Springfield's Autoland and Children’s Specialized Hospital Hold Automotive Safety Event

Westfield Cub Scouts earn an automotive safety patch at Autoland and Children's Specialized Hospital automotive safety event.

The following information was provided by Children's Specialized Hospital. It was a packed showroom at Autoland in Springfield full of 59 young Cub Scouts from Westfield Pack 172 along with their den leaders and many family members  The dens, with boys aged 6-10, filled the seats and eagerly waited their turn to rotate through several stations to earn their automotive safety patch.  Mark Montenero, president, Autoland of Springfield hosted Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Safe Kids Union County Cub Scout Automotive Safety Patch Program on October 18.  Mr. Montenero generously provided the use of his showroom, vehicles, tables and chairs, pizza and refreshments and stuff bags for all in attendance.    Cub Scouts rotated through several …

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AAA: Plan Ahead for Thanksgiving Driving

AAA offers "Safe tow" service for drivers in Union County.

The following is a release from AAA  ----------------- Thanksgiving plans often include getting together with friends and family to celebrate and catch up. Before going out, AAA strongly encourages arranging a safe ride home beforepartaking in any festivities.   AAA works year round to educate motorists about driving practices that will help keep them safe and reduce traffic-related crashes and the injuries that can result.  PreventDUI.AAA.com is an online resource offering impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice.  Once there, AAA encourages visitors toTake the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.  AAA encourages everyone to plan ahead.  Make sure that you can ride with a sober friend, call a cab, or spend …

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Springfield Fire Provides Generator Safety Guidelines

Keep generators dry and use them outdoors.

The following is a release from the Springfield fire department. --------------- Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using them are electric shock or electrocution, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. There are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from improper use of portable generators. To avoid electrical hazards, the generator needs to be kept dry. It is best to operate it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Before touching the generator, dry your hands. When plugging appliances directly into a generator, only a heavy-duty outdoor- rated extension cord should be used. Make…

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DEP Issues West Nile Guidelines

State officials recommend steps residents can take to contain mosquito population.

New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection has warned state residents to take steps to fight the spread of West Nile Virus. Over the holiday weekend, Union County’s Bureau of Mosquito Control, monitored and performed adulticide sprayings at Oak Ridge and Esposito parks in Clark. In addition, they reported that operations will take place in the residential areas towns including Springfield. In the release, the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Health urge state residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne West Nile Virus by taking steps to reduce populations of the insect on their own properties.  The full release is below. The Department of Environmental Protection and Department …

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Photos: National Night Out in Meisel

Local public safety agencies put on a night for families in the middle of Springfield.

On Tuesday, August 7, families flocked to Springfield's Meisel park to celebrate Union County's celebration of National Night Out. Local public safety organizations and Union County employees offered refreshments and activitities. Celebrities onhand included famed crime dog McGruff and reknowned Frank Sinatra impressionist Eric DeLauro. Attendees were able to get up close and personal with bomb disposal robots, S.W.A.T. equipment, emergency vehicles and other public safety tech.

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Patch for the Holidays

First Aid Squad Offers Holiday Safety Tips

Following simple recommendations may help avoid common injuries.

The wintertime holidays are a time of togetherness and celebration.  Unfortunately, every year people call upon their local emergency medical services for treatment for burns, falls, and other injuries.   The volunteers at the Springfield First Aid Squad have assembled the following tips for keeping you and your family safe during the holiday season. Candles  Lights Trees Children Other tips On behalf of all of the men and women who volunteer their time with Springfield First Aid Squad, have a very safe and happy holiday season.  Remember, in an emergency, we are just a phone call to 9-1-1 away.   Brett Biebelberg is a member of the Springfield First Aid Squad.

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AAA to Host Free Child Safety Seat Checks

Saturday event part of National Child Passenger Safety Week.

In support of National Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs from Sept. 19-Sept 25, AAA  is sponsoring free child safety seat checks at the AAA Car Care Center in Springfield on Saturday, September 25 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Certified child passenger safety technicians will check child safety seats for proper installation and use. "Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 2 to 14, largely due to nonuse and misuse of car seats," says Cathleen Lewis, AAA NJ director of public affairs said in a statement. "Child safety seats that are improperly installed will not protect children as intended during a crash. The best protection a parent or guardian can offer is to make sure their little one is properly secured in …

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Cold War Sirens Sold in Online Auction

Springfield loses some out of date equipment and gains some cash.

Last month, we reported on how a cold war-era alert system  was finally dismantled by Springfield. Air raid sirens, originally designed to alert Township residents of large scale attacks, were taken down throughout Springfield.  The sirens had been outpaced by technology; in a real emergency, the Township now has a wide variety of methods of alerting the populace. The sirens themselves, large pieces of equipment posted high above streets on telephone polls, were considered to be threats to public safety.  But while Springfield didn't want them, somebody else did. Earlier this month, the sirens were sold through the online auction site GovDeals for just over $300. Township Committee member Marc Krauss, who spearheaded the township's …

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Photos: Police Hold Bicycle Rodeo

Children get safety lessons for two wheel riding.

In June, Springfield police treated students at Caldwell and Sandmeier schools to mornings of bike activities and lessons. The children all rode their bicycles to school for the day, with many accompanied by parents. Police officers from the Special Service-Traffic Unit conducted safety inspections of the bicycles and then created courses the children navigated while receiving instruction from officers on safe riding techniques.  

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AAA Offers Chance To Brush Up On Driving

Feeling rusty behind the wheel? Well, get your hands off that Rusty guy and go to AAA.

 AAA New Jersey will host a Driver Improvement Program at the AAA Car Care Center on Route 22 in Springfield on Tuesday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 26 from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Attendees can brush up on their driving skills and re-learn the rules of the road.  Participants who successfully complete the course will be eligible for insurance discounts of up to 10 percent and removal of two points from their driving record. Course topics include: Managing Visibility and Speed, Communicating with Other Drivers, Alcohol and Impaired Driving, and Fatigue and Drowsy Driving. Both sessions must be attended.  Pre-registration is required and a fee of $60 applies.  The deadline to register is May 21.  Call (973) 245-4860 for more information or to register.

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