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 Shopping 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.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Town Honors Outstanding Residents At 15th Annual 'Make A Difference' Awards Ceremony
Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town board recognized 14 extraordinary community members for contributions to their local neighborhoods at the 15th Annual "Make A Difference" Awards ceremony. "The inspirational people being honored this evening are truly the unsung heroes of our communities," said Murray. "Their selfless acts of volunteerism and leadership are true symbols of Hempstead Town and make our township such a great place to live, work and raise a family."
The honorees have all dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of others. Hundreds of nominations were received for the prestigious award. Those selected, Murray noted, have quietly carried out acts of selfless generosity for many years.
An interest in history, a yearning for knowledge and a love of their hometown combined to inspire Franklin Square residents Kiera Grassi and Hannah Mutum to pen the story of Franklin Square from the 1600s through today. Last year in pursuit of their Girl Scout Gold Awards Kiera and Hannah volunteered to assist the Franklin Square Historical Society. The duo created a photographic survey to visually record present-day Franklin Square. The project was time consuming and all encompassing, but it provided the foundation for what became a 128-page book on the history of Franklin Square. Working closely with Paul van Wie, the president of the local historical society, the girls published a literary work that has become a great source of pride within the local community. Flip through the pages of our honorees' narrative and discover the facts of George Washington's 1790 visit to Franklin Square, the community's growth as a 19th century German speaking farm community or the creation of the first-ever credit card by the Franklin Square National Bank in the early 1950s.
Claudia Ledwith of Valley Stream takes her artistic talent and applies it as therapy for countless sick children and their families at North Shore University Hospital. In fact, she has devoted more than 1200 hours and donated numerous art supplies and toys over the past decade. As young patients sat listlessly with IVs attached to their arms, Claudia's art therapy helped them forget their troubles. In addition to drawing and sculpting, she plays games with the children and listens to their stories. During her time at North Shore, Claudia also took on a leadership position in which she coordinated the youth volunteer program and planned events. Claudia's art therapy brightens otherwise gloomy situations for children, which in turn, brings smiles to their faces and those of the concerned family members.
"Generous, helpful, kind, caring, loyal, and thoughtful, a true gentleman, these are the words used by a dozen neighbors in describing Valley Stream resident Salvatore Spinicchia. As one neighbor says, "Sal's entire adult life has been marked by service to others." For Sal, service began as a young adult, when he fought during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army and later, as a Marine, in the Korean War. Decades later, Sal still finds himself on the front lines, only this time he's helping fellow veterans, friends and neighbors in Valley Stream, New York. Sal regularly visits war veterans, particularly those who are unemployed, to educate them on the veterans programs and benefits for which they may be eligible. Sal also exemplifies the ideals of a "good neighbor." Last winter, when neighbors had a serious fire in their home, Sal - a member of the Valley Stream Fire Department - went over and fought the flames with a fire extinguisher until fire trucks arrived. Then, Sal invited the family to stay in his home until the insurance company could make arrangements for them. Sal's standard greeting to his neighbors and friends is "Let me know if I can help." And he's backed that phrase for decades, assisting veterans, friends, family, and neighbors with a helping hand.
"Our award recipients do not seek recognition, expect rewards or even look for a simple thank you. These special people just care. They care for their neighbors, their colleagues, their friends, their families and their communities," concluded Murray. "Tonight we are personally thanking them for making the world a better place."
The honorees have all dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of others. Hundreds of nominations were received for the prestigious award. Those selected, Murray noted, have quietly carried out acts of selfless generosity for many years.
An interest in history, a yearning for knowledge and a love of their hometown combined to inspire Franklin Square residents Kiera Grassi and Hannah Mutum to pen the story of Franklin Square from the 1600s through today. Last year in pursuit of their Girl Scout Gold Awards Kiera and Hannah volunteered to assist the Franklin Square Historical Society. The duo created a photographic survey to visually record present-day Franklin Square. The project was time consuming and all encompassing, but it provided the foundation for what became a 128-page book on the history of Franklin Square. Working closely with Paul van Wie, the president of the local historical society, the girls published a literary work that has become a great source of pride within the local community. Flip through the pages of our honorees' narrative and discover the facts of George Washington's 1790 visit to Franklin Square, the community's growth as a 19th century German speaking farm community or the creation of the first-ever credit card by the Franklin Square National Bank in the early 1950s.
Claudia Ledwith of Valley Stream takes her artistic talent and applies it as therapy for countless sick children and their families at North Shore University Hospital. In fact, she has devoted more than 1200 hours and donated numerous art supplies and toys over the past decade. As young patients sat listlessly with IVs attached to their arms, Claudia's art therapy helped them forget their troubles. In addition to drawing and sculpting, she plays games with the children and listens to their stories. During her time at North Shore, Claudia also took on a leadership position in which she coordinated the youth volunteer program and planned events. Claudia's art therapy brightens otherwise gloomy situations for children, which in turn, brings smiles to their faces and those of the concerned family members.
"Generous, helpful, kind, caring, loyal, and thoughtful, a true gentleman, these are the words used by a dozen neighbors in describing Valley Stream resident Salvatore Spinicchia. As one neighbor says, "Sal's entire adult life has been marked by service to others." For Sal, service began as a young adult, when he fought during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army and later, as a Marine, in the Korean War. Decades later, Sal still finds himself on the front lines, only this time he's helping fellow veterans, friends and neighbors in Valley Stream, New York. Sal regularly visits war veterans, particularly those who are unemployed, to educate them on the veterans programs and benefits for which they may be eligible. Sal also exemplifies the ideals of a "good neighbor." Last winter, when neighbors had a serious fire in their home, Sal - a member of the Valley Stream Fire Department - went over and fought the flames with a fire extinguisher until fire trucks arrived. Then, Sal invited the family to stay in his home until the insurance company could make arrangements for them. Sal's standard greeting to his neighbors and friends is "Let me know if I can help." And he's backed that phrase for decades, assisting veterans, friends, family, and neighbors with a helping hand.
"Our award recipients do not seek recognition, expect rewards or even look for a simple thank you. These special people just care. They care for their neighbors, their colleagues, their friends, their families and their communities," concluded Murray. "Tonight we are personally thanking them for making the world a better place."
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/
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers and the Nassau County Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying the subject wanted in connection with a robbery which occurred in Valley Stream, New York within the confines of the Fifth Precinct.
On Friday, September 30, 2011 at approximately 8:35 PM, the victims were walking on Merrick Road in the vicinity of North Montgomery Street, Valley Stream, New York. The above pictured subject approached the victims and forcibly removed jewelry from each of them. The subject fled westbound on Merrick Road.
SUBJECT: Black male, in his thirties, 5’9” tall, with dark skin, a beard and wearing a red and blue short sleeve polo shirt and dark denim jeans.
Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who knows the identity of the subject or with any information about this crime to call our toll free hotline: 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest.
Crime Stoppers
On Friday September 23, 2011 at 3:00 PM a 16 year old male victim was walking home from Valley Stream South High School on Jedwood Place at Sanford Court. At that time he observed the subject pictured above with two additional male blacks 16-18 years of age all wearing black hoodies. One subject distracted the victim while another punched him and forcibly took his cell phone. All three subjects fled on foot on Jedwood Place towards Mill Road.
SUBJECT DESCRIPTION (ABOVE) - male black, 18-21 yoa, 6’0” tall, dark complexion, dark eyes, black moustache & goatee wearing a black hoodie.
Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who can identify the unknown subject pictured above, or has any information about this case to contact us at our toll free hotline: 1-800-244-TIPS (8477).
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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