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January 07, 2009
Holiday Safety Tips
Holiday Safety Tips
The holidays are a time when people generally become busier and therefore become vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The American Red Cross wants everyone to have a secure and happy holiday season. Please take a moment to read and apply the following holiday crime prevention measures.
At Work
    • Keep your purse, wallet, keys, and other valuable items with you at all times or locked in a drawer or closet.
    • Check the identity of any strangers who are in the building, not escorted or not wearing the appropriate badge. Ask whom they are visiting and if you can help them find that person. If this makes you uncomfortable, contact security or management for help.
    • If you bring personal items to work such as a radio or calculator, mark them with your name or initials and an identification number.
    • Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, doors that don't lock properly, or broken windows.
    • Be discreet. Don't advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of our coworkers to people visiting or calling your place of work.
At Home
    • Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house.
    • When leaving home for an extended period of 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.
    • Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
    • When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doorways and passageways are clear inside your home.
    • Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
    • Ensure the lights on your Christmas tree do not have damaged or frayed wiring, which can cause a fire.
    • Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.
Children
    • If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
    • Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in the event that your child is separated from you while shopping.
    • Teach children to stay close to you at all times. Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
    • Children should never be allowed to go to the parking lot or the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
    • Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to a police officer or mall security only.
    • Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
Driving
    • Be cautious when driving alone at night.
    • Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.
    • If you must shop at night, park in area with lights.
    • Do not park next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
    • Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
    • Do not leave packages on the seat of your car.
    • When approaching and leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people standing nearby.
Shopping
    • Stay alert to your surroundings.
    • Minimize shopping after dark or when alone. Take a friend or family member with you when possible.
    • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
    • If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, grocery store or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
    • Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you in an attempt to view your transaction or obtain your PIN. Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
    • 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 so you can report stolen or lost cards by their number.
    • Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse.
    • Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
Dress
    • Dress casually and comfortably.
    • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
    • Carry your wallet in your front pocket and your purse securely around your shoulder.
 

Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 (Archive on Wednesday, December 06, 2006)
Posted by admin  Contributed by admin
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