Nassau County Fire Marshals Office Alert

***** HUNDREDS OF FIRE HYDRANTS SNOW COVERED *****

DUE TO THE RECENT WINTER STORM, HUNDREDS OF FIRE HYDRANTS COUNTYWIDE HAVE BECOME SNOW COVERED.

BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AS WELL AS PLOWING OPERATIONS TO OPEN OUR ROADS HAVE CAUSED MANY HYDRANTS TO BECOME TOTALLY BURIED, POSING A GRAVE DANGER SHOULD THEY BE NEEDED IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.

HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS COUNTYWIDE ARE BEING ASKED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO LOCATE AND CLEAR A FIRE HYDRANT WHICH MAY BE IN FRONT OF OR NEAR THEIR PROPERTY, MAKING IT EASILY VISABLE TO FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.

DOING SO MAY SAVE A LIFE.

Working Together To Give Kids the Warmth of the Season

New Coats Collected For Kids To Be Distributed

With temperatures already dipping into the low twenties, the demand for warm coats for the needy is greater than ever. In an effort to get as many children as possible the proper winter apparel, the Town of Hempstead has partnered with Kids Helping Kids, by Kids Way, Inc., a local non-profit organization with various local social service groups that assist the needy.

"I'm delighted that the Town of Hempstead was able to facilitate an association between this wonderful organization and local groups that can distribute a vast quantity of warm apparel to those who truly need it", stated Town Supervisor Kate Murray. "Just in time for Christmas, thousands of young people will now be able to enjoy the "warmth of the season."

Circulo de la Hispanidad, the Salvation Army and The Interfaith Nutrition Network were the recipients of thousands of brand new winter coats and warm outerwear provided by Kids Helping Kids. A media event, announcing the availability of new coats was attended by Murray, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin, Kids Helping Kids President Bob Eslick and representatives for three organizations who are receiving the new apparel.

Now in its seventh year, Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. has distributed thousands of "new only" winter coats and warm outerwear to area children. This year the organization has received over $175,000 worth of new coats, sweatshirts, sweatpants, infant and toddler apparel, and more on the way. "Our goal this holiday season is to provide the gift of warmth to children in need who may not otherwise receive new things" stated Bob Eslick, Executive Director of Kids Helping Kids.

Due to the generosity of clothing importers such as Albert Pardo of Mecca 5/Star and Issac Levy of High Life Apparel, Kids Helping Kids has received to date 3,463 units of apparel to be distributed to needy families and their children throughout Long Island and surrounding areas. Other importers include Adjmi Apparel Group. Long Street, Haddad Brands, Silver Goose and G&W Industries. In addition, because of the financial support from Claudio Zarate of Empire Bakery Equipment and Angelo Giannuzzi of Tesoro Restaurant and the generosity of Joe DiFiore of Monreale Bakery, who has donated the use of his trucks to make all the deliveries, area kids in need will have a truly warm holiday season.

"Thanks to Bob Eslick of Kids Helping Kids, thousands of young people will have a warm feeling all over this holiday season," concluded Murray.

To learn more about Kids Helping Kids go to HappyKidsClub@aol.com.

Take the Free Ride

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey support the taxi companies Holiday Free Ride Initiative.


On December 14th local taxi companies are giving free rides to those who need a ride home in an effort to deter Driving While Intoxicated and prevent holiday celebrations from ending in tragedy or arrest. They will continue to offer free rides through January 1, 2011.

“The local taxi companies providing free rides this holiday season truly embody the spirit and generosity we hope to endear,” said County Executive Mangano. “Don’t drink and drive…instead, take the free ride.”

Commissioner Mulvey supports these efforts and believes the public should be aware of this generous offer of public service.

DON’T DRINK and DRIVE!

If any of our residents and customers need a free ride home, after drinking at a local tavern, bar, restaurant or catering hall, from December 14th, 2010 – January 1, 2011 call (516) 326-9090.

Your local taxi companies throughout Nassau and Eastern Queens, are offering free rides, in an effort to prevent drunk driving, which could be deadly.

* Ollie’s Taxi & Airport Service
* All Island Transportation
* Taxi Latino
* Luxury Transportation
* Glen Belle Car Service
* Deluxe Transportation

“I am pleased to support and promote this generous offer of public service by the local taxi companies listed above, said Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey. There is no acceptable excuse for DWI with this offer of a free ride. If you do so in Nassau County, you will be arrested”.

Too many people, despite having too much to drink, are reluctant to give up his or her keys, or have no way to get back to their cars the next day. These taxi companies, will also give you a free ride back to the driver’s car the next day.

“We want all or our residents and customers to be safe over the holiday season. During this joyous time of year, our goal is to prevent or stop any horrible tragedies. If we can avoid one accident or someone from being injured it is well worth it. Don’t drink and drive, let your Transportation Companies be your designated driver and keep you safe,” said Marianne Blessinger, President of Ollie’s Taxi and Airport Service.

We thank the Media for doing their job in informing the public of this important service of ”Don’t drink and drive, call for a free ride home and return ride the next day to pick up your car.”

