B.A.T. Mobile

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, District Attorney Kathleen Rice and Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey unveiled the county's latest weapon to combat drunken driving.

The Breath Alcohol Testing vehicle, or BAT mobile, will provide police with a mobile team of certified breath technicians to process drunken drivers, from their initial arrests through testing.

State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr., a Republican from Merrick, acquired the state funding for the District Attorney’s Office to purchase the $249,918 vehicle using New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services grant funds.

The 29-foot vehicle will be used by Nassau County police officers. The unit will function as a “sobriety testing center” and be equipped with breath alcohol testing equipment and four video cameras to monitor the exterior of the vehicle and the testing area.

The sides of the vehicle will also serve as a rolling anti-DWI billboard and have graphic images of injuries suffered from drunk driving accidents, stating “Not Everyone Who is Hit by a Drunk Driver Dies,” and also a photo of the horrendous aftermath of the 2005 crash caused by Martin Heidgen, which killed seven-year-old Katie Flynn and limousine driver Stanley Rabinowitz, with the question “Could you live with yourself?”

Arrestees can be brought into the vehicle where breath alcohol testing or drug recognition exams can be conducted. If they are found to be intoxicated, they will be arrested.

“This new tool in our concerted effort to stop drunken and reckless driving will absolutely save lives,” Rice said. “It may save a life by taking a drunken driver off the road, or it may serve as a deterrent to a driver who passes by its graphic images and thinks twice before driving drunk. Either way, the BAT mobile will be on duty, taking unsafe drivers off the road.”

“The BAT mobile combines enforcement with prevention to give Nassau County a tremendous new tool to remove drunk drivers from our roads,” Fuschillo said. “Nassau Police will be able to immediately test suspected drunk drivers for intoxication, which better preserves important evidence of a DWI crime. The high-visibility nature of the vehicle will also raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and deter people from getting behind the wheel if they are intoxicated. I'm pleased to have helped Nassau County obtain this new, high-tech resource to stop DWI.”

“Let it be known that if you drive under the influence in Nassau County, you will be arrested and prosecuted. We will do whatever we can to make our streets safe,” Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said.

"During my administration, apprehending DWI offenders has been one of my top priorities. The Nassau County Police Department has been very successful in doing so, but there is still work to be done. The "Bat Mobile" is another resource available to the law enforcement community for us to utilize in not only arresting DWI offenders, but an opportunity to educate motorists of the dangers associated with drinking and driving." Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey.

Parental Controls for the Home Computer

I would like to know if you can recommend some sites that offer free parental control software. I've tried to block content through my control panel but it is difficult to decide what programs to block, is there a easier way like the v-chip for TVs that block sites by rating?
With the kids home for the summer and friends and older relatives in and out of the house I want to feel more confident allowing unsupervised use of the computer.

Thanks for your help.
Marsha

Dear Marsha,

Officer Miller and I were just talking about this topic. We've come across these very informative references.

1)The McAfee Survey Youth Online Behavior Guide
http://us.mcafee.com/en-us/local/docs/SocialNetworkinge-guide.pdf

2)The Girl Scouts of Nassau County Critical Issues page

http://www.gsnc.org/criticalissues/SextingandCyberbullying.asp

3) IKEEPSAFE.ORG http://www.ikeepsafe.org/iksc_about/

to help parents understand some of the programs out there.

We know how important it is for parents to be involved in what information kids are posting online as well as just who kids are speaking to.

We hope this helps give you some helpful tips and we will continue to send you informational resources as we come across them.

P.O. John Miller
C.G. Jo-Lynn Tripp

Envision Valley Stream

Exciting times at Envision Valley Stream!

The next general meeting of Envision Valley Stream will be on Tuesday, July 27 at 7:30PM in the Hendrickson Park Administration Building.

We will be discussing our campaign progress, organizing new volunteer opportunities and moving ahead with our very important community assessment survey.

The survey will be open until August 6th. If you or anyone you know has not filled it out (I know, hard to believe), it can be found here.

As always, we really appreciate your continued support.



Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream

Crime Stoppers

INCIDENT: Criminal Mischief DATE/TIME: July 20, 2010, 0600
LOCATION: Franklin Square ITEM: 02
The Fifth Squad reports the details of multiple incidents of Criminal Mischief on July 20, 2010.
According to Detectives, an unknown person or persons did use blue and yellow colored spray paint to create graffiti on six automobiles causing damage to be approximately $3800 US currency. The autos were parked at the following locations in Franklin Square:
Dickens Avenue, 2007 orange Volkswagen
Horatio Avenue, 2010 black Jaguar
Morton Avenue, 2009 tan Audi, 2010 white Audi
Plato Street, 2010 black Mercedes Benz
A 2010 white Mercedes Benz was parked on Wildwood Road in West Hempstead.
Detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
Details by: Det. Rios / 5th Sqd. 07/20/10/7990/1515

Nassau County Police Heat Advisory

The Nassau County Police Department would like to remind residents that as the temperature rises, it's important to KEEP YOUR COOL. Know the warning signs, and treatment, of common heat-related problems.

HEAT STROKE ("sunstroke") occurs when the body can't rid itself of excess heat, and there is a sudden rise in body temperature. Symptoms appear rapidly: look for very hot and dry skin (no sweat),dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. Lower the body temperature as quickly as possible.
Move the person to a cool area, or immerse in/pour cool water over the person. SEEK
MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY: HEAT STROKE CAN BE FATAL.

HEAT EXHAUSTION is a mild form of shock from excess exposure to heat. Look for
pale, clammy skin with profuse sweating, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and sometimes
abdominal cramping. Body temperature remains close to normal. Move the person to a
cool area.

HEAT SYNCOPE (loss of consciousness) is due to decreased blood flow to the brain
and heart as the blood pools in the extremities. The person will quickly regain consciousness when lying down. Allow the victim to rest, and remove from the activity or
environment which caused the loss of consciousness.

HEAT RASH ("prickly heat") is caused by blocked sweat ducts. Although not dangerous,
the rash has a tingly or prickly feeling. Shower or wash often, dry your skin
completely and change into dry clothing. Stay out of the heat until the rash is gone.


HEAT CRAMPS (mild to severe muscle cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen) are
due to profuse perspiration. Look for pale, moist skin with heavy sweating and
occasional nausea or faintness. Move the person to a cool area but do not massage
the cramped muscles. If not nauseous, slowly sip one or two glasses of an electrolyte
drink. Do not resume the activity which caused the cramps for at least 12 hours or the cramps may return.


THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFERS THE FOLLOWING
10 SUGGESTIONS TO PREVENT HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES:

1. The elderly and young children under five years of age, especially
babies under one year, are particularly sensitive to heat's effects. Be sure to
offer plenty of liquids to drink, keep them in the shade, and take care not to
overdress them.
2. GET OUT OF THE HEAT
Take advantage of air conditioned facilities such as indoor shopping malls,
public libraries, movie theaters, municipal buildings, or senior citizen centers. If
you must go outside try to limit these excursions to early morning or later in the
evening when temperatures are lower.
3. STAY IN THE SHADE
When you are outdoors stay out of direct sun when possible. There can be a
ten to fifteen degree difference in the temperature when you are in the shade.
4. USE FANS, EVEN IF YOU HAVE AIR CONDITIONING
While electric fans do not cool, a fan in each room will help to circulate air and
lower temperatures. If you don’t have air conditioning ... create cross-ventilation
by opening windows on two sides of the building, keep curtains, shades or
blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day, and open windows at night. Try
to spend a few hours in an air conditioned building.
5. COOL YOUR BODY TEMPERATURE
If possible, take a cool bath or shower. Cool water will help you to dissipate
body heat.
6. WEAR LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING IN LIGHTER COLORS
Dark colors will absorb heat. Loosely woven cotton and linen (natural fibers) are
much cooler than knits and synthetic fabrics.
7. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS
Try to drink 8 - 10, 8 ounce cups of liquid daily. Carry water or juice with you
and sip continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Snack on vegetables and
fruit since they have a high water content.
8. AVOID ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE
Stay away from caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which can dehydrate the
body. Alcohol may also dull your perception of the actual temperature.
9. SALT AND ELECTROLYTES
Don’t take salt tablets unless you check with your doctor first. You get enough
salt from your food or drinking a sports drink.
10. PETS can be affected by the heat. Keep their water dish full, and keep them
indoors or in the shade during peak hours. Never leave an animal in a locked
car, even for a few minutes.

