Neighborhood Watch
A neighborhood watch (also called a crime watch or neighborhood crime watch) is a citizens' organization devoted to crime and vandalism prevention within a neighborhood. It is not a vigilante organization, since members are expected not to directly intervene in possible criminal activity. Instead, neighborhood watch members are to stay alert to unusual activity and contact the authorities. It builds on the concept of a
town watch from Colonial America.
The current American system of neighborhood watches began developing in the late 1960s as a response to the rape and murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York. People became outraged after reports that three dozen witnesses did nothing to save Genovese or to apprehend her killer. Some locals formed groups to watch over their neighborhoods and to look out for any suspicious activity in their areas. Shortly thereafter, the National Sheriffs' Association began a concerted effort in 1972 to revitalize the "watch group" effort nationwide.
Our Neighborhood Watch was created in January of 2007 in response to many of our own issues we face here on the mountain.
We are in the very early stages of development and are working with the Blooming Grove Police Department to get this program moving forward.
As information and news become available it
will be updated on the site. If you have any questions or would like to
become a Trail Captain or alternate please contact:
watch@mlpghra.org
UPDATE 8/10/08:
I want to thank all of the Trail Captains and
Residents for the outpouring of support and information we received before
meeting with the Blooming Grove Police Department on Sunday. Mike and I
discussed community problems with Sgt. Solfaro for over 2 hours and learned
a wealth of information, most of which I am allowed to share with you. The
B.G.P.D. does not like to "blow their own horn" but we feel it is important
for the residents to know that the police are not sitting around waiting for
something to happen, but are constantly patrolling, investigating and
following up on information they receive.
Sgt. Solfaro applauded the various Trails that have improved their road
conditions, thereby allowing a patrol car to make regular trips. These
patrol trips increase the police presence and decrease the criminal activity
on those trails.
With regards to the drug dealing, several arrests have been made and we were
told there should be a significant decrease in this activity from several
areas of the mountain. With the help of one Trail Captain, we supplied some
new information on another area where there has been some new drug activity
reported and that is being monitored.
More good news followed, as we found out a major arrest was made of an
individual responsible for several breaking & entering's on the mountain
including houses on Sylvan Trail, which we not aware of. Again, thanks to
the removal of this individual, we were told we should also notice a
decrease in this problem, especially around the Sylvan Trail area.
The B.G.P.D.was notified of gunshots being fired, but they could not confirm
how many of these were reported. We were not told of any leads regarding
these incidents. Surprisingly, they did not have a report of an explosion on
the night of July 26th, which several residents reported to me by phone.
They checked their log while Mike and I were there but only a gunshot was
reported that night.
On a sad note, as of this year we have lost the Burn Grant that has allowed
an officer to be stationed in our community on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
nights, during peak months of the year. This grant has been around since
2002 and many of you remember when it started out with a quad. It evolved
into a marked car that was designated between ML/GH and Lake Anne in the
evening hours. It significantly reduced the number of trouble calls for this
area. I know it also has a visual impact as I remember firsthand seeing this
car many times and hearing reports at meetings, from my neighbors, and from
other residents.
This will all come to an end as the grant has expired and due to budget
constraints and will most likely not be renewed. The department is now
trying to find monies through other possible grants, but at this time they
do not see anything available through the State or elsewhere. However they
are committed to finding these funds and may explore other possibilities,
and have asked for the Association's help if needed. Of course we said we
would help in whatever way we can.
They have also promised to join us at out next Association meeting in
October and will answer any questions and concerns from the residents. We
hope to see you there!
Remember....if you witness or hear about a crime, see something suspicious,
etc. please report it to the Police and the Watch so we can follow up and
alert our neighbors.
Important Forms for Reporting Incidents to the BGPD:
Tip Form 1
Tip Form 1 (Continued)
Suspected Criminal Activity Form
Please Fax to the BGPD at:
Fax: 845-496-0717
Important Links:
http://www.familywatchdog.us/
You can this site to search for sex offenders in any zip code.
http://www.bloominggrovepolice.com/
The BG Police site has listings and they seem to be more complete, but the family watchdog site has more detailed information.
