PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS SAFETY TIPS

Prescription medications such as pain relievers, central nervous system (CNS) depressants (tranquilizers and sedatives), and stimulants are highly beneficial treatments for a variety of health conditions. Pain relievers enable individuals with chronic pain to lead productive lives; tranquilizers can reduce anxiety and help patients with sleep disorders; and stimulants help people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focus their attention. Most people who take prescription medications use them responsibly. But when abused—that is, taken by someone other than the patient for whom the medication was prescribed, or taken in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed—prescription medications can produce serious adverse health effects, including addiction.

Patients, health care professionals, and pharmacists all have roles in preventing the abuse of and addiction to prescription medications. For example, patients should follow the directions for use carefully; learn what effects and side effects the medication could have; and inform their doctor/pharmacist whether they are taking other medications [including over-the-counter (OTC) medications or health supplements], since these could potentially interact with the prescribed medication. The patient should read all information provided by the pharmacist. Physicians and other health care providers should screen for past or current substance abuse in the patient during routine examination, including asking questions about what other medications the patient is taking and why. Providers should note any rapid increases in the amount of a medication needed or frequent requests for refills before the quantity prescribed should have been finished, as these may be indicators of abuse.

Similarly, some OTC medications, such as cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan, have beneficial effects when taken as recommended; but they can also be abused and lead to serious adverse health consequences. Parents should be aware of the potential for abuse of these medications, especially when consumed in large quantities, which should signal concern and the possible need for intervention.

Senior Citizens Crime Prevention Seminars

Hempstead Town Hosts Series of Senior Citizens' Crime Prevention Seminars, Free Brochure AvailableSenior citizens have been the main target of a recent spate of “distraction” burglaries and robberies in local communities. To prepare and educate our golden aged residents about protecting themselves from dangerous criminal activity, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town’s Department of Public Safety kicked off a series of Senior Citizens’ Crime Prevention Seminars that began on January 6th at the East Meadow Senior Center.


Murray, along with members of the Hempstead Town Board, announced a schedule of dates and times for Hempstead Town’s Senior Citizens’ Crime Prevention Seminars. All seminars are free of charge, and open to all senior residents living in the Town of Hempstead.

“I urge all senior citizens to take advantage of this free educational safety seminar,” Murray said. “Simple prevention measures that will be discussed during the seminars can protect our residents and keep them out of harm’s way.”

“Distraction burglaries” typically involve multiple criminals targeting seniors at their homes. Usually, one person diverts the senior citizen’s attention at the front door with a bogus service or sales pitch, while another breaks into the home and steals money and/or valuable items. These valuable seminars educate seniors about what to watch for, what to avoid and how to protect themselves from these criminals.

A free senior citizen crime prevention brochure is also available for residents. It can be obtained by calling the Hempstead Town Department of Public Safety at (516) 538-1900. The brochure will also be distributed at the seminars.

In the case of inclement weather, check with individual senior centers on event dates by calling the phone numbers listed. The seminar schedule is as follows:

Senior Citizen Crime Prevention Schedule

Baldwin Senior Center, 1810 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, (516) 546-7110 - Monday, February 6: 11 a.m.

Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore, (516) 221-9696 - Tuesday, February 28: 11 a.m.

Cedarhurst Senior Center, Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, (516) 295-1177 - Monday, February 6: 2 p.m.

Elmont Senior Center, 138 Elmont Road, Elmont, (516) 354-4777 - Monday, February 13: 11 a.m.

Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square , (516) 328-3010 - Monday, February 13: 1 p.m.

Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream, (516) 872-8810 - Tuesday, February 21: 11 a.m.

Hempstead Senior Center, 260 Clinton Street, Hempstead, (516) 489-8500 - Friday, February 10: 1 p.m.

Levittown Senior Center, 555 North Newbridge Road, Levittown, (516) 433-5454 - Tuesday, February 7: 1 p.m.

Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, (516) 868-4777 - Tuesday, February 14: 1 p.m.

Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Avenue, Oceanside, (516) 766-8888 - Monday, January 23: 11 a.m.

Rosa Parks Senior Center, 2 Babylon Turnpike, Roosevelt, (516) 867-1612 - Friday, February 3, 11 a.m.

Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury, (516) 333-5440 - Tuesday, February 7: 11 a.m.

Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center, 840 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, (516) 292-1313 - Friday, February 3: 1 p.m

Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, (516) 538-5050 - Friday, February 10: 11 a.m.

Wantagh Senior Center, 1150 Seamans Neck Road, Wantagh, (516) 785-8505 - Friday, February 17: 11 a.m.

Distraction Burglaries

Definition:


Distraction burglary is a crime in which elderly persons are often the targets. The perpetrator seeks to draw a resident out of the house on a pretext. While the resident is occupied, an accomplice enters the home and picks up valuables such as money and jewelry. Thieves may also pick up papers with the intent of committing identity theft. In a variation, the accomplice enters the dwelling by a second door while the resident is occupied at the other door.

The following attachments and link below provide some helpful tips and suggestions to avoid you or a loved one from becoming victims of this crime trend. Feel free to share this information to all who may benefit from it.                                                     http://newyork.cbslocal.com/tag/distraction-burglary/

Be Prepared Not Scared

Be Prepared, Not Scared – Murray, Hudes Help Senior Citizens Learn How to Safeguard Their Homes from “Distraction Burglary”Residential burglaries are invasions of privacy and are threats to the safety and quality of life enjoyed by Hempstead Town residents. Many burglars prey on our most vulnerable citizens, tending to target the senior citizens in our community. Indeed, there have been nine “distraction burglaries” and attemptedrobberies in our area since December 9th, whereby criminals used various methods of deception to distract homeowners to gain access to valuables inside.


In an effort to increase awareness and knowledge for concerned senior citizens, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Councilman Gary Hudes and the Department of Public Safety hosted a burglary prevention safety seminar at the East Meadow Senior Center on Friday.

“Being cautious and alert can go a long way in safeguarding your home and your loved ones from criminals,” Murray said. “This seminar will be a valuable educational tool for our seniors so they can enjoy their golden years without fearing for their safety. Be prepared, not scared.”

The spate of “distraction burglaries” and robbery attempts are a disturbing trend with senior citizens as the main targets. The following are some tips for senior citizens to consider in an effort to avoid becoming victims:

Install and use a peephole

Never open the door to strangers and never let them know you’re alone.

Ask for identification. If someone rings your doorbell claiming to provide a service and/or represent a company, organization or group, ask them to present identification. Get their names.

Beware of phone scams: Don’t give personal or financial information over the phone. Hang up on nuisance callers and report them.

Protect yourself from common types of consumer crimes, including medical and insurance fraud, sweepstakes scams, business schemes and unlicensed home repairs.

If someone breaks into your home, do not confront the burglar. Lock the room you’re in and if you can get to a phone, quietly call law enforcement officials.

“If you don’t know someone at your door, don’t let them in,” Hudes said. “If you feel threatened or have been victimized by one of these crimes, immediately contact the authorities.”

“Awareness and education are keys to preventing unwelcome intruders from entering the home,” Murray said. “I encourage senior citizens, and all residents, to follow these important preventative tips. Remember, the best way to fight crime is to prevent it in the first place.”

Gun Buy Back Program

Holiday Tips for Shopping With Children

COUNTY EXECUTIVE MANGANO & NASSAU COUNTY POLICE

OFFER HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS FOR SHOPPING WITH CHILDREN

1. Teach your children to stay with you at all times while shopping. They should always check with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Always supervise your children in a public facility and accompany young children to the restroom.

2. Make a plan in case you become separated. Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot (e.g. the sales counter or mall information booth). Teach younger children to look for people who can help within the store or mall — a uniformed security officer, a salesperson with a nametag, a mother with children, etc. They should never leave the store/mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car.

