Planning For Summer Getaways In Bronxville: Mayor

Written by Mayor Mary Marvin:

BRONXVILLE, NY — As summer fast approaches, we all notice a change in the rhythm of the Village as many of you take the opportunity to travel, some leaving homes unoccupied for significant stretches of time. But even if traveling for a short duration, it is important that one's home looks occupied.

Despite stopping mail, random flyers and Penny Saver-type items can end up in the driveway which are giveaways to a vacant house. Our police department advises homeowners to share their schedule with a neighbor, ask them to pick up items left near their home and even park a car in their driveway. In addition, if you alert our police desk of your travels, they will add your home to the "dark house" list and drive by on a daily basis.

Other safety tips and strategies from our Police Department to make your home appear occupied while you’re away include:

Summer is an ideal time for home repairs as the Village is less busy on many levels. If you plan any major renovations, kindly alert your neighbors so they can adjust their outdoor plans accordingly. It is also a good time to check the conditions of your sidewalks and repair as needed. Due to rapid plant growth in the summer months, please be mindful that trees and bushes must be trimmed to allow safe passage along sidewalks as well as to maintain visibility at intersections.

The summer, especially of late, has been the season for our severest weather conditions in both wind and rain events.

If you lose power, per the Con Edison protocols, the police desk cannot call in outages for individuals and does not receive any information from Con Edison regarding a timeframe for power restoration.

If you experience an outage, immediately call 1-800-CONED or visit their website at www.coned.com.

Con Ed requires each individual home to report an outage. Even though your neighbor reported an outage, it does not automatically include your home as well. The Con Ed website is also the source for resumption times. If the Village receives any information from Con Ed, we will convey immediately via our "Swift 911" emergency alert system by phone, text or email. To sign up, go to www.villageofbronxville.com

If power does go out, turn everything off especially air conditioners so if a power surge occurs, equipment is not ruined.

For those staying put, our Village is particularly beautiful and peaceful this time of year, offering an opportune time to enjoy our outdoor dining, catch a first-run movie or a summer sale at one of our Village businesses — all while finding a parking space!