Neighborhood Watch Links:
NATW: National Association Of Town Watch:
http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/natw/
USAOnWatch:
http://www.usaonwatch.org/
CitizenCorps:
http://www.citizencorps.gov/programs/watch.shtm
NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL:
http://www.ncpc.org/
National Night Out 2007:
http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/ (We are now on their mailing List)
Laws of New York
Have a a safe and happy
holiday season....
When you travel, know where you are going and how to get there and back.
Check for construction detours; for longer trips, get a weather forecast.
If traveling out-of-state, most state law enforcement agencies provide
road-and-highway information; check to see what conditions they report
before leaving. Inform a family member where you will be and when to expect
you back; give them your route if they don't know it.
Travel and conduct your business during daylight hours if possible. Lock
doors and windows when getting into your car and keep them locked while
driving.
If you have access to a cellular telephone, carry or take it.
If possible, know the emergency cell codes for the area you're in.
Click here for a state-by-state listing of
highway-related cell phone codes.
When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up. Maintain at least
half a tank of fuel, and keep vehicle in good repair.
If planning a "road trip" over the holidays, have your vehicle serviced and
checked out sufficiently far ahead to allow for repairs if needed. Don’t
forget to have the mechanic check your spare tire and all fluid levels along
with the other preventive maintenance procedures.
Consider keeping spare fuses and a "breakdown kit" in your vehicle at all
times. Breakdown kits may be purchased from a variety of sources, or you can
assemble your own at any auto parts or hardware store using a commercial
version as a guideline.
Minimally, a "breakdown kit" should include: a thermal blanket/bag and a
gallon of water
a "HELP" sign/flag and flares/reflectors
a flashlight (check batteries semi-annually)
duct tape
Also consider carrying:
a set of jumper cables, a tire gauge, and work gloves
a few hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches)
some rope and at least one bungee cord
towels and a roll of toilet paper (in a plastic bag)
a small 12-volt tire-inflator
an empty (new, never used) one-gallon gas can
change for a payphone and a pair of comfortable shoes
a cheap/disposable rain coat/suit/poncho
All these items can fit in a small or medium size gym/duffle bag or a box
and kept in your vehicle's trunk, back-seat floorboard, or other storage
area in the vehicle. Keep it updated, but never remove it from your vehicle.
In addition to your basic "breakdown kit" you should also have a basic first
aid kit in your vehicle at all times.
Also consider purchasing and mounting a small ABC-rated portable fire
extinguisher in your vehicle. Buy one with a "mount" designed for use in
vehicles. Portable fire extinguishers should be securely "mounted" in the
vehicle to prevent rolling and damage. The extinguisher should be visible
and easy to reach. Mount the bracket on a strong, stable surface. It can be
mounted in any sloping, vertical or horizontal position.
Know how to access your spare tire and jack. Vehicle owners should also
consider obtaining towing insurance, either as a rider on their automobile
insurance policy (such riders are usually very inexpensive for excellent
coverage) or by joining an automobile club or other provider. Be prepared!
Follow the timeless, savvy advice of OUPD Sergeant M. Wayne Smith (Ret), "It
doesn't cost any more to keep the top quarter of your tank filled than it
does to keep the bottom quarter filled." Even if you're pressed for time,
take time to fill up the tank. Making a habit of checking your fuel gauge
whenever you start driving, and routinely "topping off" your tank, can
prevent unexpected, untimely and dangerous roadside emergency situations.
If you experience a breakdown, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible and
turn your emergency flashers on. If you have a cellular phone, summon
assistance from a reputable source or call for law enforcement response.
Otherwise, raise your hood or tie a streamer to your antenna, and await
assistance inside your locked vehicle.
If a stranger stops, speak to them through a partially rolled-down window,
and ask them to go to a phone and call police or a tow service; do not exit
your vehicle until a law enforcement officer or tow operator are on scene.
On longer trips, be sure you have water, food, and blankets in the vehicle.
If involved in a property-damage collision in an unfamiliar or potentially
unsafe location, do not open or exit your vehicle. If you have a cellular
telephone, summon law enforcement. If not, acknowledge the accident by hand
signal, and motion the other driver to proceed with you to a safe location
(where there are other people and light) to exchange information. If unable
to proceed, honk the horn to attract attention and ask a passer-by to summon
police.
Before your trip — Consider leaving a copy of your travel itinerary with a
trusted family friend or relative (plus a driving route map or
flight/bus/train trip info).