3. Turn shopping trips into opportunities for your children to practice these “safe shopping” skills.

4. Leave clothing that displays your children’s names at home, as it can prompt unwelcome attention from people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.

5. Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities (e.g. video arcades, movie theaters, playgrounds) and expect store personnel to supervise your children.

6. Have older children take a friend, if you allow them to go shopping or to public functions without you. It’s more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Agree on a clear plan for picking them up including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

Nassau County Police Holiday Safety Tips

County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter and the Police Department are taking affirmative steps to ensure the safety of the people of Nassau County during the upcoming holiday season. All of our regular marked and plainclothes patrols will be intensifying their coverage of shopping malls and commercial areas. The patrols will be augmented by patrol from our Mounted Unit and Bureau of Special Operations. Concurrently, dedicated patrols have been assigned to the major malls within the county, putting additional police officers at those locations during peak hours.

In addition to shopping safety, Nassau Police will also be on the outlook for drivers and occupants who are not complying with the Seat Belt Law. This includes children who are not in child safety seats or buckled in their seat. Police Officers will also be vigilant watching for drivers who are drinking and driving on all roads in Nassau. Handicapped parking violations will be strictly enforced. Parking in handicapped spaces are reserved for those with visible permits.

Before Leaving Home

Plan your shopping trip carefully. Know where you are going and what routes you will take to get there.

If possible, arrange for a friend to go shopping with you. There is safety in numbers.

Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking. Additionally, let them know when you expect to return.

Leave your home secure, engage alarms and give the appearance that your home is occupied by leaving the lights on in the most frequently used rooms.

Don’t leave valuable items out in the open. Secure them in closets, safes, etc.

When Parking

Always park in well-lit areas.

Note the location of your vehicle in the parking lot to conveniently return after shopping.

Always lock all your doors.

Remove all items, such as radar detectors, laptops or packages and hide them in the trunk, glove compartment, out of site.

Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas.

Avoid carrying large handbags. Carry only what is necessary.

Look around the parking lot for suspicious persons before you exit your vehicle.

Don’t get out of your vehicle until you are ready. If you don’t feel safe, stay in the car or drive away.

While Shopping

Keep your money and credit cards in your front pocket and try to limit the number of credit cards and cash you’re carrying while shopping.

To avoid being a victim of “Identity Theft”, be aware of exposing credit cards, debit cards and other identification at the cash register and ATM’s. Thieves will utilize cell phones to capture card information without your knowledge.

Be cognizant of any other type of “Distraction” type of crimes that typically occur during this time of the year.

When Returning To Your Car

Never leave the store with your arms full of packages. Use a courtesy cart.

Have your car key in hand, ready to unlock your door.

Check the parking lot for suspicious people and look around before you exit the store.

Do not return to your vehicle if you see people loitering nearby.

Carry a whistle or other audible device. If you feel threatened, use it. If you’re inside your vehicle, lock your doors and honk your horn to attract attention.

Check underneath, in front and in back of your car as you approach it.

Check the front and rear passenger seats inside your car before you enter it.

If you are planning on returning to the store, never leave your packages in plain view inside your vehicle. Lock them in the trunk or place them on the floor and cover them with a blanket or jacket.

ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

The Nassau County Police Department wishes everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season.

Knights of Columbus Twelve Apostles Council

The Knights of Columbus Twelve Apostles Council #5001 has a new website. It has information about the founding of the organization , a history of our Council , a calendar of upcoming events, a list of our officers and much more. Could you post it on the Franklin Square / Garden City South / West Hempstead , North Valley Stream and Elmont Community Blog? The Website is www.kofc5001.org .

Thank You in advance for your kind attention to this matter.


Sincerely,
Joe Camolli
Past Grand Knight
Twelve Apostles Council #5001

First Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.(EST),the federal government will be conducting the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last up to three and a half minutes. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested.


