Politics & Government

'Jack Frost' Seminars to Prepare for Winter

Town Notebook: Pedestrian safety tips.

The temperatures may be dropping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay warm this winter.  To prepare, consider attending an upcoming “Getting Ready for Jack Frost Seminar.”

Sponsored by the Town of North Hempstead, the events are scheduled for the Herricks Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. and at Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.

The seminars will cover winter safety, driving tips, health and medical information and recommendations on how to protect yourself and your home during the frigid weather.

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Reservations are recommended, by calling 311 or 516-869-6311.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

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Eastern Standard Time means early nightfall, and pedestrians are urged to take caution, especially at busy intersections.

The Town of North Hempstead is encouraging residents to report any intersections where there is not adequate time to cross by calling 311 or (516) 869-6311.  The town will then report problems with lights and crossing signals to the appropriate authority. 

Even though dusk sets early, Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, D-Great Neck points out the streets are still populated by joggers and those walking to attend religious services.

The following safety tips serve to help prevent accidents:

  • Use crosswalks. Sometimes pedestrians can cause an accident by crossing between cars or mid-block.  A majority of pedestrian fatalities occur where drivers do not expect a pedestrian.
  • Press the crosswalk button for the maximum crossing time.  Wait until the beginning of a crosswalk cycle to begin crossing.
  • Before you start crossing, make sure you look in all directions for oncoming vehicles, especially for turning vehicles.
  • If you are not sure if a driver has seen you, let the car go before attempting to cross the street.
  • Make sure the driver acknowledges you and stops fully.  Also check to be sure that there isn’t another car  next to it that does not see you.
  • Don’t trust the system. Drivers are more distracted than ever, and many fail to yield to pedestrians’ right of way. Look out for yourself; don’t trust that drivers will stop for you. Wait until it is safe before stepping into the street.
  • Be seen. Reflective materials are more visible at night than wearing white because instead of absorbing light, they reflect light back. Reflective tape along with blinking lights can be purchased at all of our local hardware stores and 99-cent stores.  


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