Contact: Marianne Blessinger (516) 326-9090 Ext. 303

Holiday Safety Tips Shopping With Children

1. Teach your children to stay with you at all times while shopping. They should always check with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Always supervise your children in a public facility and accompany young children to the restroom.

2. Make a plan in case you become separated. Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot (e.g. the sales counter or mall information booth). Teach younger children to look for people who can help within the store or mall — a uniformed security officer, a salesperson with a nametag, a mother with children, etc. They should never leave the store/mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car.

3. Turn shopping trips into opportunities for your children to practice these “safe shopping” skills.

4. Leave clothing that displays your children’s names at home, as it can prompt unwelcome attention from people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.

5. Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities (e.g. video arcades, movie theaters, playgrounds) and expect store personnel to supervise your children.

6. Have older children take a friend, if you allow them to go shopping or to public functions without you. It’s more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Agree on a clear plan for picking them up including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

Driveway Robberies

Robbery Squad detectives are investigating an attempted Robbery that occurred on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 7:00 PM in Baldwin.


At that time, according to detectives, the 56 year old female victim, while exiting her vehicle was approached and grabbed from behind in her driveway by a male black subject who attempted to take her handbag off her shoulder. During a struggle, the victim was able to fend off the subject and retain her handbag. The subject then fled the scene on foot. During the altercation, the victim sustained pain and tenderness to her left wrist and refused medical aid at the scene.

The subject is described as a male black in his early 20’s, 5’7” to 5’8” tall, thin build, medium complexion and was clean shaven. The subject was wearing a blue or black sweatshirt with white lettering on the front, dark blue jeans and a dark colored baseball hat.

Investigating detectives state this incident matches a pattern of Robberies in the area by a male black subject(s).

Anyone with information regarding this attempted Robbery is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Details by: Det. Lavelle/Robbery Squad 11/30/10/2330/6672
 

Holiday Shopping Safety

County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey 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.
Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey suggests some holiday shopping tips:
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.

County Clerk Warns About Deed Scam

“Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell wants to caution homeowners about mass mailings being sent out claiming “The U.S. Government Federal Citizen Information Center website recommends that property owners should have an official or certified copy of their deed.” These letters urge homeowners that it is necessary to purchase a certified copy of the deed to their home.
All deeds for property located in Nassau County are recorded and maintained at the County Clerk’s Office and only the Clerk’s Office can issue certified copies of these records, which are equivalent to the original. Once processed the original deed is returned directly to the owner or their attorney. These private companies continue to solicit the purchase of a deed on behalf of the homeowner sometimes for more than 800% over Clerk’s Office fees.
County Clerk O’Connell, concerned by these deceptive practices, advocated along with County Clerks throughout the state for the passage of legislation requiring these solicitations to disclose that certified copies of deeds are available directly from the County Clerk for a nominal fee. However, many homeowners continue to be victimized by these scams.
It is not necessary to retain a service to get a copy of your deed. Certified copies of deeds can always be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office for $5 to $10. Anyone wishing to request a certified copy of their deed can contact Clerk O’Connell’s office at 516-571-2664 for further information.”

Envision Valley Stream

The next general meeting of Envision Valley Stream will be Wednesday, October 27 at 7:30PM in the Field House at Firemen's Field (at the intersection of Albermarle Ave and Fenimore St). The meeting will consist of a short update on Envision Valley Stream's work this past year and will be followed by an open discussion about our community. Your feelings and ideas regarding our community are important so please make every effort to attend.

Below is an excerpt from a Valley Stream Historical Society mailing. I thought it would be something interesting to share with the group.

"Valley Stream is the only place on Long Island at which four railroad trains meet at the same time, and it bids fair in the course of times to be a thriving place."
Brooklyn Eagle, September 10, 1872

David Sabatino

Envision Valley Stream
PO Box 1454
Valley Stream, NY 11582

Website: www.EnvisionValleyStream.org

Phone: 516-792-1246

Something to Keep in Our First Aid Kit.

My daughter received a text message from her good friend who said he was in the Emergency Room of a local hospital because he burned the bottom half of his leg. The ER bandaged him up and sent him home with burn cream. They informed him he had 1st and 2nd degree burns, but didn’t need to go to a burn unit because his wounds were superficial. Knowing she better take a closer look she showed up at his house to see how he was feeling. He had a fever and chills. It looked bad. She stayed with him to change bandages and monitor his fever…

I’ve taken First Aid Training thru the Red Cross and have kept it updated, I have to say it has come in handy, so many times. It kept me calm and cool in many an instance. Hot/cold weather illnesses, bug bites, cuts, sprains, car accidents, helping a pedestrian struck by a car, to knowing the abc’s … airway, breathing, circulation… But in the First Aid Training, when it gets to the part about burns and compound fractures and stabilizing the area, the instructor touches on the topic gingerly as to not gross us out and turn us off. We get through it though and hope we never witness such an injury.

If you work with electric, chemicals or deal with fires on a regular basis you know the first aid procedures, they are just ingrained in your mind. It’s your job to know these procedures. But for us ordinary joes whose life gets slammed with a loved one or even ourselves being burned, where do we turn? What did they teach us in that first aid class??? Is this a first, second or third degree burn? Apply cool water, no ice, no butter… should I call 911, where will they take me, the closest hospital? But what if its second or third degree burn? Will they transfer me to the best burn center in Nassau County?

