The holidays are a joyous time of year. Spending the season with loved ones is the main priority for most, and sometimes safety becomes an afterthought in the midst of parties, travels, and shopping trips. It’s important to keep your wits about you during these hectic times and keep in mind that many people are more vulnerable to crime at this time of year. Read on to learn some holiday safety tips.

Tree Guidelines

• Buy fresh. Live Christmas trees are less flammable than reusable ones.
• Keep live trees watered and green to make them less flammable.
• Make sure your tree is mounted securely, especially if pets and children are in the house.
• Inspect your tree lights for frayed wiring.
• Don’t connect more than one extension cord to light your tree. Opt for a longer cord instead.
• Unplug the tree before going to bed at night!

Party Precautions

• Never drink and drive: a rule that really applies year-round.
• Arrange a ride with a designated driver or download an Uber app if you plan to consume alcohol.
• Remember to eat before having an alcoholic beverage.

House Rules

• Have a neighbor you trust keep a watchful eye on your home when you’re going to be gone for more than a few hours.
• Keep a light or two on when you leave the house at night and set your Christmas lights with automatic timers.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Set up specific delivery times for packages when you know you’ll be home. Otherwise, arrange a pick-up at your carrier’s office to avoid packages being stolen from your front porch.

Travel Tactics

• Depending on where you live and where you’re headed, plan ahead for snow, rain, and heavier-than-usual traffic conditions.
• DUI rates always spike around the holidays. Be careful and attentive on the road and drive defensively.
• If you’re flying somewhere, give yourself an extra hour to get to the airport and through security. Holidays are the busiest time of year to fly.

Parking Precautions

• Avoid shopping at night. If you do go shopping after dark, make sure you park in well-lit parking lots with other people around. Try not to be the last person to leave a store.
• Never leave pets or children in the car while you run into a store. This is another rule you should really follow year-round.
• Never leave handbags, gift-wrapped packages, or electronics out in plain sight in your car.
• Be sure to have your keys in hand and purse held tight when walking to your car from a store or party.

For Further Holiday Safety Advice for the Season, Call Security Five

We want you to enjoy this time of merriment without sacrificing your sense of security. Our team is around to offer helpful holiday safety tips to ensure that you and your family have the best of both. Contact Security Five today at 610-323-9511.

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