Police Chief Gives Tips for Safe Easter, Warns Businesses Not To Serve Liquor On Good Friday

St. Croix Police Chief Arthur Hector Sr. has issued a press release giving residents tips on how to enjoy a safe and happy Easter weekend, and warned businesses against serving liquor on Good Friday, which falls on April 3.

The chief cites Virgin Islands Code, which he says “prohibits liquor from being served on Good Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.” Hector added that “violation [of the law] will result in a fine up to $200 or imprisonment up to one year or both.”

The chief also cautioned motorcyclists to always wear a helmet while riding, and reminded that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) found on the territory’s roads will be impounded.

Areas at and around beaches are heavy with traffic during the Easter season, and “we are urging the motoring public to exercise caution and obey all traffic laws and posted signs,” Hector said.

Below are the  tips given by the police chief for a safe and enjoyable Easter weekend:

1. Secure your home: Make every effort to properly secure your home. Be certain that all windows and doors are locked and secured and that all unnecessary electronic devises are turned-off. Put your exterior lights on a timer as a deterrent to trespassers; let your neighbor know that you’ll be away from home for a while.

2. Build fires in a safe location: Never put your fire close to your tent. Nylon and other synthetic materials catch fire and burn at an incredibly fast rate.

3. Never leave your fire unattended: This holds especially true when conditions are dry and humidity is low. Always make sure that you completely put out your fire before heading into the warmth of your tent and sleeping bag. Winds can kick up, ignite remaining embers, and lead to catastrophic brush fires.

4. Refuel your portable generators properly: Turn-off the generator and allow it to cool before refueling to eliminate the chance of creating a blaze, and always have a portable Fire Extinguisher at your campsite.

5. Bring a first aid kit & emergency supplies: We cannot stress how necessary a first aid kit is. Your first aid kit should include supplies to treat cuts and scrapes, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, medications, and sun protection. Learn basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries and a basic knowledge of how to deal with them will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help
arrives.

6. Keep your tent and camping area clean: Your tent is your home away from home. Your camping experience will be much more enjoyable if you manage to keep dirt and insects out. Properly dispose of your trash. Recycle what you can, and properly toss the rest in trash cans.

7. Always keep your campsite as clean as possible: Do not leave food out at night or while you’re away from camp – as it attracts stray dogs, feral cats and rodents.

8. Keep your noise level to a minimum: Everyone enjoys music, but the volume of your music should not make someone else’s camping experience miserable. It’s simple to lower the volume and remember that the Noise Ordinance Law states that music should be turned off or lowered by 10 p.m.

Hector reminded parents and guardians to monitor youngsters, and warned that children found roaming the streets by themselves after 10 p.m. will be detained by police.

“Remember, the Virgin Islands Police Department wants you and your loved ones to have a safe and happy Holiday Weekend,” Hector concluded.

Feature Image: St. Croix Police Chief Arthur Hector Sr.

Image Credit: VIPD Facebook page