Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Fingerprinting and NCPD Presentations

I’m on the Board of Directors of the Franklin Square Raiders Soccer Club, and we’d like to set up a day where the police would come to the field and do the fingerprinting of the kids. We have several hundred children in the organization and think it’d be a nice thing to offer the parents. We’d like to set it up for a Sunday in October, could you tell me who I’d need to contact about this?
Thank you,
Deanna Gisonda

Dear Ms. Gisonda,
It is wonderful of you to coordinate this effort. The Police Department does not provide this service however the Town of Hempstead does. Below is the information from the Town of Hempstead web site link. I know other youth groups in our community have had great success with this program.
Nassau County Police 5th Precinct P.O.P. Unit does provide Officers who do presentations on many topics with parents, senior citizens and/or children. Topics include: Bullying, Cyber Bullying, Drugs, Gangs, Crimes Against the Elderly, Staying Safe, Social Host Laws, Seat Belts- Cellphones- Leandra’s Law… The Nassau County Police Departments Fifth Precinct P.O.P. Unit can be reached at 573-6570 if you would like to schedule a presentation.
Nassau County Police Dept Community Affairs Division, Officer Dockswell also does presentations on Cyber Bullying, Bullying and Sexting that no parent or child should miss. His mission is to educate students and parents throughout the county on staying safe and using technology responsibly. Officer Dockswell challenges students to consider how someone who doesn’t stop another person from being bullied contributes to the problem. He provides the audience with “much food for thought” about using technology and respecting other’s feelings. A responsibility that everyone shares. Police Officer Dockswell can be reached at (516) 573-7360
As for fingerprinting, The Town of Hempstead wants to protect and safeguard our children. Accordingly, the Town Clerk's office administers a comprehensive Child Safety Identification Program.
This program is unique in that they actually take the child's fingerprints and photograph FREE of charge. In addition, there are no privacy violation concerns because there is no negative generated from the child's photo (Polaroid camera is used). They will also assist you in affixing strands of hair to this identification file. The completed kit is given to the child's family. By utilizing Mobile Town Hall, the Town Clerk's office can bring this service to schools, clubs, teams and organizations in our communities. To schedule the Town Clerk's Child Safety Program or for additional information, call (516) 489-5000, ext. 3219. This service is also available at Town Hall.
If you require any further assistance please contact the P.O.P. Unit at 573-6570
Sincerely,
P.O. John Miller
Problem Oriented Policing Unit

