http://www.jstandard.com/content/item/ en _JStandard@js.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-25T07:53:42+00:00 /content/item/20734 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/thanksgiving_is_peak_day_for_home_cooking_fires/#When:23:30:06Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 November 9, 2011 –The number of home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day was three times the national average of fires per day in 2009, according the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.) NFPA is urging the public to keep fire safety in mind when preparing holiday meals. “Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of cooking and entertaining guests,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. “With so much multitasking taking place, fire hazards around the oven or stovetop can easily be overlooked. Cooks should be conscious of fire safety this Thanksgiving whether the menu is meant to serve two or 20.”November 9, 2011 –The number of home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day was three times the national average of fires per day in 2009, according the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.) NFPA is urging the public to keep fire safety in mind when preparing holiday meals. “Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of cooking and entertaining guests,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. “With so much multitasking taking place, fire hazards around the oven or stovetop can easily be overlooked. Cooks should be conscious of fire safety this Thanksgiving whether the menu is meant to serve two or 20.” Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and related injuries. In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 155,400 home fires per year involving cooking equipment. These fires caused an annual average of 390 civilian deaths, 4,800 civilian injuries, and $771 million in direct property damage. To reduce the risk of cooking fires this holiday, NFPA recommends the following safety tips: • Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stovetop. • Always stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. • When simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. • Stay alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop. If you have a cooking fire… • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave. • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path (to your way out of the home and someone has called the fire department). • Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. Visit NFPA’s website at www.nfpa.org for more information. Announcements 2011-11-09T23:30:06+00:00 /content/item/19941 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/volunteers_needed/#When:13:50:53Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 NJ Blood Services, which supplies blood products and services to 60 hospitals throughout the state, is in need of volunteers to work blood drives. The blood service volunteer is an integral member of the collection team whose task it is assist donors with registration, escorting and canteen duties, and to watch for post donation reactions. Volunteers should have the ability to relate to the public, be able to perform different jobs as needed and have the willingness to follow the rules. For additional information contact, Manager of Community Relations, R. Jan Zepka at 732-616-8741 or rzepka@nybloodcenter.org Announcements 2011-09-09T13:50:53+00:00 /content/item/19883 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/free_prostate_cancer_screenings_for_males_40_and_older/#When:18:26:31Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 Any man 40 years old or older who registers to donate whole blood or platelets at any Community Blood Services’ donor center or mobile blood drive from Monday, Sept. 12th through Saturday, Sept. 17th can request a complimentary PSA assay test — a simple prostate cancer screening test that can help detect potential disease – at the time of his donation. “Offering complimentary PSA testing during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is one way for us to say thank you to our donors and show our commitment to the health of our community members,” said Karen Ferriday, director of community affairs at Community Blood Services.Any man 40 years old or older who registers to donate whole blood or platelets at any Community Blood Services’ donor center or mobile blood drive from Monday, Sept. 12th through Saturday, Sept. 17th can request a complimentary PSA assay test — a simple prostate cancer screening test that can help detect potential disease – at the time of his donation. “Offering complimentary PSA testing during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is one way for us to say thank you to our donors and show our commitment to the health of our community members,” said Karen Ferriday, director of community affairs at Community Blood Services. The free health screening is being offered to donors who donate at the Paramus or Lincoln Park donor centers in New Jersey, or at the New Windsor donor center in New York, as well as at all other donation sites and blood drives scheduled during that week. Donors can visit http://www.communitybloodservices.com to make an appointment to donate or call toll free 866-228-1500. Whole blood donors can also walk-in but an appointment is needed to donate platelets at one of the centers which collect platelet donations. Ferriday said Community Blood Services needs continuous blood and platelet donations to ensure there is enough blood on its shelves to help patients at the 25 hospitals it serves in northern New Jersey and southern New York State. Community Blood Services currently needs all blood types, particularly