Did you know?

Keep your home safe
The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.

Travel safely
Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe.

• Don’t drink and drive.
• Don’t let someone else drink and drive.
• Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
• Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt appropriate for his/her height, weight, and age.

Prevent injuries
Injuries can happen anywhere, and some often occur around the holidays.

• Use step stools instead of climbing on furniture when hanging decorations.
• Leave the fireworks to the professionals.
• Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended.
• Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage.
• Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

Shop safely
Unfortunately the holidays often are the times shoplifters and petty thieves cash in the most. Knowing this, you can take certain precautions.

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your driver's license or identification along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• 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.