Clinton Township Newsletter

1 7 j u l y 2 0 2 2 Residents are encouraged to be vigilant about locking their homes, not just when away on vacation, but also while at work during the day. Although many of us live in quiet neighborhoods, it is important to remember that with three major highways intersecting in the Township (Routes 22, 31 and 78), it is easy for dishonest persons to break into a home, steal what can be taken quickly, and escape via one of these routes. Some good rules to remember: n Always lock your home, even if leaving for a very short time n Insist your children do the same, especially if they are home alone after school n Keep a good relationship with your neighbors, and ask them to watch for any suspicious activity n If you return home, and feel that something just "isn't quite right", leave quickly, and call 911 from a neighbor's home n Don't make it obvious that you are away for an extended time, (take care of your mail, newspapers, etc.) n Don't leave an outgoing message on your answering machine, stating you are out of town or on social media HOME SECURITY STREET SIGN THEFT The Clinton Township Police Department and Public Works Department have reported a significant increase in the theft of street signs and stop signs. Missing signs can cause a serious safety issue in that traffic accidents may occur and emergency personnel can be delayed in providing assistance to those in need. Additionally, street signs cost approximately $200 to replace, thereby costing taxpayer dollars. A summons, court appearance and fine are possible penalties for persons apprehended stealing signs. www.nj.gov/dca/news/news/2021/approved/20210527.html Fireworks-Use Guidelines for Upcoming Holiday Celebrations Follow These Guidelines to Keep You and Your Family Safe In advance of upcoming holiday celebrations, Division of Fire Safety Director and New Jersey State Fire Marshal Richard J. Mikutsky is cautioning residents about the use of fireworks during Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Fourth of July, which increase the risk of fireworks injury and property damage. For those who opt to use permitted fireworks, the following guidelines apply: n Never allow young children to play with, or ignite, fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. n Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap. n Light fireworks one at a time, and then move away quickly. n Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away. n Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. n Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone. n After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire. Small, Non-Aerial Fireworks Safety n Only buy from reputable places. n Don't buy if packaging is damaged or appears tampered with. n Don't try and "fix" broken or "dud" fireworks. n While non-aerial fireworks may be legal, they can still burn you. Temperatures of one sparkler can reach about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and are not toys for children. n Never use indoors. n Always have water handy and follow manufacturer's instructions. n NEVER relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes to dispose of properly. Small, Non-Aerial Fireworks Safe Disposal n Completely soak used or "dud" fireworks in a bucket of water and allow them to soak overnight. n Double-wrap soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to help keep them from drying out. n Place wrapped bags in regular household garbage. The Division of Fire Safety, responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code and implementing community risk reduction and firefighter training programs,serves as the central fire service agency in the State. For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca.

• Cover