Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety
Stay safe and secure this holiday season
Charbonneau Villager December 2025 5
Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety
By NEIL KENNEDY
Stay safe and secure this holiday season
The holidays are here again— lights are twinkling, packages are piling up and gatherings are filling our calendars. But as the days grow shorter,
KENNEDY we also face a few extra
safety and security challenges. With some simple precautions and a little teamwork, we can all enjoy a safe and peaceful season in Charbonneau.
With winter comes earlier sunsets, and that can make evening walks or golf cart rides a bit trickier. Visibility is the key to pedestrian safety. When walking after dark, wear light-colored or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or small headlamp. Even on well-lit streets, reflective gear helps drivers see you sooner. If you’ re driving or using a golf cart, take it slow and stay alert— dusk can make it hard to spot people on foot, especially when glare or wet roads are involved. Keeping headlights and windshields clean also improves visibility. And when crossing streets or paths, make eye contact with drivers before stepping out; it’ s a simple habit that can prevent accidents.
This time of year also brings a surge in package deliveries— and, unfortunately, an increase in“ porch piracy.” Protecting your packages takes just a little planning. Track your deliveries and, whenever possible, schedule them for times when you’ ll be home. Many carriers offer secure pickup options at local UPS or FedEx stores or through Amazon lockers. If you know you’ ll be away, ask a trusted neighbor to collect your packages promptly and return the favor when you can. Simple deterrents, like a motion-activated porch light or a video doorbell, can also make a big difference.
For those who plan to travel during the holidays, it’ s important to make your home look lived-in while you’ re away. Pause your mail and newspaper delivery,
or ask a friend or neighbor to bring them in daily. Use timers for lights, ideally on varied schedules, so the house doesn’ t appear dark and empty. Double-check that all doors and windows are locked, including those to the garage and patio. Make sure your alarm system is set, and that your contact list is up to date. Before you leave, share your travel dates and contact information with a neighbor you trust so they can keep an eye on your property.
One of the best protections any of us can have isn’ t a camera or a lock— it’ s our neighbors. Charbonneau’ s close-knit community spirit is one of its greatest assets. Knowing who belongs in your area helps everyone recognize when something is out of the ordinary. Make a point of greeting your neighbors and learning their names. Exchange phone numbers or email addresses so you can easily reach each other if something looks amiss— like a package left out too long, a garage door left open or a light that’ s suddenly off. And if you ever see something that seems unusual, don’ t hesitate to contact the Wilsonville Police Department non-emergency line at 503-655-8211, our Corporate Crime Control patrol at 503- 505-3327 or me at the country club office.
Charbonneau’ s Neighborhood Watch program also plays a key role in keeping our community safe. It isn’ t about spying— it’ s about connection and prevention. Neighborhood Watch groups help share information about scams, suspicious activity or safety concerns and they can be especially helpful during power outages or severe weather. If you’ re unsure whether your neighborhood has an active watch group or captain, contact me at the Charbonneau Country Club office and I will get you in touch with someone who can help. Even a handful of engaged residents can make a meaningful difference.
As we head into this festive season, let’ s remember that safety and caring go hand in hand. This is a quick reminder to a neighbor to turn on their porch light, a watchful glance down your street, or a friendly check-in while someone is away— all of these small acts strengthen our community’ s sense of security and belonging. By staying alert, looking out for one another and working together, we can ensure that Charbonneau remains a joyful and safe place to live— during the holidays and all year long.
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