December 2023 Public Safety Newsletter

Welcome!

This is the next installment of Larchmont's monthly Public Safety Newsletter! Every month, pertinent information from the Larchmont Police, Fire, and Code Enforcement Departments will be curated for the residents of our amazing village. Safety tips, events, and other highlights will be displayed. If you require any additional information you may call the Larchmont Police Station at 914-834-1000 or the Larchmont Fire Station at 914-834-0016. 

In the case of an Emergency please call 911

Larchmont Police Department

Porch Package Piracy

The Larchmont Police Department would like to remind residents of an area crime trend that typically peaks during the holiday season. Porch Piracy is when criminals walk and/or drive around neighborhoods looking for packages that have been left near the front door of a home or in an apartment building lobby. These criminals will quickly grab any packages that are left unattended, leave and then look for their next victim. There are several ways to fight this crime trend. 

1. Install a Video Doorbell

A popular way to keep an eye on your property is to have a video doorbell installed which allows you to be notified when an unwanted person in the vicinity and when packages are delivered. 

2. Package Tracking/Custom Deliver Times

Major delivery companies often give updates on when a package will arrive and some even allow for customizing the delivery time or day. This option would allow for a package to be delivered when someone is home or to minimize the amount of time a package is left unattended. 

3. Delivery to Work

Have your packages delivered to you while at work. 

4. Require Signature Confirmation

Most companies have an option to request a signature upon delivery.

5. Out of Plain View Delivery Location

If possible, work it out with your carrier to leave packages in an area that is not visible from the street or sidewalk. 

Larchmont Fire Department

Holiday Fire Safety

Flammable seasonal decorations, dry trees, candles and more time spent in the kitchen all contribute to a higher number of home fires during the holiday season. Follow these tips to prevent home fires:

• Turn off holiday lights at night or when you leave the house.
• Don’t overload extension cords.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials. Consider using flameless candles during Kwanzaa or Hanukkah celebrations.
• Make sure to have working smoke alarms close to where anyone may be sleeping and on every floor of the home.
• Keep live foliage watered: don’t let your holiday tree dry out.

Outdoor Electrical Safety!



If you see fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call 911 or 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633) immediately. Do not touch it or try to fix it yourself.

Do not use extension cords or other electrical products outdoors unless they are specified for outdoor use.

If an electrical product falls into water, don’t touch it. If you and the plug are both dry, pull the plug, not the cord, from the outlet. Or, use the circuit breaker to shut off the power.

If a power line falls on your car while you're in it, don't get out. The car's rubber tires provide protective insulation. Honk your horn, call for help, and wait for first responders. Tell others to stay away from the car while you wait for help to arrive.

Holiday Mental Health

The holidays can be filled with a lot of emotions that aren’t always positive. You may be missing a loved one or a recent disaster could still be weighing on your family. In these difficult times, we can experience overwhelming feelings of sadness and loss, rather than feelings of joy and cheer.

Be patient with yourself as you continue to heal. Try these strategies:

• To feel better in the long run, take the time you need to grieve. Do not push your feelings away or hide them.
• Recognize that others may respond to the situation differently.
• Be sure to get enough rest and sleep. Sleep can help to relieve stress.
• Spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. Do not isolate yourself.
• Acknowledge that you have been through a significant event, and that it will take time to heal.

Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 for immediate help and support.

Village of Larchmont Codes Bureau

Prohibition on Internal Combustion Leaf Blowers

Referenced codes below can be found in the Village of Larchmont Code

180-3 – No internal combustion leaf blower shall be operated in the Village of Larchmont at any time after January 1, 2022. Until such date, no internal combustion leaf blower may be operated in the Village of Larchmont without a properly functioning muffler.

180-7 – Violations and penalties, responsible parties.

A. Responsible parties. The following parties shall have committed a violation of this law if it is not complied with:

(1) The party operating the leaf blower; and

(2) The party who employed the person to operate the leaf blower at the time of violation; and

(3) The party who owns the property where the violation occurs.

B. Penalties. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to fine upon conviction thereof, not exceeding $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the third offense and any subsequent offenses. Conviction for violation of this law shall be deemed a violation, not a misdemeanor nor a felony.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION LEAF BLOWER

A leaf blower which is powered by an internal combustion engine/motor. An electric leaf blower being used while plugged into an operating generator which is powered by an internal combustion engine shall be deemed an internal combustion leaf blower.

Want to know more about our Police and Fire Departments? In the coming weeks, our Village website will be updated with the latest information. In addition, if you are on social media, you can check out the Official Larchmont Fire Department Facebook here.