Also handy when you're "away" from home: You can download/print our
"Lost/Stolen Wallet Inventory & Emergency Checklist" to record key
information for a house-sitter, friend/neighbor, or relative.
If signaled to stop by any vehicle other than a clearly marked law
enforcement unit, acknowledge the signal, and wave the driver to follow you
to a safe location (where there are other people and light). Drive within
the speed limit and take the shortest possible route to the nearest safe
place. If you have a cellular phone, dial 9-1-1, tell the call-taker you are
being followed by an unmarked vehicle attempting to stop you, and ask them
to send a marked law enforcement vehicle to your location.
When parking, roll up the windows, lock the vehicle, take the keys, insure
your valuables are concealed, preferably in the trunk. During hours of
darkness, park and walk in lighted areas to the extent possible.
If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place
items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them
inconspicuously. This includes packages, backpacks, gym bags, GPS units, MP3
players, and so forth. Someone may be watching when you put items
under/behind seat or throw something over them. An opportunistic thief is on
the lookout for "trunk-packing", and can break into your car the minute
you're out of sight.
One reason SUVs and pickups are common auto-burglary targets is because they
don't have a "trunk" to hold valuables — the driver/passenger generally just
"hides" their valuables "out of sight". The thieves know this, and do check
glove compartments, behind seats, and under seats. It only takes a few
seconds to check all the "usual" hiding places.
Unobtrusively locking everything valuable "in the trunk" (if you have one)
may be difficult when you're combining errands at multiple destinations.
Certainly avoid leaving packages or shopping bags visible in your car — lock
them in the trunk out of sight if you have to leave packages in your car
unattended.
Plan your shopping/errands so that you don't load your trunk until you are
ready to drive to another destination. Load your trunk when you leave a
location — never open a trunk, fill it full of valuables, close it, and then
just walk away to do more shopping or other errands.
When returning to your vehicle, carry your keys in your hand and be ready to
unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible. As you approach your
vehicle, scan the area, glance underneath the vehicle, and take a quick look
inside before entering.
While out and about, present an alert appearance.
Be aware of your surroundings; scan the area from time to time. Avoid
concentrating so hard on shopping that you fail to keep track of your
surroundings, others near you, or your personal property.
Wear conservative, comfortable clothing.
Grip carried items firmly and avoid leaving them unattended.
Carry minimal cash and valuables, wear minimal jewelry.
Shop with friends or relatives if possible; there IS safety in numbers. As
you shop, be alert in crowded places. Among pickpockets' favorites are
revolving doors, jammed aisles, elevators, and public transportation stops
and vehicles, especially at rush hour. Carry the day's most expensive
purchases closest to your body, and don't carry so much you lose the ability
to react quickly.
If possible, leave your children with a baby-sitter while you are shopping.
For holiday shopping, consider making arrangements with family or
friends/neighbors, and take turns baby-sitting. If you take your children
with you, keep a close eye on them while shopping.
Teach your children to go to a store clerk or security guard if they ever
get separated from you in a store/mall, and be sure they know their first
and last name so they can tell someone who they are. It's best to keep
children under four (4) in a stroller. Children in shopping carts should be
properly belted and seated in the child carrier area at all times —never let
your child stand in or push a shopping cart.
Return to your vehicle periodically to check on it and reduce the amount you
are carrying and must keep track of. Store packages in the trunk or, if your
vehicle doesn't have one, out of plain view (on the floorboard, under a
blanket or clothes, etc). When possible, have purchases delivered instead of
taking them with you; many businesses offer free delivery during the holiday
shopping season. Ask for an escort to your car if you feel nervous.
Return to the mall or store for assistance if you spot suspicious activity
near your vehicle. Stay alert while loading items into or out of the vehicle
or arranging cargo stowage. If someone approaches, and you feel threatened,
get in and lock up until they leave the area; if they loiter, drive away.
Using debit or credit cards is much safer than carrying a lot of cash. If
the vendors you will visit don't take cards, consider obtaining traveler's
checks which, unlike cash, can be replaced if lost or stolen. Visit ATM's
only at well-lighted and populated locations; visit during daylight hours if
possible.
Using the drive-up is usually safer than walking up or into a facility.
