Date of Appointment: December 3,1998
End of Watch: March 12, 2011
Age 40
Cause: Gunfire
Officer Breitkopf was on the force for twelve years
Monday, March 12, 2012
In Memory of:
Date of Appointment: December 3,1998
End of Watch: March 12, 2011
Age 40
Cause: Gunfire
Officer Breitkopf was on the force for twelve years
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Pathfinders Awardee
Town Honors Outstanding Women at Annual Pathfinder AwardsSupervisor Kate Murray and members of the Hempstead Town Board honored nine women who live or work in the Town of Hempstead for their outstanding contributions to the community at the town’s annual Pathfinder Awards ceremony Tuesday.
Arts & Entertainment: Mary Ann Cali of North Valley Stream’s life-long love of music and instruments began 4th grade as she took up the violin and almost immediately demonstrated unique talent and unbridled passion, earning many music awards. Mary Ann began a teaching career in Garden City and she was soon chosen as the Orchestra Director for the Valley Stream School District. Having compiled a remarkable 33-year career in Valley Stream, Mary Ann is renowned as a respected and much loved educator. She provides instruction on the violin, viola, cello and string bass and she is the orchestra director at both the James A. Dever and Howell Road Schools. Mary Ann serves on district, county and state committees to promote music and support musical education. Mary Ann’s career and talent have been cited on many occasions, including District 13’s PTA Lifetime Member Award. Uncommon talent and supreme dedication have earned Mary chairs in the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, Valley Stream Community Orchestra and the Lawrence Philharmonic.
Arts & Entertainment: Mary Ann Cali of North Valley Stream’s life-long love of music and instruments began 4th grade as she took up the violin and almost immediately demonstrated unique talent and unbridled passion, earning many music awards. Mary Ann began a teaching career in Garden City and she was soon chosen as the Orchestra Director for the Valley Stream School District. Having compiled a remarkable 33-year career in Valley Stream, Mary Ann is renowned as a respected and much loved educator. She provides instruction on the violin, viola, cello and string bass and she is the orchestra director at both the James A. Dever and Howell Road Schools. Mary Ann serves on district, county and state committees to promote music and support musical education. Mary Ann’s career and talent have been cited on many occasions, including District 13’s PTA Lifetime Member Award. Uncommon talent and supreme dedication have earned Mary chairs in the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, Valley Stream Community Orchestra and the Lawrence Philharmonic.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Daily Report
2/27/2012
8:00 - 13:00 SHELBOURNE DR FRANKLIN SQUARE 511
LOSS: USC, Ipad, Ipod, Jewelry
Victim returned to residence to find glass on the bedroom floor and listed items missing from the master
bedroom. Canvass conducted with negative results.
ENTRY: Rear window
8:00 - 13:00 SHELBOURNE DR FRANKLIN SQUARE 511
LOSS: USC, Ipad, Ipod, Jewelry
Victim returned to residence to find glass on the bedroom floor and listed items missing from the master
bedroom. Canvass conducted with negative results.
ENTRY: Rear window
Friday, February 10, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Town Offers Emergency Notifications to Residents
Emergency ServicesSwift911 Emergency Notification
The Swift911 Emergency Notification System provides the town with a mechanism to rapidly deliver a recorded notification via telephone, email or text message to targeted homes and businesses in the event that an emergency takes place within the town's jurisdiction. Such situations may include water main breaks, flooding, terrorist threats, hazardous materials emergencies, weather emergencies or natural disasters. Non-emergency contact may be made in the event of town Water Department pipe flushing, as temporary pressure variations and discoloration may occur.
Contact information in the Swift911 notification database is based on phone directories and other publicly available sources. If your telephone number is not published or if you wish to be contacted by alternate means (cell phone, email or text message), you can update your contact information using the form below. There are no fees for registration and those who do not wish to participate in this service may remove their number from the notification database at anytime by clicking "Remove" in the lower left corner of the form. Any calls you receive will have the Caller ID of "Town of Hempstead." The town's emergency notification system is NOT intended to inform residents of problems/emergencies related to other governmental jurisdictions (ie. independent water districts/companies, independent sanitary districts, village government operations, fire districts, county government, etc.).
For each entry (regardless if it is to add, change or remove a point of contact), you must enter your complete address, including house number, street name and suffix, town and zip code. Only include those telephone numbers (home, cell, business), text/SMS number and service provider and e-mail address at which you wish to be contacted should an emergency notification take place. The town will attempt to contact you at each of the contacts provided in the event of an emergency notificatio
Click on Link Below to Sign Up:
http://www.townofhempstead.org/emergency-services/swift911-emergency-notification
The Swift911 Emergency Notification System provides the town with a mechanism to rapidly deliver a recorded notification via telephone, email or text message to targeted homes and businesses in the event that an emergency takes place within the town's jurisdiction. Such situations may include water main breaks, flooding, terrorist threats, hazardous materials emergencies, weather emergencies or natural disasters. Non-emergency contact may be made in the event of town Water Department pipe flushing, as temporary pressure variations and discoloration may occur.
