MORRIS COUNTY — As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office wants the public to have a safe Independence Day and has provided several safety tips for residents.
“School is out, the weather is warm, families go away on vacation and enjoy outdoor recreational activities. However, a vacation can sometimes turn into a bad experience. Houses can be burglarized and accidents can occur while trying to have fun. The Sheriff’s Office has specialized units that see these unfortunate situations and we would like to help prevent them,” said Sheriff James M. Gannon.
Burglary Prevention
In 2016, the Morris County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Section responded to 213 residential burglaries, 104 commercial burglaries and 175 motor vehicle burglaries. If you plan to travel, the Criminal Investigation Section suggests using the following tips:
- Contact your local police department to inquire about property checks.
- Be aware of what you post on social media, including photos and where you “check-in.” This alerts followers you are on vacation.
- Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
- Make your residence look occupied in your absence. Set indoor and outdoor lights on timers, use motion sensors and have your mail and newspapers collected.
- Do not have any home improvements done on your house while you are away.
- Invest in a camera system or alarm company for home surveillance. There are reasonably priced systems available.
- If vehicles will be in the driveway, make sure they are locked and the garage door opener is not in the vehicle.
- Lock valuable and important items in a safe place only you would know.
- Consider having a friend or family member check on the house.
Fireworks Safety
Governor Chris Christie recently signed a bill legalizing “non explosive, non aerial” fireworks such as sparklers, party poppers and smoke devices in New Jersey. These now legal items can be possessed or sold to persons 16 years of age or older. Explosive fireworks are still illegal.
Morris County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad Commander, Det/Corporal Doug Meyer said, “Any fireworks are dangerous and should not be handled recklessly. Although non explosive items are legal, there is still a harmful factor in using them.”
- A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities.
- Wear safety glasses when using fireworks.
- Use the legal fireworks in a clear outdoor area, away from people, buildings and bushes.
- Never try to make your own fireworks.
- Be careful with sparklers! They burn at approximately 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt glass. They can ignite clothing and burn hands and feet. A fun alternative is to use glow sticks instead.
Be prepared for accidents:
- Have a bucket of water and/or fire extinguisher accessible.
- If injury occurs, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. Do not touch or rub an eye injury as this may cause more damage.
- Dispose spent fireworks by wetting them and placing in a metal trash can away from a building until the next day.
Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals!
- Do not pick up pieces of fireworks after an event.
- Do not bring pets to a fireworks display to avoid exposure to the sound.
- Make sure your pet has an identification tag in case it runs away.
Safe Boating Tips
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit works in conjunction with the New Jersey State Police patrolling the waters of Lake Hopatcong from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Boating accidents can be prevented by following these safety rules:
- The operator must have an operator license, valid registration and boating safety certificate in possession.
- Have personal flotation devices (PFD) available for all passengers on board. Children 12 and under must be wearing PFDs while the vessel is moving.
- A throwable seat cushion or ring buoy must be available.
- The vessel must be equipped with an adequate horn or whistle and approved fire extinguisher.
- Navigation lights must be on between sunset and sunrise.
- Be aware of your swimming capability.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Check local weather conditions before departure.
- Use common sense – operate at a safe speed, stay alert and be respectful of navigational aids and other boaters.
For more information on the Morris County Sheriff’s Office click here.