Type O negative, along with plasma from AB male donors to treat burn and trauma victims and platelet donations to treat cancer patients. In New Jersey, donors can donate at the Paramus Donor Center, 970 Linwood Avenue West, Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday or Thursday, 12 noon to 7:30 p.m.; or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or they can donate at the Lincoln Park center, 63 Beaverbrook Road, Suite 304, on Tuesday or Wednesday, 1 to 6:30 p.m., or on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They can also donate on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the bloodmobile at 300 Park Place at the Mill Creek Mall. In New York, donors can donate on Monday on the bloodmobile at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, 19 Laurel Avenue, from 4-7 p.m. or at the New Windsor center, 575 Hudson Valley Ave., Suite 206, on Tuesday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 4 to 6:30 p.m.; or Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Donors also can call for a listing of convenient blood drives held on bloodmobiles in their area. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a natural protein produced by normal prostate glands in healthy men. The test measures PSA levels in the blood. An elevated PSA blood level may be a warning sign in men for prostate cancer, other urinary tract diseases or conditions such as benign enlargement of the prostate gland. According to the latest American Cancer Society statistics, in 2010 more than 218,000 men we diagnosed with prostate cancer in the U.S. and more than 32,000 died from the disease. Donors will receive a letter with their PSA test results in the mail. Men with elevated PSA levels can then have their primary care physicians review those results. Whole blood donors must be 17-75 years old (16 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. All donors will receive a complimentary mini-physical, including non-fasting cholesterol and glucose screenings and blood pressure. Community Blood Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood and blood products to 25 hospitals in New Jersey and New York. Announcements 2011-09-06T18:26:31+00:00 /content/item/13292 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/jewish_american_heritage_month_2010/#When:14:39:19Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION In 1883, the Jewish American poet Emma Lazarus composed a sonnet, entitled “The New Colossus,” to help raise funds for erecting the Statue of Liberty. Twenty years later, a plaque was affixed to the completed statue, inscribed with her words:”Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free….” These poignant words still speak to us today, reminding us of our Nation’s promise as a beacon to all who are denied freedom and opportunity in their native lands. BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION In 1883, the Jewish American poet Emma Lazarus composed a sonnet, entitled “The New Colossus,” to help raise funds for erecting the Statue of Liberty. Twenty years later, a plaque was affixed to the completed statue, inscribed with her words:”Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free….” These poignant words still speak to us today, reminding us of our Nation’s promise as a beacon to all who are denied freedom and opportunity in their native lands. Our Nation has always been both a haven and a home for Jewish Americans. Countless Jewish immigrants have come to our shores seeking better lives and opportunities, from those who arrived in New Amsterdam long before America’s birth, to those of the past century who sought refuge from the horrors of pogroms and the Holocaust. As they have immeasurably enriched our national culture, Jewish Americans have also maintained their own unique identity. During Jewish American Heritage Month we celebrate this proud history and honor the invaluable contributions Jewish Americans have made to our Nation. The Jewish American story is an essential chapter of the American narrative. It is one of refuge from persecution; of commitment to service, faith, democracy, and peace; and of tireless work to achieve success. As leaders in every facet ofAmerican life -- from athletics, entertainment, and the arts to academia, business, government, and our Armed Forces -- Jewish Americans have shaped our Nation and helped steer the course ofour history. We are a stronger and more hopeful country because so many Jews from around the world have made America their home. Today, Jewish Americans carry on their culture’s tradition of “tikkun olam” -- or “to repair the world” -- through good deeds and service. As they honor and maintain their ancient heritage, they set a positive example for all Americans and continue to strengthen our Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2010 as Jewish American Heritage Month.I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies to celebrate the heritageand contributions of Jewish Americans. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA Announcements 2010-04-30T14:39:19+00:00 /content/item/10590 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/teaneck_police_to_participate_in_operation_medicine_cabinet/#When:06:48:22Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 The Teaneck Police Department along with New Jersey DEA,  Office of the Attorney General and over 250 local police departments have signed up to participate in “Operation Medicine Cabinet”. The object is to bring public attention to an issue that is impacting our youth, our families and our communities.  