Did you know we have the only burn center in Nassau County which is located right here in East Meadow at Nassau County University Medical Center. We don’t realize how lucky we are to have a burn center of this magnitude so close to home. Seeing patients from 10 days old to 101 years, they estimate to have seen over 1,000 outpatients and 200 inpatients yearly.

Named the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center, it is located on the sixth floor of the hospital. Although they have been treating burn victims for over 60 years it has been recently made over with an infusion of 7 million dollars thanks to NUMC. They have enriched the center with state of the art beds, tools and equipment. It is recognized nationally as one of the leading burn centers for burn victims.

In 1990, a coalition of fundraising firefighters and rescue workers co founded The Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. The Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation has donated money and resources to the Nassau University Medical Center Burn Center through various fundraising efforts hosted by Nassau County’s 71 fire departments to make sure it delivers the best burn care available. In addition, it helps fund and staff relevant rehabilitation and recreation programs to address burn treatment needs as well as paid staff training, equipment, furniture and televisions.”

Funds raised by the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation have provided a complete physical therapy room at Nassau University Medical Center with all the necessary equipment so staff can treat both inpatients and outpatients at one central location. The NCFBCF also provided for a separate children’s room featuring a television, and children’s books and games to help alleviate the stress young burn victims can experience while in therapy. Each year the NCFBCF sends professional staff members from the NUMC Burn Center to continuing education seminars and training certification programs and seminars. This access to the most recent treatment techniques lets referring physicians and their patients have confidence in every Burn Center staff member.

Fast forward to today, at this moment my daughters friend is at the NUMC Burn Center recovering from surgery he needed to repair his leg from his third degree burns…
We are hoping the delay in receiving treatment will not impede the healing process.

Maybe we should print out this information and place it in our First Aid Kits the Red Cross suggested we put together just in case we ever have to help someone else go through a bad burn injury. We’ll know exactly where to turn.

For Serious Injuries or Burns CALL 911
They will help stabilize the victim and transport to the best location.

NUMC Burn Center 516 572-3219
2201 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, New York
NUMC 516 572-0123

If your interested in taking First Aid Training,
CPR call Nassau County Red Cross Chapter located at:
American Red Cross
Nassau County Chapter
195 Willis Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501-2623
Phone: 516-747-3500
Web site: http://www.nassauredcross.org
or call your local firehouse

100 Years Ago...

A new exhibit honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Belmont Air Meet of 1910.

At the Cradle of Aviation Museum September 10th-20th and Belmont Park Oct. 8th-17th.
Garden City, New York – One hundred years ago, airplanes and not thoroughbreds raced at the famed Belmont Park Racetrack during the 1910 Belmont Park Aviation Meet, the first international aviation meet held in the United States. For ten days in the fall of 1910, the world’s leading aviators and the most advanced aircraft gathered at Belmont Park.

To commemorate this unique anniversary the Cradle of Aviation Museum has put together a special exhibit that will be at the Museum for a limited time from September 10th through the 20th and then will move to Belmont Park Racetrack from October 8th through the 17th. This new exhibit will feature examples of the type of aircraft that flew at the Belmont Meet, including a French “Antoinette” and “Demoiselle” that are on loan from other museums.

The Belmont Park Aviation Meet offered a total of $75,000 in prize money in various categories, a huge sum for 1910. At the Meet several new world records were set including altitude (9714 feet) and speed (61mph). The Meet also allowed Long Islanders and New Yorkers to see airplanes in flight for the first time. Visitors to the exhibit at the Cradle and Belmont Park will be able to get up close to airplanes that haven’t been on Long Island for 100 years plus see rare photographs, artifacts and film from the Meet itself.

Admission to the exhibit is free with museum admission at the Cradle and general admission at Belmont Park. The exhibit has been created with the support of the New York racing Association and Belmont Park.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum has over 75 air and spacecraft that take you through over 100 years of aviation history from kites and balloons to man’s first steps on the moon.

R.E.A.C.H.

Mangano & Mulvey Announce:
NCPD to Hold R.E.A.C.H. Registration Event at
LI’s “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” this Sunday

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey announced today that the NCPD would be conducting a R.E.A.C.H. Program Registration Event at Long Island’s “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” fundraising event that is being held this Sunday, October 3rd at Jones Beach Field 5. The event was coordinated by Autism Speaks, which is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

The R.E.A.C.H. (Return Every Adult and Child Home) Program is a Nassau County Police Department program that keeps the photographs, contact information, medical background and other pertinent details of registrants diagnosed with a cognitive disorder (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Autism, etc.). This information is stored on a secure website, created and overseen only by the NCPD.

If a R.E.A.C.H. registrant where to go missing, the NCPD could instantly send out all information to every precinct, squad, patrol car and villages. A separate notification would also be sent to the media through Silver Alert.

There are times when you might not realize that someone has wandered away. While on 24/7 patrol, officers can review the database of registrants’ photographs and information. If officers spot a registrant far from home, heading towards public transportation or looking confused or lost, they can return them safely.

