Security Update 

I am very thankful that we were not in the path of Hurricane Milton’s wrath. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and businesses in South Florida that were not as blessed. I have written several articles about hurricanes, and Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) does a fabulous job of disseminating information, including holding a Hurricane Town Hall meeting every year for our residents. Natural disasters can be extremely serious, deadly in fact, and should not be taken lightly. As we close out this Hurricane Season, now is a great time to start planning for the 2025 Hurricane Season!

On a separate note, as we head into the busiest shopping season of the year, please practice a few safety and security measures.

Shopping and Exchanging

• Limit the amount of cash you carry; use debit or credit cards whenever possible.
• Shop with someone else. Not only is the shopping experience more enjoyable, but there is also safety in numbers.
• Take care to be aware of your surroundings. Shopping is an exciting time, and thieves can prey on those who are not paying attention. Refrain from using your cellular phone when you arrive or depart.
• Park in a well-lit area.
• Always store all valuables out of sight. Put items in the trunk or in areas where they will not be seen by passersby.
• Lock your car. Jerking on door handles is easy, and once they open, thieves will rummage through the car to see what is there. At the same time, make sure the windows are up.
• Consider making your most expensive purchases last so you can head straight home with them.
• Have your keys ready when you approach your car. (Your keys can be used as a defensive weapon if necessary.)
• Look around the car to assure that no one is lurking and to make sure no one is in it before entering.
• Consolidate smaller purchases into one or two large shopping bags. Never leave purchases unattended.

Personal Safety

• Women should hold purses close to their body with the opening facing them. When walking with someone else, keep the purse between you.
• Never leave your purse in the shopping cart, even if you are close by.
• Men should consider keeping their wallets in their front pocket rather than hip pockets or jackets.

Home Safety

• If you have a burglar alarm, use it, even if you intend to be away only for a few moments. If you do not have an alarm system, consider making this a priority in your future home improvement projects.
• If your house will be vacant, consider leaving lights on timers, and sign up for TLA’s Property Check service.
• Remember, those fancy boxes stacked in your trash area or yards are billboards to thieves who now know what items are in the house.
• Also be very aware and up to date regarding online scams (https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-a...).

To end with a good note, I share a few comments included in a very welcomed and heartfelt letter I recently received. A family member of a resident took the time to personally write me a letter and thank us. The letter stated that she had called The Landings Association and requested a welfare check on her brother because she had not been able to reach him since Hurricane Helene. Within a short period of time, Security Officers conducted a welfare check and returned her call with the good news he was fine. She went on to specifically thank Cpl. Eric Haile for his prompt attention to her request. This letter made me pause, reflect, and a question arose. When was the last time I wrote a letter of appreciation to someone? Not posted something online or sent an email, but an actual letter of appreciation? It’s been too long. Certainly, it’s a focus item for 2025. Write twice as many thank you letters as negative or derogatory emails or social media posts.

On behalf of the men and women of the Security Department, we wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe Holiday Season.

Happy Holidays to you and yours,