This coordinated effort is available for all residents to properly dispose of their unused, unwanted and expired medicines and is the first of its kind in the nation. New Jersey Attorney General Ann Milgram said, “We can’t break a cycle of dependence if powerful prescription drugs are stashed in our homes, tucked away in drawers and cabinets.  With Operation Medicine Cabinet, we are calling on all New Jersey residents to see their medicine cabinets through new eyes — as access points for potential misuse and abuse of the over-the-counter and prescription medicine by young people”. The Teaneck Police Department along with New Jersey DEA, Office of the Attorney General and over 250 local police departments have signed up to participate in “Operation Medicine Cabinet.” The object is to bring public attention to an issue that is impacting our youth, our families and our communities. This coordinated effort is available for all residents to properly dispose of their unused, unwanted and expired medicines and is the first of its kind in the nation. New Jersey Attorney General Ann Milgram said, “We can’t break a cycle of dependence if powerful prescription drugs are stashed in our homes, tucked away in drawers and cabinets. With Operation Medicine Cabinet, we are calling on all New Jersey residents to see their medicine cabinets through new eyes — as access points for potential misuse and abuse of the over-the-counter and prescription medicine by young people”. According to recent investigation by the National Study of Drug-Use and Health, 70% of people who abuse prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives and that report indicates that upward of 9 million people use prescription medications for non-medical uses. What is equally disturbing, is that 47% of New Jersey parents of middle school students, said they know little or just about nothing about prescription drug abuse.  On November 14 and 15, 2009, the Teaneck Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert A. Wilson, will participate in Operation Medicine Cabinet from 10:00 am-2:00 pm for each of the two days. Residents are encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets or drawers of all unwanted prescription medications and drop them off at the police station.  A tent will be set up outside Police Hq. where you can conveniently dispose of these items. All medicines will be safely collected and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for proper disposal.  No questions will be asked and your identity will be protected.    - All prescription items will be accepted. - Please remove the prescription label if it contains any personal identifying information. - Liquid products (such as cough medicine) should be sealed in their original containers and the cap should be tight to prevent leakage. - SYRINGES and other SHARP instruments will NOT be accepted.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Teaneck Police Community Policing Bureau at 201-837-8759 or email at mfalvey@teaneckpolice.org. Announcements 2009-11-06T06:48:22+00:00 /content/item/10195 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/my_child_is_missing/#When:14:12:07Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 It’s a scenario familiar to every parent: You stop in a store to pick up a few items with your pre-schooler in tow. “Stay right with me” you say as you turn your attention to the sales rack for a second. You feel your child playing next to you… when suddenly that sixth sense that prickles the back of your neck, kicks in. Your child is not near you anymore. You looked away for only a second and now he is gone. You try to keep your cool as you call his name louder and louder, but only silence fills the air. Your heart is pounding and your mind is filled with horrible thoughts; “Help me, my child is missing”, you cry out to anyone who will listen. It’s a scenario familiar to every parent: You stop in a store to pick up a few items with your pre-schooler in tow. “Stay right with me” you say as you turn your attention to the sales rack for a second. You feel your child playing next to you… when suddenly that sixth sense that prickles the back of your neck, kicks in. Your child is not near you anymore. You looked away for only a second and now he is gone. You try to keep your cool as you call his name louder and louder, but only silence fills the air. Your heart is pounding and your mind is filled with horrible thoughts; “Help me, my child is missing”, you cry out to anyone who will listen. The store employees immediately jump into action sealing off the store and calling 911. Just as suddenly, your child returns with a big smile and a new found stuffed animal from the store’s display. The color returns to your face, your heart-rate de-escalates and that feeling of despair retreats to one of total relief and exhaustion. Thank you’s to the people that helped just don’t seem adequate. Actual stranger child abductions are rare, but they do happen. We hear the names, Etan Patz, Adam Walsh, Poly Klaus, Megan Kanka and Amber Hagerman (after whom the Amber Alert was named). These are just a few names that echo fear in parents’ hearts. At one point or another in a child’s life they all go “missing”. Most often, they return on their own safe and sound. But even this short disappearance will cause any parent to confront the worse fear- my child is missing and I don’t know where they are. Statistics show that true stranger abductions are rare, and most of these are directly linked to relatives or family “friends”. What should I do if my child is missing? If your child is missing from your home, call 911 and start a search the house checking closets, laundry (yes, even the washing machine and dryer) in an under beds and in vehicles. Look wherever a child might crawl or hide. Time is critical. When the police arrive we will check your home again. If needed, a police dog trained in tracking can be