The Cottage Grove Police Department would like to remind citizens that it is important to record serial numbers for all valuable and especially firearms. This simple action can assist in the tracking and recovery of your property should they be stolen out of your home. Without a serial number, once stolen, firearms are easily sold and transferred from person to person.
Newspaper Announcements
Citizens are also advised to be careful when placing event announcements in the news paper. Recent thefts within Dane County have occurred while individuals were attending funerals or other functions which were announced in the paper and included specifics allowing the thieves to have access to the time and date the victims would be out of their home.
As always, if you should have any questions regarding other steps you can take to protect your home and valuables while you are away please contact the Cottage Grove Police Department for further assistance.
Winter Storm and Driving Time is Here
To help prepare for winter storms and winter driving, a list of tips and information is being provided. Please take a moment to review this material and heed the precautions listed to help prepare you for and assist you while driving in these challenging conditions.
Before you hit the road, remove all frost, ice and snow on your vehicle's windows and clear snow and ice from the lights, hood and roof. This helps you to see and be seen by improving your visibility and assuring that your head and tail lights are their brightest.
Driving too fast for conditions is a primary cause of winter condition vehicle crashes. Ice or snow on the roadway is hazardous and divers need to slow down because the pavement conditions affect the control of your vehicle and increase the distances needed to slow or stop. If it is snowing, go slowly. Allow more travel time and increase your distance between you and the vehicle in front. Watch traffic ahead for slowdowns and other situations that may indicate the need to slow down further or stop.
Here are some safety tips to minimize the dangers of winter driving:
- Always wear your seat belt even if traveling a short distance. You and your passengers need this protection even in low speed collisions.
- Watch for slippery bridge decks as they ice up faster than adjacent roadway surfaces. Look farther ahead than you usually do as actions by vehicles ahead of you will alert you sooner to upcoming slippery spots and other dangers.
- Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions even on roads that appear clear, as there may be slippery spots which can cause a loss of traction and a spinout if the vehicle is in this mode.
- Don't be overconfident in the traction of your four-wheel drive vehicle. These vehicles usually won't stop any quicker or maintain traction in curves any better than two-wheel drive vehicles.
- Brake early and correctly because it takes much longer to stop in adverse conditions. Don't pump anti-lock brakes. With anti-lock brakes, the correct braking method is to "stomp and steer".
- Remember that trucks are heavier than cars and trucks take longer to slow down or stop, so avoid cutting in front of them.
- Leave plenty of room for snow plows by staying back at least 200 feet and not passing them on the right.
- Do not over look winter storms. They are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm such as traffic accidents on icy or snow-covered roads, prolonged exposure to the cold, or indoor carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Start taking preventive measures for winter weather by winterizing your car and home, gathering items for a disaster kit for both home and car and making sure you have a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, or a commercial radio with fresh batteries. Weather radios are available at both the Village and Town halls and are a great value.