COJO Reviews Summer Safety Tips and Practices with the Staten Island Community

On June 24, 2021, at Pct. 121, located in the Grantville section of Staten Island, the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), and its Security Committee met with Inspector Bruce Cepararno, commanding officer, Pct. 121 and with Captain Michael Galletta, executive officer, Pct. 121 to discus and review Summer 2021 security and safety.

 “The period of Covid has been a grueling and frightening period. We as a community have suffered immensely and thank goodness, we are positively transitioning on the path back to  a return to a more normal stable life. Fortunately, the summer is approaching and with the summer sunshine we optimistically will take advantage of the weather and the opportunity to relieve the pain, stress and pressure caused by Covid. We at COJO cannot thank enough, Inspector Ceparano and Captain Galletta for taking the time from their busy schedules then to review with the community proper summer safety and to remind the community that the summer should be fun, secure, and safe. Again this is further evidence how fortunate we are in Staten Island in having such wonderful dedicated police officers such as Inspector Ceparano and Captain Galletta who truly care and their sincere devotion makes the difference in the lives of the public whom they faithfully serve,” so remarked Mendy Mirocznik, president, COJO.  

 

Ari Weiss, COJO security chairman and coordinator of Staten Island Shomrim, thanked, “Inspector Ceparano and Captain Galletta, for their partnership and friendship during these trying times. Our mutual respect and collaborative efforts paid off. As we enter the summer, we once again need to prepare the community and we thank Inspector Ceparano and Captain Galletta for taking the interest and time to help us with this important task. Through working together, I know that we will have an enjoyable, safe summer.”

 

Inspector Ceparano and Captain Galletta reviewed proper safety protocol, and Inspector Ceparano and Captain Galletta firmly advised the community to remember to beat the heat. Anybody can be at risk for a heat illness and we should always remember to Stay in a cool, shaded area. Keep yourself hydrated. Wear clothing that's loose and light. Don’t overdo it—work, play, and exercise more lightly than usual. Protect yourself from the sun with shade and sunscreen. Stay informed. Know the signs and symptoms of heat overexposure, and what you can do to help. Follow these summer safety tips, like taking extra breaks and drinking lots of water.

 

They further reviewed bug safety mosquitoes can cause several illnesses, including Zika Virus and West Nile Virus. Learn what you can do to protect yourself at work and play.

 

They then discussed playgrounds and sport safety. Emergency departments see more than 20,000

children ages 14 and younger for playground-related traumatic brain injury each year. They emphasized the need to properly use playground equipment and not to do anything that is not recommended with such equipment. In the strongest terms possible they stressed to stay away from fireworks which besides being illegal are also dangerous.

 

As to pools they stressed the need for water safety. In 2019 alone drowning caused 3,709 deaths.

Please they ask, never swim in a pool without proper lifeguards and supervision. They also

reminded the community that the younger the child, the greater the risks are. 

 

As to biking, they reminded bicyclist to take extra precautions when they ride. Bicyclists often share the road with other vehicles and pedestrians, but injuries can even happen on a bike path. Their strongest point was to always wear a helmet and to have proper light reflective gear especially for an evening bike ride and to obey all the rules of the road.

 

Finally, they stressed pedestrian safety.  They strongly reminded pedestrians to be careful not to get distracted with a cell phone while walking, Unfortunately, this is a huge sad problem, and

rarely are we more vulnerable than the times we are walking, crossing streets and negotiating traffic.

 

“Following these summer safety tips as reviewed by Inspector Ceparano and Captain Galletta will allow us to have a fun and safe summer,” stated Scott Maurer, CEO, and executive vice-president, COJO. It may appear to be common sense; however, it is common sense that is forgotten many a time and it is only though proper review do we pay attention and exercise precaution. Thank you Inspector Ceparano and Captain Galletta for reviewing common sense practical safety tips which hopefully will reduce visits to the emergency room.”

 

Inspector Ceparano concluded the Summer Safety review and thanked COJO for organizing this important meeting. “COJO its leadership team of Mendy Mirocznik, Scott Maurer and Ari Weiss have been on the forefront with assisting the community throughout this dark period of Covid. These informational meetings such as summer safety are a true service to the community. By having the NYPD engage the community with positive interactions not only builds better ties with the NYPD, but it helps build stronger community relationship which leads to greater trust and confidence with the NYPD. I thank COJO for taking the lead on such issues and cannot express enough how important, crucial and valuable this vital NYPD-COJO relationship truly is. Thank you COJO for being there for Staten Island