CLOSE
Tags Posts tagged with "editorial"

editorial

by -
0 1048
Downtown Port Jefferson flooded during Superstorm Sandy. File photo

This week’s Port Jefferson Civic meeting devoted a great deal of time to all things flood-related.

Now, of course, flood prevention is not unique. It is something all communities think about — especially, a port town.

But, why did the Village of Port Jefferson feel so strongly about a little bit of water falling from the sky, that they have decided to implement a two-phase plan, to build infrastructure designed to aid areas “[vulnerable] to flooding, associated with individual and co-occurring flood drivers?”

There are a few reasons. The first one is that this problem is not small, at all. It is much more dire than the flooding of yesteryear. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Long Island’s sea level has risen 13 inches from 1880. Just to put that figure into perspective, the global average is 8-9 inches. Secondly, warming temperatures have created hurricanes, with intense conditions, putting our island at increased storm surge-induced flooding, (for this factor, the South Shore is at a much higher risk.) And, lastly, Port Jefferson’s unique geography. Being situated on the harbor front, the village becomes susceptible to the strong flooding a confined harbor can induce.

Additionally, the area’s high groundwater table means that the soil does not have much capacity for additional water, thus exacerbating surface runoff, on an already small watershed. The geography of Port Jeff is, truly, unique, as it is a valley, which creates the imperfect opportunity for water to run down, from all directions — affording it the nickname “Drowned Meadow.”

So, what can we, as a community, do to prevent floods from disrupting our livelihoods? While this issue requires the careful care of our local government, as it is a truly serious issue, here are a few general suggestions:

• Consider purchasing a sump pump, to prevent basement or crawl space flooding.

• Ensure new building and development does not occur in flood-prone areas, or historic hurricane tracks.

• Merge nature-based solutions and infrastructure, to enhance resilience. An example would be improving upon infrastructure in need of flood safeguards, or replenishing beaches, to avoid erosion, and ensure the land’s natural slope and profile stays intact.

• Minimize your greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce the risk of severe storms. Starting is as easy as purchasing home appliances that are Energy Star — products approved by the EPA — certified, and lowering the thermostat.

• Bolster awareness. Talk to neighbors about the dangers of climate-influenced natural disasters, and generate community action. We need it

by -
0 954
METRO photo

It is, unfortunately, not a new phenomenon.

According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24, with the leading causes being reckless driving and distracted driving while, often, under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Since Memorial Day weekend, drunk/drugged driving in Suffolk has claimed approximately three lives a week, and since 2018, the trend of drugged driving deaths has grown exponentially — 35% — statewide.

Suffolk County is a prime contributor to that number.

Maureen McCormick, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Vehicular Crimes prosecutor, recently said that the innocence of most of these vehicular crime victims is what is truly alarming about these cases.

And, with the state’s push to treat individuals intoxicated with drugs as firmly as those found drunk at the scene of a crash — as of now, a drugged driver in the state can only be charged with a DUI if the officer can name the drug the person has taken, and if said drug is included in a catalog of substances commonly tested for — why has a coalition of advocates been getting turned down in Albany for many years? And, why is America one of a quarter of countries that has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08, while the rest of the world only allows a limit of 0.05?

So, what can we do about the dangers of drunk/drugged driving? Here are some tips to stay safe on the roads.

• When going out, be sure to secure a nondrinking driver, ahead of time, to ensure a plan, and avoid in-the-moment confusion.

• Alternate drinking alcoholic beverages with soda, juice or water.

• Do not mix alcohol with other drugs, including over-the-counter and prescription medications.

• Do not get into the car with an impaired driver. Use other means of transportation such as a taxi, public transportation or driver who is sober.

• It is wise to have no substances in your system when operating a vehicle, even if you are within legal limits.

• Keep in mind: Even if you take prescription medication, avoid driving if it makes you drowsy, or lowers your energy levels. A substance does not have to be illicit to cause danger to yourself and others on the roads. Have someone drive you, when possible.

• Buckle up! If hit, a seatbelt reduces the risk of serious injury by 50% in the front seats, and up to 75%, in the rear seats.

• If you suspect an impaired driver is near you while on the road, slow down and consider turning away. When it is safe to do so, pull over and dial 911.

In this way, we will keep ourselves and our roads safe in Suffolk County and elsewhere.

by -
0 753
Stock photo

Each town, and many hamlets, have town codes that their politicians strive to enforce. However, these codes are not hard and fast and are subject to amendments, which are happening all the time and often in response to community input. 