Remember to scan around you as you make your withdrawal. Many ATMs now have
"fisheye" mirrors mounted above the keyboard to enable you to view the
entire surrounding area while conducting business; try to patronize ATMs
so-equipped, and use the mirror!
If anyone is loitering, or you don't like their looks, go to another ATM.
Stand such that those behind you cannot see your PIN as you enter it; your
PIN should NEVER be written down on or carried with your ATM card.
Be observant. Avoid dark areas, short-cuts, cul-de-sacs, and suspicious
persons. Stay near light and people.
Be prepared to flee potential problems. If apprehensive about any location
for any reason, leave. Consider carrying a whistle. Weapons are not
recommended, and may be unlawful.
If followed —
On Foot:
Cross the street
Vary your pace
Change direction
By Vehicle
Execute several right turns to verify
Get and stay on arterial streets
Note and record:
license plate number
description of vehicle and occupant(s)
If followed by a vehicle while you are on foot, turn and walk the "wrong
way" onto a One-Way Street, if possible. If follower persists, go to an
occupied and lighted location (convenience store, fire station, police
station) and summon police.
Confine your charitable giving to reputable established organizations,
preferably those with a local branch.
If solicited by an individual for personal charity, don't give cash; offer
to buy the individual food or drink or refer them to local assistance
resources.
If solicited for an unfamiliar organized charity, ask for literature so you
can make an informed decision about giving; any reputable organization will
be glad to provide material or a website address where you can check them
out.
To avoid telephone solicitation to the extent possible, sign up for the
"National Do-Not Call List". If solicited by telephone despite being on the
list, simply hang up — it's your phone. If you choose to speak to the
solicitor, do not give out credit card numbers or personal information not
listed in the telephone directory, and don't allow the organization to come
to your home until you are certain of their reliability. Instead, ask them
to send you information so you can make an informed decision and mail in
your donation.
With the exception of local organizations, door-to-door sales are often
fraudulent, and should be viewed with skepticism. If it sounds too good to
be true, it usually is.
Under consumer protection laws, you have a right to written information
about any offer, and the right to cancel any order within three days should
you reconsider your decision.
Make sure you obtain enough information to enable you to re-contact the
vendor or his/her office in the event you have questions or change your
mind. If you don't want to be bothered by door-to-door solicitors, most
locations have a law that solicitors must avoid homes which display a "NO
SOLICITORS" sign; bear in mind this usually doesn't apply to religious
proselytizing, charitable organizations or political workers.
For further information about consumer protection laws, contact your State
Attorney General's Office. Also, visit our nationally acclaimed safety
presentation on Identity Theft and Fraud which has a wealth of information
on shopping safety, both online and off.
Promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, and crimes to the local law
enforcement agency.
Did you know? —
Locking Your Checked Baggage: In some cases screeners will have to open your
baggage as part of the screening process.
If your bag is unlocked then Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
screeners will simply open and screen the baggage.
However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage, and TSA cannot open
your checked baggage through other means, then the locks may have to be
broken.
Holiday Safety
Decorating Tips
General tips:
Assemble and inspect all tools and materials before beginning actual
decoration installation.
Be aware of local or homeowner association regulations and restrictions on
holiday decorations.
If using a ladder, check the condition of rails, rungs, and brackets before
positioning or climbing it. It is better to not use a metal ladder when
installing electrical decorations if avoidable. Set ladders so the feet are
on a stable, even and clean dry base. Have a spotter, if available, to help
steady the ladder, pass materials and tools, and prevent persons from
entering the drop zone.
Survey the location where you intend to install decorations to ensure that
nails, screws or brackets will not penetrate electrical or other utility
lines. Use the proper style and size hanger for the weight of the decoration
you intend to mount.
Decorations should never block any means of egress nor access to utility
shutoffs, including faucets, outlets, or meters. Be sure your street address
numbers are not obscured by decorations, either. If you use an outdoor
lighting socket as a power source for holiday decorations, make certain the
lighting you temporarily disable is not safety-critical.
Young children should be kept out of areas where decorations are being
installed; it’s very difficult to handle tools and materials properly and
safely while keeping an eye on them.
Indoor holiday lighting tips:
Buy/use only lighting sets and extension cords that bear the Underwriters’
Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) label and are specifically marked
for indoor use.
