TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Terre Haute City Departments continued their latest outreach program, “Walkabout Wednesdays.”
This week, police, fire, and other city departments were knocking on doors on 18th street in front of St. Patrick’s School in Terre Haute.
Public Information Officer for the police department, Justin Sears, says they were asking residents what they think the city could do better.
“It is one of our many outreach programs. We are just trying to make ourselves accessible. Not only the police department, but the rest of the city.”
As the holiday season approaches, the focus of this walkabout was giving homeowners tips to stay safe.
“We are talking about a little bit of safety, especially with all the packages that are going to be coming to doorsteps. We want people to take precautions like that, don’t leave too many boxes outside. Let’s not advertise some of the stuff that maybe you are buying. Let’s not make ourselves an easier target.”
Along with city departments, national organizations have gotten involved as well.
The American Red Cross has been participating, with Disaster Specialist Dakota East letting homeowners know of the services they provide.
“The American Red Cross does more than just ask people for blood and donations. When people have home fires or their house gets damaged by high winds, tornados, things like that, we come out and provide financial assistance if they meet damage requirements. Also, we install smoke alarms for free.”
The Terre Haute Police Department says, despite this initiative just getting started, changes are already taking place.
“We have gotten a lot of fire detectors out and smoke detectors, smoke alarms out. The city has come back in and addressed some tree limb issues and sidewalk issues in certain sports. We have had some of the blocks we’ve visited report some suspicious behaviors, so we have alerted our units to investigate. Voices are being heard and especially when we go door-to-door, it is even more prevalent.”
THPD says they will continue to perform walkabouts in neighborhoods around town, however the weather will dictate their schedule.
If you are interested in receiving a free smoke alarm or see if you qualify for financial assistance from The American Red Cross, visit their website here.
