Preventing and/or Reporting Mail Theft

“Thieves steal mail from postal trucks, collection boxes, apartment mailbox panels, and neighborhood delivery and collection box units. They want your checks, cash, your credit card applications, and your bank account statements.” The U.S. Postal Inspectors who investigate mail thefts, report arresting over 6,000 theft suspects last year alone.

 “Mail thieves are most often looking for valuables that they can convert or trade for cash.

There are some tips residents should be aware of to minimize exposure to mail thieves.

• Use the letter slots at your post office to mail letters, or give them to a letter carrier.
• Deposit mail in blue collection boxes before the last pick up time that appears on the schedule posted on each box.
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery, especially if you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items. If you won’t be home when the items are expected, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight.
• Don’t send cash in the mail.
• Ask your bank for “secure” checks that can’t be altered.
• If you will be away from home for more than three days, ask the Post Office to hold your mail until you return. You can initiate a mail hold at the Post Office or online at USPS.com.

If you believe your mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local postmaster or a Postal Inspector. Postal Inspectors may determine whether your problem is isolated or part of a larger mail theft problem in your neighborhood–and it may help them locate and apprehend the thieves.

You can file a mail theft report with the Postal Inspectors by calling toll-free (877) 876-2455 or complete the report online at USPS.com/postalinspectors.

“If you see anything suspicious, take down a description, a license plate number or whatever information you can gather and report it to the Post Office immediately.”

Is it Time to Review your Homeowners Insurance?

There are four events that should trigger a review of your policy:

1. When your policy comes up for renewal
Don’t just automatically send a check to your insurance company. Take the time to review your coverage and call your agent with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your homeowners insurance. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Has the company made any changes in coverage since last year?
• Does my policy now include a separate deductible for risks like hurricane or hail?
• Should I raise the deductible to save money?
• Am I taking advantage of all available discounts?
• Do I need to raise the amount of coverage for liability, personal possessions or the structure?
• Should I comparison shop for a cheaper rate?
• Do I need flood, earthquake or an umbrella policy?

 2. Major purchases or alterations/improvements to your home
If you have made any major purchases, make sure that you have the proper coverage. And, don’t forget about gifts. If you have received a diamond engagement ring or if a member of your family has bought you expensive artwork or a computer, talk to your agent about either increasing the amount of insurance you have for your personal possessions or purchasing a floater/endorsement for these items. A floater will give you higher and broader coverage for these items than you have under your homeowners policy.

If you have made major improvements to your home, such as adding a new room, enclosing a porch or expanding a kitchen or bathroom, you risk being underinsured if you don’t report the increase in square footage to your insurance company. Don’t forget about new structures outside of your home. If you have built a gazebo, a new shed for your tools or installed a pool or hot tub, you need to speak to your agent. Keep receipts and records in case you need to forward copies to your company.

3. You have made your home safer
If you have installed a state-of-the art fire/burglar alarm system or upgraded your heating, plumbing or electrical system, make sure that your insurance company knows about these improvements. You may qualify for a discount.

4. Major lifestyle changes
Marriage, divorce, or adult children who move back into the family home, can all affect your homeowners insurance. When people move in or move out, they take their belongings with them. And you may need additional coverage if there is a sizable increase in the value of the belongings in your home.

If you have any questions on your homeowners insurance, contact your individual agent or the Habitat Office.

Center for Family Resources and Family and Children Services Offers Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance

The Cobb County Department of Family and Children Services and The Center for Family Resources along with Cobb Christmas will be accepting applications  for their Thanksgiving Dinner Basket and Christmas Toy Programs.

 Applications will be accepted for both programs on October 20^th and 21^st  from 9:00 am—4:00 pm at the Cobb Civic Center.  The number of applications accepted each day will be limited. Registration may close earlier than 4 pm, depending on the number of people waiting to be screened. 

 Applicants must be low income and live in Cobb County.  Cobb Christmas applicants must have dependant children living in the household with them. There will be no verification of benefits with DFCS. 

All applicants must bring the following documents:

• Picture ID such as driver’s license for the applicant
•  Social Security cards or birth certificates for all household members
• Written verification of all household income fro the previous 4 weeks such as check stubs or letter from employer on letterhead
• Written verification of all unearned income such as TANF, unemployment, workman’s comp, Social Security, SSI or child support, etc.
• Verification of residency in Cobb such as a lease, utility bill in your name, etc.

Any questions about either the Thanksgiving Basket or Christmas Toys Program should be directed the Center for Family Resources at: (770) 428-2601.

September Yard of the Month

Congratulations to our families that won for September! 

Valerie Turner in our Whispering Glen Neigborhood!

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Kilwantae Kelly in our Hillcrest West Neighborhood!

We’re going to be making some exciting changes to the Yard of the Month program beginning next year!  Look out for more details in our fall newsletter and on the blog!

Master Gardeners Teach How to Graft Plants

Cobb Master Gardener Eddie Rhoades will demonstrate the basics of grafting plants 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, at Cobb Water Lab training room, 660 South Cobb Drive, Marietta. Rhoades has grafted many plant species over the years and will teach how to propagate ornamental and fruit shrubs or trees. Grafting is splicing and implanting scions to existing plants to reproduce the original plant. The class is limited to 25 people. Register by calling Cobb Extension Office at 770-528-4070.

Reminder – Construction Lots are a “No Play” Zone.

Homeowners please remember that children are not allowed to play on any of the undeveloped lots, including recently poured slabs, in Hillcrest East.  It is dangerous to play in a construction site, accidents can and will happen.

Please note the remaining undeveloped lots are part of a construction site and it is considered trespassing if you are on these lots or slabs without permission.  Also, please understand that NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is not liable for any injuries that occur on an unsupervised construction site.

September Yard & Garden Maintenance

Fall is a great time to plant cool weather vegetables and take care of yard maintenace. Check out this great site to learn exactly what to do:

http://www.learn2grow.com/regional/2009/09/region4.aspx?markref=MR2009091