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

United States Attorney's Advisory Council

BUILDING A CULTURE OF INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
MAINTAIN SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
• Know your surroundings. Every environment (neighborhood/business) has unique, routine patterns of activity and generally consistent patterns of behavior associated with the residents/occupants.
• The best Intelligence comes from observant citizens. Establish a mental baseline of routine activity and report unusual/anomalous behavior to law enforcement.
• You are in the best position to evaluate your environment, don’t rely strictly on “security” or law enforcement for your personal protection.
• Report loitering, unattended vehicles, suspicious packages, unusual photography or videotaping taking note of the time and description of suspicious person(s) or vehicle(s).
• Report attempts to solicit personal information about you or your business.
ESTABLISH A SECURITY MINDSET
• You do not need to be a law enforcement officer or trained security professional to assess threatening situations and report suspicious activity. At your place of business and in your community promote a culture of responsibility.
• Accept that YOU are part of the security equation.
• You are part of a layered approach to security. Law enforcement is only one layer in that system of security.
• Maintain a state of “relaxed awareness”, that is, a state where you are cognizant of dangers but not so alert that you are in a constant state of fear or readiness for something bad to happen. The latter state is known as hyper vigilance and can actually reduce your ability to respond appropriately.
• Promote security as everyone’s business.
AVOID COMPLACENCY or FATALISM or HYPERVIGILANCE
ALL three can be deadly.
• COMPLACENCY-“It can’t happen to me”, “Why would they attack us?”, “It won’t happen here.”
• FATALISM-“If it’s going to happen there is nothing I can do about it.”
• HYPERVIGILANCE-“The danger is everywhere-they’re going to kill all of us.”
Take care of yourself. Take care of your family. Take care of your community
RECOGNIZE THE ATTACK CYCLE
• An attack is almost always preceded by surveillance or “casing”.
• The intelligence operative actively probes for vulnerabilities in security while noting routines, possible attack/breaching points and establishing possible cover stories to gain access based on observations of routine activity.
• The intelligence operative may rent in a more transient neighborhood where people don’t ask questions.
• Intelligence Operatives and or Attack Operatives may dress as public utility workers, road workers, vendors, package couriers (UPS, FEDEX). Attack operatives overseas have dressed as police or military.
• The intelligence operative may ask unusual questions relative to the number of employees, hours of operation, safety or security plans etc.
• Intelligence operatives may videotape; appear to be ‘walking off’ or measuring distances, attempt to acquire blueprints etc.
• Operatives may use “cloned” or stolen official vehicles such as ambulances and official uniforms to attempt intrusion/penetration with little to no resistance under some guise of legitimacy/authority.
• Be aware of the insider threat-attackers may attempt to gain employment or place someone on the inside to learn your security practices and facilitate the attack. The insider is often a low wage employee with broad facility access such as a custodian or temporary maintenance worker. The insider may not be an actual employee but a delivery person granted access to the facility. The insider may pose as mentally challenged or feign having no knowledge of the language.
BE UNPREDICTABLE
• Vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns of activity whenever possible.
• When driving use your rear and side view mirrors periodically to ascertain if you are being followed.
• At work; avoid marked parking spaces with the occupants name or title. Park in different spots
• Parking lots and garages should be maintained with gates locked at all times and be well lit. Do not park in public garages with inadequate security.
• If you have been the subject of threats-check around and under your vehicle
• Go with your gut-if you don’t feel right subconsciously you are noting behavior and you should not dismiss these feelings.
PERSONAL SECURITY WHILE AWAY
• Do not discuss your business or travel plans in public areas where they may be overheard. Discuss your travel plans and movements during your stay with as few people as possible.
• Be low key-Don’t call attention to yourself as a Westerner in a foreign country.
• Select a hotel room on the third to fifth floor generally will keep you out of reach of criminal activity from the street but still within reach of most fire truck ladders.
• Be alert to overly friendly locals who may have criminal intentions. They may offer to take you to a “special” restaurant.
• Place airplane tickets, credit cards, passport or other documents of personal identification in a hotel safe deposit box or room safe.
• Familiarize yourself with escape routes in case of fire or other catastrophe.
• Use the door chain or bolt lock whenever you are in your room.
• Use the door viewer (peephole) before opening the door to visitors.
• Do not discuss your room number while standing in the lobby or leave your room key on restaurant or bar tables.
• Keep your room neat so you will notice disturbed or missing items quickly.
CARJACKING
• When in your car, always keep the doors locked. Any time you drive through areas containing stoplights, stop signs-keep your windows up.
• Leave ample maneuvering space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you are approached by suspicious persons while you are stopped, do not roll down windows; drive away quickly.
• If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, fire station, or other public facility. Once you find a place of safety, don’t worry about using a legal parking space. Enter and walk quickly to the largest group of people.
• If you are being followed, never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.
• If you are traveling alone and a car “bumps” into you, don’t stop to exchange accident information. Go to the nearest Police Station.
BUILDING SECURITY
• Check all entrances, including service doors, access to service elevators and gates. Are these areas monitored/guarded? Are locks sufficient? Are locks broken or disabled?
• Keep doors locked and limit entrance points.
• Assure only known persons properly identified and issued security ids/badges are granted access.
• Card keys and cameras are only useful if you do not circumvent, override or ignore these technologies. Do not allow others through doors (to piggy back) on your card.
• Challenge all visitors. Ask questions of visitors relative to their activities.
• Periodically walk the perimeter of your building taking note of overgrown shrubs, broken windows, broken door locks, unlocked gates, holes in fencing, and signs of attempted intrusion or vandalism.
• Get to know your neighbors. Develop a rapport with them.
• Never leave keys “hidden” outside your home or workplace.
• Note and report loitering by suspicious individuals or the sighting of suspicious vehicles, particularly if observed on multiple occasions.
• Note and report any instances of suspicious photography or videotaping.
BUILDING SECURITY AT NIGHT
• If you do not have an alarm systems at least consider motion detector flood lights on each corner of the building.
• Flood lights should “wash” the building with light (i.e. stream across windows making it more difficult to see in).
• Keep flashlights in several areas in the building. Check the batteries often.
SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES
A letter or parcel bomb might have some of the following indicators:
• Suspicious origin--especially if the postmark or name of sender is unusual, unknown, or no forwarding address is given.
• Excessive or inadequate postage.
• Off-balance or lopsided letter or package.
• Unusual weight for the size of the letter or package. Letters also may be unusually thick.
• Stiffness or springiness of contents. (When checking, do not bend excessively.)
• Protruding wires or components
• Strange smell, particularly almond or other suspicious odors.
• Handwriting of sender is not familiar or indicates a foreign style not normally received by recipient.
• Common words or names are misspelled.
• Addressed to a title only or a name with the incorrect title
• Rub on or tapped or pasted cut out block lettering.
• Restrictive markings such as “confidential”, “personal”, “to be opened by”
• Rattling inside the envelope or package--possibly loose components of a device.
• Excessive tape, string or other material to hold the envelope together.
If encountered always employ SIN (Secure, Isolate and Notify the police).
If you strongly suspect a bomb call 911 and request the bomb squad. If you suspect a chemical or biological agent isolate the package, place a trash can or other cover over the package, call 911 and specifically request HAZMAT, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water. If a suspicious powder is encountered call to disable the air handling system.
POTENTIAL INDICATORS of VEHICLE-BORNE IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES(VBIEDs)
• Theft or purchase—particularly cash purchases from private individuals—of large delivery vehicles, vans, cargo containers, trailers or related equipment.
• Individuals seeking commercial driver training who seem to lack industry knowledge or show interest in only certain aspects of the training.
• A vehicle “ridding low” as if carrying excessive weight.
• A vehicle illegally parked or left unattended in an unusual location.
• Occupant quickly exits the vehicle, looking around when exiting.
• Vehicle has tinted windows or window shades obstructing interior view.
• Blanket or tarp covering packages in the vehicle.
• License plate is not securely affixed to the vehicle.
• Out of state license plates-only one plate from state requiring two
• Government or other official plate on an older or mismatched vehicle.
• “Cloned” vehicle-marked as a courier, utility or emergency vehicle with unusual indicators such as incorrect number placements, color variation, slight variation in markings, misspelled words, roof racks, ladders, safety cones or other “props” that appear new and never used etc.
Source: United States Attorney’s Anti-terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC)

