Saturday, March 17, 2012

Letter About the Akita Dogs on Beechtree

My goal for writing this letter is  to get the neighbors feeling comfortable about the reason why they like living here.   We like the space, the view, and we love our pets.   Many of the walkers and pet owners have come forward with concerns about the Akita dogs attacking family pets.  I want  families to lodge a complaint with the Springfield Township Police against the Akita dogs that have been responsible for mauling at least 4 family pet animals.

For the record, there are three Akita dogs at the end of Beechtree  that have been responsible for attacking at least four family pets in the neighborhood in the past few years -- two  dogs  for which the owner of the Akitas assumed responsibility to pay for vet bills but did not report to the police. But there is a record and  identification of the dog who did the mauling of all four.

Very recently, a very good family friend in the View Place neighborhood informed me that her family pet dog was mauled by an Akita.  They showed me the picture and I recognized it as one of dogs residing at the end of Beechtree in the cul de sac.   So why haven't the police done anything based on my identification?

Unfortunately, the family pet dog died from the injuries. The police were called but there was confusion naturally that night because of the was trauma to everyone witnessing the attack. The parents are not feeling safe about letting  their children out to play like they have done in the past.   I am afraid of losing great neighbors like this family. Our children go to school together.   At least one other neighbor claims a man approached her a few weeks ago about  about his Akita dogs  being loose while she was taking her dogs for walk so the Akita owners are aware that the dogs are not staying on the property.  The  car and the Akita owner reside at the house at the end of  Beechtree.

 Akitas define their territory by their "kill sights"and not by their owner's property lines or invisible fence.  Every mauling that occurs expands the "territory."    I also read that Akitas are known to intimidate and attack small children. There is a previous Akita owner in the neighborhood who informed me recently why they had to get  rid of their dog after it jumped up on the kitchen table and grabbed food from the children after spending thousands of  dollars on reputable training and obedience school.  This was after being assured by other Akita owners that the dogs can be trained to be around children.   

The concern for the police  in the neighborhood should be this -- what if  one of the Akita dogs wander into an area AGAIN where small children are playing or walking their pet?  What if a small child is injured?  

There are several families on Commonwealth aand  Beechtree who  observed the Akitas away from their property. I have observed at least one or two of the three dogs on the property Beechtree getting out from the invisible fence crossing into the neighbors yard. I called the police.

I've tried to stop to let the owner know because I know they would be concerned.  But I am afraid to get out of my car and walk to ther door because the dogs charged at me when I pulled into the driveway.    How can I  be assured that something has been done to keep the dogs on their property and from getting out and wandering into children play areas or where neighbors walk their pets?

Please ask this question to the police. Ask them why after a dog is identified after mauling a family pet why neighbors are not notified of a potential danger? Are they waiting for a young child to get to hurt before they can respond?


Monday, March 12, 2012

FAMILY PET ATTACKED ON COMMONWEALTH

Our condolences to the Hunn Family for the loss of their family pet.   Just this last Saturday, their pet was mauled to death by another dog recognized to be an "Akita."  If anyone sees  dogs roaming through the neighborhood, please snap a photo and call the Springfield Township Police to report. 
With the weather getting nice out and families more likely to be out, we don't want anymore family pets or children being attacked by dogs.  Please be a good neighbor and contact Springfield Twp. if you have any information about dogs off their leashes or beyond their invisible fence.  This is a picture of the dog that attacked the Hunn's dog.  There is a shadow/reflection falling on the side of the face.
If you suspect this was your own dog, please fess up and do the right thing.  Your dog is a danger and  cannot be contained by the invisible fence.  Is this what you wish to happen to people? To have them watch their family pet being mauled to death and then  grieve over the loss? What if the next victim is a small child out for walk with their family?

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

What To Do During A Tornado

Springfield Township Press Release




Joseph Honerlaw, Trustee

Tom Bryan, Trustee

Gwen McFarlin, Trustee

John Waksmundski, Fiscal Officer









For Immediate Release

For More Information

Contact 522-1410









In Hamilton County, the outdoor warning sirens will sound a steady tone for five (5) minutes when a Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). The Township was recently notified that The Hamilton County Emergency Management agency is in the process of replacing old weather sirens with new ones to maximize our weather coverage area. The siren upgrade and replacement project is due for completion before March 31, 2012.







The Springfield Township Fire Department warns residents not to depend on outdoor sirens to alert you of severe weather, especially during this time when the sirens are undergoing replacements. While the sirens are effective, they are not designed to penetrate the construction material of some houses or commercial buildings. Springfield Township Fire Chief, Robert Leininger recommends that residents purchase an electric weather radio with a battery back up to alert anyone indoors of severe weather and/or tornado warning. Weather radios can be purchased from hardware and electronic stores for under $30.00.







