Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is a special time of year.  This is when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other crime.  Please exercise care and caution during this season.  Remember, a holiday isn’t the only time to be safe.

WHILE SHOPPING

HOLIDAY TRAVELING

TRAVEL SAFELY

ATMs and ATM CARD CHECKLIST

WHILE AT HOME

WHILE SHOPPING:

 

• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible.  Coordinate shopping trips with a friend or family member if you plan to be out late.
• Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area.
• Lock your vehicle and close the windows even if you are going to be out for a few minutes.  Place all bags, packages and gifts out of sight.  Have your key in hand when you return.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages.
• Look inside and under your vehicle before entering.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.  Pay for your purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Don’t park next to a van or truck where people can hide.

HOLIDAY TRAVELING:

• Have good locks on all doors and windows and use them.
• Arrange for a friend or neighbor to bring in mail and newspapers.  If this isn’t possible, cancel delivery.
• Arrange to have your lawn cut as required during your absence.
• Plug in timers to turn on lights, a radio or television on and off at appropriate times.
• Leave an itinerary with a family member of trusted neighbor, so that you can be notified in case of an emergency.
• Inform your local police you plan to be away.  Patrol officers may have the opportunity to periodically check your home.
• Use travelers checks while traveling and keep extra checks secured.
• Take a photocopy of all your identification and credit cards in case you lose something.  You will be able to identify yourself if needed and also have a copy of all your important documents and numbers.
• Make sure your accommodations are safe and clean. Use all the security features provided to you.

TRAVEL SAFELY:

• If you are driving, make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in suitable condition for the journey.
• If traveling out-of-state, most state law enforcement agencies provide road-and-highway information; check on the conditions before leaving.
• Always keep the windows of your vehicle rolled up and doors locked.
• If you think you are being followed, stay on busy streets.  If you have any doubts, drive to a police station, fire house, gas station or public place.
• At stop lights and other traffic delays, leave enough space in front of your vehicle so that you have an escape option in case of an emergency.
• Maintain at least a half a tank of fuel.
• Carry a road safety kit.
• Invest in a road service membership.
• A cellular phone can be of great assistance in an emergency situation.
• Keep valuables out of sight.

ATMs and ATM CARD CHECKLIST:

• Choose a well-lit ATM, and have someone with you when using the machine at night.
• Stand back to allow privacy if someone else is using the machine.
• Be ready.  Have your card handy but not necessarily in plain view.
• Stand directly in front of the machine so that no one can see you enter your PIN.
• Try to position yourself so that you are still aware of people around and near you.  Do not put the focus of your attention solely on the machine.
• Cancel your transaction and if anything or anyone seems suspicious while you’re using the ATM.
• Pocket your cash immediately and count it later.  If followed after leaving an ATM, go to a public area around people.
• When using a drive-up ATM, remember to always keep your doors locked, all other windows up and the vehicle running.
• Don’t flash your ATM card.  Safeguard it as you would money or other valuables.  If you lose your ATM card, report it immediately to your financial institution.
• Don’t keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) in your wallet or with your ATM card.  It should be memorized upon receiving it and then destroyed.

WHILE AT HOME:

• Always lock your doors and windows.  Insure that sliding glass doors cannot be lifted out and that a safety bar is installed.
• Check who is at the door before opening it, and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor.
• Ask for photo identification of all repair persons, etc. If you are still suspicious, call to verify employment.
• Dispose of boxes, packages materials, and wrapping paper properly.  Remove your name and shipping labels from boxes and packages.
• Do not leave valuables in open sight. 
• Update or create a home inventory.  Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers.
• Engrave your property with your driver’s license number.
• Beware of “bargains” offered by someone other than a reputable retailer.
• Know whom you are giving your credit card number over the phone.