For local legislatures, the community wields enormous power — our voices, if they are loud enough, have the capability to incite change. While these codes can at times be enigmatic, it’s imperative that we take the time to understand them so that we, as members of the town, know the rules we live by, whether they appear to be justified or not. 

In Huntington, a group of residents noticed a discrepancy with how the planning board approached a development application and what their code dictates. The residents, who form the Nathan Hale Nature Preserve, hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit. They pointed out that a procedure wasn’t followed and the board’s attorney agreed — it wasn’t. 

Last year, the Smithtown planning board amended the town code to exclude “convalescent” and “resting” homes from being considered a special exception to zoning restrictions, thereby preventing a proposal submitted by a company from progressing.

Recently, the Town of Brookhaven revitalized enforcement of their town code regarding signs, resulting in the removal of thousands of signs of all shapes and sizes. One reason behind this is that the signs are visually unappealing and don’t fit the town’s aesthetic goals. 

Sometimes the rules aren’t so cut and dried. Port Jefferson Village, like most local governments, has sign ordinances that outlaw certain obstructive and unattractive signs that don’t oblige the fixed parameters of the code. 

A subjective reason, no matter how well-intentioned, is inevitably open to debate. This was the case where the village lost a legal battle to remove a prohibited and politically charged sign. 

Signs are tricky. Their purpose is to communicate, so free speech is always a consideration. Walking this fine line of preserving the integrity of the town while protecting the First Amendment has proved difficult to Port Jefferson Village, which lost a legal battle with a business owner over whether his sign was allowed. 

While it is important to protect our First Amendment right, it is also important to oblige our neutral town codes and to ensure our community is a place all residents feel at home. 

In becoming a resident, we consent to an unspoken agreement with our fellow residents and with our local officials. If something is amiss in our town, know we have the power to inflict change. We can become better advocates for our communities by becoming conversant with our town codes and learning about the political and legal options available to make the changes we desire come to fruition. 

An effective, stable democracy is founded on a scrupulous system of checks and balances. Errors or oversights in our town codes are not cause for alarm, but rather an opportunity to build a better community. 

by -
0 850
Pixabay photo

It was impossible to ignore last week’s internet outage — a Microsoft processing error turned into mass panic.

Flights at MacArthur, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports were delayed, canceled or grounded. 

Local businesses were unable to complete payrolls, accept cards or run order-ahead options. 

Hospitals had to work around interruptions and in some cases halt services, resulting in canceled appointments and rescheduled surgeries.

So, with every aspect of our lives so inextricably linked to computers and smartphones, we are led to the question: What to do if the metaphorical — and literal — lights go out?

It is important to be informed, follow reliable news sources to stay updated on ongoing outages. You can also sign up for notifications from your service providers to receive real-time updates about outages.

Keep backup communication methods. Alternative communication tools such as email accounts from different providers, messaging apps or even traditional SMS technology can provide a different route to efficient communication. 

Ensure access to critical information. Much like the days of the Rolodex or encyclopedia, it is essential to store offline copies of crucial documents and information. Ensure you have important contact numbers written down or stored in a non digital format. Using physical storage devices like USB drives or external hard drives for backups can be beneficial in times of outage.

Don’t rely solely on one service provider, have accounts with multiple providers. For instance, use both Google Drive and OneDrive for file storage. Use websites like Downdetector, Is It Down Right Now? and similar services to monitor the status of various online services. 

Look to the community. Join professional and community networks where members share updates and solutions during outages. Participate in forums and groups related to your industry to stay informed about how others are coping with outages. Local libraries offer free technology and computer classes.

Protect your information by regularly backing up your data to multiple locations, including cloud services and physical storage. Implement redundancy in your critical systems, such as having secondary internet connections, power backups and alternative software tools.

by -
0 608
Photo from Unsplash/David Close

One of the many attractions of Long Island is access to our beautiful beaches. As we take full advantage of our island’s coasts in this hot weather, it is important to stay informed on the risks of the ocean. 

While deaths from shark attacks are uncommon — there were only two recorded fatalities nationally caused by a shark in 2023 — Long Island has seen an uptick in shark bites in recent years. Here, at least five people were bitten by sharks in 2023 and eight bites were recorded in 2022. 

Robert Moses State Park was a popular spot for sharks last summer with several bites and multiple sightings. Several of the bites occurred during the Fourth of July weekend, so while it’s possible more sharks may be visiting our coast, there was likely an uncommonly large number of people at the beach for the holiday, and therefore more people who were ignorant of shark safety. 

This summer, it is important to prepare for what the increased number of bites in the last two years have shown us: that we share the water with sharks. 