called in to assist. Recently we found a missing child hiding under the attic insulation batts. She was safe albeit hot, sweaty and very itchy! Lesson learned. If you child should disappear from a store, notify the store manager, then YOU immediately call 911 to report it. Most stores have operational plans and practice sealing off all store exits. Follow the store manager’s directions until a police officer arrives and then we will take control of the search. When you call law enforcement, provide your child’s name, date of birth, weight, height, and any other unique identifiers such as eyeglasses or braces. Provide a complete description of clothing from head to toe. Answer all questions from the 911 operators and stay on the phone until Officers arrive. Keep a photo of each one of your children with you. With current electronic advances (IPods, cell phone cameras) we might be able to download a photo within seconds to other law enforcement agencies around the United States. The photo should be recent, head and shoulders, in color and the background should be as plain as possible. A photo should also be available at home, meeting the same criteria as above. Listen to the directions of law enforcement and cooperate fully. Teach you children to be alert around strangers and what to do if approached or assaulted. Tell them to trust their feelings if something does not feel right. Report any suspicious activity immediately to the police and listen to your child if she/he tells you about any incidents. Keep calm. 99% of all missing children are found safe or return home shortly. Every year the the Teaneck Police Department, under the guidance of Chief Robert A. Wilson, responds to many calls of missing children. Through cooperation with parents, schools and local business establishments we strive to keep our children safe from harm and we have been successful in this endeavor. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the Community Policing Bureau at 201-837-8759 or email mfalvey@teaneckpolice.org. Announcements 2009-10-13T14:12:07+00:00 /content/item/9943 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/driving_while_texting/#When:20:28:59Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 I wasn’t talking on my cell phone, Officer. I was texting” says the driver stopped by the Police. “Why am I getting a ticket? The New Jersey Motor Vehicle statute states, “The use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a moving vehicle shall be unlawful except when using a hands-free device”. This includes Driving While Texting. DWT. A recently release study by the National Highway Safety Administration reports that possibly 50% of all crashes in the United States are caused by some form of a distraction: cell phone usage, reading while driving and IPod usage. One in four Americans admit to texting while driving. While not condoning the practice of talking on the cell phone, studies have reported that it is less dangerous than texting- mainly because talking does not require looking at the cell phone. In contrast, when sending or reading a text message, drivers take their eyes off the road ahead to type out or view a response. A close second to dangerous texting is using an IPod- which also diverts individual’s attention from the road when selecting songs or playlists. This problem is acute with drivers aged 17-25 who feel they can multi-task driving with electronic device operation. They cannot. Last year a freight train collided with a Metro-Link commuter train in Chatsworth California. Twenty-five people were killed and 135 were injured. The investigation revealed the freight train driver had been sending and receiving text messages while operating the train. In April of 2009, a California woman was sentenced to six years in prison because she crashed into a line of stopped cars while texting, killing one of the passengers. These are, unfortunately, just two examples from a long list of fatalities cause by texting. Remember, in the eyes of New Jersey Motor Vehicle laws, using a cell phone without a hands free device- either talking or texting- is a violation. The Teaneck Police Department will issue you a summons for this infraction and the fine is $100.00. As we have discussed in past articles, the Teaneck Police Department is actively enforcing cell phone usage while driving. We ask that you simply pull over to a safe location to use your electronic device. Please do not block a roadway, driveway or a pedestrian walkway when you stop. Educate the young drivers you know to the dangers of texting and driving and re-enforce that if you discover they disregarded your direction, the ramifications will be harsh. I would recommend that young drivers and parents alike view a YouTube public safety video out of the United Kingdom. It is a gruesome simulation that reminds us of what can happen when you text and drive. This video is not for the faint-hearted. Education is our first line of defense in preventing easily avoidable accidents. The Teaneck Police Department under the command of Chief Robert A. Wilson implores the motoring public to adhere to the laws and use hands free devices when operating a vehicle. Let not a tragedy happen in Teaneck and do not use a cell phone or electronic any electronic device contrary to law. If you have any question or concerns, please feel free to contact the Community Policing Bureau at 201-837-8759 or email: mfalvey@teaneckpolice.org. Announcements 2009-09-25T20:28:59+00:00 /content/item/9656 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/lets_not_let_our_guard_down/#When:14:01:39Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 It has almost been 10 years since our homeland was attacked on September 11, 2001. Since that time we have come a long