P.O. Jesse Atchison

Water Watch

Faced with a heat wave, little heavy rain and residents keen to keep lawns lush with generous watering, Long Island water suppliers are exhorting customers to curb use as they struggle to meet demand.
In recent days, several of the Island's more than 50 water districts - public, independent and private alike - have advised against nonessential use such as lawn-watering and car washing. Others have used stronger language, issuing "mandatory" curbs while not detailing how the restrictions will be enforced.
Behind the different choice of words is a shared problem: While there is plenty of water in the aquifer that serves Long Islanders, the systems that deliver it are badly stressed, particularly by aggressive lawn-watering.
In the past, drought conditions and high demand have led to calls for limits on use. But Kelleher, a senior vice president of H2M Group, consulting engineers for more than 20 public water suppliers on the Island, said he's been in the business 25 years and has never seen demand take such a toll.

The Western Nassau Water Authority reminds customers that all residents of Nassau County are prohibited from outside water usage year-round between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In addition, customers with odd-numbered addresses may only water on odd-numbered days; customers with even-numbered addresses, or premises without a numbered address, may only water on even-numbered days.

The continued heat and lack of rain has resulted in extraordinary demand for water service. In order to avoid more serious problems that would hinder our ability to provide water for fire protection and other essential services, we are calling on our customers to voluntarily reduce outdoor water usage such as lawn watering and car washing or similar non-essential water usage until we get rain.
Should you have any questions, please contact our customer service department at
(516) 327-4100 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.


Long Island American Water, a private company that serves 75,000 customers in southwestern Nassau County, Tuesday issued a restriction on nonessential outdoor water use until further notice. An American Water spokeswoman said no similar step had been taken during her 19 years with the company.
American Water president Bill Varley said on a normal summer day, his system will pump between 35 million and 40 million gallons. In recent weeks, he said, the system has consistently been asked to handle 50 million gallons a day or more, demand unlike any he has seen in a decade with the company.
Residents, he said, should realize that a brown lawn is not a dead one.

"Your lawn will come back," Walter said. "If it gets brown over the summer, it will come back when the rains come. So please stop watering like crazy."

Town of Hempstead Cooling Centers

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray in deference to a serious summer heat wave announced today that Hempstead will open cooling centers at thirteen (13) locations and extend hours of operation at thirteen (13) pools.

"Summer certainly has come roaring in," said Murray. "The type of heat we are now experiencing can pose serious health risks especially for seniors and very young children. By offering cooling centers we are protecting the health and the comfort of local residents who may be without air conditioning. By extending our pool hours, we are also making it convenient for our residents to cool off after a long, hot summer day."

The cooling centers will be open between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., with the exception of Merrick Senior Center, which will remain open until 6 p.m. The facilities are air-conditioned and there are even activities that will provide an opportunity for residents to interact and enjoy each other's company, all while avoiding the scorching temperatures, "very high" UV indexes, and the health risks that accompany them.

Cooling centers open to the public include:

Baldwin Senior Center, 1810 N. Grand Ave., Baldwin, (516) 546-7110
Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore, (516) 221-9696
Elmont Senior Center, 138 Elmont Rd., Elmont, (516) 354-4777
Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Pl. Franklin Square, (516) 328-3010
Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Rd., Valley Stream, (516) 872-8810
Levittown Senior Center, 555 N. Newbridge Rd., Levittown, (516) 433-5454
Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, (516) 868-4777
Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Ave., Oceanside, (516) 766-8888
Rosa Parks Senior Center, 2 Babylon Tpke., Roosevelt (516) 867-1612
Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury, (516) 333-5440
Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center, 840 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale (516) 292-1313
Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale (516) 538-5050
Wantagh Senior Center, 1150 Seamans Neck Rd., Wantagh (516) 785-8505

Hours of operation will be extended one hour at the following pools:

Roosevelt Pool - Closing at 7 p.m.
Town Park at Sands Pool - Closing at 7 p.m.
Forest City Park Pool - Closing at 8 p.m.
Rath Pool (Franklin Sq. Park District) - Closing at 8 p.m.
Walker Memorial Pool - Closing at 8 p.m.
Acorn Lane Pool - Closing at 8 p.m.
Azaela Road Pool- Closing at 8 p.m.
Blue Grass Lane Pool- Closing at 8 p.m.
Carman Avenue Pool- Closing at 8 p.m.
Levittown Parkway Pool - Closing at 8 p.m.
Slate Lane Pool- Closing at 8 p.m.
West Village Green Pool- Closing at 8 p.m.
Wolcott Road Pool- Closing at 8 p.m.

