Holiday Season Safety Tips from the 5Th Precinct

The source of the following is the November 2011 Suffolk County Police Department Newsletter:


The Suffolk County Police Department wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season—please assist us in ensuring your safety by considering the information contained below, and by always acting in a safe and responsible manner.


Holiday Safety: The day after Thanksgiving, commonly known as ―Black Friday, has become increasingly popular during these challenging economic times as people search for better deals and discounts. Regrettably, in the excitement of seeking shopping values, thefts, accidents and tragedies often occur. Although the Suffolk County Police Department deploys extra patrols during the holiday season, it is incumbent on everyone to take basic precautions to ensure the safety and security of themselves and their possessions.


Driving Safety: Suffolk County’s roadways are increasingly crowded during the shopping season, and parking lots can be quite congested. Motorists must exercise extreme caution when driving, remaining alert and attentive, refraining from engaging in distracted driving behavior such as talking on a cell phone or texting. Many crashes occur in parking lots during the holiday season and it’s for this reason it is incumbent on all to drive at a slow speed, using caution when approaching parking lot intersections, and to remain alert for vehicles backing out of parking spaces, and pedestrians. Never park in fire zones—doing so not only creates an obstruction for emergency responders, but creates a hazardous situation for pedestrians as well. Also, never park in handicapped spaces unless you have a valid permit—fines are significant, and worse yet, you may prevent someone from using the space who truly needs it!


Shopping and Crowd Safety: Great shopping deals can mean large crowds and long lines at retail stores. The stress and anticipation of doors opening and the frustration of waiting on long lines can make others aggressive. If you see a large, unorganized crowd gathering, step back and remove yourself from the situation. No matter how significant the deals, they are not worth risking injury. If you see any hazardous behavior, such as an unorganized or disorderly crowd, call 911 and remember to remain calm at all times.


If you plan on shopping those midnight madness sales well into the night, do not shop alone! Taking along a shopping buddy will not only make your shopping experience a more enjoyable one, it will make it a safer one as well. When shopping, be sure your purse and wallet are secure on your person and closed—never leave them unattended in a shopping cart or in a dressing room.


Be sure GPS navigation devices, EZ Passes, cell phones and other electronics are not in view in your vehicle. Secure them in the glove compartment or out of sight. Nothing is more attractive to a thief than an unlocked car or a car filled with recent purchases. Be sure packages are out of view or secured in the trunk, and be sure to always keep your vehicle windows closed and doors locked.


Avoid the ATM at night. If you will be paying with cash, make your withdrawals ahead of time during daylight hours. If using an ATM at night, use one that is in a well-lit, heavily populated area and preferably indoors.


Have a game plan of where you will be shopping and an estimated time when you will arrive home, and share this information with family or friends. Carry a cell phone with you in case of emergency.


Don’t Drink and Drive This Holiday Season: Many people aren’t aware that Thanksgiving Eve has become a party night among young adults. Many college students come home for the holiday and get together with friends the evening before Thanksgiving to socialize. To ensure that everyone has fun and stays safe – NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE. Everyone who plans to celebrate away from home should designate a driver if they plan on drinking alcoholic beverages—something every parent should discuss with both their children who drive and those who don’t. The Suffolk County Police Department will be deploying extra DWI patrols this holiday season and will continue to aggressively enforce laws relating to driving under the influence. Severe penalties accompany a DWI conviction including stiff fines, jail time and seizure of your motor vehicle. If those penalties are not enough of a deterrent, remember DWI-related crashes often have devastating effects, including serious injury and loss of life.


Underage Drinking: Underage drinking is a significant problem across the nation, and Suffolk County is not immune. Suffolk County ’s Social Host Law is designed to reduce underage drinking gatherings where an adult allows minors to drink alcoholic beverages. This law applies to any adult, including parents, who knowingly allow consumption of alcohol by any person under the age of 21 at a residence that adult owns, rents or otherwise controls, and fails to take reasonable corrective action upon learning of the consumption of alcohol by minors. The Social Host Law is strictly enforced by the Suffolk County Police Department, and allows for penalties up to $1,000.


Please Note: The New York State Penal Law, Alcohol Beverage Control Law, and other state and local regulations contain numerous other ordinances that make it a crime to engage in unlawful conduct with persons under the age of 21. These statutes prohibit the sale of alcohol to persons under 21, the purchase of alcohol for someone who is under 21, the possession of alcohol by persons under 21, as well as laws pertaining to engaging in conduct that endangers the welfare of persons of a protected age


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