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.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, November 14, 2011
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
Thank You in advance for your kind attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Joe Camolli
Past Grand Knight
Twelve Apostles Council #5001
Monday, November 7, 2011
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/
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/
Thursday, November 3, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, October 7, 2011
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.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
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."
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."
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