This system test is the first of its kind designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. In the history of the country, nothing like it has been conducted on such a level. As you may be aware, there have been tests in the past, but not of this magnitude encompassing all regions of the Nation simultaneously. The three (3) minute test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band stations exceeding the previous messages broadcast which were anywhere from a 30 second to 1 minute message.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. A national test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and regionally. The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify improvements that need to be made to build a modernized and fully accessible Emergency Alert System.

Below are two websites that will provide more information regarding this test:

- http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm

- https://nationaldialogue-emergencyalertsystem.ideascale.com/

Crime Stoppers

The Fifth Squad reports the details of a Robbery that occurred in Elmont on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 7:30 pm.


According to detectives, five male blacks and one female black entered DBD Wines and Liquors located at 1771 Dutch Broadway when they were questioned by the male victim about their ages. The female subject took two bottles of wine and left the store without paying. At this time one male subject who was wearing a green sweatshirt took a third bottle of wine and stated to the victim that he was going to “Pop” him. The total amount of the proceeds was thirty dollars. All subjects left the store and fled in an unknown direction. There are no further descriptions at this time. No injuries were reported.

Detectives ask anyone with information to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain anonymous.


The Fifth Squad reports the details of a Robbery that occurred in Elmont at 1:30pm on October 29, 2011.

According to Detectives, three male subjects entered Value Distributors at 395 Meacham Avenue and requested to buy cigarettes. They were told that the company does not sell to the public and were asked to leave. At that time the three subjects ordered three male employees, ages 73, 45, 39, and the male owner, 51, onto the floor face down and were told not to get up. The suspects went through the pockets of the victims and removed their personal property. The proceeds were an undetermined amount of US currency and a cellular telephone. No injuries were reported. The subjects fled the scene in an unknown direction by unknown means.

The three suspects are described as follows: subject one, male black, 200 lbs,, approximately 30 years old, 6’ tall wearing a white hooded sweatshirt; subject two, male black armed with a black handgun, early 20’s, 5’6’ wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, subject three, male black, armed with a silver and black handgun, 18 years old wearing a red hooded sweatshirt.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

It's Fire Prevention Week

It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!

Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2011

What’s the best way to protect your family from fire? Be ahead of the game, of course. With more than 360,000 home fires reported in the United States in 2009, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), your best defense is a good offense. That’s why most local fire departments team up with NFPA during the October 9-15, 2011, to let the community know: “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!” This year’s campaign focuses on preventing the leading causes of home fires -- cooking, heating and electrical equipment, as well as candles and smoking materials. Additionally, it urges people to protect their homes and families with life-saving technology and planning.

“In 2009, 2,565 people died in home fires. Nearly all of these deaths could have been prevented by taking a few simple precautions like having working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan, keeping things that can burn away from the stove and always turning off space heaters before going to bed,” says (Your Name, Title) of the (Your City/Town) Fire Department. “Fire is a dangerous opponent, but by anticipating the hazards, you are much less likely to be one of the nearly 13,000 people injured in home fires each year.”

The NFPA offers the following tips for protecting your home and family from fire:

Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

If you smoke, smoke outside.

Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table.

Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

While preventing home fires is always the number one priority, it is not always possible, You need to provide the best protection to keep your home and family safe in the event of a fire. This can be achieved by developing an escape plan which you practice regularly and equipping homes with life-saving technologies like smoke alarms and home fire sprinklers.”

The following tips will help keep your family safe if there is a fire in your home:
Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including the basement).

Interconnect all smoke alarms in the home so when one sounds, they all sound.

Test smoke alarms at least monthly and replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond when tested.

Make sure everyone in your home knows how to respond if the smoke alarm sounds.

Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible ways out. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.

If you are building or remodeling your home, consider installing home fire sprinklers.

Check with your local fire department to see if they will be hosting activities during Fire Prevention Week to promote “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!” Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the power of prevention and available technologies to protect their own families from fire.

To learn more about “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!” visit NFPA’s website at www.firepreventionweek.org.

