Suffolk Police Announce Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks, DUI

The Suffolk County Police Department has declared a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the possession, sale or use of illegal fireworks, and anyone driving or boating under the influence. 

In addition, and with the fourth of July upcoming, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone is beseeching the public to “enjoy the season responsibly.”

“It just makes sense to take precautions to avoid tragedies,” he said. “If you’re on the water, follow some basic rules and keep yourself and others around you out of harm’s way.”

“Don’t drink and drive,” he added. “Take the opportunity to designate a driver and you will be undertaking actions that help save your life as well as others.”

Extra patrols will be stations on roads and waterways specifically tasked with arresting people found to be operating a car or boat while intoxicated.

Every year, across the nation, hundreds of people are injured as a result of using illegal fireworks, the vast majority under 15 years old. The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s annual report indicates that between June 22 and July 22 of 2013 – prime fireworks season – over 5,000 people were treated in emergency rooms nationwide due to fireworks-related injuries. 

Additionally, about 1,000 reported injuries involved sparklers and bottle rockets – fireworks that are often falsely considered safe for young children.

“Enjoy the summer weather, the beaches and fireworks shows,” said Chief of Department James Burke. “Don’t become an arrest or injury statistic.”

The Suffolk County Police Department advises people to adhere to the following safety tips:

Boating

• Take a safe-boating course
• Monitor weather conditions
• Know the “rules of the road” when operating a boat
• Pack the proper safety devices: life jackets, distress signals, anchor with adequate rope, first-aid kit, fire extinguishers

Swimming/Sunbathing

• Never swim alone
• Never leave children unsupervised
• Don’t swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Use a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer
• Keep a long pole or ring buoy with a throwing line at hand
• Wear sunscreen and insect repellant

 Pool Safety

• Keep a constant watch on children
• If a child goes missing, check the pool first
• Remove anything that can obstruct the view of the pool
• Maintain a four-sided perimeter fence with a self-locking gate
• If the house forms one side of the fence, all doors leading to the pool must be self-locking
• Put alarms on doors and pool surface
• Provide swimming lessons for all pool users
• Insist on rest breaks for children and watch for signs of fatigue
• Explain pool rules, stressing safety near water, no running and no “horseplay”
• Familiarize children with water depths and “safe areas” to play
• Have a person available trained in CPR
• Post emergency numbers by the pool and keep a phone nearby
• Empty/turn over all kiddie pools/portable pools when not in use
• Make sure pool safety equipment works
• Store pool chemicals safely and install a pool safety cover
• Remove ladders from above-ground pools when not in use
• Check state and local building codes for backyard pool regulations

Outdoor Eating

Transport -

• When shopping, buy cold food like meat and poultry last, right before checkout
• Separate raw meat and poultry from other food in the shopping cart
• Put packages of raw meat and poultry in plastic bags to avoid cross-contamination
• Drive home directly from the grocery store
• Bring a cooler with ice for perishables
• Refrigerate perishable food within two hours – one hour when the temperature is above 90 degrees
• Place meat and poultry in the refrigerator immediately
• Freeze poultry and ground meat that won’t be used in the next couple of days
• Freeze other meat within four to five days

Safe Thawing –

• Completely thaw meat and poultry before grilling for even cooking
• Use the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing or thaw sealed packages in cold water
• For quicker thawing, microwave defrost if the food will immediately be grilled

Cleanliness –

• Be sure there are clean utensils and platters
• Don’t use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry
• Stay nearby a clean water source or bring water for preparation and cleaning
• Pack clean cloths and moist towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands

Precooking –

• Precook food partially in the microwave, oven or stove to reduce grilling time
• Make sure the food immediately goes on the preheated grill 

Smoking –

• Smoking is cooking food indirectly in the presence of fire
• Smoke in a covered grill if a pan of water is beneath the meat or poultry on the grill
• Smoke meats in a “smoker” an outdoor cooker designed for smoking
• Maintain a temperature between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit in the smoker
• Use a food thermometer to ensure a safe internal temperature