CommunityCam maps public and private security cameras in the city.

Using surveillance videos in solving a crime has become a common practice for law enforcement officials since many businesses, organizations and individuals now install security cameras as a safety measure. But what about simple folks who need this information but don’t have access to it? In an effort to help residents prevent and solve crime, VideoSurveillance.com has recently rolled out the CommunityCam program that maps public and private security cameras throughout Philadelphia. The program is first launching in our city, with a goal to eventually expand nationwide.

Anyone can use the map either for locating cameras that may have captured a criminal activity or for choosing a safer walking route. The map is crowdsourced so any resident, business owner, neighborhood group, or government organization can add locations of surveillance cameras to help their neighbors.

“Unfortunately, information about security cameras has not been made available to the public so someone who has been hurt, wronged, or worse does not have access to all the resources that could help make things right. With this effort, we hope that neighbors will start working together to help each other and to make all cities and towns safe,” said Josh Daniels, President of VideoSurveillance.com.

A neighbor, Stephanie, said that the program is interesting, too, because it’s crowdsourced – so neighbors and residents can help each other out. “As a young(ish) single woman, new to Philadelphia, this makes me feel more secure,” said Stephanie.

Here’s how you can use CommunityCam:

– Visit http://www.videosurveillance.com/communitycam

– Navigate the map using the directional arrows

– Click the blue balloons to see addresses for and types of cameras

– If you have an outdoor surveillance camera, you’re encouraged to add it to the map.
 

Michelle put white buckets on either side of the sinkhole last night.

A neighbor, Michelle R., would like to warn residents about a very hazardous sinkhole in the middle of 50th Street between Beaumont and Warrington Avenues:

“There is a huge “ditch” (that’s how the city defines a rectangular hole in the ground that develops after a utility company digs up the street and fails to fill it back in properly) in the middle of 50th Street in between Beaumont and Warrington Avenues. It is in the path of oncoming traffic in both directions, 14 inches deep on one side, and not at all visible in the dark. We put white 5 gallon buckets on either side, but who knows if they’ll last… Please watch out, this one is a car killer and potential accident causer.”

Michelle says that she also emailed the Streets Department and submitted an online maintenance request.

Photo by Stacey Nosek.

Two 18th District police officers were injured in a Sunday morning collision with a civilian vehicle at 49th and Chestnut Streets and were transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to police.

The accident took place at about 11:30 a.m. The police car was traveling eastbound on Chestnut and the other vehicle was traveling south on 49th Street when the collision occurred at the intersection. The police car tried to avoid the collision but struck the other vehicle and then a utility pole. The officers sustained facial cuts and had neck pain when they were transported to the hospital where they were listed in stable condition. The driver of the other car was also taken to the hospital for evaluation.

UPDATE: Many thanks to reader Stacey Nosek for sending us the photo of the crash taken while she was driving by shortly after the accident. Stacey said that she and her husband heard the crash as they were ready to leave their house.

West Philly Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes are selling Girl Scout Cookies today in front of the Lil’ Pop Shop at 265 S. 44th Street starting at noon. The Lil’ Pop Shop is closed for the month of January but will reopen for business on Feb. 2. Stock up on Thin Mints while you can!

For general information on how the Girl Scouts use cookie proceeds, click here.

– Jen

It’s tax preparation time again and starting today, Jan. 25 and through April 15, 2013, 11 free tax sites will be open throughout Philadelphia, managed by The Campaign for Working Families. The sites are offering e-filing and direct deposit services for families that earned less than $51,000 and individuals who earned less than $20,000 last year.

Here’s a list of free tax sites in West and Southwest Philadelphia:

Ebenezer Temple Church
5649 Christian St. (Near Baltimore Ave.)
Hours:Mon. and Tues. 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Sat. 9am – 3pm

Mt. Pisgah Church
428 N. 41st St (near Spring Garden)
Hours: Mon. 2-7pm
Sat. 9am – 3pm

Dornsife
3509 Spring Garden St
Hours: Wed. 4-7:30pm, Fri. 1-5pm
Sat. 10am – 3pm

Before coming to the tax site please review here what to bring.

In addition, 80 KEYSPOTS in Philadelphia are providing free tax filing services for families and individuals with incomes below $57,000. They will provide you with a computer, high-speed internet access and assist you using MyFreeTaxes.com/phillykeyspots. To find a location go to phillykeyspots.org or you can file your taxes from your computer at MyFreeTaxes.com/philly.

Miki, the woman who sustained serious burns and injuries after she jumped out of the 2nd floor window during Wednesday morning house fire on the 4600 block of Larchwood Avenue, is in stable condition, according to her friends. Miki sustained burns on 20-25 percent of her body. She is currently on a breathing machine, but she is “moving in the right direction,” a friend said.

“Miki will make it. She will pull through,” said Dina, a close friend of Miki. Many thanks to neighbor Lynn Major for keeping us updated on Miki’s condition.

The cause of the fire that broke out in the wee hours on Wednesday is still under investigation, according to the Fire Marshal’s office.