Free I.D. Cards for Seniors

Supervisor Murray, Town Clerk Announce Free I.D. Cards for Senior Citizens


Taking a page from the very successful Town of Hempstead Child Identification Program, Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Clerk Mark Bonilla today announced that the town has begun offering free identification cards for senior citizens. The town introduced the program before 75 residents at the Wantagh Senior Center.

"These ID cards come not only with a person's name, description and photograph, but with detailed information on their allergies, doctor's contact data, family telephone numbers and other vital information, which can be very useful in the event of an emergency," said Murray. "We have seen great results from our Child Identification Program and we are hoping for the same for our seniors."

While many seniors are certainly enjoying their golden years here in the Town of Hempstead, several of them have physical ailments that can potentially put them at risk in certain situations. In an emergency, a town Senior I.D. card may help medical technicians to quickly determine how to treat a particular person, given their allergies and other related information.

This card can also be used for everyday activities: Heading to the movies? Doing some shopping? Show your Town of Hempstead Senior I.D. Card and take advantage of great discounts available to seniors.

So how can you get one?

For seniors who wish to participate in the program, the Town Clerk's office will provide them with easy-to-read information forms. The data is then immediately transferred onto small, wallet-sized identification cards and a larger 8" by 8" document that may be displayed on the senior's refrigerator door. The town is providing this service for free, and no records are kept by the town once an I.D. card has been created.

One of the great benefits of this program is that seniors no longer have to wait on long, slow-moving lines somewhere to get an identification card. Town Clerk staff will travel to libraries, senior centers and senior clubs to provide this service on location. It takes just a few minutes to create a Senior I.D. Card that will provide years of benefits for seniors.

"We encourage our seniors in the Town of Hempstead to take advantage of this great program," said Bonilla. "It's fast, it's simple and best of all, it's free!"

Supervisor Murray would like to thank Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Department of Senior Enrichment Commissioner Johanna Scarlata, and the staff at the Wantagh Senior Center for their assistance in organizing today's event.

"What's more convenient than having your personal information, physicians' contacts and emergency numbers all in the palm of your hand?" said Murray. "We in the town are happy to provide this free service for our seniors."

Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers and the Nassau County Police Department are seeking the public’s help in connection with a motor vehicle accident which occurred in Franklin Square, N.Y., within the confines of the Fifth Precinct.


On Friday, August 19, 2011, at approximately 8:57 PM the female victim was struck by a gray or silver colored vehicle, possibly a Volkswagen while walking north across Hempstead Turnpike, west of Pacific Ave, Franklin Square. Operator fled scene westbound on Hempstead Turnpike without stopping and identifying himself.

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who has any information about this crime or may know the identity of the vehicle operator or the plate number of the vehicle, to contact us at our toll free hotline:

1-800-244-TIPS (8477).

Dehumidifiers Recalled

Home Fires Prompt Dehumidifier Recall Reannouncement from LG Electronics


More Than One Million Dollars in Property Damage Linked to Goldstar and Comfort-Aire Dehumidifiers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is urging consumers to check if they have recalled Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers. The firm is re-announcing the recall of about 98,000 of the dangerous dehumidifiers that pose a serious fire and burn hazard, and are believed to be responsible for more than one million dollars in property damage.

The power connector for the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property.

The dehumidifiers were first recalled in December 2009 following eleven incidents, including four significant fires. Since that time, the company has received sixteen additional incident reports of arcing, smoke and fire associated with the dehumidifiers, including nine significant fires. No injuries have been reported. Fires are reported to have caused more than $1 million in property damage including:

Because of the severity of the risks, CPSC and LG Electronics are concerned with the lack of consumer response to the recall. Only two percent of the 98,000 consumers who purchased these units have received a free repair, which means that consumers and their property remain at serious risk.

Anyone who has the recalled dehumidifiers is strongly encouraged to immediately stop using them, unplug them, and contact LG Electronics for the free repair.

