Local Organisations
MYSHALL COMMUNITY ALERT
Community Alert is a community programme organised by voluntary groups in association with Muintir na Tíre and An Garda Síochána. It is about creating and maintaining a caring community, it aims to allay fear and reduce feelings of isolation and is about partnership with you and the other voluntary agencies in your community.
Myshall and Drumphea have a long tradition of neighbourliness and caring, from the days when people depended on each others help to cut the hay or borrow a simple utensil, in bad times of poverty, sickness and death or good times of joy and celebration, assistance was never far away.
Thus, it was a natural progression for Muintir na Tire to initiate a Community Alert Programme in line with National Policy in 1985, which was in response to attacks on elderly people around the country.
Our aim is to raise the awareness of everybody to the presence of any suspicious activity and report it to the Gardaí and to try and preserve the quality of life of those living in our community especially the more vulnerable.
We encourage everyone to get to know their neighbours and to be good neighbours - small things can make a big difference in the lives of those who live alone. We would also advocate that everyone in this community, as in every rural area, needs everyone else! We all have a duty to play our part. We see Community Alert as being about the enhancement and maintenance of our caring community.
We have had a very good working relationship with the Dept of Social, Community and Family Affairs - over the years receiving approximately 30,000 Euros for the provision of security alarms, window and door locks and outdoor lighting. We see the liaison between our local Garda - and the committee as an essential part of Community Alert.
Community Alert can make your community a safer place
- For your neighbour
- For your children
- For older people
- For vulnerable people
- For you, your family
- For your home
Community Alert would welcome new members who might like to get involved in the community – meetings are held in Roberts Lounge and advertised in the local newsletter. Even if you are a bit shy of meetings, you could drop in on a neighbour to see that they are O.K. over the winter months for a chat, a cup of tea or bring a newspaper – many people would appreciate your attention no matter how brief. Do you know of someone who could do with extra security measures or maybe of someone who does not know how to go about getting help? Get in touch with committee members Mairead Kavanagh, James O’Brien, Seamus O’Brien, P.J. Walsh or Garda Collins can be contacted at Myshall Garda Station – Tel. 059 9157622. The following are some pointers that could be considered in creating greater community awareness and alertness.
What Can You Do?
- Get to know your neighbours particularly those living alone and be a good neighbour to them. Call in and visit, run an errand - it’s the small things and the human contact that count
- Be Alert – if you see somebody or a vehicle acting suspiciously in your area, call the Gardaí
- Keep an eye on your property and that of your neighbours – help to prevent vandalism and theft.
- Be aware of other safety initiatives
Some Advice For Everyday Home Security
- Fit front and back doors with good quality 5 lever mortice deadlocks
- Windows should be fitted with good safety catches
- Always keep all your doors and windows well secured. This is particularly important when you answer a call to your front or back door. Burglars often work in pairs, one holds your attention while the other enters your home by another entrance
- Fit a door viewer so that you can see the caller before you open the door
- Fit a strong door chain on front and back door and leave in use at all times
- Take care not to leave door keys hidden outside in a safe place - safe to you is usually the first check for a burglar
- If you lose a key change the lock immediately
- Never give personal information about yourself or anybody else to strangers at the door or on the telephone
- Ask for identification from persons claiming to be officials who call without prior warning. If you are in any doubt ask them to call back later
- Only keep small amounts of money at home and do not leave valuables on public view
- Keep the contact number for your nearest 24 hour Garda Station readily available. It is also wise to have a telephone extension in the bedroom
Your community needs you - play your part!