"The dangers associated with this heat wave can hit our seniors and young residents especially hard," concluded Murray. "And, while we in Town government are doing all that we can to keep our residents safe and healthy, I encourage everyone to do their part and check in on elderly neighbors or family members who are at high risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke, all of which can accompany hot weather. By offering cooling centers for those without air-conditioned homes and extending pool hours, we can beat the heat and enjoy the summer."

Census Bureau Still Counting

Hi
I have received a phone call on my answering machine on Sunday, July 4th from someone claiming to be from the U.S. Census Bureau. (On a nat'l holiday?) I googled it and it seems to be a fraud. I had completed and returned my forms months ago. I will not return their calls, but am worried about others. See something, say something...right?

The number they gave me is 866-851-2050.

Thanks for your help. I love the blog!

Theresa

Dear Theresa,

We had called the Census Bureau Garden City Office (559-7520) to ask if they are still collecting information. They are still calling and visiting homes to collect information and do quality checks. The phone number they have is 866 861 2010. If anyone else receives calls with the other number for a return call, please call the Garden City Census office and they will report it to the authorities.

A census taker is a person from your community who is hired by the Census Bureau to make sure that your neighborhood gets represented as accurately as possible. The census taker's primary responsibility is to collect census information from residences. Most of these residences have not sent back their 2010 Census form.

The Census Bureau provides the census taker with a binder containing all of the addresses that didn't send back a filled out census form.
The census taker then visits all of those addresses and records the answers to the questions on the form.

If no one answers at a particular residence, a census taker will visit a home up to three times and attempt to reach the household by phone three times. The census worker will leave a double-sided (English and Spanish) NOTICE of VISIT in the doorway that includes a phone number for the resident to schedule an appointment.
The census taker will ONLY ask the questions that appear on the census form.

The census taker who collects your information is sworn for life to protect your data under Federal Law Title 13. Those who violate the oath face criminal penalties: Under federal law, the penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.

The Census Bureau will never ask you your social security number.

Fraudulent Activity and Scams
The Census Bureau uses a workforce of trained federal employees to conduct a variety of household and business surveys by telephone, in-person interviews, through the mail. They understand your personal information is sensitive, and go to great lengths to protect the data they collect. Although they cannot stop or warn against all bogus or false collections of data -- here are some tips to help you recognize fraudulent activity or unofficial data collections.

If you are contacted for any of the following reasons -- Do Not Participate. It is NOT the U.S. Census Bureau.
Phishing:
'Phishing' is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, social security numbers, bank account or credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out by email and it often directs users to enter sensitive information at a fake web site whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.

Other Scams:The Census Bureau does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via the Internet

The Census Bureau does not send emails about participating in the 2010 Census

The Census Bureau never:
Asks for your full social security number
Asks for money or a donation
Sends requests on behalf of a political party
Requests PIN codes, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

How to report scams and bogus Census web sites
If you believe you have been contacted as part of bogus or fraudulent activity falsely representing the Census Bureau:

In Person Scam
Check for a valid Census ID badge
Call your regional office to verify you are in a survey

Email Scams
If you think it is a bogus email, do not reply or click on any links within the email.
Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain code that could infect your computer
Forward the email or web site URL to the Census Bureau at ITSO.Fraud.Reporting@census.gov.
After you forward the email to us, delete the message. You will not receive a confirmation email after forwarding the information to us. However, the Census Bureau will investigate the information and notify you of its findings.

Mail and Phone Scams
Contact the Federal trade Commission
Is your survey legitimate?
You may further verify if a collection activity is legitimate by calling your regional census office regarding mail surveys, and the National Processing Center for phone surveys.

U.S. Census Bureau.
National Processing Center
1201 East 10th Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47132

If you have not been contacted about a survey and are looking for general Census Bureau information, please call 301-763-INFO (4636) and they can better answer your questions.

If you:

want to verify that the person who called you is a Census Bureau employee,
have a question about a survey form you received, or
need to return a call about one of our surveys
please contact them at one of these numbers:

Hagerstown, MD: 1-800-392-6975
Jeffersonville, IN: 1-800-523-3205
Tucson, AZ: 1-800-642-0469
Additional language specialties may be available.

If you have questions about any of their telephone center operations, you can contact them via NPC.Call.Center.Info@census.gov.