The recall involves the 30 pint portable dehumidifiers sold under the Goldstar and Comfort-Aire brands. The dehumidifiers are white with a red shut-off button, controls for fan speed and humidity control, and a front-loading water bucket. “Goldstar” or “Comfort-Aire” is printed on the front. Model and serial number ranges included in this recall are listed in the table below. The model and serial numbers are located on the interior of the dehumidifier, and can be seen when the water bucket is removed.

Brand Model No. Serial Number Range Sold at

Goldstar GHD30Y7 611TAxx00001 through 08400

611TAxx08401 through 40600

612TAxx00001 through 20400

612TAxx21001 through 30600 Home Depot

Goldstar DH305Y7 612TAxx00001 through 00600

701TAxx00001 through 16800

702TAxx00001 through 03000 Walmart

Comfort-Aire BHD-301-C 611TA000001 through 001697

612TA000001 through 004200

701TA000001 through 000578

710TA000001 through 000599 Various retailers, including Ace

Hardware, Do It Best and Orgill Inc.
he recalled dehumidifiers were sold at The Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Orgill Inc., and other retailers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $140 and $150. They were manufactured in China.
For additional information about the recall and for the location of an authorized service center for the repair, contact LG toll free at (877) 220-0479 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm’s website at www.30pintdehumidifierrecall.com

See Something, Say Something

Nassau In State Of Heightened Awareness


Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Tom Krumpter held a news conference today to discuss the state of heightened awareness here in Nassau County. As a direct result of the terror threat, the NCPD has stepped up its uniformed and plain clothes patrols, especially at our train stations and shopping malls.

“Our police department is a leader in the Secure Cities Program which coordinates all law enforcement in the Metro area,” said County Executive Mangano. “As the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attack on our nation approaches, all should know that the Nassau County Police Department has been preparing to secure our County for many weeks.”

Residents can do their part by participating in the See Something, Say Something Campaign. For example: you know your neighbors, you know the vehicles that belong on your block and in your area, if you see something suspicious, say something! If you notice any individuals who appear suspicious, such as being overdressed for the weather or hiding something under their clothes, say something! If you see unattended packages or notice strange odors, say something! If you see someone suspicious drawing diagrams or maps, using binoculars, night vision devices or taking photographs and videos in unusual places, say something!

“I cannot stress this enough,” said County Executive Mangano. “Help us, help you. If you see something, say something by calling 911.”

School Bus Safety Tips

It’s back to school time and Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Police Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter would like to issue some school bus safety tips for students and motorists.


Some facts about school bus safety are as follows:
The most dangerous part of the school bus ride is getting on and off the school bus.
· Pedestrian fatalities (while loading and unloading school buses) account for approximately three times as many school bus-related fatalities, when compared to school bus occupant fatalities.
· The loading and unloading area is called the "Danger Zone".
· The "Danger Zone" is the area on all sides of the bus where children are in the most danger of not being seen by the driver (ten feet in front of the bus where the driver may be too high to see a child, ten feet on either side of the bus where a child may be in the driver's blind spot, and the area behind the school bus).
· More than half of the pedestrian fatalities in school bus-related crashes are children between 5 and 7 years old in 1999.

Young children are most likely to be struck because they:
· Hurry to get on and off the bus
· Act before they think and have little experience with traffic
· Assume motorists will see them and will wait for them to cross the street
· Don't always stay within the bus driver's sight
· Studies have shown that many drivers illegally pass stopped school buses that are loading/unloading students.

Students riding a school bus should always:
· Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.
· Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.
· Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says its okay before stepping onto the bus.
· Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.
· Walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.
· Walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead.
· Be sure the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
· Stop at the edge of the bus and look left-right-left before crossing.
· Tell the bus driver if you drop something beside the bus. Should you try to pick it up, the bus driver may not see you and drive into you.

During the school bus ride:
· Always sit fully in the seat and face forward
· DO NOT distract the driver
· Never stand on a moving bus
· Obey the driver
· Speak in a low voice
· NEVER stick anything out the window -- arms, legs, head, book bags, etc.

