Shoppers at Mt. Juliet's Providence MarketPlace and Paddocks shopping developments can expect to see more men and women in blue on "Black Friday" as the Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) kicks off Operation Safe Shopper - an initiative to help deter crime, increase response times and alleviate traffic congestion during the busy holiday shopping season.

As part of Operation Safe Shopper, MJPD's Crime Suppression Unit and other members of the department will be in marked and undercover vehicles, on foot and on bicycles to raise law enforcement visibility and promptly respond to calls for service in the shopping centers as well as surrounding areas. Operation Safe Shopper will run from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31 throughout the holiday season.

"Because the number of crimes and complaints often rise the day after Thanksgiving throughout the peak holiday shopping season, we'll be increasing patrols seven days a week," said Lieutenant Keith Youmans, MJPD's Patrol Commander.

Community Policing Director Cpl. Tyler Chandler added, "It's our goal that Operation Safe Shopper will keep people even safer as they choose to spend time in one of Tennessee's best and safest communities. We hope the time that visitors spend in our community is a positive experience."

In addition, the Mt. Juliet Police Department has taken steps to ease traffic congestion around the Interstate 40 shopping hub. The timing of the traffic light sequencing has been adjusted for all intersections near Providence MarketPlace and Paddock shopping centers.

MJPD reminds all residents and visitors that there are alternate routes to get in and out of Providence MarketPlace. The alternate route you choose may get you to your destination even quicker. You can view those routes on the MJPD website.

Police offer the following holiday shopping safety tips:

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Park in well-lighted spaces, lock car doors and place packages out of sight in the trunk or underneath seats.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card if possible.
• Carry purses close to the body, not dangling by the straps.
• Put wallets in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Supervise children at all times. Teach children to go to a police officer or security guard if they get lost or separated.
• Take a holiday inventory. The holidays are a good time to take photos or videos of items in your home.

Because traffic also increases around the shopping centers during the holidays, police are also advising shoppers to take heed of the following driving tips:

• Don't block intersections. Blocking intersections causes frustrating and unsafe back-ups; that's why it's against the law. When the traffic signal turns yellow, avoid trying to beat the upcoming red light and pulling into and blocking busy intersections. Instead, drop back and wait for the next green light. When traffic lights are green, make sure there is adequate room to completely cross the intersection.
• Don't run red lights. Running a red light can have deadly consequences. As a result, Mt. Juliet has seven red-light cameras designed to deter red-light offenders. Red-light citations carry a $50 fine with an additional penalty if the fine is not paid within a specified period. Violators who run a red light and are cited by a police officer can face a higher fine as well as insurance points.
• Contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department in case of any accidents. If the accident is minor without injury, motorists should move their vehicles out of the travel lane and into a parking lot or onto the shoulder and call Mt. Juliet Police at (615 754-2550. For accidents involving injuries, motorists should call 911.
• Watch for pedestrians. Maintain a safe speed in parking lots and be on the lookout for shoppers exiting vehicles and walking to stores.
• At stop signs, come to a complete stop behind the white stop lines and not in the crosswalk. Especially when turning right on red, remember that a full stop behind the stop bar is necessary to give time to look both ways before proceeding. Look not only for cars but also for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Always use a turn signal to prevent accidents. A turn signal alerts motorists of your intended action and helps prevent rear-end crashes, which is why it's the law.
• Be patient. There will be a record number of motorists and pedestrians, so a little holiday cheer will go a long way for safety.

For everyone's safety, motorists can expect strict enforcement of these and other traffic laws as the Mt. Juliet Police Department works around the clock to make sure everyone has safe and happy holidays.

After dusk on Oct. 31, our streets will be filled with ghosts and goblins seeking treats in our community. Your local emergency department at University Medical Center would like to share a few health and safety tips for trick-or-treaters and party planners.

COSTUME TIPS

• Purchase accessories such as knives and swords that are short, soft and flexible.
• Check costume packaging to be sure it is flame-resistant.
• Masks, costumes and shoes should fit well to prevent trips and falls.
• Reflective tape fastened to the front and back of costumes helps a driver see trick-or-treaters.
• Lower the risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

SAFETY TIPS

• Never trick or treat alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult chaperon.
• Carry a flashlight to help you see better and to help others see you.
• Look both ways when crossing the street and use established crosswalks when available.
• Use sidewalks at all times or walk on the far edge of the street facing on-coming traffic, if sidewalks are not available.
• Never enter the home of someone you do not know.
• Avoid eating home-made treats unless you know the person who made them.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and check for tampering before eating them.

TRICK OR TREATER & PARTY PLANNING TIPS

• Provide healthy treats for trick-or-treaters, such as individual packs of pretzels, raisins or trail mix.
• Keep candle-lit pumpkins and luminaries away from doorsteps, sidewalks and landings. Place them on a sturdy surface, out of reach for pets and small children.
• Turn your outdoor porch/entry light ON. This lets trick-or-treaters know they are welcome and prevents trips and falls.
• Clear all walking areas of obstacles that could result in a fall.
• Use party games as an opportunity for children to get their daily dose of exercise.
• For party guests, offer a health snack such as a variety of fruits, vegetables and cheeses.

Keep your family safe this Halloween and enjoy trick or treating!