“The Silver Alert Program has been very successful here in Nassau County,” said County Executive Mangano. “The R.E.A.C.H. Program takes it a step further by having key information and a visual image on hand to disseminate when needed. That is why I am urging family and guardians of individuals that have been diagnosed with a cognitive disorder to come down to the NCPD’s booth this Sunday with their loved one and register with the R.E.A.C.H. Program.”

“The NCPD relies heavily on intelligence led policing,” said Commissioner Mulvey. “Having this information at our fingertips is an essential tool that will enable us to cut down on notification time and minimize search areas which will lead to reuniting loved ones in a more expeditious fashion.”

Interested parties who can not attend Sunday’s event are urged to call the NCPD’s Asset Forfeiture Unit at (516) 573-5775, Monday through Friday 9:00.am. to 4:00p.m. to set up an appointment. Registration is free and takes just 10 minutes.

Long Island Fair

Long Island Fair Returns To Old Bethpage Village From September 30 To October 3


Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano announces that the 168th annual Long Island Fair, one of America’s oldest agricultural festivals, will be held from September 30 to October 3 at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. The family-friendly festival, one of the most popular fall events on Long Island, offers a range of attractions, including Lawton Trout Farm, exotic animal and reptile shows, and pony rides, as well as the amazing Flying Horses Carousel, a replica of a 19th-century folk art carousel.

“The Long Island Fair is a local tradition and one of the truly special family events that takes place each year. In particular, in our technology-driven age, the event allows children and parents to connect with the sort of recreational activities that people enjoyed in an earlier and simpler time in America,” said County Executive Mangano.

Children can take part in fun-filled contests such as corn husking and children’s potato sack races, while adults test their skill and strength at two-person cross-cut sawing in friendly competition for ribbons and prizes. Meanwhile, the livestock barn includes cattle, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits and other animals, while the livestock demonstration ring will feature the beautiful horse-drawn carriages of the Paumanok Driving Club and the miniature horses of the Keystone Miniatures Club.

In the spirit of the historic nature of the fair, the Wells Fargo Company will have a replica of a famous Wells Fargo coach with a handsome team of four horses on the Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday of the event.

The Long Island Fair will also present a variety of historical period musicians, dancers, jugglers, mimes and other artists. For example, a giant entertainment tent will be home for a “Punch and Judy” puppet show, a magician and musical performances by the folk group Stout. Meanwhile, baseball fans can enjoy the end-of-season matches of OBVR’s Old Time Base Ball League, which recreates “base ball” as it was played in the latter half of the 19th century, with teams competing in authentic uniforms and playing under the names of Long Island clubs of that era.

The Long Island Fair, the New York state-recognized county fair for Queens, Nassau and Suffolk, involves the cooperation of the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums and the Agricultural Society of Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Thousands of exhibits are entered every year in friendly competition, with blue ribbon categories including livestock, flowers and vegetables from farms and home gardens, culinary, needlework, hobbies, and a junior division for those 13 and younger.

The fair is unique among New York State County Fairs in that it maintains much of the historical ambiance of the 19th century. The fair was founded in 1842 and became known as the Queens County Agricultural Fair, but soon after was called the Mineola Fair when it moved to a permanent location in Mineola in 1866. The fair moved to Roosevelt Raceway in 1953 and to the newly opened Old Bethpage Village Restoration in 1970, where it is held on a 12-acre recreation of the original Mineola Fairgrounds.

This year’s fair is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Wachovia Bank and the Wells Fargo Company.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration provides visitors with a unique and wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a re-created mid-19th-century American village set on more than 200 acres. Hours are Wed. - Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance fees are $8 for children 5 - 12 (those under 5 are free), seniors and volunteer firefighters; and $12 for adults. It is located at 1303 Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage; for more information, call 516-572-8400.

For more information about the Long Island Fair, visit www.lifair.org. For more information about the Parks Department, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks or call 516-572-0200.

Envision Valley Stream

Tuesday, September, 07 2010
Lots to cover regarding what we've been up to.

General Meeting - The next general meeting will be on Tuesday, September 28 at 7:30PM in the Hendrickson Park Administration Building

Secondary Data Analysis - I have been going through the 1990 and 2000 censuses. I am also using the American Community Survey of 2006-2008 and Nassau County's 1985 Data book to compare data in demographics, housing, economics and social categories so we can have a better understanding of how Valley Stream was 20 years ago and how it is today. I am also going to reach out to the 5th Precinct to see if they will give me crime statistics going back at least 20 years.

Volunteer Opportunities - GRAFFITI CLEANUP - Sunday, September 12 from 9AM to 1PM at the parking lot (along the train tracks and one block away from the post office) at the end of S. Corona Ave between Rockaway Ave and S. Franklin Ave. Envision Valley Stream will be painting the wall in order to cover up graffiti. Coffee, water and fruit will be provided.

Dog Park Petition - If people would like to help get signatures for the petition, we could use the help. If you haven't signed the Dog Park Petition, please do so at this link.

E-mail EnvisionValleyStream@gmail.com as soon as possible if you are interested in volunteering.

Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream
Phone: 516-792-1246

Web Site: www.EnvisionValleyStream.org
Facebook Page: Envision Valley Stream

FEMA ASKS US TO PREPARE FOR EARL

AS HURRICANE EARL APPROACHES, FEMA URGES EAST COAST RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED
Families Should Visit Ready.gov to Learn Steps to Prepare for Hurricanes and Severe Weather
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners continue to closely monitor Hurricane Earl, as it moves past Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and toward the East Coast of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Earl is now a Category 4 hurricane. FEMA is closely coordinating with state, territorial, and local officials in the affected areas and along the East Coast and stands ready to support their response as needed.

State and local officials make decisions on evacuation orders. FEMA urges everyone to heed any evacuation decisions made by state and local officials and to take steps now to ensure they are prepared for possible severe weather, and remember that hurricanes and tropical storms frequently bring flash flooding as well. Anyone can visit www.ready.gov to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency. A Spanish version of the website is available at www.listo.gov.

"We continue to monitor Hurricane Earl and remain in close contact with state, territorial, and local officials to ensure they have the resources to respond if needed," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I encourage everyone in the region and along the eastern seaboard to visit Ready.gov and take steps now to keep their family safe and secure. The most important thing for people living in Earl's potential tract to do is to listen to and follow the instructions of their local officials, including evacuation instructions if they are given."

Since this weekend, FEMA has been in constant contact with the White House and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide regular updates on the storm's developments. Fugate briefed DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano yesterday on FEMA's ongoing preparations and coordination for severe weather in the Atlantic Ocean, including Hurricane Earl.

The National Weather Service forecasts the center of Hurricane Earl to move into the open Atlantic today, and travel east of the Turks and Caicos Islands later today and tonight. Although no watches or warnings are currently in effect for the mainland United States, history has shown that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Officials are closely monitoring the areas from the Carolinas to New England, and FEMA is coordinating with the Governors and local officials along the East Coast to aggressively prepare for possible severe weather. Severe weather and flash floods can occur miles inland, and are possible even if a hurricane does not make landfall.

FEMA has activated the National Response Coordination Center and its Regional Response Coordination Centers in all four of its regional offices in the eastern United States, located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. FEMA has designated a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and has personnel on the ground North Carolina at the state's Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh supporting the state, and is mobilizing personnel and supplies along the coast.

FEMA continues to support the Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in their response to Earl. FEMA staff are on the ground in both areas working closely with commonwealth and territorial officials, and FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to St. Thomas and to San Juan, where staff are on watch around the clock monitoring developments.

FEMA also continues to monitor Tropical Storm Fiona, which according to the National Weather Service, is expected to pass north of the Leeward Islands today. According to the National Weather Service, tropical storm warnings are in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected today in Puerto Rico, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The Governor of Puerto Rico has issued a State of Emergency.

FEMA is also coordinating across the federal government to ensure commonwealth and territorial officials have the support they need. Federal and other support includes:

· Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has deployed a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) to the U.S. Virgin Islands in support of the FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) there, and has other resources prepositioned and ready for deployment.
· Department of Defense (DOD) has activated a Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) in St. Thomas and a State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (SEPLO) team in Puerto Rico ready to support a response if needed.
· U.S. NORTHCOM is conducting weather reconnaissance flyovers today, including one departing from St. Croix, and one departing from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss.
· U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has closed U S. Virgin Islands seaports and has redirected cruise ships slated for the area. Coast Guard assets have also been on alert and prepared to help in search and rescue efforts.
· American Red Cross has personnel on the ground in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FEMA has life-saving and life-sustaining commodities and supplies strategically located across the country to support states in their response, including in the areas of possible impact. These supplies, including water, meals, tarps, blankets, generators and other essential items, can be replenished through the national logistics supply chain.

The National Weather Service remains the source of official severe weather watches and warnings, including flash flooding which can take only a few minutes to develop in the case of heavy rains.

FEMA encourages all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for severe weather updates, and to follow the directions provided by their local officials.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Town of Hempstead Tough New Law on Cell Phone Towers

Making telecommunications giants meet the highest standard of proof in establishing the need for new cell towers as well as ensuring that approved wireless communications equipment is located at sites that minimize negative impacts on local communities are the motivation behind a new proposal by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. In addition, Murray announced at a Franklin Square press conference that the town has retained nationally renowned wireless telecommunications expert Richard Comi to review applications and provide objective testimony on wireless telecommunications applications that come before the Hempstead Board of Appeals. The Supervisor was joined by Councilmen James Darcy and Ed Ambrosino, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin and Mr. Comi. Also present were Nassau County Legislators John Ciotti and Vincent Muscarella and several members of the Franklin Square community who have successfully fought a proposal to locate a cell tower in their neighborhood.

"The new law that is being proposed will provide protections that neighbors deserve when confronted with proposals for new cell towers and antennae," stated the Supervisor. "Wireless communications providers will have to submit compelling evidence indicating an absolute need for new wireless equipment, and the town's new expert will give residents a voice with the same technical knowledge as the consultants hired by the telecommunications industry. Mr. Comi will ensure that cell companies provide accurate technical information to the town's board of appeals."