Contact information in the Swift911 notification database is based on phone directories and other publicly available sources. If your telephone number is not published or if you wish to be contacted by alternate means (cell phone, email or text message), you can update your contact information using the form below. There are no fees for registration and those who do not wish to participate in this service may remove their number from the notification database at anytime by clicking "Remove" in the lower left corner of the form. Any calls you receive will have the Caller ID of "Town of Hempstead." The town's emergency notification system is NOT intended to inform residents of problems/emergencies related to other governmental jurisdictions (ie. independent water districts/companies, independent sanitary districts, village government operations, fire districts, county government, etc.).
For each entry (regardless if it is to add, change or remove a point of contact), you must enter your complete address, including house number, street name and suffix, town and zip code. Only include those telephone numbers (home, cell, business), text/SMS number and service provider and e-mail address at which you wish to be contacted should an emergency notification take place. The town will attempt to contact you at each of the contacts provided in the event of an emergency notificatio
Click on Link Below to Sign Up:
http://www.townofhempstead.org/emergency-services/swift911-emergency-notification
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Daily Report
212CR0007524 1/30/2012 13:25 - BUSCHER AVE VALLEY STREAM 517
Complainant reports a M/W in his late 20's, average build, with dark hair, wearing an orange vest asking her if she needed work done in her driveway. Complainant refused and closed her door. Complainant saw subject go to her neighbors house and then drive away in a gray pick up truck heading west. Complainant got a partial plate of ORD.
Analyst note: There have been similar incidents involving deception burglaries throughout the county.
OTHER NY `f ORD
Complainant reports a M/W in his late 20's, average build, with dark hair, wearing an orange vest asking her if she needed work done in her driveway. Complainant refused and closed her door. Complainant saw subject go to her neighbors house and then drive away in a gray pick up truck heading west. Complainant got a partial plate of ORD.
Analyst note: There have been similar incidents involving deception burglaries throughout the county.
OTHER NY `f ORD
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Senior Citizens Crime Prevention Program
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
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/
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.
Envision Valley Stream General Meeting Schedule
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Can't think of worthwhile new year's resolution? Resolve to be more active in your community. 2012 promises to be a very interesting year for Valley Stream so plan to be a part of your community in one way or another. We hope to see you at one or all of the upcoming meetings.
Upcoming Envision Valley Stream General Meetings:
Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30pm in Sip This (64 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream)
Monday, February 27 at 7:30pm in Sip This
Wednesday, March 28 at 7:30pm in Sip This
Last but not least, as a member of a Valley Stream Blue Ribbon Panel on developing a community center for teens, Envision Valley Stream needs your help distributing a quick survey to teens. Please direct any Valley Stream teens to the link below so they can have their thoughts and ideas heard. Thank You!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M9NH3RX
Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream
Phone: 516-792-1246
Web Site: www.EnvisionValleyStream.org
Facebook Page: Envision Valley Stream
Can't think of worthwhile new year's resolution? Resolve to be more active in your community. 2012 promises to be a very interesting year for Valley Stream so plan to be a part of your community in one way or another. We hope to see you at one or all of the upcoming meetings.
Upcoming Envision Valley Stream General Meetings:
Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30pm in Sip This (64 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream)
Monday, February 27 at 7:30pm in Sip This
Wednesday, March 28 at 7:30pm in Sip This
Last but not least, as a member of a Valley Stream Blue Ribbon Panel on developing a community center for teens, Envision Valley Stream needs your help distributing a quick survey to teens. Please direct any Valley Stream teens to the link below so they can have their thoughts and ideas heard. Thank You!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M9NH3RX
Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream
Phone: 516-792-1246
Web Site: www.EnvisionValleyStream.org
Facebook Page: Envision Valley Stream
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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.”
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.”
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Winter is Here
Dress for the Season
Winter has arrived and you should dress for the season.
Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
Always wear a hat or cap on your head since half of your body heat could be lost through an uncovered head.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.
Physical Exertion
Winter storm conditions and cold waves are the deadliest types of weather.
Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack.
To avoid problems, remember these tips:
Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.
If you feel chest pain -- STOP and seek help immediately.
Winter Sports Safety
New York State offers an abundance of sports activities during the winter season. From skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, parents and children should follow the safety rules of the sport.
Most importantly, use the proper equipment and check to make sure everything is in proper working condition. A well-fitting ANSI/SNELL certified helmet will assure a safer, more enjoyable wintertime experience whether you are skiing, sledding, snowboarding or skating.
Dress in multiple, lightweight layers to stay warm and dry while enjoying the outdoors. Check the weather forecast but be prepared for anything.
