Tips for a Happy and Safe Holiday

During the year-end holidays, people are often excited and sometimes a little bit careless. The following tips are to assist you in having a safe and happy holiday.

AT HOME

•   Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house or apartment.

• If you go out for the evening, turn on lights and a radio or television so the house or apartment appears to be occupied.

•    If you take holiday trips away from home, have some interior lights activated by automatic timers. Have a neighbor or family member watch your house, pick up the mail and the newspaper and park his car in your driveway from time to time.

•  Be aware of strangers soliciting for donations. They might attempt to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holidays. Ask for identification, how donations are to be used, and if they are tax deductible. If you are not satisfied with the answer, don’t give.

•    Test your smoke detectors.

WHILE SHOPPING

•    Shop before dark, if possible. Coordinate shopping trips with a friend. Never park in an unlit lot or area, no matter how convenient it is.

• Teach children to go to the store clerk or security guard and ask for help, if you become separated. Teach your children that they should never go to a parking lot alone.

•   Lock your packages and gifts in the trunk of your car. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed.

•  To discourage purse snatching, don’t overburden yourself with packages. Have your purchases delivered, whenever practical.

•   Look behind you as you are walking from time to time. If you are being followed, go to a crowded area.

•  When a store representative asks for your address and phone number, be cautious not to be overheard.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for your purchases with a check, credit card or debit card, when possible.

•   Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse under your arm. Keep a wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not in a back pants pocket.