Heat Advisory

COMMISSIONER MULVEY AND NCPD EMERGENCY AMBULANCE BUREAU ISSUE SUMMER HEAT SAFETY TIPS

Summer is here and along with it comes hot and humid conditions. Rising temperatures, and upcoming heat waves can create a dangerous environment for the residents and visitors of Nassau County. In an effort to help prevent heat related medical conditions, we have put together some tips to keep Nassau residents aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related medical conditions such as dehydration, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion. In addition, we have also listed some tips on how to prevent heat stroke and dehydration and how to treat heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

“I would like to remind residents to dial 911 at the first sign of a medical emergency,” said Commissioner Mulvey. “In addition, I also ask that residents check on their family, friends and neighbors, especially if they are senior citizens.”

Signs & Symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion
· Severe thirst
· Fatigue
· Muscle cramps
· Aches
· Muscle weakness
· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Fast, shallow breathing
· Irritability
· Headache
· Increased sweating
· Cool, clammy skin
· Elevation of body temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

Heat Stroke
· Severe throbbing headache
· Dizziness
· Disorientation, agitation or confusion
· Sluggishness or fatigue
· Seizure
· Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
· A high body temperature
· Loss of consciousness
· Rapid heart beat
· Hallucinations

Dehydration
· Thirst
· Less-frequent urination
· Dry skin
· Fatigue
· Light-headedness
· Dizziness
· Confusion
· Dry mouth and mucous membranes
· Increased heart rate and breathing
In children, additional symptoms may include dry mouth and tongue; no tears when crying; no wet diapers for more than 3 hours; sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks; high fever; listlessness; irritability; skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.

