Happy holidays to you and your family whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Personal security and safety are important ingredients for your holiday celebrations. I have borrowed from Erik Bergling, who owns a Minneapolis Security Agency, a list of 10 ways to make your holidays safer and more secure. I could not have said it better than Erik. Follow these tips for a wonderful holiday season.
Start with yourself. Like the emergency announcements on the airlines, “Put your oxygen mask on first, then, help those who are traveling with you.” Managing your emotions and stress of the holiday seasons will make for a better holiday season for everyone around you.
Shop Safely. Thieves love the holidays. They rob people in malls; they steal from cars; they take holiday gifts from homes. There is safety in numbers. Go holiday shopping with friends. Make it a social happening. Walking in pairs deters the criminals. Click here for additional retail shopping safety tips.
Stay healthy. The flu season comes at the same time as the holiday season. Wash your hands regularly. Eat in moderation; drink in even more moderation. Continue to be active during the holidays and be sure to get the amount of sleep you need to be at your best.
Safe online shopping. You are well aware of the data breaches from even the best of companies. This was not a problem years ago. Protecting your identity and being safe online has become a part of every holiday season. Click here for more online shopping security tips.
Travel safely. Whether you are traveling by air or using the car to visit relatives, travel safely. Make sure you know the conditions of the highways before a winter’s drive. Your car should be properly maintained, so you do not have a roadside emergency. For holiday travel out of town, see Erik’s “Security Measures for Out of Town Vacations.”
Practice good holiday home safety. More fires occur in December than any other time of the year. Holiday lights, trees, candles are big causes of house fires. Practice good home fire safety practices during the holiday season.
Watch the kids. The heart and soul of the holiday season is the delight that children experience with these special days. Keep a watchful eye on what they are eating and their new toys. Make sure toys are used properly and cannot cause an injury to the child. An object in small children’s mouths happens frequently during the holiday season.
Give to others. Giving to others during the holiday season is important. There are people who scam during the holiday season. If you are unsure about a donation to a charity, check out their literature. If you are unsure or don’t feel safe, don’t open the door.
Manage Stress. Holidays can take its toll on your health and your pocketbook. Keep your holiday commitments in check and control on your checkbook. It is not the number or the costs of the gifts that are most important. It is the giving behind the gifts that counts.
Office parties. Business holiday celebrations add another level to the holiday season. They can be a time of sharing the season’s joy and a time when things are said and done that leave a negative impression affecting working relationships. See Erik’s post on Company Holiday Parties–How to Make Them Safe and Secure.
Be safe and enjoy the holidays.