The town's proposal authorizes Hempstead to retain consultants like Mr. Comi to review and analyze the applications of wireless service providers. Further, the new legislation outlines documentation that applicants must provide as evidence in establishing an absolute need for the proposed wireless equipment. Among the required documentation are drive test or call test results that demonstrate gaps in service as well as a checklist to determine whether existing locations have been excluded from consideration. Maps detailing all structures within 1500 feet of a proposed location are also mandated.

A key goal of the town's proposed law is to encourage shared use or co-location of new antennae onto existing cell towers or other structures while discouraging the unnecessary construction of new towers. In support of that priority, applicants for new cell towers must furnish a written report to the town detailing meaningful efforts to co-locate. Cell companies requesting a new tower must also conduct widely advertised balloon tests which offer the public a representation of the visual impact of a newly proposed tower utilizing a large, brightly colored balloon at the proposed tower site. Written reports, replete with pictorial representations of the proposed tower must also be produced as well as a thorough discussion of steps the applicant would take to effectively minimize the visual intrusion of wireless structures as much as possible.

"Minimizing the number of cell towers in local communities is an important priority," said Ambrosino. "This legislation will help residents to receive more information and allow them to participate in cell tower public hearings in a meaningful way."

Establishing a priority agenda, outlining the town's preferences in the siting of wireless telecommunications equipment, is an important component of Hempstead's planned law. First priority would recommend co-locating equipment on existing structures on town-owned and other public property. The second most preferred option would be the co-location of equipment on other existing structures (towers) in the town. The third priority would be a new tower located on town-owned or other public properties. Other preferred options (in order of priority) include a new tower on industrial-zoned land, light manufacturing areas, other non-residential areas within the town. The least preferred option would be the location of a new tower on residentially zoned land.

"Putting forth a clearly defined priority list for the locating of wireless equipment will help promote their placement in areas that present the least impact on residential communities," stated Darcy.

Other highlights of the new legislation include the following:

* No new cell towers or antennae shall be located closer than 1500 feet to a residential home, house of worship, daycare center or school.

* Applicants proposing new cell towers must provide a report inventorying existing towers and other suitable structures within 2 miles of a proposed cell tower site.

* In justifying a request for a cell tower of any height, data must be provided to document the effectiveness of a tower at a lower total height at the same location.

"We are pleased to work together with the town on any measures that will protect residents from the intrusion of unwarranted cell towers in local neighborhoods," stated Ciotti.

"We have fought successfully against a cell tower that was not needed right here in Franklin Square and I support legislation that gives neighbors a greater voice in determining where cell towers are located," stated Muscarella.

The town's new proposed wireless communications law will also codify guidelines that support oversight in the placement of other wireless communications equipment to be installed within Hempstead Town.

"Hempstead Town will now have the most aggressive tools at its disposal in dealing with telecommunications giants," concluded Murray. "A new telecommunications law and the testimony of a telecommunications expert at public wireless communications hearings will protect residents and give them greater voice in the preserving the suburban character of our communities."

The Valley Stream Lions Club Presents

The 2010 Car and Truck Show
Sunday. September 12, 2010
Rain Date: Sunday, September 19, 2010
Location: Valley Stream Pool Parking Field
160 W Merrick Road, Valley Stream, NY
Open to the Public 10:00am-3:00pm
Award ceremonies, food, raffles, entertainment, vendors
Rides for the kids...DJ
Gates open at 7:00am for Show Cars
AWARDS INCLUDE
BEST CAR
BEST TRUCK
BEST CUSTOM
BEST ORIGINAL
*BEST IN SHOW*
ALL EVENT PROCEEDS GO TO
SUPPORT LOCAL CHARITIES
AND SCHOLARSHIPS
****
ON BEHALF OF THE VALLEY STREAM LIONS CLUB, I WOULD
LIKE TO THANK ALL OF YOU IN ADVANCE FOR SUPPORTING
OUR ORGANIZATION.THE VALLEY STREAM LIONS CLUB HAS
BEEN DEVOTED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN
VALLEY STREAM FOR OVER FOUR DECADES

Please go to website for auto registration form.
http://valleystreamlions.com/pdf/Application_AutoShow_091210.pdf

Envision Valley Stream

Fall is approaching. It's a good time to get involved and attend our next general meeting on Thursday, August 26th at 7:30PM in the Hendrickson Park Administration Building.

You can find out the results of our community assessment survey, hear about our dog park petition and learn about our work in securing community gardens. Envision Valley Stream could use your help on these issues and more, so please become a part of the future of Valley Stream.

To sign our dog park petition please click on the link here.



Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream
Phone: 516-792-1246

Web Site: www.EnvisionValleyStream.org


Facebook Page: Envision Valley Stream

Phase ll of Leandra's Law Begins Sunday

Leandra Rosado

Katie Flynn

"Drinking and Driving has taken too many lives and broken too many hearts," Nassau Executive Ed Mangano said. Nassau County will do everything in its legal power to prosecute convicted drunk drivers. Leandra's Law will certainly prove to be another deterrent to this senseless crime. The second provision of Leandra's Law will take effect on Sunday, which requires anyone convicted of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor or felony including first time offenders to install an ignition interlock system, in his or her vehicle. To operate a vehicle with an ignition interlock system, drivers must blow into a device that checks blood alcohol levels. The law will require DWI offenders to install a global positioning device at their own expense and keep them there for at least six months.
The law was adopted after Leandra Rosado was killed in a car crash because the driver of her car was drunk. The first provision of Leandra's law went into effect in December making it a felony for anyone to drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs with children under 16 in their vehicle.
Together Leandra's father Lenny Rosado and Neil and Jennifer Flynn of Long Beach, whose daughter Katie, 7, was killed by a drunk driver who drove the wrong way on the Meadowbrook Parkway in 2005 worked tirelessly to see this law come into effect.
The crash also killed limo driver Stanley Rabinowitz who was driving the Flynns back from a wedding.

Blood Drive

Please remember that the St. Catherine of Sienna Blood Drive is on Sunday from 8:30Am to 2:30Pm. St. Catherine's is located at 33 New Hyde Park Road, in Franklin Square. The Blood Drive is being held in the basement of The Sienna Center. follow the signs. Please help us make this drive a success and surpass last years collection of 123 pints.

Fraternally,

Joe Camolli
Grand Knight 3rd term
Twelve Apostles Council #5001

Domestic Violence

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today declared family violence a “public health emergency” after reviewing a report compiled by the County Executive’s Task Force on Family Violence that shows a dramatic increase in the number of reported domestic violence incidents over the last year in Nassau County.

“These numbers are shocking, and today I am declaring this a ‘public health emergency.’ Family violence is not acceptable under any circumstance in Nassau County,” said County Executive Mangano. “Family violence affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or educational background. We must reach out to the victims of domestic abuse so they have the resources and help they need to get out of a dangerous situation.”

Early in his administration in February, the County Executive appointed the members of the Task Force on Family Violence to review the situation of family and domestic violence in Nassau County. The group is comprised of representatives from public and private agencies, and represents health and human services, education, and law enforcement and is chaired by John Imhof, Ph.D., Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Social Services.

In its report, the Task Force on Family Violence statistics indicate a:

58% increase in the number of domestic violence arrests by the Nassau County Police Department;
82% increase in domestic violence arrests with a Child Protective Services referral;
25% increase on the number of total domestic violence reports to the Nassau County Police Department; and
16% increase in the number of physical abuse accusations made on behalf of children

In response to these numbers, County Executive Mangano has announced a major public awareness campaign designed to reach out to victims of domestic violence. As part of the campaign, the County will be creating a toll free number which will tie in to the 24 hour Domestic Violence hotline to report incidents of family violence. This will be advertised throughout Nassau. In addition, posters will be seen on public buses and hospitals, and informational pamphlets will be included in phone and electric bills, and County paychecks.

“Unfortunately, domestic violence affects every community in Nassau County,” said Mangano. “We are committed to educating the public on this serious public health issue in order to reduce the scope and prevalence of family violence in our County."

IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
The Police can help you:
o Get to a safe place away from the violence
o Get information on how the court can help protect you against the violence
o Get medical care for injuries you or your children may have
o Get necessary belongings from your home for you or your children
o Get copies of police reports about the violence
o File a complaint in criminal court and tell you where your local Criminal and Family Courts are located
Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.cadvnc.org
Stop Family Violence www.stopfamilyviolence.org
National Domestic Violence www.ndvh.org
Rape and Incest National Network www.rainn.org
Stalking Resource Center www.ncvc.org/src/help/index.html

Cruise to the Show Parade

Mangano Announces Nassau County Executive's First Annual "Cruise To The Show" Parade And Car Show
Reminds Interested Participants to Register Online

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano reminds residents that the first annual “Cruise to the Show” parade and car show will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2010.* Those interested in participating can register online at www.cruisetotheshow.com.



Featured at the event will be a restored 1909 Alco-6 Racer that is believed to have been the winner of the historic 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup races held on the Long Island Motor Parkway. This “Black Beast” is one of only 12 Alco Racers that are known to exist, out of the 1,100 built between 1908 and 1913, and the priceless car made a return to Long Island when it was purchased by Howard Kroplick in December 2008. It had previously spent 15 years in France.

Beginning at the Nassau County Supreme Courthouse in Mineola, at 9:00AM, the "Cruise to the Show" will continue along Stewart Avenue in Garden City before ending in Eisenhower Park. More than 500 vehicles of all makes, models and years will follow the parade route, and spectators are encouraged to watch them drive by on Stewart Avenue – the ‘best seat in the house’.

Following the parade, the County will host a car show featuring live music, refreshments, vendors, and of course, some great-looking classic cars.

“As a car enthusiast, I am very excited to be hosting this great event,” said County Executive Mangano. “If you have a car that you want to show off, or if you just want to enjoy the classic, fast, and unique cars, I invite you to come and spend a beautiful summer day at Eisenhower Park.”

“Cruise to the Show” sponsors include HUB Garage, Automat Customization and Restoration, and Obar Auto Parts. For more information, including registration and how to become a vendor or sponsor, please visit www.cruisetotheshow.com or call (516) 573-3488.

