MARTA Introduces 'See & Say' App

The app will allow transit users to discreetly report incidents on the system.

MARTA has launched a free smartphone application that gives customers the ability to send texts and photos to the transit system’s police department regarding suspicious activity.  MARTA leaders say the "See & Say" app is "easy to use" and can be downloaded from the iTunes Store or the Android Market. "This new app is the latest example of how we will use technology intelligently to transform the way we do business," said Keith T. Parker, MARTA’s GM/CEO, in a written statement. "While MARTA is a safe transit system, we expect that the See & Say App will also help customers feel safer by giving them a convenient tool for communicating directly with our police department." According to the transit system, the software is part of MARTA’s …

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Question of the Week

Have You Ever Been Hacked?

Those in the security industry say that being hacked "is a matter of when, not if?"

Let's face it many of us have had at least one account hacked at one time or another perhaps on Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, a website, or even worse, a financial account. Many of us have software to protect our precious information, but somehow the hackers keep getting in, what to do? There are plenty of suggestions and advice on the Internet, but who to turn to? In a published article last fall, PCMag.com suggests its top three security suite choices for the New Year: Norton Internet Security (2013), Norton 360 Version 6.0 and Webroot SecureAnywhere Complete. This brings us to this week's question, Tell us what your experience was like and how you protect your information from being exposed in the comments below.

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Liz Kennedy

12:04 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013

Greetings Patchers! Thanks for the comments and/or suggestions - getting hacked is no fun - it's happen to me as well - keep your comments coming - Liz Kennedy, Editor   more ›

Letter to the Editor

School Safety: A Shared Community Focus

Superintendent Avossa addresses Fulton Schools safety in wake of the Connecticut shootings.

Dear Editor: The recent events in Connecticut have shaken us all, making us realize just how precious a young life is and how we have a great responsibility to protect it. This tragedy is a parent’s and an educator’s worst nightmare.  While parents have always carefully dropped their children off at school or to the bus stop, they may now hesitate, taking one last moment to hug or kiss their child before they send him or her along the way. School employees are now more alert and aware of unusual people and sounds, and law enforcement officers and first responders are extra watchful in protecting those they serve.   Though national headlines have alarmed us, we should be reminded that school violence of this magnitude is very rare. It’s …

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Roswell PD: 'Take Extra Safety Precautions Around Holidays'

Here are some tips to help keep you, your family and your purchases safe during the holiday season.

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Buy Safe Toys for Your Children this Holiday Season

Even stuffed toys can be dangerous for your child.

A report recently released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated there were 193,200 toy-related injuries to children younger than 15 years of age in 2011. Of those estimated injuries, approximately 44 percent were categorized as lacerations, contusions, or abrasions of some kind. When it comes to toy-related injuries, the head and face area is the most commonly affected area of the body. If your shopping list includes the names of a few good boys or girls, the Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to ensure that the toys you give are safe. Toy safety isn't only about avoiding recalled products; you also need to make sure you’re buying appropriate toys for the age of the child. Hand-me-downs and used toys can be …

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School Board Discusses Emergency Planning

School bus drivers being trained in CPR this year.

On Tuesday the Fulton County School Board heard an update on the school system’s school safety and emergency planning processes at its work session. The presentation was timed to coincide with National Preparedness Month, which is observed each September. During September, the Department of Safety and Security takes a special interest in making sure that students, parents and schools are informed of what to do in an emergency as well as how to make a safety plan and build an emergency kit. The department also provides the school board an update on how the school system aims to keep students and staff safe.  Mark Muma, the district’s director of School Safety & Security, outlined the district’s safety functions – including its School Police…

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North Fulton Hospital Awarded an “A” for Patient Safety

The score was calculated under the guidance of he Leapfrog Group’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel.

North Fulton Hospital has been honored with an “A” Hospital Safety ScoreSM by The Leapfrog Group, an independent, national nonprofit leader and advocate in hospital transparency. In its North Fulton County primary service area, North Fulton Hospital is the only hospital to receive an “A” and one of only a handful to do so in the metro Atlanta area. The Hospital Safety ScoreSM was calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. Hospitals are assigned an A, B, C, D, or F for their safety. "Patient safety and quality are central to everything we do at North Fulton Hospital,” said Deborah C. Keel, CEO of the hospital…

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Roswell Installs New Flashing Beacons to Enhance Pedestrian Safety

The beacons are part of a pilot project to test Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB).

Because Roswell is constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance pedestrian safety, the city is currently conducting a pilot project to test Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB). As part of the pilot program, Roswell has selected the crosswalk on Scott Road at Eves Road in front of Centennial High School for this test installation. RRFB are a comparatively newer traffic control device to enhance pedestrian safety at uncontrolled (un-signalized) crosswalks. RRFB are essentially flashing amber LED lights powered with solar energy that are activated with a push button to get motorist’s attention to pedestrians in the crosswalk. The effectiveness of the device will be studied 30 to 60 days from when it was installed March 1. The cost …

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Have a Blast But Practice Fireworks Safety This New Year's

TNT Fireworks guides consumers to safely ring in the new year.

TNT Fireworks – the nation’s largest distributor of consumer fireworks and sparklers – is encouraging Americans to safely enjoy their New Year’s celebrations with the following tips: TAKE PRECAUTIONS. Always keep a hose and a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.  LIGHT ONE AT A TIME. Never light two or more fireworks or sparklers at the same time. KEEP IT OUTSIDE. Only use fireworks and sparklers outdoors on flat, hard surfaces in clear areas and away from houses, buildings and dry grass. HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION. Never allow young children to light or handle fireworks or sparklers. Be aware of the minimum permitted age in your state. Adults should always be present when lighting or handling fireworks or sparklers. STAY ALERT. …

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Your Views: Improving Local Safety

We asked, Roswell Patch readers answered. Monday we asked you how you would improve local safety. Here's a sampling of your responses.

From the ambitious to the readily achievable, from upscale aspirations to the socially conscious, Roswell residents always offer some interesting and sometimes controversial ideas. Here's what you said in response to this week's Community Agenda survey. In general, do you feel safe living in Roswell? What kinds of interaction have you had with local law enforcement? Where, if any, do you feel there are areas for safety improvement in Roswell? Do you have any ideas for local programs that would enhance city safety? Do you agree or disagree with these answers? Have more to say? Tell us in the comments below!

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