The tornadoes that touched down in close proximity to Cincinnati are a reminder that we need to be prepared for severe weather and have a plan of action in case a tornado warning is issued.







During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects or down power lines. After a tornado, the wreckage left behind poses additional injury risks. Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take for your health and safety.







Taking Shelter



Your family could be anywhere when a tornado strikes--at home, at work, at school, or in the car. Discuss with your family where the best tornado shelters are and how family members can protect themselves from flying and falling debris. The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.





Please share this information with your children so they know what to do in an emergency:



At Home

Pick a place in the home where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. One basic rule is AVOID WINDOWS. An exploding window can injure or kill.The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet.



For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. If possible, cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and protect your head with anything available--even your hands. Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects, such as pianos or refrigerators, on the area of floor that is directly above you. They could fall through the floor if the tornado strikes your house.





In a Mobile Home

DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME DURING A TORNADO. Mobile homes can turn over during strong winds. Even mobile homes with a tie-down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds.



Plan ahead. If you live in a mobile home, go to a nearby building, preferably one with a basement. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands. If you live in a tornado-prone area, encourage your mobile home community to build a tornado shelter.





On the Road

The least desirable place to be during a tornado is in a motor vehicle. Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds. DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under your vehicle. Follow the directions for seeking shelter outdoors (see next section).





Outdoors

If you are caught outside during a tornado and there is no adequate shelter immediately available--



Avoid areas with many trees.

Avoid vehicles.

Lie down flat in a gully, ditch, or low spot on the ground.

Protect your head with an object or with your arms.

Long-Span Buildings

A long-span building, such as a shopping mall, theater, or gymnasium, is especially dangerous because the roof structure is usually supported solely by the outside walls. Most such buildings hit by tornadoes cannot withstand the enormous pressure. They simply collapse. If you are in a long-span building during a tornado, stay away from windows. Get to the lowest level of the building--the basement if possible--and away from the windows. If there is no time to get to a tornado shelter or to a lower level, try to get under a door frame or get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. For instance, in a department store, get up against heavy shelving or counters. In a theater, get under the seats. Remember to protect your head.





Office Buildings, Schools, Hospitals, Churches, and Other Public Buildings

Extra care is required in offices, schools, hospitals, or any building where a large group of people is concentrated in a small area. The exterior walls of such buildings often have large windows.



If you are in any of these buildings--



Move away from windows and glass doorways.

Go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest possible floor.

Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped.

Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down.

Shelter for People with Special Needs

Advanced planning is especially important if you require assistance to reach shelter from an approaching storm (see specific instructions in the next section).



If you are in a wheelchair, get away from windows and go to an interior room of the house. If possible, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Do cover your head with anything available, even your hands.

If you are unable to move from a bed or a chair and assistance is not available, protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows.

If you are outside and a tornado is approaching, get into a ditch or gully. If possible, lie flat and cover your head with your arms.





This information is being presented to the community with your safety in mind. Township staff members have been extensively trained in disaster preparedness and are ready for emergencies as they arise. Keeping you informed is key to our community's success in any disaster. We appreciate your time and attention to prepare your family for weather related emergencies. Please remember to check on your neighbors and work together in keeping one another safe. If you have any questions regarding preparing for a tornado, please contact the Springfield Township Fire Department at 522-1410.

Monday, March 05, 2012

Message from Springfield Township's Kimberlee Flamm, Communications



Thursday, March 01, 2012

Springfield Township's Community Connections Group Program on Cyber Crime

Community Connections Group -

During the last Community Connections Meeting I announced that the Township would soon be hosting a program presented by the FBI on Cyber Crime. That program has been confirmed and your chance to register is now.

Please find an invitation enclosed to this important  training. This seminar is being conducted with the overall purpose of providing churches, civics, schools and business leaders/technical professionals with fundamental knowledge to protect their organizations, employees, students and customers from cyber crime. This training is only open to our public and private schools, churches, local businesses and the government entities in Hamilton County. It is NOT open to the public. (We will be offering a scaled back version of this training to the public at a later date.)

The 3-hour training will include an introduction to cyber crime, internet-based threats to children and cyber security best practices.  I highly recommend you send your IT staff, communications representatives (who is in charge of your web site), board of directors and/or top-level management. We are offering this program at no cost and we do expect the program will fill to capacity.

Specifics:
Date: March 14
Time: 9am-noon
Location: The Grove Banquet Hall, 9158 Winton Road
Cost: Free, by invitation only
How To Register: *We have set up a non-public registration at http://tinyurl.com/79rotza   (You can register multiple people at one time.)

Please see the enclosed flier for more details.


Kimberlee Flamm
Projects, Events & Communications Coordinator
Springfield Township Administration
9150 Winton Road
Cincinnati, OH 45231

Phone:  513-522-1410
Fax:      513-522-1411

Website: www.springfieldtwp.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/springfieldtwp