With the predicted heat index at or above 100 degrees for the remainder of the week, Tennesseans need to make wise decisions to protect themselves and their children from heat-related illnesses, especially as the 2010-2011 school year begins in some counties across the state.

"It's important for parents and caregivers to make sure children are properly hydrated," said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. "With morning temperatures above 80 degrees, kids waiting on the bus stop should have water available just like those who are participating in outdoor activities in the afternoon. Consider providing your child a water bottle to have on hand throughout the day."

Some of the illnesses caused by extreme heat include heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash. Symptoms include dizziness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, rapid heart beat, nausea, headaches and cold/clammy skin.

The most life-threatening heat-related illness is heat stroke, which causes the death of approximately 400 people nationwide each year. The condition occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, which rises quickly without the ability to cool down. If emergency treatment is not provided, heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. Symptoms include body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit; red, hot and dry skin without sweating; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and loss of consciousness.

"Take the necessary steps to protect and care for the young and the elderly, who are at greater risk in extreme heat. Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, and never leave anyone unattended in a car," said Cooper.

Schools affiliated with Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) must abide by its heat policy, which outlines requirements for practice and competing in high temperatures and prohibits all activities when the heat index is in excess of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information, contact your child's school or district office.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a few simple steps to avoid these preventable illnesses:

• Drink fluids frequently. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. Remember to consume non-alcoholic, low-sugar drinks in hot weather.
• Replace salt and minerals. Heavy sweating from increased temperatures can deplete your body's salt and minerals. Non-alcoholic drinks, like sports drinks, can help you replenish these reserves.
• Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, as well as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen every day.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Try to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours with rest breaks in shady areas, if available.
• Pace yourself. If you are unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and increase effort gradually. If your heart is pounding or you are gasping for breath, stop the activity and rest in a cool, shady area.
• Stay cool indoors. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the mall or library to cool off. Cool showers or baths, as well as keeping your stove and oven off, are other ways to cool down inside.
• Use the buddy system. Partner with a friend and watch for signs of heat-related illnesses in each other. Senior citizens are more susceptible, so if you are over 65, ask a friend to check on you over the phone twice a day. If you know someone in this age group, remember to check on them at least twice a day.
• Monitor those at high risk. Infants and children under 4 years of age, people over 65, people who are overweight, those who overexert themselves during work or exercise and people who are physically ill (especially those who have heart disease or high blood pressure, take certain medication, or suffer from insomnia, depression or poor circulation) are especially at risk.
• Call for immediate medical assistance if you believe you or another person is experiencing heat stroke. While waiting on emergency assistance, get the victim to a shady area, cool them rapidly using cool water and monitor body temperature until it reaches 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and do not give the victim any fluids to drink.

For more information about heat-related illnesses, including prevention and treatment tips, visit the CDC's website.

PHOTO by Leofan7

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has received a $241,000 grant to fund a smoke alarm installation program, fire alarm training for staff and one-and-two family dwelling code training.

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grants (FP&S), administered by the Department of Homeland Security, awarded the grant. The department received $153,000 to purchase 8,000 smoke alarms to help reduce the number of home fire deaths in Tennessee. Smoke alarms for the hearing impaired will also be purchased. The Tennessee Fire Incident Systems reports that between 2003 and 2007, 34 percent of residential structure fires had no working smoke alarms. Home fires with working smoke alarms were 42 percent less likely to result in a fire death. A study by the U.S. Fire Administration ranked Tennessee with the fourth highest rate of fire deaths in 2005.

The goal of the smoke alarm installation program is to equip community organizations and fire departments with free smoke alarms to install in needy households in their communities. Interested organizations must make an application to the State Fire Marshal's Office and show proof of having the tools and manpower necessary to install them and the ability to find needy households. Alarms will not be issued to organizations that give alarms away without installing them. Interested parties can contact Jeff Huddleston at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Funding of $88,000 was also received to provide residential building code training to the State Fire Marshal's Office staff and other state code inspectors, and for fire alarm training for staff.

PHOTO BY INeedCoffee / CoffeeHero

Have you ever seen flashing blue lights in your neighborhood and wanted to know what was going on? Do you want to find out how safe your neighborhood really is? Now you can through a new partnership between the Mt. Juliet Police Department and CrimeReports, creators of the National Crime Map at www.CrimeReports.com.

"Providing reliable, timely information to our citizens is one of our top priorities, says Chief Andy Garrett. "And partnering with CrimeReports gives us the ability to keep the public informed on a regular basis as to what is going on in their community. Our residents can access the crime map 24 hours a day through the website or through the CrimeReports iPhone app. The new service even lets local citizens sign up for free customizable e-mail alerts, so they can stay on top of crime in their neighborhood. Information is power, and we hope that giving the community this information will help them prevent crime in their neighborhoods."

"Mt. Juliet Police is a leader in law enforcement innovation," says Greg Whisenant, founder and CEO of CrimeReports. "They are demonstrating their commitment to the community, to proactive policing and fiscal responsibility."

The Mt. Juliet Police Department joins a list of nearly 800 other law enforcement agencies of all sizes across North America who are sharing their crime information with the public through the map, like Baltimore, Boston, San Jose, San Francisco, Portland, Washington D.C., Los Angeles County and more.

The public can access local crime maps and sign up for daily, weekly or monthly e-mail crime alerts at www.CrimeReports.com or at the Police Department website at www.MJPD.org.