Have a Safe Summer in Hempstead Town

Sun Safety

Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, primarily from the sun, can damage skin and cause skin cancer. Take preventative steps by applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. Reapply sunscreen every two hours thereafter. Wear wide-brimmed hats,  sunglasses with UV protection, and limit time in the sun while UV rays are the strongest (between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).  View our Sun Safety Guide. Read more about Sun Safety published by the Centers for Disease Control.

Bicycle Safety

New York State Law requires that all children under the age of 14 wear an approved and properly-fitted bicycle helmet while riding on a bicycle or as a passenger on a bike. Bicycles should be equipped with a headlight and taillight, a bell or horn, reflectors on the wheels, and brakes. Please follow the rules of the road. Bicyclists should yield to pedestrians. Read more about Bicycle Safety. 

Beach Safety

Know how to swim. Swimmers should only venture into the water when a lifeguard is on duty. Always swim in clear and close proximity to a lifeguard, and be attentive to a lifeguard’s instructions. Never swim alone. Be mindful of rip currents which are powerful, channeled currents of water that can sweep a swimmer away from shore. If in doubt, don’t go out! Read about swim lessons for children and adults offered by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Read our Beach Safety Rules brochure for more details about dangerous rip currents. View our Surfing Safety Guide for Safe Surfing tips and a guide to town beaches that permit surfing. 

Swimming Pool Safety

Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children under the age of 5. If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Never leave a child alone or out of eyesight in or near a pool, spa, or hot tub. Keep emergency equipment by the pool. Remove toys from the pool after use so children are not tempted to reach for them later.  View our Pool Safety brochure for additional details. See Swimming Pool Permit requirements for safety requirements.

Fireworks Safety

It is important to keep in mind that it is illegal to buy, sell, have possession of, or set off ANY type of fireworks in Nassau County. The use of sparkling devices, which includes, but is not limited to sparklers, snappers, cone fountains, and party poppers, is also illegal in Nassau County. Although New York State legalized sparkling devices, Nassau County opted out of the legalization of sparkling devices in 2018. Therefore, no fireworks are legal in Nassau County.  In recent years, the number of fireworks-related injuries and deaths has skyrocketed, with sparklers and firecrackers being the most frequent cause of injuries. Avoid a trip to the emergency room, and instead, enjoy one of the fireworks displays presented by local municipalities that are run by licensed professionals.