Motorists Should:
· Be aware it is illegal in every state to pass a school bus stopped to load/unload students.
Know and understand laws governing motorist's driving behavior near a school bus.
Learn the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists if they are going to stop to load/unload students.

Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children.
Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has
stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists MUST stop their cars.

· Begin moving only when the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop arm is withdrawn and the bus begins to move.
· Watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.
· Slow Down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.
· Be Alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Get Tech Ready

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2011 - Recent weather events such as Hurricane Irene, the earthquake on the East Coast and other natural disasters highlight the need for Americans to prepare for emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the Ad Council and Google Crisis Response are collaborating to launch a new preparedness web resource, Get Tech Ready, on behalf of the Ready campaign.


Released just before the start of National Preparedness Month, this new resource educates individuals and families about how using modern-day technology can help them prepare, adapt and recover from disruptions brought on by emergencies or disasters.

A recent American Red Cross survey showed that the internet, including online news sites and social media platforms, is the third most popular way for Americans to gather emergency information and let their loved ones know they are safe.

"As technology becomes more a part of our daily lives, people are turning to it during emergencies as well. We need to utilize these tools, to the best of our abilities, to engage and inform the public, because no matter how much federal, state and local officials do, we will only be successful if the public is brought in as part of the team," FEMA Administrator, W. Craig Fugate.

"During Hurricane Irene, we saw people using new technologies in many ways, whether it was thousands of people downloading our new shelter finder App or others using our Safe and Well site and social media to let their friends and family know they are OK, " said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "People now have more varied resources available at their fingertips that they can use before, during and after emergencies."

Get Tech Ready provides Americans with tips on how to use technological resources before, during and after a crisis to communicate with loved ones and manage your financial affairs. Preparedness tips on the website include:

Learn how to send updates via text and internet from your mobile phone to your contacts and social channels in case voice communications are not available; Store your important documents such as personal and financial records in the cloud or on a secure and remote area or flash or jump drive that you can keep readily available so they can be accessed from anywhere; and

Create an Emergency Information Document using the Ready.gov Family Emergency Plan template in Google Docs or by downloading the Ready Family Emergency Plan to record your emergency plans.

"Get Tech Ready is a resource that will truly help people in the US and around the world understand how they can use widely available technology to prepare for potential crises," said Nigel Snoud, Product Manager, Google Crisis Response. "We're thrilled to be working with FEMA, the American Red Cross, and the Ad Council on this public service project."

"We are delighted to collaborate with FEMA, Google and the American Red Cross to expand our Ready messages through this new web site to educate more Americans about the vital need to get prepared in advance of an potential emergency," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "The web site will provide access to critical resources to Americans addressing the importance of using technology as part of their individual and family preparedness plans."

Launched in 2003, National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies throughout the year. The Ready campaign was also launched in 2003 by FEMA in partnership with the Ad Council. Since its launch, media outlets have donated more than $900 million in advertising time and space for the PSAs. The new PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

The Advertising Council

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

FEMA does not endorse any non-Federal government organizations or products.

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Nassau County 9/11 Memorial Service

New York State Police Issue Computer Virus Warning

New York State Police are cautioning all residents not to open any emails claiming to be from "uniform traffic ticket", warning the emails contain a computer virus. The emails pretend to be from New York State Department of Motor Vehicles or New York State Police. It asks recipients to open the attached zip file supposedly a copy of the ticket fill it out and send it to a town court. It might contain the subject line "UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKET" and says "the person described above is charged as follows" The ticket lists the time as 7:25 a.m., the date of the offense as July 5 and describes the violation as "speed over 55 zone." It also says to plead, print out the enclosed ticket and send it to town court, Chatam Hall, P.O. Box 117" The public is being asked not to forward these emails to state or local police.


If someone does open the attachment, he or she should update and run antivirus software and take steps to make sure the the computer is secure.