How Heatstroke Can Be Prevented·
Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities; water and sports drinks are preferred; tea, coffee, soda and alcohol should be avoided
· Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors
· Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day
· Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella
· Increase time spent outdoors gradually get your body used to the heat
· During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated
· Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot humid days
How dehydration Can Be Prevented
· Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun
· Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing
· Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance
· Infants and children should be given Pedialyte to maintain their electrolyte balance

How to treat Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
· Bring the person indoors, or into the shade immediately
· Remove their clothing, and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating
· Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits
· Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated

Envision Valley Stream

Thank you to everyone who made ART IN THE PARK possible and thank you to everyone that came down to the event and made it a success. We hope the event encouraged you to have fun, to learn about Envision Valley Stream, and to keep active in your community.
For the artists and craft vendors that participated in Art in the Park: We were glad to give you the opportunity to display, discuss and sell your work. Your hard work, dedication and creativity were evident in your art and craft which is of great cultural value to our society.

Congratulations to the students who participated and those who also won recognitions.

Best in K-3 Envision Valley Stream Artwork --
Steven Lopeck & Wayne Chen - Robert W. Carbonaro Elementary School

Best in 4-6 Envision Valley Stream Artwork –
Arianna Tzunum - Wheeler Avenue Elementary School

Best in 7-12 Envision Valley Stream Artwork –
Karen Suarez - Memorial Junior High School

Please visit our website for further information about upcoming projects and events such as: Shop Local and GO GREEN Campaigns

Envision Valley Stream is happy to share our Community Assessment Survey with the great Valley Stream community. Please be part of working to improve your community by sharing your opinions and ideas in the survey. Click on the link below and go directly to the survey.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EnvisionValleyStream

Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream

Visit our web site at:http://www.envisionvalleystream.org/

Monday, June 28, 2010

R.E.A.C.H.

MANGANO, WALKER AND NCPD TO HOST
R.E.A.C.H. REGISTRATION EVENT

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Legislator Rose Marie Walker are pleased to announce that, along with the Nassau County Police Department, they will be hosting a R.E.A.C.H. (Return Every Adult & Child Home) Program Registration Event for Nassau residents on Wednesday, June 30th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Bethpage/Senior Community Center, located at 103 Grumman Road West in Bethpage.

Registration for the R.E.A.C.H. Program is free; however, the person being registered must be present at the time of registration. No medical records are necessary, but residents should be prepared to discuss whether the registrant has medical conditions that may require immediate treatment if they were to go missing.

The R.E.A.C.H. Program was designed by the NCPD in an effort to provide law enforcement officials with pertinent information and photos of individuals who suffer from a cognitive disorder (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Autism, etc.) should they go missing. After an individual is registered with the R.E.A.C.H. Program, their information-- including a photograph--is stored in a secure database, which was created by the NCPD. When law enforcement is notified of a missing loved one, the NCPD will disseminate a photo and pertinent information to the NCPD’s Real Time Intel system (RTI). RTI is a system designed to deliver timely intelligence into the hands of those in the operational side of law enforcement, and it can be viewed in every precinct, squad room, patrol car, and in many villages. A separate notification will be disseminated to the media through the existing Silver Alert Program.

The R.E.A.C.H. Program also provides a proactive approach to keeping these individuals safe and returning them to their families. Officers will be able to view the photo and information of registrants in the areas they are patrolling. If, while on patrol, they see a R.E.A.C.H. Program registrant walking far from home or heading towards public transportation, they can help to ensure their safe return home.

