IN Carlynton-Montour Fall 2017 | Page 9

• If you have a front door spy hole, use it to see who is there. Otherwise, use a nearby window. • If you are unable to do any of the above, talk to the person through the door without opening it, and ask him/her to show or pass ID through the letter slot. • Make sure that you lock your back door before answering the front door to someone you don’t know. • If you have a mobile or cordless telephone, take it to the door with you so you can call emergency services quickly if needed. Peoples cares about your safety. If you are ever in doubt, don’t let a stranger into your home. Telephone local authorities immediately and notify your neighbors as soon as possible. customer service employees to wear photo identification. All Peoples employees carry an ID card with their name, photo and the Peoples logo. Also, look for a vehicle with the Peoples logo. If you have any questions or concerns, or to confirm an employee’s identity, please call the Peoples Customer Service department at 1.800.764.0111. The following tips on how to answer your door safely come from Carewatch UK: • Legitimate company representatives usually pre-arrange an appointment and will carry photographic identification. • Always ask to see identification before you open the door, and never be afraid to ask the person to wait while you call to check with the organization before you let him/ her into the house. • Never use a telephone number provided by the person at your door—it could connect with an accomplice. Always look up the number yourself. If you are unable to do this, don’t let the person in. • If the person becomes agitated or tries to hurry you, don’t let him/her in. • “Distraction burglars” often work in pairs. Don’t let them in if you don’t know who they are, as one might distract you while the other one steals from your home. • If you can, install a door chain so that you can have it connected before you open the door. EMMAUS HOLDING SPIRIT RUN 5K On Oct. 15, Emmaus will host its fourth annual Spirit Run, a Halloween costume- themed chipped 5K and 1-mile fun walk to benefit the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh and its mission of providing homes and support for people with intellectual disabilities. All skill and fitness levels are welcome. The Spirit Run is an out-and-back course along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, followed by an awards ceremony, refreshments and a family-friendly celebration in the South Shore Riverfront Park at South Side Works. Post-race activities include Halloween-themed crafts and fun with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, pumpkin painting and more! For more information, visit EmmausPgh.org/spiritrun. n Carlynton-Montour | Fall 2017 | icmags.com 7