way in making the country we live in a more secure and aware place to live. The Department of Homeland Security and the many other state and local agencies have kept our country and airspace free from attack. Our law enforcement and intelligence officers have brought our ability to gather, share, interpret and react to information to levels never before imagined, but still we have a long way to go. Just because an attack has not happened in a long time does not mean it can not occur at any minute. Although we have countless government agencies watching the world, we as citizens of this Township need to stay vigilant. It has almost been 10 years since our homeland was attacked on September 11, 2001. Since that time we have come a long way in making the country we live in a more secure and aware place to live. The Department of Homeland Security and the many other state and local agencies have kept our country and airspace free from attack. Our law enforcement and intelligence officers have brought our ability to gather, share, interpret and react to information to levels never before imagined, but still we have a long way to go. Just because an attack has not happened in a long time does not mean it can not occur at any minute. Although we have countless government agencies watching the world, we as citizens of this Township need to stay vigilant. It is important not to forget that we are still at an elevated level of alert which means there continues to be a high risk of a terrorist attack here in New Jersey. A stark reminder was the May 2009 arrests of individuals planning to bomb synagogues in New York. Luckily the plans were thwarted before the operation was complete, but it shook the community into a state of high alert as many of our Teaneck neighbors know friends and relatives in that area and have close ties to those neighborhoods. Law enforcement agencies need all citizens to be the extra set of eyes and ears in our communities. A well informed and well-engaged citizenry is a critical component of New Jersey’s homeland security strategy. It was an electronic store clerk who reported what appeared to be terrorist activity on a home video. He contacted the authorities which led to the investigation and arrest of five individuals who were planning a terrorist attack at the military base in Fort Dix, New Jersey. One person made a big contribution to all our safety. The State of New Jersey is continuing the public awareness program, “Our most effective weapon against terrorism is you.” The campaign urges citizens to notify law enforcement either by phone or by email if they observe anything suspicious. The New York City Police Department and other city, state and federal agencies have issued similar bulletins. What can we do? The same level of alertness that was used to after 9/11 should still be in effect today. We ask you, members of the Teaneck community to do the following: If you see something suspicious, notify the police department immediately. We are available 24/7 and we investigate EVERY call. Know your neighbors and neighborhood. Look for anything out of the ordinary. Be prepared for any emergency. This includes natural disasters. Do you have an emergency plan for your family? Do you have enough supplies to last for at least three days in your home? Have an emergency supply kit in all your cars. Have a predetermined place/plan to meet in case an emergency occurs while the family is apart. Make sure your child’s school has a emergency plan that both the child and you understand. Keep a copy at home and at work so it is always available. Know how to shelter in place or evacuate if needed. Take a look at the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security’s web site. It has all the important information available for you to plan for any emergency: www.njhomelandsecurity.gov, or 1866-4SAFE-NJ. The Teaneck Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert A. Wilson, is prepared to respond to any threat or emergency as we work together as a community to keep Teaneck a strong and secure place to live and work. If you have any questions or comments, you can call the Community Policing Bureau at 201-837-8759 or email at mfalvey@teaneckpolice.org. Announcements 2009-09-07T14:01:39+00:00 /content/item/9655 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/jogger_pedestrian_safety/#When:13:58:12Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 Teaneck Police Department We often see news accounts of joggers/walkers who were struck and injured by moving vehicles. Jogging and walking is supposed to be a healthy activity, but it can be much more hazardous than a pulled muscle or sore feet. Anytime you mix pedestrians and vehicles together, there is an inherent risk. In 2008, 39 persons were injured involving pedestrian/vehicle accidents in Teaneck and luckily, no fatalities were reported. In 2007, 42 pedestrians were injured with one fatality. In these incidents, the majority occurred at intersections. In 2005, a jogger was struck and killed by a hit and run driver while running on Queen Anne Rd. in the early morning hours. An intense investigation was conducted and the driver was later identified and charged with a crime. Teaneck Police Department We often see news accounts of joggers/walkers who were struck and injured by moving vehicles. Jogging and walking is supposed to be a healthy activity, but it can be much more hazardous than a pulled muscle or sore feet. Anytime you mix pedestrians and vehicles together, there is an inherent risk. In 2008, 39 persons were injured involving pedestrian/vehicle accidents in Teaneck and luckily, no fatalities were reported. In 2007, 42 pedestrians were injured with one fatality. In these incidents, the majority occurred at intersections. In 