The holiday season is here! It’s a time for shopping and sharing with our families. The busy season also brings added security measures. From a variety of sources, I have put together holiday security tips that will ensure your full enjoyment of this wonderful season.
Decoration Safety
- When decorating your tree, use only UL-approved lights, which signifies the lights have been properly tested and meet specific safety regulations. Use no more than three strands of lights linked together.
- If your decorating ideas include plants to add holiday color to your home, bear in mind that several holiday-associated plants like mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous to small children and pets.
- It’s important to use caution and common sense when decorating the outside of your home for the holidays. Always use a sturdy ladder and watch your footing.
- When connecting strings of lights to your home, use plastic or rubber clips to keep the wires from touching metal objects.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, heat vents. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand daily.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Driving Safety
- Avoid driving alone or at night. If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
- If it is necessary to use a ramp or parking garage choose the center levels to avoid the top and bottom (underground) levels, as they are the least traveled.
- If you feel uncomfortable, ask the mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
- Make sure your car is in good working condition
Shopping Security
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas,
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Home Security
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- One holiday problem can occur when exterior Christmas light extension cords are run inside through a window and prevent it from being secured.
- Be wary of con artists. Con artists use a number of ploys to trick you and steal your property.
After-Holiday Security
- Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
- After Christmas day, don’t pile up empty gift boxes from your new computer, DVD player, or stereo receiver on the street for the garbage man. Burglars appreciate knowing that you have expensive gifts inside for them to steal.
- Don’t leave descriptive telephone answering machine messages like, “you’ve reached the Wilson’s we’re away skiing for the Christmas holidays.”
Conclusion
Often in the busy season, we forget about these common sense tips. Being alert to these security measures will help ensure a wonderful holiday season. Be safe and enjoy the holiday season.