Experts trace the increase to the stabilization of endangered shark species, such as the sandbar shark, as well as warming water temperatures that are attracting prey closer to the shores. 

Luckily, there are many ways to prepare ourselves before plunging into potentially dangerous environments. 

An attack can be prevented by staying up to date on sightings and checking the state of the water. Last year, Robert Moses State Park prohibited swimming after a shark sighting. However, you don’t always have to wait for officials to take action in order to stay safe. 

Before swimming, it is helpful to observe the water yourself, making note of any schools of fish, dolphins and seabirds — signs that a shark could be nearby. Often, being alert to your surroundings is the primary way you can protect yourself. 

If the coast is clear and you choose to swim, stay with other swimmers and in the line of sight of a lifeguard. Avoid swimming when sharks are most active, at dawn or after dusk. To further protect yourself, don’t wear shiny jewelry — the sheen resembles the shimmer of fish scales — or bright colors.

Lifeguards and other officials have taken steps to diminish the danger, such as monitoring beaches with drones, patrolling the area and carrying bite-specific first-aid materials. 

The sharks visiting Long Island are primarily nonaggressive and on the smaller side. If you are in the water and see a shark, try to maintain eye contact. 

Remember, attacks occur when sharks mistake a person or surfboard for prey. They aren’t vengeful, malicious creatures as movies like “Jaws” might suggest, but an essential part of the ecosystem of the ocean. In fact, biologists and experts see an increase in sharks as a good sign that the ecosystem is stabilizing after years of overfishing.

 Swim safely this summer, keeping in mind that sharks, too, love our Long Island beaches. 

by -
0 612
METRO photo

We look forward to it all year. Your kids can’t wait to be free from school and you can’t wait to sip a cool drink by the pool.

But, the sun is a powerful entity. While it is clinically proven to lift your mood and regulate your circadian rhythm, the sun is chiefly responsible for one-in-five Americans developing skin cancer by the time they are 70 — and just five sunburns can double your chances of melanoma.

So, what can we do to continue enjoying the warmth of summer, while also remaining protected? First, let’s break down the forms of skin cancer most caused by sun overexposure.

Melanoma: The most dangerous of skin cancers, it can present itself anywhere on the body. If you are seeing large brown spots with dark speckles, moles that change in color, size or feel, moles with irregular borders and portions that appear black or blue, itching and burning or dark spots on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, you should seek out a medical professional.

Basal-cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, usually found on areas of the body most exposed to the sun. This form typically grows slowly and rarely spreads (metastasizes). However, if left untreated, it can invade nearby tissues and cause disfigurement. It often appears as a flesh-colored, scar-like or pearl-like bump and is often shiny or waxy. The edges of the lesion are typically smooth and may have a rolled border. It bleeds easily when scratched. 

Squamous-cell carcinoma: This form presents slightly differently from melanoma and basal-cell carcinoma. Squamous-cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.

Merkel-cell carcinoma: This type presents as a painless, firm bump or nodule on the skin that grows fast as a red, scaly or ulcerated area on the skin and/or a new mole that changes in size, color or shape.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma: This is a very rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that begins in the body’s oil-producing, sebaceous gland. It can often be mistaken for pink eye, as it usually starts on the eyelid, and can cause growths to ooze fluid. The cancer can also develop in hairy areas of the body due to the fact that sebum is released by the hair follicle.

Luckily, there are many ways to avoid the risks of the beating sun. Here are some tips to stay safe this year. According to Harvard Health Publishing, at Harvard Medical School:

1. Always wear sunscreen, applying it at least every two hours but do not rely on it alone. Seek shade often and whenever available. SPF 30 and up is recommended, with SPF 30 protecting against 97% of ultraviolet B rays.

2. Wear sun-protective clothing, preferably made of polyester, nylon, wool and silk, to block the UV rays.

3. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

4. Be aware that some medicines and skin care products can increase your skin’s risk of UV damage. These include certain antibiotics, as well as some prescription medicines that are used to treat mental health disorders, high blood pressure, heart failure, acne and allergies. If you are taking prescription medication, and you normally spend a great deal of time outdoors, ask your health care professional whether you should take any special precautions to avoid sun exposure.

5. Early detection is key, with survival rates up to 99%, when caught. If something seems abnormal, have it checked ASAP. 

