Beat the heat with these summer safety tips

Want to have fun this summer while still staying safe? Are you afraid that something might go wrong while you and your family are on vacation, but aren't sure what to do about it?

Well, Community Officer Kevin O'Connell, a 25-year veteran of the Bloomfield Police Department, offers these easy tips to ensure a happy and healthy summer. 

1. For those residents who are planning on taking short trips to the store, O’Connell says never leave the garage door or a window open. "Never leave the house with the window open, even if it's for five minutes or an hour," he said. "It gives burglars the opportunity to get into your house and then you could be the victim. If you have locks, use them."

2. Always be aware of your surroundings. With people walking around with their iPods in their ears, or talking on their cellphones, we always hear they didn't see someone behind them, O'Connell said. Most of the time, however, the burglars were right there. "You always want to make eye contact with people and let them know that you know they are there."

3. Be safe while traveling with these easy tips — When your family goes on vacation and takes the car, let a neighbor use your driveway for a week, this way it looks like someone is there. In addition, don't leave a note on the door for the mailman — instead have your mail stopped or have a friend pick it up. And don't leave spare keys under rocks or doormats. "Leaving hidden keys around is a bad habit, and burglars know these tricks," said O'Connell.

4. If you're feeling adventurous, or just want to channel your inner Macaulay Culkin, leave the TV or talk radio on — it gives the impression someone is in the house. 

5. If you like to skateboard, ride a bike or ride a scooter, always remember to wear a helmet and knee pads. "Kids should always wear a helmet,” O’Connell said. "I ride and use a bike for work and the first thing I put on is the helmet."

6. Parents and children should never be away from each other, O'Connell advises. When going to the Shore, or on trips with parents, they should always remain together. "Children should stay with the parents who brought them, and the parents should always be paying attention, especially in crowded areas," O'Connell said. "The main focus of the parents is to take care of the children."

7. Driving is a special responsibility. New drivers must obey all traffic laws. In addition, drivers must always wear a seatbelt. "Drivers have a greater chance of surviving a crash if they wear a seatbelt," O'Connell said. "Driving is not only a responsibility for the drivers, but for the other people in their car.” So, a seatbelt should be worn by everyone in the car whenever the vehicle is moving and should never be removed until the car comes to a complete stop.

8.  If you get in trouble who do you call? 911, of course. But remember, if you're calling from a cellphone, the call will most likely reach the state police. If that happens, "stay on the line, have a good idea of where you are, and wait for your call to be re-directed to the nearest police station."  It's a tough time, but the most important thing is to stay calm and get your location out, O'Connell said.