Residents who are unable to attend the registration event can call the NCPD at (516) 573-5775, Monday through Friday 9:00.am. to 4:00p.m. to set up an appointment.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Break the Grip of the Rip

Break The Grip Of The Rip:
In Wake of Beach Drowning, Town Lifeguards Demonstrate How to Survive Rip Current
June 24, 2010

Tuesday, the latest youngster died in Long Beach after being caught in a riptide while swimming without the supervision of a lifeguard. In the wake of this most recent tragedy, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and town ocean lifeguards will offer beach safety tips and demonstrate how to avoid being caught in a deadly rip current.

"One drowning death is one too many," said Supervisor Murray. "As the weather heats up and more people head to our local beaches, we want to ensure that they are armed with the information they need to swim safely."

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from the shore. Typically, rip currents extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves.

Some tips the supervisor offered to swimmers who are caught in a rip current include remaining calm and conserving energy; not fighting against the current; thinking of the current like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of; swimming out of the current in the direction following the shoreline; if unable to swim out of current, float or calmly tread water, swimming toward the shore when out of the current; or, if unable to reach the shore, waving arms and yelling for help. Tips were also issued for those on the shoreline who see a person in trouble to prevent them from becoming a victim of the rip current as well.

Other simple safety tips that beachgoers can follow are never swimming alone and never swimming outside designated swimming areas.

"One of the most important safety tips that we can offer is to always swim near a lifeguard," concluded Murray. "Our lifeguards are trained to deal with the rip currents. If there is no lifeguard, DO NOT go in the water."

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Envision Valley Stream

The next general meeting of Envision Valley Stream will be held on Tuesday, June 29 at 7:30PM in the Hendrickson Park Administration Building. You can enjoy a walk in Hendrickson Park, get involved in your community and have some Ralph's Italian Ice for FREE all in one evening! Envision Valley Stream continues to make great progress, but needs your help to have a positive impact in our community.

Our sincerest thanks to everyone that made Art in the Park possible, and thank you so much to everyone that came down to the event and made it a success. We will be organizing and hosting more great events that bring our community together, and look forward to seeing you again.




Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream

Water Safety

Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey would like to remind county residents that water safety is something that all parents should be aware of. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury related death among children ages 1 - 14. It can happen very quickly and in less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of water, so filled bathtubs, swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and even buckets of water and sinks can be dangerous.
To reduce your child's risk of drowning
Home
Never leave a small child unattended in the bath. If you must answer the telephone or door, don't rely on an older sibling to watch the child, bring the younger child with you.
Never leave a small child unattended near a bucket filled with any amount of water or other liquid.
Never use a bathtub seat with suction cups. The seat can overturn and flip a baby headfirst into the water.
Install a toilet-lid locking device or keep bathroom doors closed at all times. (Or you may want to install a doorknob cover.)
Pool
Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. An adult who knows CPR should actively supervise children at all times.
Practice ‘touch supervision’ with children younger than 5 years. This means that the adult is within an arm's length of the child at all times.
If you are planning a pool party, consider hiring a certified lifeguard to supervise those who will be in the pool.
Put up a fence to separate your house from the pool. Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool. Install a fence at least 4 feet high around the pool. This fence will completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard. Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than your children's reach.
Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
Do not use air-filled "swimming aids" as a substitute for approved life vests.
Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it.
A power safety cover that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) may add to the protection of your children but should not be used in place of the fence between your house and the pool. Even fencing around your pool and using a power safety cover will not prevent all drowning.
Drain Entrapment occurs when part of a child’s body becomes attached to a drain because of the powerful suction of a pool or hot tub filtration system. The powerful suction can trap a child underwater or cause internal injuries. It can also occur when a child’s hair, swimsuit or jewelry becomes entangled in the drain. In 2007, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act made it illegal to manufacture, distribute or sell drain covers that do not adhere to the standards for anti-entrapment safety set by the Consumer Product and Safety Commission.
Warn your children about the dangers of drain entrapment, and teach them never to play near a pool drain, with or without a cover.
Pin up long hair when in the water and remove loose parts of swimsuits and loose jewelry that can get ensnared.
Equip pools and hot tubs with an anti-entrapment drain cover and an approved safety vacuum release system and regularly check that drain covers are secure and have no cracks. Flat drain covers can be replaced with dome-shaped ones.
Be aware of public wading pools with missing or broken drain covers. Small children have direct access to the bottom drain in wading pools and sitting on open drains can cause serious internal organ damage.
Remember, teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water. Most young children who drown in swimming pools were last seen in the home, had only been missing from sight for a matter of minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time. There is no substitute for active adult supervision to prevent drowning.

