Village of Sloan Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is a program that stresses education and common sense. It teaches
citizens how to help themselves by identifying and reporting suspicious activity in their
neighborhoods. In addition, it provides citizens with the opportunity to make their
neighborhoods safer and improve the quality of life. Participants make their neighborhood
a safer place to live by adopting a more observant and active attitude, and, as a result,
become more aware of strange cars, persons, or circumstances. Participation in
Neighborhood Watch is not something that takes a lot of time. What participants do to
make their homes more secure and how alert they become is entirely up to them. As a
result, neighbors will get to know each other better and will become more aware of strange
cars, persons or circumstances that might require calling the police.
The most important thing to remember for everyone is to call the police immediately about
all suspicious activity. Do not worry about “bothering” the police or being embarrassed if
your suspicions prove to be unfounded. Think ahead about what could happen if you don’t
act. The purpose for reporting suspicious activity to the police is to stop the criminal
activity, increase police presence in your neighborhood and give a true perspective of
crime. Don’t wait till something happens to get involved. BE PROACTIVE, NOT
REACTIVE. If anyone is interested in participating in a Sloan Neighborhood Watch group,
there will be a meeting on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 7:00pm at the Piekarski Community
Center. One of our Village residents, Brian Rogala and Trustee Norbert Czosek have been
attending Neighborhood Watch meetings in Cheektowaga and are encouraging our Village
residents to get involved. Report all suspicious activity to the Cheektowaga Police Dept.
Front Desk 686-3510.
Village of Sloan A.V.E.R.T.
Summer would not be complete without barbeques, picnics, outdoor activities, and fun
with our pets. However, this fun can become dangerous or fatal if some precautions are
not observed.
Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of fires or explosions because of
improper storage, maintenance or use of gas grills. Check the tubes that lead into the
burner for any blockages, cracking, brittleness, holes or leaks. If you detect a leak,
immediately turn off the gas and don’t attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed. Do
not use a grill indoors, garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can
catch fire.
Along with grill safety is food safety. According to the CDCP, an estimated 76 million
persons each year experience food borne illness’s in the U.S. Most can be prevented
using the following 5 steps: (1) Prepare food correctly - always wash your hands and use
clean utensils and containers. (2) Pack for safety – Transport food in coolers keeping
beverages separate from perishables. (3) Thoroughly cook food all at one time. (4) Keep
cold foods cold, and hot foods hot. Do not let them sit out for more than one hour. (5)
Handle leftovers appropriately. You cannot rely on how food looks, smells or tastes to
decide if it is safe to keep. If in doubt, throw it out!
Help your pets beat the heat! Never leave your dog in the car for even a few minutes in
the heat. Make sure you provide them plenty of water. Provide some type of shelter from
the sun. Do any vigorous exercise with your dog in the cooler hours of the morning or
evening.
Lastly, keep yourself safe during hot weather. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of
your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Sweating releases salts and
minerals from your body. A sports beverage can replace what you lose. Wear appropriate
clothing and apply sunscreen if you plan on being outdoors. Pace yourself and schedule
outdoor activities carefully. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound, you become
lightheaded, confused, weak or faint – get into a cool area and rest. Have a safe and fun
summer this year!
A.V.E.R.T. and Neighborhood Watch
©Village of Sloan, NY, 2009-2011
