Holiday Safety Tips

Plan your day, know where you are going and what you are doing.

Let a friend or family member know your plans.

Avoid distractions, distractions attract criminals.

Carry a cellular phone and have emergency phone numbers available.

Pay attention to your surroundings, know where assistance is located.

Avoid short cuts, use well -lit and traveled roads.

Use debit or credit cards if possible, carry enough money to pay for your errands. If carrying a large amount of money, separate your money into the amounts needed and place them in different pockets.

Secure your purse of wallet after use

Have your vehicle checked and maintained according to vehicle specifications.

Report suspicious persons and packages to the police.

If you SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING

Instruct children on the dangers of strangers.

Park in well-lit areas,

Lock and secure your car, place packages and other valuables out of sight.

When returning to your car, try to leave with a group of people.

Check the outside and inside of the vehicle prior to entering.

Have you keys available to open the door, get in and then lock the doors.

Maintain a full tank of gas, keep doors locked and windows closed

If someone tries to get you to stop your vehicle and / or divert your attention, try to stop in a well-lit and populated area then contact help.

Do not leave your vehicle running and unattended.

Do not give personal information over the phone to unsolicited callers

Do not let strangers in the house to use your phone, bathroom or get a drink of water.

Do not let a stranger know that you are alone, contact a friend or family member when a stranger is calling on you or dial 911 if your in danger.

Be aware that some persons collecting for charities or causes are collecting for themselves, Pick a favorite charity and write a check to that charity.

Verify unannounced utility workers and schedule a date convenient for you.

Be cautious when providing personal information to unsolicited telephone callers, e-mail and mail.

Remember if it’s too good to be true it usually is.

Carbon Monoxide is odorless and colorless, poisonous gas that is the product of incomplete combustion. Fuels such as natural or liquefied propane gas, oil, wood and coal can produce carbon monoxide.

Identify potential hazards- have heating systems inspected by a qualified technician, check for clogged filters, closed fresh air intakes, blocked chimney flues, and inadequate ventilation.

Install or maintain working CO detectors/alarms in you home.

Watch for signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, dizziness, unexplained headaches, drowsiness, nausea, if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning Contact 911 and leave the house, and get to fresh air. Open doors and windows if possible.

Do not leave your vehicle running in the garage, Start you vehicle and remove it from the garage, let the vehicle warm up outside, an open garage door may not provide enough ventilation to dissipate the exhaust fumes.

Inspect your fireplace prior to use.

Is the flue operational and open, are there any obstructions?

Before lighting check the area for flammable items, decorations and papers,

Do you have a fire screen in place?

Use caution when placing items in the fireplace because of the possibility of sudden ignition and intensity of the burn.

Is there a fire extinguisher accessible?

Have the children been instructed in the dangers of fire and do you have an escape plan in place for family and guests?

Practice Exit Drills In The Home (EDITH )

In case of emergency dial 911