Patrick Mullaney: Staying safe during the holiday season

As the holiday season gets into full swing, our calendars fill with festive gatherings, shopping excursions and cherished traditions. It’s a time of joy and celebration, but it’s also a season that brings unique challenges. From increased traffic to bustling public spaces and unpredictable weather, it’s crucial that we prioritize safety — at home, on the roads and in our neighborhoods.

As a county legislator, neighbor and friend, I urge everyone to take proactive steps to ensure that this holiday season remains safe and memorable for all. Here are some important pointers to keep in mind as we head toward the new year.

Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. The holiday season brings a surge in traffic as shoppers head to stores, delivery trucks navigate our streets to bring online purchases to doorsteps, and families travel to visit loved ones. This leads to a higher risk of accidents. Naturally, traffic accidents spike during the holidays, often due to distracted or impaired driving and winter weather.

In Nassau County, public safety is always our top priority. Our police force will be increasing patrols to look for impaired or reckless driving, and public-works crews will be on standby to clear snow and ice from our roads. But government efforts alone aren’t enough. Drivers can do their part by:

Avoiding distractions. Put your phone away while driving and focus on the road.

Never driving under the influence. Plan for a designated driver if you’re celebrating with alcohol.

Being patient: Holiday traffic can be frustrating, but aggressive driving isn’t the answer.

Preparing for winter conditions. Ensure that your vehicle is equipped with proper tires, a snow brush and emergency supplies.

At the end of the day, it’s your decision to make choices that protect not only you, but everyone around you on the road.
Thefts and scams tend to rise during the holidays. Criminals target unattended packages, and cyber-criminals ramp up efforts to steal personal information through fake online deals or fraudulent charity requests. To keep your home and neighborhood secure:

If possible, arrange for packages to be delivered when someone is home or have them sent to a secure location, like your workplace. Many carriers also offer lockers or hold services.

Keep your home well-lit, with doors and windows locked, even while you’re home. Installing security cameras or using smart doorbells can deter thieves.

Be cautious when shopping online. Verify that websites are legitimate, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and use secure payment methods.

Keep an eye on your neighbors’ property as well, especially if they’re away. Report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

The holidays bring warmth and cheer to our homes, often accompanied by decorative lights, candles and festive feasts. As a career first responder, I have seen firsthand that these joys also come with risks. Always keep these best practices in mind:

Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, and never leave candles unattended. Keep your Christmas tree well-watered to prevent it from becoming a fire hazard.

The kitchen is the hub during the holidays, but it’s also where many fires start. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave cooking food unattended.

As we gather during cold and flu season, let’s not forget the importance of hygiene and staying home when feeling unwell in order to protect loved ones, especially those who are elderly or immuno-compromised.

Safety during the holidays isn’t just a personal responsibility — it’s a collective effort. I encourage everyone to engage with local resources. Our police and fire departments, public-works teams and community organizations are here to help. Additionally, Nassau County offers a range of services to help residents during this season, from warming centers for those in need to resources for substance-abuse prevention.

If you have concerns or ideas about improving safety in our community, my office is always here to listen and act. Together we can make this season a time of celebration, connection and, most important, safety.

I wish you and your family a joyful and secure holiday season. Let’s work together to ensure that the spirit of this special time isn’t overshadowed by preventable accidents or tragedies. By looking out for one another and taking common-sense precautions, we can all enjoy the holidays to their fullest.

Patrick Mullaney represents Nassau County’s 4th Legislative District.