Now that you are armed with all this information, get out in the sun and have a safe but great summer.

by -
0 586
'Nick's Law'. Photo from Senator Dean Murray Facebook

In recent months, our community has witnessed a surge in hit-and-run incidents, leaving families heartbroken and raising serious concerns about road safety. The tragic incident in March 2023, when 25-year-old Nicholas Puzio of Farmingville was struck and left to die by two separate vehicles, and the hit-and-run incident that recently killed 22-year-old firefighter Christopher Hlavaty of East Patchogue underscore the need for action. This rise in hit-and-runs not only devastates families but also places a heavy burden on law enforcement and emergency services.

Hit-and-run incidents, defined as collisions where drivers flee the scene without providing aid or information, are a growing menace. Current penalties for these offenses, such as a Class D felony and a fine of up to $5,000, are insufficient deterrents. In response, elected officials have introduced “Nick’s Law,” which proposes to elevate the crime to a Class B felony with a fine of $30,000. This legislation aims to ensure that those who commit these acts face more appropriate consequences.

One significant factor contributing to the increase in hit-and-run incidents is distracted driving. Drivers today face numerous distractions that can divert their attention from the road, including texting, making phone calls and using apps as well as many other potential factors such as interacting with infotainment systems, consuming food or beverages, engaging in conversations or attending to children or pets; billboards, roadside activities and other incidents can divert a driver’s attention. 

While legislative action such as “Nick’s Law” is crucial, it is equally important for pedestrians to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. Here are some measures pedestrians can adopt:

● Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

● Always cross at designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals.

● Avoid using headphones or mobile devices while walking near traffic.

● Ensure drivers see you before you cross the street.

● Where there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

● Just like drivers, pedestrians should avoid walking near roadways while impaired.

As a community, we must work together to address the dangers of distracted driving and the rise in hit-and-run incidents. Drivers need to minimize distractions, stay vigilant and prioritize safety. Pedestrians must take precautions to protect themselves and remain aware of their surroundings.

The push for “Nick’s Law” is a reflection of the collective demand for justice and safer roads. However, it will take a concerted effort from both drivers and pedestrians to make our roads safer for everyone. As we honor the memories of those we have lost, such as Puzio and Hlavaty, we must commit to safer practices on our roads and support legislation that holds reckless drivers accountable.

Together, we can combat the rise in hit-and-run incidents, ensure justice for victims and create a safer community.

by -
0 468
Pixabay photo

As the sun’s warmth heightens, many look to the water for relief, especially here on our beautiful island. Whether heading toward your backyard haven, the Long Island Sound or the Atlantic, it is important to practice safety. 

Drowning can affect anyone, but certain groups are particularly vulnerable. Children ages 1-4 are at the highest risk, often due to accidental falls into home swimming pools. Teenagers and young adults are also at significant risk, especially in open water environments. 

Prevention

Supervision is the cornerstone of drowning prevention. Children should never be left unattended near water, even for a moment. Designating a responsible adult as a watcher can prevent tragedies. This person should avoid distractions and keep a constant eye on swimmers.

For those swimming in the open water, understanding the environment is crucial as rip currents are a particular hazard in the ocean. Swimmers should be educated on how to recognize rip currents and how to escape them by swimming parallel to the shore until they are out of the current’s pull.

One of the most effective ways to prevent drowning is through swimming lessons. These lessons not only teach the skills needed to swim but also instill confidence and respect for the water. It’s never too late to learn. Adults who are not strong swimmers should consider taking lessons alongside their children.

Life jackets are also an essential part in ensuring water safety — especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers. They should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved and properly fitted. In boats, around open water, or even in larger pools, life jackets can be lifesavers. 

Residential pool owners should ensure they have the necessary safety equipment, such as life rings and reaching poles, readily available. Home pools must have appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access. Pool covers can provide an additional layer of protection when the pool is not in use.

In the event of an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death. Many organizations, including the Red Cross, offer CPR-certification courses. These skills are invaluable and can buy crucial time until emergency responders arrive.

As summer nears, local authorities and organizations are ramping up efforts to promote water safety. Free swim lessons, water safety workshops and public awareness campaigns are being implemented across the island. 

The NY SWIMS program promotes initiatives to aid safe swimming by addressing the statewide lifeguard shortage, increasing swimming instruction, and increasing amenities at pools and beaches.

The Red Cross offers “Whale Tales for Children,” a no-cost program that is designed to help children from all backgrounds in kindergarten through fifth grade learn water safety behaviors without having to be in or near the water.

YMCA Long Island offers extensive swim lesson scholarships teaching critical water safety skills.

For more information on swimming safe, please visit the NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website at parks/ny.gov/recreation/swimming.

by -
0 712
Smart911

In times of crisis, the strength of a community is tested. 

