Author: Rodolfo Martinez

November is a time of remembrance for those who have served their country. Neighbourhood Watch London would like to express our gratitude to the men and women who have given so much in times of war and peace to help us live in this wonderful community.

NWL Needs Your Support!

As you know, COVID-19 has presented a difficult situation for our entire community, including Neighbourhood Watch London. Our goal is to continue to serve you, and we hope that you will consider supporting us with either an NWL Plus membership – $25 a year – or a one-time donation. Any amounts of $20 or more are tax deductible. You can learn more here.

Crime Prevention Week

The first week of November is Crime Prevention Week in Ontario. It’s dedicated to raising awareness of safety, and is supported by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, and police services across Ontario. Because of the pandemic, the London Police Service used social media this year to share crime prevention tips and messages. A live Q & A was also held where members of the public could provide input. 

“During difficult times such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, so many people in our community are feeling anxious. That’s why it is especially important to come together to prevent crimes before they start. Many crimes are preventable and Crime Prevention Week is a great opportunity for Londoners to think about what they can do to keep their families, neighbourhoods, schools, and workplaces safe from criminal activities.” said Sgt. Chris Carne, supervisor of the LPS Community Services Section.

For more tips, visit the London Police Service crime prevention site.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

November 1-7 also marked Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in Ontario. It’s an annual reminder by the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal to test carbon monoxide detectors as well as ensure all fuel burning appliances, chimneys and outside vents are inspected to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Here is how you can help protect yourself from the dangers of carbon monoxide:

• Look for signs of exposure which could include flu-like symptoms – headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and in extreme cases, death.
• If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out of the home and into fresh air, and call 9-1-1.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions for your carbon monoxide alarms to know the difference between the sound of an alarm and the sound of a low battery or end of life warning. Test your alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the sound of each alarm.

There are more safety tips and information on this Ontario government website.

Road Safety

Here’s a timely tweet from OPP West Region for driving in the fall:

YOU just never know until it happens to you! Drivers reminded to always expect the unexpected. This #RoadSafety message comes after the #OPP responded to a report of cows crossing Windham Centre Road at 1:30 am. Please #DriveSafe and #PayAttention. @NorfolkCountyCA #NorfolkOPP^es pic.twitter.com/IcAkDX0YnS

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) November 11, 2020

In 2019, OPP responded to more than 500 collisions involving deer, with most occurring during the fall and winter months. To reduce the chances of such an occurrence, the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program publishes Hints for the Highway. These include:

Reduce Speed

Speed is one of the most common factors in vehicle collisions. Speed:

• Reduces the drivers ability to steer away from objects in the roadway
• Extends the distance required to stop
• Increases the force of impact, in the event of a collision

With good road conditions, drivers tend to increase their speed. Some studies suggest that wildlife vehicle collisions occur more than expected on clear nights, on dry road conditions and on long straight stretches. Drivers may tend to be more cautious on curves or in poor weather.

Drive Defensively

Anecdotally, there seems to be some evidence that animals that approach from the right side are avoided more successfully than animals that approach from the left, as drivers headlights illuminate that portion of the road better, and drivers pay close attention to the right hand side of the road and the ditch – so remember to pay equal attention to both the right and left hand sides of the road. 

To Swerve or Not to Swerve?

If animals such as deer are in your way –  think carefully. Is it safe to swerve? Do not take unsafe evasive actions. Serious accidents can occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles trying to avoid an animal. 

For more information visit the following website:

Wildlife Collision Prevention Program

City of London – Parking

Beginning November 1, the City of London requires residents and visitors to obtain an overnight parking pass to park vehicles on city streets. This is in effect until April 30, 2021. The pass is free of charge, however there’s a limit of 15 free passes per vehicle license plate. The passes can be obtained online, or by calling 519-661-4537, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Information can be found here: City of London Parking

Fraud Awareness

November is Financial Literacy Awareness Month, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre wants to make Canadians more aware of fraud. So far this year the Centre has received more than 40-thousand reports from Canadians involving 19,000 victims and reported losses exceeding $67 million.  Here are some tips from the Centre on how to protect yourself:

• Do not trust the information on your call display because it can easily be manipulated
• Do not provide your personal or financial information on demand
• Do not open an attachment or click a link in an unsolicited email or text message
• Create a unique and complicated password for each of your accounts

For additional tips visit:

The Canadian Anti Fraud Centre

Until next month, we hope that you stay healthy, and we look forward to connecting with you in December for our final newsletter of 2020!