​In light of recent criminal events on Mud Island, there are some people looking for extra steps they can take to secure their homes and provide themselves a little more peace of mind.  The HOA plays a role in community safety by providing a forum for communication and maintaining critical infrastructure; however, each resident must also take precautions on an individual basis and play an active role in preventing crime. 

Homeowners Association Actions:

• Website - We maintain this website to provide important information in a (hopefully) timely manner.
• Mailing List - We have a mailing list for important announcements and you can join here.
• Facebook - We maintain a Facebook page where residents can share useful information with each other and contact board members and property management.  
• Nextdoor.com - Although this site is not affiliated in any way with the homeowners association, it can be useful for sharing neighborhood-related information quickly.  If you haven't joined yet, please consider.  You can do so here.
• Social Events - Although it has been a while, the 2018 Board of Directors is committed to organizing and hosting a few community social events where people can get to know their neighbors.  Just knowing those that live around you goes a long way in protecting the community from people who shouldn't be here.
• Lighting - Several years ago, the Board of Directors had lighting installed along Island Bluff Drive and Riverpoint Drive to increase nighttime visibility.  Although this has helped, it may not be enough.  The board plans to conduct a lighting assessment to see if additional and/or brighter lighting might be used to enhance security within the neighborhood.  The goal is to get this accomplished in 2018.

Additionally, there are steps each one of us should take to create a more secure neighborhood:

• "Lights On From Dusk 'til Dawn" - Each home is equipped with an exterior flood light above their garage door.  Please USE them.  If every homeowner ensured their lights were on every night, the access roads would provide no place to hide.  Also, if you have a street light and the bulb burns out, please replace the bulb.  This is the homeowner's responsibility.  Information about the type of bulbs used in the lampposts is available from our property manager.  Crime statistics show areas that are well lit at night are far less susceptible to crime.
• Get to know your neighbors - Introduce yourself when you get an opportunity.  Learn what cars they drive and keep an eye on their houses when they are out of town.  If everyone did this, it'd be much harder for criminals to break into cars or home, or do worse.
• Security systems and cameras - Traditional security systems are great, especially for when you are home and can hear your own alarm.  When you are away, they may not provide the greatest level of security when compared to newer products available to homeowners.  If your security company offers cameras, this is a great way to monitor your own home from anywhere you might be.  If you are a DIY kind of person, there are numerous products available to take security into your own hands like Ring Doorbell and Floodlight cameras, Arlo and Arlo Pro cameras, Nest cameras, as well as many other consumer products.  Posted below is a brief comparison of these products as well as links to further information.  If anyone has any questions about any of these products, I currently use both Ring and Arlo Pro, as well as personal cameras, and I'm happy to answer any questions anyone may have.  You can contact me by clicking "contact us" on our Facebook page or at [email protected].
• Memphis Police Non-emergency Line - 901-545-COPS (901-545-2677).  This phone number is for all non-emergency issues and is intended to accept reports of suspicious vehicles/people or other situations that do not warrant a call to 9-1-1.  If you see a vehicle driving slowly down the access streets (alleys), individuals loitering that seem out of place, or anything else that seems strange, the local precinct of the MPD urges residents to call the non-emergency number.  If it turns out to be nothing, no harm done.  Of course, in case of an actual emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

If you have other suggestions for keeping our neighborhood peaceful and safe, please share them.  You can comment on this post, comment on Facebook, or comment on Nextdoor.  Constructive dialogue is always welcome.  Please stay safe, keep an eye out for strange behavior, get to know some neighbors, and have a fantastic holiday season!

​​For a comparison of several currently available home camera products, please click the chart below**:

Riverpoint Residents:  Our annual meeting will be held on November 20 @ 6 pm at the River Hall in front of Paulette's and Tug's.  The address is 726 Island Dr.  It is the small, stand-alone building between Island Drive and the semi-circle drive.  We hope to see all homeowners there!