Resident Resources

The Houston Apartment Association has compiled the following resources to help your property and residents keep cool this summer. The following sites have information that you can print for distribution...

• The Red Cross's heat wave preparedness site -https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/heat-wave-safety.html
• The Red Cross's heat wave preparedness site - Spanish version - http://www.cruzrojaamericana.org/general.asp?SN=200&OP=216&SUOP=246
• Houston Fire Department heat safety page - http://houstontx.gov/fire/safetyinfo/heatrelatedillnesses.html
• The Center for Disease Control's tips for staying cool - https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
• NOAA's National Weather Service heat danger chart - http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml

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Drowning, the second leading cause of accidental death among children is also the second leading cause of accidental death among adults.

What Parents Should Know About Pool Safety:

• If your apartment has a pool, inspect the fence and gate. If the gate does not lock or you find any other defects with the fence, report it to the apartment management immediately
• NEVER leave a child alone near water –that includes water in a pool, spa, bathtub, toilet, bucket or any standing water in which a child's nose or mouth may be submerged
• Apartment pools have a phone near the pool. Know where it is.
• Use approved flotation devices.
• Enroll children over the age of 3 in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors - REMEMBER- swimming lessons do not make your child "Drown-Proof!"
• Learn CPR.
• Make sure there is no standing water on the pool deck. Standing water is the #1 cause of slips and falls around a pool. NO RUNNING on the pool deck!
• Always have a first aid kit and emergency contacts handy.
• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. If lightning and thunder are nearby, get out until the storm has passed.
• Call 911 in case of emergencies.
• Throw! Don't go. Throw rescue equipment!

Teach Your Kids these Safety Tips:

• Always swim with a buddy.
• Don't dive into unknown bodies of water. Jump in feet first to avoid hitting your head on the shallow bottom.
• Don't push or jump on others in or around water.
• Swim in supervised areas only.
• Obey all rules and posted signs.

Many prospective residents make the mistake of asking the manager or leasing agent about crime in the neighborhood. While the manager or leasing agent may know about crimes that have occurred, they are not the best source of this type of information. Call the local storefront of the Houston Police Department for crime statistics. The officers at the local storefront should be able to give you the most accurate crime statistics available.

No. Most owners and management personnel have no more experience, training or ability to prevent criminal acts than you do. You should never rely upon the owner or management personnel to secure you from the criminal acts of third parties. If you are in need of security services, call the police. In the event of an emergency, call 911. If you have questions regarding security issues in your neighborhood, contact the local HPD storefront and discuss your concerns with the officers patrolling the neighborhood. 

More safety tips are available on www.safeinmyplace.org.

The function of the Victim Services and Advocacy Program is to promote safety, healing, justice and rights for crime victims and survivors.  Being a victim of a crime is frightening and unsettling for the millions of Americans who unfortunately experience it each  year.  Progress has been made in improving the rights of crime victims.  Victims and survivors of homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence and other serious offenses have transformed their victimization into a vehicle for ensuring that victims of crime receive justice, meaningful assistance and compassionate treatment.  

Do you know your rights as a crime victim?

As a victim of violent crime in Texas, you have the following rights:

• The right to be notified of all court proceedings including cancellation and rescheduling
• The right to receive information about the Texas Crime Victim Compensation Fund that provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes.
• The right to have the magistrate take the safety of the victim or their family into consideration as an element in fixing the amount of bail for the accused
• If you so request, the right to information about procedures in the criminal investigation of your case by law enforcement officials, and about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea bargaining , restitution, appeals and parole from the prosecutor's office.
• The right to complete a Victim Impact Statement, detailing the emotional, physical and financial impact that the crime has had on you and your family, and to have that statement considered by the judge at sentencing and by the parole board. 

Crime Stoppers of Houston's Victim Services and Advocacy Program provides the following to crime victims and survivors:

• Act as an advocate on all states of victimization
• Ensure crime victims and survivors have a voice in our criminal justice system
• Empower crime victims and survivors to assist in rebuilding their lives
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, probation and parole departments, juvenile justice systems and social services in assisting all victims of crime
• Accompany victims and survivors to Court and Parole Board hearings
• Guide victims and survivors through media inquiries and engagements
• Refer victims and survivors to local, state-wide and national victim assistance organizations
• Work for legislative improvement to enhance victims' rights and public safety
• Conduct community events to commemorate victims and survivors

Connect with Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.org
713-521-4600 or info@crime-stoppers.org

Resources for Victims and Survivors

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

AVDA

713-224-9911

Bay Area Turning Point

281-286-2525

Bridge Over Troubled Water

713-472-0753

Daya

713-981-7645

Family Time

281-446-2615

Houston Area Women's Center

713-528-2121

Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council

281-400-3680

Drunk Driving 

MADD

281-590-2222

Homicide

Parents of Murdered Children

713-472-5640/713-522-9045

Missing Persons

Texas Equusearch

281-309-9500

Texas Center for Missing

713-599-0235

Sexual Abuse of Children 

Children's Assessment Center

713-986-3300