2005, a jogger was struck and killed by a hit and run driver while running on Queen Anne Rd. in the early morning hours. An intense investigation was conducted and the driver was later identified and charged with a crime. The New Jersey laws on pedestrian activity are very simple but sometimes difficult to adhere to. It states that where sidewalks are provided, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. In Teaneck we have a unique situation. On some streets, there are no sidewalks which forces pedestrians and vehicles to “share” the roadway. In this case, the responsibility falls equally to both. The pedestrian “shall when practicable, walk only on the extreme left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing approaching traffic”, (NJS: 39-4-34). On the other side, the vehicle operator has a responsibility to use caution when a pedestrian is on the roadway. “Nothing contained herein, shall relieve a driver from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway”, (NJS: 39-4-36). Of course, the safety of all residents is our main concern and educating everyone about pedestrian safety is at the top of the list. Here are some tips: Run/walk on the sidewalk and out of the roadway, if at all possible. Be alert for obstacles and problems where you run/walk such as unleashed dogs, icy areas, low branches and pot holes. Have a planned route. Let someone know when you leave, the route you will take and the time you plan on returning. Carry identification with you and a cell phone, if practical. Several companies offer identification badges that attach to shoes and clothing which are unobtrusive and quickly recognized by any emergency service person. Wear reflective clothing, even when it is bright and sunny. The more visible you are to vehicles the better. Run/walk with a friend. The buddy system is always enjoyable and a safe idea. Stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings. Earphones are nice to keep you motivated, but they can also eliminate sounds of approaching danger. How about turning the volume down a bit so you can still hear what is around you. Trust your feelings and intuitions when it comes to various situations you may encounter. Do not just dismiss them. Drivers: be observant, be patient and yield to all persons in crosswalks. The Teaneck Police Department, under the command of Chief Robert A. Wilson, is committed to working together with our fellow residents, to keep our neighborhoods safe and secure. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Teaneck Police Department Community Policing Bureau at 201-837-8759 or email at mfalvey@teaneckpolice.org. Announcements 2009-09-07T13:58:12+00:00 /content/item/9654 http://www.jstandard.com/index.php/site/downturn_economy_and_increased_crime/#When:13:50:55Z Notice: Undefined offset: -1 in /var/www/vhosts/jstandard.com/httpdocs/system/core/core.functions.php(663) : eval()'d code on line 43 It is the big question all law abiding citizens have: if the nation’s economy is slipping towards new depths, will crime be on the upswing? The nation’s press all hypothesize with new theories that this is a fact, but is it reality? One thing is for sure, this topic makes for a good story in the papers and on TV. If you tracked crime and the economy together in the past, you could make a good argument that crime has risen with bad economic times. In the late 1970’s and 80’s, the nationwide crime explosion occurred during those hard times. But since then, crime has dropped to historically low levels not seen since the early 1960’s. A recent study done by the Federal Reserve of St. Louis found, “weak evidence across U.S. cities that economic conditions significantly influence short-run changes in crime.” It is the big question all law abiding citizens have: if the nation’s economy is slipping towards new depths, will crime be on the upswing? The nation’s press all hypothesize with new theories that this is a fact, but is it reality? One thing is for sure, this topic makes for a good story in the papers and on TV. If you tracked crime and the economy together in the past, you could make a good argument that crime has risen with bad economic times. In the late 1970’s and 80’s, the nationwide crime explosion occurred during those hard times. But since then, crime has dropped to historically low levels not seen since the early 1960’s. A recent study done by the Federal Reserve of St. Louis found, “weak evidence across U.S. cities that economic conditions significantly influence short-run changes in crime.” The current truth is that an increase of crime across the board has not followed the lead of the economy. Yes, some property crimes are slightly elevated, but overall the crime rate has continued to decrease every year for the last decade. Major cities from Los Angeles to New York see no current appreciable increase in crime. Locally, Teaneck has not seen any significant uptick in crime either. The only slight increase in the Teaneck crime rate are opportunistic incidents that come with a tight economy (shopliftings/burglary/thefts). There is no increase in violent crime (robbery, assaults etc) statistics, both for 2008 and the start of 2009. Does this mean the crime rate will not go up? The answer the police give is, “never say never.” We watch crime trends carefully, continue our active crime prevention programs and listen intently to the members of the community. With these proactive strategies, the Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert A. Wilson, can maintain Teaneck as a safe place to live and work. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Teaneck Police Department’s Community Policing Bureau at 201-837-8759 or email: mfalvey@teaneckpolice.org. Announcements 2009-09-07T13:50:55+00:00