*Rain Date is August 22, 2010

Shed the Meds

State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano are sponsoring a "Shed the Meds" at Wantagh Park on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at which residents can safely dispose of old and unused prescription medications.

Medications should not be flushed down the toilet as they have been in the past, as they can get into the water system. If left unattended in medicine cabinets, prescription medications also often find their way into the hands of teenagers looking to get high. Prescription pain relievers like OxyContin have, in part, been blamed on the recent heroin epidemic among young people, as they act as "gateway" drugs to street narcotics such as heroin.

Wantagh Park is at 1 King Road, just south of Merrick Road. For more information, call Fuschillo’s office at (516) 882-0630.

Schedule for Spraying in Area for West Nile

LIMITED GROUND SPRAYING FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
TO BEGIN IN TARGETED AREAS OF NASSAU COUNTY
After consultation with the Nassau County Department of Health, the Nassau County Department of Public Works will begin ground spraying in parts of Nassau County to help control mosquitoes which may be carrying the West Nile virus.

Recent surveillance data has demonstrated an increased threat of West Nile virus. Experts from the New York State Department of Health have advised Nassau County that the risk to the public’s health warrants the application of adulticide to control mosquitoes in certain areas of the County. Nassau County will also continue our larvicide mosquito control program and remind residents to continue to take personal protective measures.

Where: Areas to be sprayed by truck will include sections of the following communities: Massapequa, Merrick, Freeport, Roosevelt, Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Elmont, Seaford, Wantagh and North Massapequa. The ground spraying will be conducted within a one-mile radius of our mosquito surveillance trap. The areas of detail are included in the attached maps.


When: Weather permitting, the planned schedule for truck spraying is as follows:


Sections of Massapequa, Massapequa Park and North Massapequa: Tuesday, August 3rd, 7 pm – 12 am.

Alternate dates: Wednesday, Thursday, or Monday, August 4th, 5th or 9th, 7 pm – 12 am.

GROUND SPRAYING BY TRUCK HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN THE MASSAPEQUA AREA


Sections of Merrick, North Merrick, Freeport and Roosevelt: Wednesday, August 4th, 7 pm – 12 am.

Alternate dates: Thursday, Monday or Tuesday, August 5th, 9th or 10th, 7 pm – 12 am.


Sections of Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Franklin Square and Elmont: Thursday, August 5th, 7 pm – 12 am.

Alternate dates: Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, August 9th, 10th or 11th, 7 pm – 12 am.


Sections of Wantagh, North Wantagh, Levittown, Seaford and North Massapequa: Monday, August 9th, 7 pm – 12 am.

Alternate dates: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, August 10th, 11th or 12th, 7 pm – 12 am.


What: Scourge is a pesticide containing resmethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Resmethrin is a man-made pyrethroid insecticide that can also be found in other pesticide products used indoors and on pets to control ticks and other insects, such as fleas and ants. Piperonyl butoxide does not directly kill insects on its own, but acts to increase the ability of resmethrin to kill insects. These active ingredients are dissolved in a petroleum solvent. (Material data sheet)

Health Effects: The chance of experiencing any health effects from the use of Scourge to control mosquitoes is quite low. As with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure. Some particularly sensitive individuals may possibly experience short-term effects such as eye, skin, nose or throat irritation or breathing problems.

To Reduce Exposure: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) do not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control spraying. Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the spraying and for about 30 minutes afterwards. In addition, individuals may minimize exposure by:

Keep windows and doors shut, setting air conditioners to re-circulate if able. Turn window fans off.
Keeping children's toys indoors.
Keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys.
Cover fishponds during the spray period.
Since the effects of the ground spraying dissipate in a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use, although doing so will not diminish the effectiveness of the pesticide applied.

For additional information: Please call the West Nile Virus Spray Hotline at 1-888-844-8657, on the days that spraying is scheduled, between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 12:00 am or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health/ or the Nassau County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/

Envision Valley Stream

Exciting times at Envision Valley Stream!

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

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

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

As always, we really appreciate your continued support.



Sincerely,
David Sabatino
Founder
Envision Valley Stream

Crime Stoppers

INCIDENT: Robbery (Attempt) DATE/TIME: July 19, 2010, 2325
LOCATION: Valley Stream ITEM: 01
The Fifth Squad reports the details of an attempted robbery that occurred in Valley Stream on Monday July 19, 2010 at 11:25pm.
According to detectives, a fifty six year old male was working at the 24/7 Food Mart located at 50 West Sunrise Highway when he was confronted by a male suspect armed with a black hand gun who demanded that he open the cash register. After two customers entered the store the suspect, who was described as a male black, in his forties, with a thin build, wearing jeans, black shoes, and an orange t-shirt with a white t-shirt over it ,fled on foot with no proceeds. There were no injuries.
Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
Details by: Det. Angell/5th Squad 7/20/10/0740/6077

Town of Hempstead Extends Pool Hours and Opens Cooling Centers

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

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

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

Cooling centers open to the public include:

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

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

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

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

Census Count Still On

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

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

Thanks for your help. I love the blog!

Theresa

Dear Theresa,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you:

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

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

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

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

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/

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.

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."

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.