‘Tis the season to be alert

The Council of East Meadow Community Organizations met on Nov. 22, and a representative of the East Meadow Civilian Patrol spoke of the importance of being extra careful this month.

“’Tis the season to be security-conscious,” said Bill Alderman, adding that members of the patrol recently observed locals risking their safety.

The Civilian Patrol was founded by County Legislator Norma Gonsalves 25 years ago. Volunteers, who drive their own vehicles, report suspicious activity to the police. They do not carry weapons or handcuffs. They simply stay aware for the greater good of their neighborhoods.

At the CEMCO meeting, Alderman announced that Civilian Patrol members had recently witnessed the following: more than one home near Richmond Road and Rose Lane with doors ajar for lengthy periods in the evening; unlocked vehicles parked in the street and in driveways near Preston and Luddington roads; a red pickup truck at a 7-Eleven on Hempstead Turnpike with the engine running and no one inside; and a Budget rental truck running two stop signs on Eric Lane.

Additionally, Liz Fries, CEMCO’s corresponding secretary, said she still spots newspaper thieves near her home on Monday nights.

Attendees were reminded that it is important to remain vigilant, particularly during the holiday season, and East Meadow resident Eileen Monaco agreed. “It’s so important to be aware of your surroundings,” she said. “It’s the best protection.” Monaco, who grew up in Queens and said she was mugged twice as a young adult, is always surveying her surroundings. “I notice people right away,” she said.

Best advice for the season

“Be alert 100% of the time,” April Petters-McManus wrote on the Herald’s Facebook page. “This is a messed up world. We have to have eyes everywhere.” Rhonda Morgan added to Petters-McManus’s advice, writing, “Shop early, don’t leave anything in the car and shop in pairs.”

Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes shared his top safety tips for the holidays, which included being vigilant about donations. “People want to give, they want to help in the holiday season,” Hudes said, “but you need to be sure that it’s a legitimate charity.”

He added, “Unless you’ve initiated contact with someone, be very, very careful that you are not giving any information to anyone, no matter how legitimate it looks.” Hudes said he had received a call about a contest he had supposedly entered, and the caller asked for personal information. Hudes had not entered the contest.

Some local people, however, like Jean Bearak, are less concerned. “If something is stolen, then they probably need it more than me.” In keeping with the holiday spirit, she added, “Have a little faith.”

“The Police Departments are taking affirmative steps to ensure the safety of all people of Nassau County during the upcoming holiday season,” said Detective Vincent Garcia, the Nassau County Police Department’s public information officer. “All of our regular marked and plainclothes patrols will be intensifying their coverage of shopping malls and commercial areas.”

The NCPD suggests the following holiday shopping tips to ensure a safe experience:

- If possible, shop with a friend. There is safety in numbers.

- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

- Leave your home secure, engage alarms and give the appearance that your home is occupied by leaving lights.

- Always park in well-lit areas.

- Hide valuables in the trunk or the glove compartment.

- Scan the parking lot for suspicious-looking people before getting out of your vehicle.

- Carry your money in a front pocket, and limit the amount of credit cards and cash you carry.

- Be cognizant of distractions.

- On your way back to your vehicle, have your key in hand, ready to unlock the door.

- Carry a whistle or other audible device.

- Look around your car as you approach it, and check the seats before you get in.

- Always be aware of your surroundings.

The NCPD also offers holiday safety tips for people shopping with children. They include making a plan in case you become separated, teaching children to practice safe shopping skills, leaving clothing that has a child’s name on it at home, and always have older children shop with a friend.

According to the United States Fire Administration, fires injure more than 1,650 people and claim the lives of more than 400 each holiday season. Simple lifesaving tips will ensure a safe holiday season. Chief Carl Pugliese of the East Meadow Fire Department shared the following advice:

- Purchase a fire-resistant artificial tree.

- Make sure the base is steady so the tree won’t ti over.

- Inspect holiday lights each year and do not leave lights on unattended.

- Keep poisonous poinsettias away from children and animals.

- Do not put wrapping paper in the fireplace.