Continuing coverage: Tracking Sandy

CAPE COD - (updated 7 p.m.) Models still track the storm into NJ, however, the National Weather Service is continuing to advise all interests in our area to take this seriously. Even though Sandy is weakening a bit all indications are she will restrengthen. Storm force winds are still likely over the Cape with a chance for hurricane force gusts. There are no watches or warnings yet.

Latest guidance is a little more encouraging, taking the storm into New Jersey. This would keep us on the windier side of the storm but perhaps just far enough to spare us the worst winds. The track is likely to vary somewhat and all interests should continue to closely monitor Sandy's progress.

Five injured, one seriously in Falmouth crash
FALMOUTH - On Friday at 1:43 p.m., Falmouth Police along with Falmouth and Mashpee fire and rescuers responded to a traffic crash in the area of 553 Palmer Avenue (Route 28). Falmouth Police say a Toyota Prius driven by Olive Beverly of Falmouth pulled out of the Crabapples Restaurant parking lot attempting to turn left on Palmer Avenue. As she pulled out, she collided with a Pontiac Vibe traveling north and operating by Daniel Fleer of West Falmouth.

A passenger in the Prius was seriously injured and MedFlighted from Falmouth Hospital to Boston. The other occupants of the Prius were taken by ambulance to Falmouth Hospital. The two occupants of the Vibe were treated and released at the scene.

The road was closed for about a half hour while crews worked the scene. Ms. Beverly was cited for failing to yield to oncoming traffic.
Media release furnished by Falmouth Police

Basement fire quickly quelled in Sandwich
SANDWICH - Firefighters were able to quickly knock down a basement fire in Sandwich. The fire broke out around 10 a.m. at 2 Manokok Circle. No injuries were reported. Further details were not immediately available.

Pick-a-Pumpkin at Provincetown Police

PROVINCETOWN - As a reminder, the men and women of the police department are proud to sponsor their annual “pick-a-pumpkin patch” on the front lawn of the police station now thru Halloween night. Any member of the public is welcome to stop by and “pick-a-pumpkin” .

There is a limited supply and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The tradition of Halloween and trick-or treat activities is this Wednesday evening.  As always, the Provincetown Police Department will have additional officers working that evening to provide a visible law enforcement presence in the community. 

The Provincetown Police Department would also like to remind the public of some common safety tips, particularly to parents, trick-or-treaters, visitors and motorists.

Many of the children may be dressed in dark clothing and difficult to see at night.  Motorists should be alert for children crossing the roadway, particularly between parked vehicles.    Be cautious when entering and exiting driveways especially in residential neighborhoods and where there are adjacent sidewalks.  

For the trick-or-treaters, costumes should be made from fire-retardant materials and should be not so loose to be a tripping hazard or consist of any sharp objects. Lighter colors, glow sticks or reflective tape should be used or applied to make the costume and any bags or sacks carried more visible at night.  Because hooded masks can easily obstruct the vision of children, applied non-toxic facial make-up is preferable. If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.  

Children under the age of 12 should be supervised by an adult at all times. A plan and travel route should be discussed beforehand and trick-or-treaters should stay in groups, obeying all pedestrian and traffic safety laws. Travel only in familiar areas, know which streets you will be on and most importantly, never enter a stranger’s home. As an added safety measure, someone in each group should bring a flashlight and a cellular phone.

Finally, all treats should be brought home and inspected before eaten. As a general rule -- when in doubt, throw it out.

Remember, by working together, we can all enjoy a Safe and Happy Halloween.
SEE IT! - HEAR IT! - REPORT IT!
Media release and photo furnished by Provincetown Police

P-town, Dennis add drug kiosks
We told you yesterday that Sandwich Police had installed a drug drop off Kiosk, Since then we heard from P-Town and Dennis Police
PROVINCETOWN - Provincetown residents will now have a free, safe method to dispose of unused or expired prescription, over-the-counter or pet medications, thanks to a new drug collection kiosk installed yesterday in the police station lobby.

NADDI Drug Collection Units were delivered yesterday to police departments in Barnstable County, including Provincetown. The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, whose programs include water quality and hazardous waste, purchased the units for the departments through grant monies obtained from a private foundation.

“Illegal use of prescription drugs is the nation’s fastest growing drug problem,” Chief Jaran said. “Part of the problem is that these harmful drugs often sit unused in medicine cabinets, offering easy access for young people to take and abuse them. These new kiosks provide an effective and convenient method for disposal of unwanted medications without harming our environment and keeping powerful drugs off of the streets.”

An estimated 2.4 million Americans misused prescription drugs for the first time within the past year, and about a third of those users were age 12 to 17, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Medication can be disposed of anonymously at any time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Heath, more than 70 percent of people who abused prescription pain killers got them from relatives or friends. Additionally, the study reports, more and more opiate overdoses are now a result of prescription painkillers.

Every day, on average, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA also reports that 56 percent of teens say prescription drugs are easier to get than illicit drugs. Two in five teens believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs.

DENNIS - On Wednesday, the Dennis Police Department was one of eight Cape police departments to receive a prescription drug drop off kiosk from the Barnstable County Extension.
The kiosk, which was obtained through a grant program, will be located in the main lobby of the Dennis Police Department at 90 Bob Crowell Road, South Dennis, and will be available for residents to drop off unused or unwanted prescription medications 24 hours a day. This program provides a safe alternative to either storing the expired/unused medications in your home or disposing of them into your homes septic system, where the drugs become a hazard to the Cape’s groundwater.
Joint media release by Provincetown and Dennis Police, photo furnished by Dennis PD

Click here for more Cape Wide News

Please support these great companies that sponsor Cape Wide News: Central Construction - Beltone - Agway - Botello Lumber - Foran Realty - Silver Cloud Towing 508.394.4141 - Associated Alarms - Battles Buick GMC