Are you ready for the holidays? Whether you travel for Thanksgiving or stay home to watch a football game on TV after your turkey dinner, you and your family’s safety should always be your top priority. More than any other season of the year, your personal safety and threats to your property may be at increased risk during the holiday season. To stay safe this holiday season, here are five holiday safety tips to keep in mind.
Gift Robbers. When purchasing gifts online, you’ll want to be aware of having them stolen from your porch once they arrive. Request that the gift get left in the backyard or have the package require a signature upon being dropped off. Take advantage of delivery tracking and insurance if applicable.
Parking Lot Thieves. Be aware of your surroundings when exiting the mall and other stores. When carrying a lot of bags, always make sure that your keys, phone, and pepper spray (if you have it) are easily accessible. Watch out for loiters who roam the parking lots. They may be looking for unlocked cars with visible valuables. Make sure your car is locked and that your wallet, purse, and gifts are locked in the trunk of the car.
Identity Theft. If your wallet or purse was stolen, think of how much information that thief would have on you. Leave important documents like your Social Security card, birth certificate, and passport at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to carry them. Use secure websites when shopping online and log off from those sites after you’ve completed your purchase. Monitor your bank account activity regularly throughout the holidays for suspicious activity.
Traveling. When driving, do not drive under the influence of alcohol and be aware of your surroundings. By planning extra driving time and eliminating distractions, you can help ensure safe travels during the wet road conditions of the holidays.
Home Fires. Fires can be caused by any number of unsupervised things around the house, including candles and Christmas lights. Don’t leave any open flames unsupervised and turn off all of your Christmas lights before going to bed.
The men and women of SAPOA wish you a very safe and enjoyable holiday season! Keep following our blogs for other safety tips throughout the year.