Holiday Safety Tips

With the increased demands on our time and attention this time of year, we are more vulnerable to crime and accidents. Take a few moments to review the following tips before you head out shopping and celebrating, confident that you are prepared.

Parking Lots:

• When walking through parking lots, be aware of your surroundings.

• Always park where there is plenty of light between your car and the store.

Keep your car locked and have your keys in hand before you go to your car.

• Before leaving your vehicle, make sure there isn’t anything of value in sight, including cell phones, GPS units or holiday purchases.

Shopping:

• Shop with a friend or relatives; there is safety in numbers.

• Don’t leave your purse unattended (even for a few seconds) in your cart.

• Don’t carry large amounts of money; keep money in a front pocket.

• Only carry one or two credit cards, and make sure you secure them after use.

Shopping with Children:

• Always supervise your children in public places; accompany young children to the restroom.

• Teach young children to go for help if they get separated from you; teach them to look for a cashier or uniformed security guard.

• If you must allow your teenage children to shop without you, have them take a friend, check in with you on a regular basis and have a set time and place to pick them up.

Shopping Online:

• Making purchases online is a way to avoid the crowded shopping centers, but use caution; only shop at sites that begin with “https.” That designates the site as secure.

• Stick with established retailers and retailers from our local community with a presence online; shopping locally is good for the local economy and more secure.

• If you are shopping with an unfamiliar retailer, look them up on the Better Business Bureau website or do a Google search for complaints regarding the retailer.

• Keep tabs on your account online; check off receipts and watch for any unauthorized activity.

At Home:

• Don’t display your gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.

• Lock doors and windows when you leave the house.

• Use only UL-listed extension cords, lights and Christmas ornaments; don’t overload outlets or electrical boxes.

Driving:

• When celebrating away from home, don’t drink and drive.

• Choose a designated driver before heading out.

• If hosting a party, provide refreshments for designated drivers and arrange transportation for guests who should not drive home.

• If possible, avoid driving during the early and late evening hours on Christmas and New Year’s.

• Protect yourself and passengers by wearing a safety belt at all times, in case of a crash.

If we all follow these common-sense tips, we can enjoy a safe and merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.