Spotlight on Safety
Staying Safe During the Holidays
Home Safety:
- If you do not have a Home Security System, strongly consider getting one. A professionally installed system from a reputable company is ideal. A hardwired system with a battery backup is the most reliable. Systems with security cameras provide the best overall security. Get a system that provides real-time notifications.
- Have exterior lights that provide adequate illumination around the entire house. Motion sensor lights are great for areas that are infrequently traveled through. A timer system for the lights helps.
- Keep shrubbery trimmed as it can provide a hiding place for unwanted individuals.
- When at home keep doors and windows locked.
Traveling Safety:
- Via vehicle
- Make a plan and let someone know what it is; route, dates, times, etc.
- Ensure the vehicle is ready for the trip; check tires, oil, brakes, etc.
- Have an emergency/survival kit in your car. This would include blankets, water, food, a first aid kit, and more. There are multiple websites where you can purchase a kit or learn what needs to be in one.
- Travel during the day.
- Be mindful of the weather. If you have no other option than to travel during inclement weather have the proper survival supplies with you should you need them.
- Public transportation:
- Prepack and double-check the night before that you have the essentials (medications, travel documents, IDs, credit cards, etc.). Use a list to check off the items.
- Arrive early to the airport and/or bus station. Anticipate delays in the check-in process and security.
- Minimize what you carry with you by limiting carry-ons to only what you need, mailing or shipping gifts, and anticipating overcrowded/overbooked modes of transportation.
- Get mentally prepared; something is probably going to go wrong and or something or someone is going to stress you out. Anticipate people not acting/behaving in a courteous and polite way, service providers and other travelers alike whom you encounter may be experiencing stress themselves.
- Your empty home:
- Have interior and exterior lights on timers, so it appears someone is home.
- Notify your neighbors so that can keep a watch on the home for you.
- Stop mail and delivery services, or ask a neighbor to pick up delivered mail packages.
Packages:
- Consider having packages delivered to work.
- Network with neighbors.
- Install a doorbell camera, if you do not have a security/camera system or are unable to have one installed.
- Provide specific delivery instructions, regarding times and locations.
- Request signature upon delivery.
Shopping:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Park in brightly lit areas.
- Shop with a friend. There is safety in numbers.
- Do not overload yourself with items when leaving the store and going to your vehicle.
- Keep your credit cards out of sight of others. Keep them in an RFID-blocking wallet when not in use.
Holiday parties:
- Determine whether or not you are going to consume alcohol before going out. If you are going out as a couple or in a group determine who is and who is not drinking. When going out as a couple at least one person should not drink and when going out in a group, non-drinkers should at a minimum outnumber drinkers 2-1. If you decide not to drink stick to your plan no matter what. (This is a good rule to follow year around.)
- Should for some reason you determine to go out alone and consume alcohol (any amount), have a designated driver. Take an Uber, Lyft, or cab to the party, this eliminates the possibility of attempting to drive home.
- When not drinking, be mindful that there are others out there that are. Anticipate the possibility of unusual behavior from people you know and don’t know.
- Do not ride with someone that has been drinking.
- Do your best to prevent someone who has been drinking from driving.
Blog written by Scott Acker, Chief of Police