Police Issue Tips on Social Networking Sites

Social networking sites have opened a fun new world for internet users. Sites like Facebook, My Space and Twitter have allowed people to stay in touch with friends and family, reconnect with old friends and even conduct business from there pages. However, these sites are also a perfect opportunity for criminals to get personal information about you and your children. Remember, what you put on the Internet STAYS on the internet, FOREVER. All of the personal information that is being posted on profiles — names, birth dates, kids’ names, photographs, pet’s names, addresses, opinions on your company, your friends and your acquaintances — all of it serves as a one-stop shop for thieves. The Nassau County Police Department would like our citizens to remember the following safety tips for social networking websites.

Police offer these seven tips:

1. Don’t accept friend requests unless you absolutely know who they are from and that you would associate with them in person, just like real friends.
2. Be cautious about the personal information that you post on any social media site, as there is every chance in the world that it will spread beyond your original submission.
3. Assume that everything you put on a social-networking site is permanent. Even if you can delete your account, anyone on the Internet can easily print photos or text or save images and videos to a computer,
4. Learn how to adjust your privacy settings so that you know who can see your personal information.
5. Never post that you are on vacation or away from home, even if it is just for a few hours.
6. Don’t post or upload photos while away from your house, wait until you are back home before you post.
7. The old adage “some things are better left unsaid” holds true for social networks. Avoid making derogatory or insensitive remarks about others.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Pool Safety

Hempstead "Sounds the Alarm" for Pool Safety
June 21, 2010

Before the summer solstice marks the official start to the 2010 summer season on June 21, three Long Island children have already drowned in homeowner swimming pools. In the wake of these recent tragedies, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray has partnered with Cablevision and King Kullen to promote pool safety and help prevent accidental drownings. The group has commenced a media campaign and will disseminate a brochure to all town residents on the subject of swimming pool alarms and pool safety.

"Each summer, children tragically drown in homeowner swimming pools," Murray said. "To prevent more devastating pool accidents from occurring this summer, we're working hard to educate pool owners, parents and grandparents of children who may swim in neighborhood pools. There are positive and important safeguards and practices that we can undertake to protect our kids."

To safeguard children from the hazards associated with swimming pools, Murray passed legislation in 2008 requiring all pools in the town to be alarmed. Under Murray's pool alarm law, all homeowner swimming pools located in unincorporated areas of the town must have an alarm capable of detecting a child entering the water. A poolside alarm must emit an 85-decibel alert and a remote device must be located at a second site in the home. The town's law is more stringent and comprehensive than current New York State law, which mandates pool alarms only for pools built or significantly altered after December 14, 2006.

"A pool without an alarm is an invitation for disaster," Murray said. "This law is helping to save countless young lives."

Along with a campaign to raise awareness of the town's pool alarm requirements, Cablevision will air a public service announcement and Murray is promoting pool safety with informational brochures and mailings. The pool safety guide mailed to all residents discusses pool alarm requirements and the benefits of using the safety device. Additionally, the brochure discusses a host of pool safety tips, including the following issues:

-Never leave a child alone or out of sight at a pool
-If a child is missing, check the pool first
-Secure or remove steps on above ground pools when not in use
-Never use a pool with a broken or missing drain cover
-Keep emergency rescue equipment and emergency phone numbers by the pool
-A rope float line should be placed across the pool, alerting swimmers of the separation of the deep end from the shallow end
-All pools must be permitted by the local town/jurisdiction and are required to have physical barriers surrounding them (many other safety restrictions also apply)

"Pool alarms and other safety measures are important safeguards against accidental drowning," stated Murray. "However, there is no substitute for vigilant adult supervision around the pool."

Teaching children to swim is also an important component in preventing accidental drowning. Each summer, the Town of the Hempstead teaches thousands of kids how to swim at various locations throughout the township.

