A Reminder From The Public Works Department
The last day for placing leaves in the street for this season was Dec. 1. Please advise your landscapers not to place the leaves into the street and to take them away. The public works department will be starting its final pass through the village next week, equipment will then be retrofitted for ice and snow removal. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Police Department News
During this time of year, courier delivered packages left at the front of residences are often stolen. Residents expecting packages should make arrangements with family or friends to have delivered packages removed as soon as possible. Residents may also make arrangements with the courier service to pick up their packages at a local depot.
In addition, residents are urged to call the police when it appears that a vehicle is following a delivery van/truck such as UPS or FedEx. Subjects often follow these trucks along their delivery route and when the vehicle leaves a residence after dropping off packages, the suspects will enter the property to remove the packages.
Fire Department News
When most people think about the holidays, family festivities and good cheer likely come to mind. What few of us consider is that the holidays also present an increased risk of home fires. Home fires during the holiday season often involve cooking, Christmas trees, candles and holiday decorations. By taking some preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented during the holidays and beyond.
Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holiday season, December is the peak month for home candle fires. More than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire. When burning candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.
If you have an artificial tree, be sure that it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched, before placing it in the stand, cut a half inch from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand and be sure to water it daily. Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit and is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory and make sure that you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw in bulbs. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
As always, please visit our website www.gcfdny.com for safety tips and remember we are just a phone call away. For fire emergency, please dial 516-746-2800.
Toys For Tots Program
With the holiday season coming near, it is the time to reflect upon how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to share these times with family and friends. As you may be aware, there are many displaced children and adults who are not so fortunate.
In an effort to bring some happiness to families who will not have the resources to provide a gift for their child this year, the Garden City Police Department has a gift depository for the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program.
In the spirit of giving, I ask that if you are able to do so, please drop off an unused, unwrapped gift into the collection box in the lobby of the Garden City Police Department by Saturday, Dec. 20. Your generous gift, no matter how small, could make a difference in the life of another. Thank you in advance for your support of this most worthwhile program.
Board Of Trustees Meeting Schedule
The next regularly scheduled board of trustees meeting will be held on Dec. 18. I encourage all residents to attend board of trustees meetings so as to be thoroughly informed of village issues from a firsthand perspective.
