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Safety and Security

As homeowners, one of the most important concerns we have is surrounding the safety and security of our families and our homes. Our trash being picked up on time or our village green being landscaped doesn't mean anything if our children aren't safe from harm and our families well protected. The HOA would like to take this time to mention several safety-related issues in our community:

The Pond - Parents are asked to warn their children that they should never play near or on our community's pond. It simply does not stay cold enough in the Washington, DC area for water to be solidly frozen over and safe to skate on. Several instances of children trying to play on paper-thin ice has already been seen by residents. Please, please tell your children that they should never play close to the pond or stand near its edges. Ice skating can be a fun, family activity when done in an appropriate location such as on The Mall downtown or at a local skating rink.

I'll Leave a Light On - Many property crimes are committed under cloak of darkness. The Board of Directors has already discussed the possibility of installing street lights in order to brighten our community and make it easier to see at night. However, any action on this issue may be at least a year away since this work cannot be done until the developer has been released from his bond with the county. When possible, consider leaving your outside light on to brighten your home and the sidewalk in front of it. "Dusk to Dawn" sensors which allow your standard light fixture to come on automatically at dusk and off at dawn may be found at local home improvement stores. Motion detector lights may also be a good purchase for the rear of your home and easily installed.

Join Us! - You may have noticed the new Neighborhood Watch signs that have been posted around the community. Several homeowners have volunteered to participate in the new Mason's Passage Neighborhood Watch. A meeting of homeowners with police officers from the Fairfax County Police Department was held on December 12th to outline the basics of a Watch program. Homeowner John Enos is heading up this effort and is looking for volunteers. Anyone who is interested in getting more information or in volunteering should contact John at 703-339-9024. For those who missed the meeting, an information/training meeting will be held on January 28th at 7:00 pm at the Franconia District Police Station located at 6121 Franconia Road in Alexandria.

Crime Report-Future issues of this newsletter will include a report of any vandalism or crime in or near our community.

Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, February 12th-7:30 pm
Location: 9724 Plaskett Forest

Any resident may attend a Board meeting to listen to the proceedings. However, if you have a matter you'd like brought up for discussion, please send your concern in the form of a letter or e-mail to Armstrong Management and the matter will be presented to the board at the next possible meeting.

Please note that Mason's Passage has a new property manager at Armstrong Management Services.

Dale Estrada
Mason's Passage Property Manager
Tel: # 703-313-9359 x 3013
E-mail: daleestrada@armstrong.net
Keep this information for future reference

Personal Safety Tips

Following are some important tips to remember to avoid becoming a victim of crime. These tips are courtesy of the Fairfax County Police:

• Do not carry large sums of money when walking outside. Avoid carrying a purse whenever possible. If you do carry a purse, hold it firmly in front of you. When possible, stay away from less populated areas such as alleys, wooded areas, isolated walkpaths, etc.

• Always let a family member know where you are, where you are going and when you expect to return. Lock windows and doors as much as possible both when you are at home and when you are away. Install a peep hole in your door or use a window to see who is at your door before opening it. Never open your door to someone you do not know.

• Make a plan for what you would do if someone broke into your house while you are there. Stick to the plan.

• Use ATM machines that are busy. Go where other people are likely to be such as a convenience store. Note those that are monitored by cameras and visible to others. When jogging, do not use headphones or radios that will compromise your ability to hear what is around you. Jog with a partner and select your jogging locations carefully. Always lock your car doors, park in well lit areas, and have your keys in hand before you get to your vehicle.

• Do not stop to help a stranded motorist unless it is an emergency. Call the police and notify them of the motorist.

• If you feel you are being followed, drive to a police station or other place where people will be. Do not panic, keep your cool and keep a full description of the vehicle and its occupants.