
We have a long way to go on this problem, but PHA is doing everything within its reach to bring this situation under control. Any suggestions, ideas or help are most welcome. Please call the Municipality at (787) 2851133 to request pick up of unwanted dogs.
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