"Every parent, grandparent and friend to a child should be aware of life saving pool safety information," Supervisor Murray concluded. "You can protect your loved ones and enjoy a safe summer in and around your pool."

Monday, June 21, 2010

Knights of Columbus

Joe Camolli
Grand Knight
Twelve Apostles Council #5001


In 1882 a priest named Father Michael J. McGivney gathered a small group of Catholic men together in St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Ct.. That group formed a fraternal benefits society to provide insurance for the widows of it's members while offering fellowship among Catholic men. That Group became known as the Knights of Columbus. Today the Knights of Columbus has grown to more than 1.7 milloin members located in over 14,000 councils throughout the world. Each year members of this organization donate more than 64 million volunteer hours and over $145 million dollars to charitable and church causes. The Knights of Columbus Councils provide a wide variety of opportunities for members and their families that are enjoyable and that benefit not only the Church but the community as a whole. We are practicing Catholic men who come together to support our church and parish community.Won't you join us?
If you are interested in membership please contact Twelve Apostles Council , P.O.Box 595 , Franklin Square NY 11010, or call St. Catherine of Sienna RCC parish office at 516-352-0146 to leave a message and we will get back to you.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

LIPA Critical Care Program

As we prepare for hurricane season and the assorted storms that come with summer, the Long Island Power Authority is urging customers with special medical needs to sign up for LIPA’s Critical Care Program in the event of a loss of power.

Customers enrolled in the program will receive advanced notice of scheduled outages or sever weather that could interrupt service. In addition, every effort will be made to restore power to customers enrolled in the program as soon as possible should there be an outage. However, in the event timely restoration is difficult, customers should have a backup plan ready.

Customers wishing to enroll in the Critical Care Program must provide LIPA with a medical certificate from a doctor or a Board of Health.

Devices which meet the criteria of “life-support equipment” include:

§ Apnea Monitor
§ Curraise Respirator
§ Positive Pressure Respirator
§ Suction Machine
§ IV Feeding Machine
§ Tank Type Respirator
§ Respirator/Ventilator
§ Hemodialysis Machine
§ Rocking Bed Respirator
§ Oxygen Concentrator
§ IV Medical Infusion Machine
§ Additional devices may qualify as life-support equipment if certified by a physician.

For additional information, please visit LIPA’s Critical Care Program website at http://www.lipower.org/residential/custserv/services-care.html or call 1-800-490-0025.

Best,

Deputy Presiding Officer John J. Ciotti
Legislator, District 3

Friday, June 11, 2010

Hoop It Up With Hempstead and Hofstra

Elementary and middle school age youngsters can sharpen their basketball skills this summer by teaming up with Hempstead Town and Hofstra University for a series of FREE instructional clinics. Players and coaches from both the men's and women's teams at Hofstra will work with town youngsters to improve shooting, dribbling and passing techniques. Supervisor Kate Murray will welcome the Hofstra "hoopsters" to six town parks for upcoming July clinics.

The upcoming clinic schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, July 6 - Newbridge Road Park, Bellmore at 2 p.m.
Monday, July 12 - Harold Walker Park, Lakeview at 1 p.m.
Thursday, July 15 - Coes Neck Park, Baldwin at 1 p.m.
Monday, July 19 - Averill Blvd. Park, Elmont at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 22 - East Village Green, Levittown at 1 p.m.
Monday, July 26 - Smith Street Park, Uniondale at 1:30 p.m.

Clinics are free but pre-registration is suggested by calling (516) 292-9000, ext. 245. Each clinic is open to boys and girls, and youngsters will be grouped according to skill levels. Clinics are approximately one hour in length. Participants will have the opportunity to win prizes on site, including t-shirts and gift certificates. Youngsters may bring their own basketballs if they desire.

"To a wealth of summer recreational programming, Hempstead Town proudly adds a series of basketball clincs with the talented athletes at Hofstra University," commented Supervisor Kate Murray. "This is a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to learn from top flight NCAA players who play for traditionally strong collegiate programs. We take great "Pride" in our new partnership with Hofstra University athletics.