Wednesday, June 30, 2010

NCPD Programs and Presentations

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

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

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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

Nassau County Police Auxiliary

The Auxiliary Police are made up of residents from communities throughout Nassau County which:
* Patrol in marked vehicles helping to make their community a safer place to live
* Help prevent criminal activity by being the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department.
* Direct traffic at parades and special events.
* Serve during disasters and other emergencies.

The Auxiliary Police was established pursuant to provisions of the Civil Defense Act of 1951 and is composed of civic-minded residents of the community who work together to improve the level of safety and security in their community. The presence of the Auxiliary Police, in uniform, on patrol in marked police units has been proven to reduce vandalism and other crimes in the community.

How do you benefit as an Auxiliary Police Officer?
* Self-satisfaction in knowing that you are serving your community.
* Excellent experience for those considering a career in law enforcement.
* Many local colleges give credits to criminal justice majors who successfully complete the Auxiliary Police basic training course at the Police Academy.

Members attend and complete a 23-session basic training course given at the Nassau County Police Academy.
Training includes:
* Peace Officer powers
* New York State Penal Law
* Hazardous Materials Awareness
* Baton Training
* Blood-Borne Pathogens
* Basic First Aid/CPR
* Traffic and Pedestrian Control
* Response to Critical Incidents
* Gang Awareness
Communication Officer
Officers serving in this unit engage in various tasks:
Coordinating and documenting daily and emergency functions of personnel, telephone networking of members duties, radio dispatching of units on patrol, managing emergency response to disasters and events, along with providing an important link to other law enforcement agencies as well as fire, medical and governmental entities.


Applicant Requirements:
· Must be at least 18 years old
· Must be resident of Nassau County
· Must be a citizen of the United States
· Must possess a valid NYS driver's license
· Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
· Must be of good moral character without a felony conviction.
(A misdemeanor conviction may also prevent acceptance.)
· Not more than one (1) alcohol-related driving offense and cannot have been convicted of any drug-related driving offense.
· Must pass a physical examination
· Must submit to fingerprinting
· Must consent to a background investigation
· Must submit to a drug test and be willing to submit to a psychological exam.

Members with certain disabilities may be eligible to serve in non-patrol duties,
such as the Auxiliary Police Communications Unit. If you have any Questions
about the Auxiliary Police or would like to join the ranks of the dedicated members serving their community, please call 573-7520. or email ncap@auxiliary-police.org.

Monday, June 28, 2010

R.E.A.C.H.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, June 25, 2010

Break the Grip of the Rip

In Wake of Beach Drowning, Town Lifeguards Demonstrate How to Survive Rip Current
June 24, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Water Safety

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

Police Issue Tips for Social Networking Sites

Social networking sites have opened a fun new world for internet users. Sites like Facebook, My Space and Twitter have allowed people to stay in touch with friends and family, reconnect with old friends and even conduct business from there pages. However, these sites are also a perfect opportunity for criminals to get personal information about you and your children. Remember, what you put on the Internet STAYS on the internet, FOREVER. All of the personal information that is being posted on profiles — names, birth dates, kids’ names, photographs, pet’s names, addresses, opinions on your company, your friends and your acquaintances — all of it serves as a one-stop shop for thieves. The Nassau County Police Department would like our citizens to remember the following safety tips for social networking websites.
1. Don’t accept friend requests unless you absolutely know who they are from and that you would associate with them in person, just like real friends.
2. Be cautious about the personal information that you post on any social media site, as there is every chance in the world that it will spread beyond your original submission.
3. Assume that everything you put on a social-networking site is permanent. Even if you can delete your account, anyone on the Internet can easily print photos or text or save images and videos to a computer,
4. Learn how to adjust your privacy settings so that you know who can see your personal information.
5. Never post that you are on vacation or away from home, even if it is just for a few hours.
6. Don’t post or upload photos while away from your house, wait until you are back home before you post.
7. The old adage “some things are better left unsaid” holds true for social networks. Avoid making derogatory or insensitive remarks about others.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Pool Safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, June 21, 2010

Knights of Columbus

Joe Camolli
Grand Knight
Twelve Apostles Council #5001


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

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

School Budget Vote Today

Make sure you mark your calendars and make room in your day to vote on Tuesday at the West Hempstead Middle School Gym between 6am and 9pm.



Remember to Vote on June 15th. It's Important!

Look for more budget news at www.whufsd.com

Have questions? Email votejune15@whufsd.com

LIPA's Critical Care Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best,

Deputy Presiding Officer John J. Ciotti
Legislator, District 3

Friday, June 11, 2010

Hoop It Up With Hempstead and Hofstra

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

The upcoming clinic schedule is as follows:

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

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

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

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Town of Hempstead Summer Swim Lessons Info

Summer swim lessons are held at many town pools for residents six years of age and older as of 12/1/10. Skilled instruction will be offered on the following levels:

Guppies - Water Orientation (ages 4 & 5)
Level 2 - Fundamental Aquatic Skills
Level 3 - Stroke Development
Level 4 - Stroke Improvement
Level 5 - Stroke Refinement
Level 6 - Advanced Strokes & Skills
Guard Start (Ages 11-14)
Lifeguard Training (Ages 15 & up)


A parent or guardian must accompany any child younger than 10 years of age to registration and all classes. Lifeguard Training participants must be 15 years of age and Guard Start participants must be 11 to 14 years of age. Classes meet twice a week. Participants must hold a pool membership or they will be required to pay the daily admission rate. Proof of age and residency are required at registration. Swim classes must have a minimum of six people.

The Guppies program is open to youngsters who are 4 and 5 years of age. Parental participation is required at all Guppies classes. You may register a child for the Guppies program at a participating pool on the first day of class. You do not have to go to the General Registration for the Guppies program. Proof of age and residency is required at registration. Contact the individual pools for all scheduling information. Guppies classes begin Friday, July 9 or Saturday, July 10.

Town of Hempstead Parks
Averill Blvd. Park, Elmont; Echo Park Pool, West Hempstead; Forest City Park, Wantagh; Walker Memorial Park, Lakeview; Hewlett Point Park, Bay Park; Levittown Pools, Levittown/Hicksville; Newbridge Road Park, Bellmore; Oceanside Park, Oceanside; Rath Park, Franklin Square; Roosevelt Pool, Roosevelt; Town Park at Malibu, Lido Beach and Veterans Memorial Park, East Meadow

Registration: First Session: Wednesday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. Second Session: Friday, July 23 at 8 a.m.
Season pass holders may pre-register for the first session only at pool offices from June 5 to June 15.
Pool Office hours are:
Saturdays and Sundays, June 5 & 6 and June 12 & 13 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.);
Monday thru Friday, June 7 to 11 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and
Monday, June 14 and Tuesday,
June 15 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Fee: Adult - $46.50 ($23.50 discounted fee)
Children - No fee for Guppies,Levels 2 and 3;
$42.50 for Levels 4, 5, 6 & Guard Start)