Whether facing natural disasters, public health emergencies or unexpected incidents like the recent water main break in East Setauket, the importance of communitywide communication cannot be overstated. The key to navigating these challenges lies in emergency preparedness, the effective use of technology and the dissemination of timely information through mobile apps and other digital platforms as well as keeping in touch with neighbors and family members.

Emergencies can strike without warning, disrupting daily life and putting lives at risk. Events like the water main break in our own communities are reminders of this reality. When such events occur, having a well-organized communication strategy can make all the difference. Immediate, clear and coordinated communication helps ensure that everyone is informed and knows how to respond, especially now as we enter hurricane season.

Emergency preparedness begins before any disaster occurs. It involves educating the public about potential risks, establishing clear response protocols and conducting regular drills. Community members should know where to find reliable information, how to contact emergency services and what steps to take to stay safe. 

Technology is an ally in emergency management. Social media platforms, mobile apps and websites can quickly spread information to large audiences. 

Suffolk County has some emergency preparedness apps. Smart911, a free service, allows residents to register with the Emergency Alert program to help emergency responders and Suffolk County prepare for disasters and evacuations. SuffolkAlert, another free service, allows residents to sign up for customized emergency alerts via text message, email or voice message. 

By leveraging such tools, we can ensure that vital information reaches every corner of our community.

The effectiveness of these tools depends on widespread adoption and usage. It is imperative that local authorities, community leaders and organizations actively promote these resources. Educational campaigns, workshops and community events can help to raise awareness about the importance of downloading and using emergency preparedness apps.

Maintaining trust and credibility in communication channels is essential as misinformation can spread as quickly as a verified alert, sometimes creating space for confusion and panic. Official channels must be seen as the definitive sources of information. To do so successfully requires transparency, consistency and regular updates from authorities, as well as collaboration with local media to reach broader audiences.

Finally, let’s not overlook the human element, in emergencies, neighbors often become first responders. Building a strong sense of community, where people look out for one another and share information, is equally important. Initiatives like neighborhood watch programs and community emergency response teams can enhance our collective resilience. And let us remember to check on neighbors who are elderly, disabled or live alone, and of course those who are not digitally knowledgeable.

by -
0 759

As summer arrives so too does the inevitable surge in tick activity. Our beautiful region, with its lush landscapes and thriving wildlife, provides the perfect habitat for these tiny, yet potentially dangerous, parasites. It’s crucial for residents to stay informed and vigilant to protect themselves, their families and their pets from tick-borne diseases.

Ticks, particularly the black-legged or deer tick, are more than just a nuisance. They are vectors for several diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, hard tick relapsing fever and Powassan encephalitis. Each year, numerous cases of these illnesses are reported, with Lyme disease being the most common. Early symptoms can range from a rash and flu-like symptoms to more severe complications if left untreated.

Prevention is key

To minimize the risk of tick bites you can dress for the occasion, when venturing into wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks and closed-toe shoes. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. 

Tick and bug repellents are also another way to minimize risk, a repellent that contains picaridin or permethrin is most effective. Avoiding tick habitats, staying on marked trails and avoiding tall grasses and leaf litter where ticks are likely to be found are good practices. Be cautious around areas where deer are common, as they often carry ticks.

After spending time outdoors, be sure to conduct thorough tick checks on yourself, your children and even your pets. Pay special attention to areas where ticks like to hide, like under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, in the hair and around the waist.

For pets, particularly dogs, check around the ears, neck and between the toes, as ticks usually like to hide somewhere warm on the body. Regular grooming and the use of veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products can greatly reduce the risk for your furry friends.

What to do if you find a tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. You can use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and then pull upward applying even pressure without twisting or jerking, as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin.

After removing the tick, be sure to clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water and to dispose of the tick properly — submerge the tick in alcohol, place it in a sealed bag/container, wrap it tightly in tape or flush it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

Monitor the bite site for any signs of a rash or flu-like symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, contact your health care provider promptly.

Preventing tick-borne diseases requires community-wide efforts. Local authorities and health organizations should continue to educate residents about tick prevention and control. Programs to manage deer populations and reduce tick habitats are essential in controlling the spread of ticks. 

Since 2015, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Regional Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center has been operating a free tick helpline at 631-726-TICK (8425). Also, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, has a tick-borne clinic at Lake Grove. 

A little precaution goes a long way in protecting against the dangers of ticks.

Prev1...345...29Next Page 4 of 29
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: desk@tbrnewspapers.com

Most Viewed

©