Make certain you take time to unroll/untangle and inspect each set of lights
—new or old— for worn insulation, bare/frayed wires, broken or cracked
sockets, and loose connections. If you find any such damage, do not try to
repair the set. Throw it away. Replace broken/damaged lamps/bulbs (and
unplug the set prior to changing lamps/bulbs!)
Be careful not to overload electrical outlets. Always look for the
manufacturer's recommendations on the number of light sets that can be
strung together and other precautions listed on the packaging for the
lights. If no manufacturer's instructions are available, as a general rule,
never string more than three sets of lights per single extension cord.
Protect the electrical wires from damage. Don't run lights/wires behind
drapes, under carpet, through doorways, or where they will be walked on.
Don't use nails or tacks to hang wires. Plastic non-conductive "hangers" are
available for various holiday light-set hanging needs.
Always unplug lights before doing any maintenance work on them.
Outdoor lighting considerations:
Buy/use only lighting sets and extension cords that bear the Underwriters’
Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) label and are specifically marked
for outdoor use.
Always look for the manufacturer's recommendations on the number of lights
sets that can be strung together and other precautions listed on the
packaging for the lights.
Check all light sets for fraying, aging, and heat damage. Throw away any
sets that show signs of damage.
Connect sets of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into an
outlet.
Always test your light sets before setting up your ladder —replacing
broken/burnt-out bulbs is much easier on the ground than on a ladder/roof!
To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples; do
not use nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove or disconnect
them.
Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with GFI (ground fault
circuit interrupter) protection to avoid potential shocks.
If you are using a ladder, avoid contact with overhead power lines when
setting up your ladder, stringing lights, or working on the roof.
Wherever extension cords and light sets are connected together outdoors,
keep the connections dry by wrapping them with friction tape or plastic.
Tree Safety:
Fresh Trees —When selecting your tree, make sure to shake the tree
vigorously, tap it on the ground, and watch for excessive loss of needles.
If the tree loses a lot of needles, it's already drying out, and a dry tree
significantly increases the risk of the tree catching fire in your home. The
trunk butt should be sticky with resin. Fresh trees should be green and the
needles should be difficult to pull from the branches. Another good test is
to take a single needle and bend it between your fingers. The needle should
bend, not break.
Once you've selected a fresh tree and gotten it home, secure it in a sturdy
stand and provide it with adequate water. At holiday time, many stores carry
products designed to help you keep track of when your tree needs water.
Keeping your tree well-watered will keep it supple so it retains its
needles, making for less cleanup after the holidays and a lesser fire
danger. Be sure and keep the stand filled with water because both cut and
live trees dry out rapidly in heated rooms.
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose
tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.
(Hopefully you won't even find "leaded" metal products available anywhere!
For more information about lead-poisoning, click here to jump to the CDC's
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program website, which includes lists of current
product recalls involving lead.).
Artificial Trees —If you're considering an artificial tree, the most
important thing to look for is the "Fire Resistant" label. This means the
tree has been treated with a chemical that makes it resist burning — It does
not mean the tree can't, or won't, catch on fire.
NEVER use electric lights on metallic trees — use spotlights for
illumination. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty
lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
Greens —Evergreen (but NEVER cedar) cuttings may be used in limited
quantities, but keep greens away from heat sources (radiators, air vents,
large appliances, light receptacles, etc.) and don't smoke near trees or
greens. To be as safe as possible, greens/cuttings used for door adornment
or for corridor/stairwell decorations (or really for use anywhere other than
as a table centerpiece) should be flameproofed by flocking or other
treatment.
Tree Lighting —Decorate the tree first, and plug in the lights last.
Try to insure your lamps/bulbs don't touch the tree or other decorations.
Take time to unroll/untangle and carefully inspect each set of lights before
stringing it on the tree. It's easier to find and replace broken and
burnt-out bulbs before stringing your lights on the tree! (And if a light
set doesn't work at all, better to know it before it's on the tree, too!)
Turn off or unplug your indoor holiday lighting whenever the decorated area
of the house is unattended –-not just when going to bed or leaving the
house. Nowadays, relatively cheap wired and wireless "remote control"
switches are available to ease this task (and keep you from having to
crawl/bend behind a Christmas tree or furniture to unplug a lighting
set/scene.) Outdoor lighting timers and remote-control sets are also
available and should be considered.
Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. When using
candles for holiday accents, always use non-flammable holders, and place
candles where they cannot be overturned.
In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that
are sharp or breakable; keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the
reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces.
Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat
them.
Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun
glass "angel hair." Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung
irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.
Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and
fireplace areas promptly after gifts are opened. These items can pose
suffocation and choking hazards to a small child, or can ignite if near a
heat source.
Live Tree & Greens/Cuttings Removal — Live trees and greens/cuttings should
be removed as soon as practical after the holiday for which they were used.
Candle Safety Tips:
Make sure candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders that will
not tip, away from decorations, drapes, and other combustible materials.
Check your candles frequently to make sure they don't burn down too far or
drip hot wax.
Keep small children away from candles and never leave children unattended in
a room with lit candles.
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
Keep Yule Logs, Menorahs and Kinaras away from drapes, trees or any other
potentially flammable objects.
Extinguish candles and turn off decorative lights before leaving home or
going to sleep.
For holiday decorating, you should purchase/use only materials labeled as
noncombustible, flame-resistant, or flame-retardant. Locate all decorations
and decorating materials away from heat sources.
These materials should never be used for holiday decorations, under any
circumstances, because they are inherently combustible and/or cannot be
flameproofed: bamboo, cedar trees/branches, corn stalks/shucks, cotton or
confetti (loose, in large quantities), dry moss/leaves, flammable
powders/liquids, hay/straw (loose or baled), paper streamers (serpentine),
plastic sheeting/pellets, sawdust, tumbleweeds, wood bark/shavings
Keep holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly berries, and Christmas cactus
away from children and pets.
Poinsettias — Previously considered a poisonous plant, recent studies have
shown that the poinsettia is nontoxic. Ingestion of small amounts may result
in mild gastrointestinal irritation (upset stomach) and could make pets very
sick.
Toy Safety
—Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the
intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger
children.
Tips to help choose appropriate toys for children:
Magnets — For children under age six, avoid building sets with small
magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
Small Parts — For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small
parts, which can cause choking. Look for sturdy construction, such as
tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
Ride-on Toys — Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls
could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
Projectile Toys — Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots
are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye
injuries. For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and
points.
Chargers and Adapters — Charging batteries should be supervised by adults.
Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
Be a label reader when shopping for toys! Look for toy labels that give age
and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide. And, before
allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read
the instructions carefully.
To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don't give young children
(under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet.
Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated. Pay attention to instructions
and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent
overcharging.
Children under age three can choke on small parts contained in toys or
games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three
cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.
Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken
balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young
children.
Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous
playthings.
Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length.
They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.
Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and
thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.
Wash cutting boards and preparation surfaces between uses, especially after
raw meat is handled.
Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and
tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child's exploring
hands.
Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same. To know
(and teach your children) how long to wash, humming one chorus of "Happy
Birthday" gives adequate sanitation in most circumstances.
Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.
Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separate, and use separate utensils
when preparing them.
Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.
Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature
for more than two hours.
Happy Visiting —
Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and
choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out
for danger spots.
Keep a laminated list with all the important phone numbers likely to be
needed in case of an emergency. Include your pediatrician and the poison
control center.
You can download/print our "Lost/Stolen Wallet Inventory & Emergency
Checklist" to record key information for your own quick reference, or to
help you create a modified one suitable to provide to a babysitter.
Ask your neighbor if he has a gun before sending your kids over to play. If
the answer is yes, you need to make absolutely sure that all guns are stored
unloaded and locked - ideally in a gun safe - with ammunition locked
separately. Include the question along with other things you might normally
discuss before sending your child to someone's house.
Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can
all increase your child's stress levels. Sticking to your child's usual
routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and
your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.
Fireplace chimneys should be cleaned annually, preferably by a professional
chimney sweep.
Fireplaces should be equipped with a safety screen or doors, which should be
kept closed at all times when the fire is lit.
Before lighting any fire, check to see that the damper is open. Remove all
greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from the fireplace area.
Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood
fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal
irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children and avoid
inhaling smoke from their flames.
Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as
wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
Have a SAFE and Happy Holiday
Season!
We now have Child Identification Kits available for anyone that wants them.
Please e-mail watch@mlpghra.org to make arrangements to get yours. You can get one for every child in your household.
MLPGHRA - Are You A Member Yet?