If you are heading into the backcountry, never travel alone. Let someone know your route and estimated time of return.
Skiers and snowboarders should go on runs that are appropriate for their ability. Stay in control at all times and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. Obey all posted signs and warnings.
No matter what sport you participate in, always focus 100 percent of your attention on the activity and the terrain you are on. Moreover, rest when you are tired.
Safe Sledding
Winter is a fun time for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of some simple safety tips for their children when they go sledding or tobogganing:
Children should never use streets or roads for sledding unless they are blocked off from traffic.
Children should sled only during daytime hours.
Do not sled on icy hills. Sledding hills should be only snow covered.
Avoid sledding over snow bumps or anything that may cause the sled to become airborne.
Never sled alone. An adult should always accompany small children.
Children should stay out of the paths of other sledders. In addition, if the slopes become busy, they should move off them quickly.
Parents, if you are sledding with your children, follow these rules yourselves.
Safe Skating
Winter is a fun time for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of some simple safety tips for their children when they go ice-skating:
If possible, skate at areas that have been approved and posted for ice-skating.
Never skate alone. Always have at least two people present.
is never consistent on lakes and ponds. Water currents, particularly around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets are always suspect for thin ice.
Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that signify thinner ice.
Never skate after dark.
Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in children and the elderly.
Watch for these symptoms:
Inability to concentrate
Poor coordination
Slurred speech
Drowsiness
Exhaustion
Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering
If the person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately! Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.
Frostbite
People working or playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not even know it. There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for these danger signs:
First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or grayish-yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area with something warm and dry. Never rub it!
Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.
Snow Blower Safety
Do you have a snow blower? Did you know that most snow blower injuries happen because the operator did not read the operating instructions?
So, read your owner’s manual and follow these tips:
Never leave your snow blower running and unattended.
Make sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians.
Never put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
Never add fuel when the engine is running and hot.
Make sure you know how to turn the machine off quickly.
P.O. Jesse Atchison
Winter has arrived and you should dress for the season.
Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
Always wear a hat or cap on your head since half of your body heat could be lost through an uncovered head.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.
Physical Exertion
Winter storm conditions and cold waves are the deadliest types of weather.
Cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack.
To avoid problems, remember these tips:
Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.
If you feel chest pain -- STOP and seek help immediately.
Winter Sports Safety
New York State offers an abundance of sports activities during the winter season. From skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, parents and children should follow the safety rules of the sport.
Most importantly, use the proper equipment and check to make sure everything is in proper working condition. A well-fitting ANSI/SNELL certified helmet will assure a safer, more enjoyable wintertime experience whether you are skiing, sledding, snowboarding or skating.
Dress in multiple, lightweight layers to stay warm and dry while enjoying the outdoors. Check the weather forecast but be prepared for anything.
If you are heading into the backcountry, never travel alone. Let someone know your route and estimated time of return.
Skiers and snowboarders should go on runs that are appropriate for their ability. Stay in control at all times and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. Obey all posted signs and warnings.
No matter what sport you participate in, always focus 100 percent of your attention on the activity and the terrain you are on. Moreover, rest when you are tired.
Safe Sledding
Winter is a fun time for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of some simple safety tips for their children when they go sledding or tobogganing:
Children should never use streets or roads for sledding unless they are blocked off from traffic.
Children should sled only during daytime hours.
Do not sled on icy hills. Sledding hills should be only snow covered.
Avoid sledding over snow bumps or anything that may cause the sled to become airborne.
Never sled alone. An adult should always accompany small children.
Children should stay out of the paths of other sledders. In addition, if the slopes become busy, they should move off them quickly.
Parents, if you are sledding with your children, follow these rules yourselves.
Safe Skating
Winter is a fun time for children, but it also may be dangerous. Parents should be aware of some simple safety tips for their children when they go ice-skating:
If possible, skate at areas that have been approved and posted for ice-skating.
Never skate alone. Always have at least two people present.
is never consistent on lakes and ponds. Water currents, particularly around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets are always suspect for thin ice.
Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that signify thinner ice.
Never skate after dark.
Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in children and the elderly.
Watch for these symptoms:
Inability to concentrate
Poor coordination
Slurred speech
Drowsiness
Exhaustion
Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering
If the person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately! Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.
Frostbite
People working or playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not even know it. There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for these danger signs:
First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or grayish-yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area with something warm and dry. Never rub it!
Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.
Snow Blower Safety
Do you have a snow blower? Did you know that most snow blower injuries happen because the operator did not read the operating instructions?
So, read your owner’s manual and follow these tips:
Never leave your snow blower running and unattended.
Make sure the discharge chute is not aimed at passing motorists or pedestrians.
Never put your hands into the discharge chute or augers to clear stuck snow and ice.
Never add fuel when the engine is running and hot.
Make sure you know how to turn the machine off quickly.
P.O. Jesse Atchison
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