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Tips For A Safe Christmas Season |
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Wednesday, 05 December 2007 |
 The Knox County Sheriff's Office wants you to have a very safe Christmas Season and has the following tips to keep in mind...
Around the House - Don't leave packages and gifts where they are visible from the outside. A good idea is to hide the real presents, and put wrapped empty boxes under the tree.
- Doors and windows should remain locked at all times, and garage doors closed.
- An artificial tree is always much less of a fire hazard than a real tree. If you do choose a live tree, keep it watered and away from heaters or an open fire.
- Have packages delivered to a trusted neighbor if you are away from home and expecting gifts in the mail.
- Electronic gifts such as computers, televisions, or stereos should not be advertised in your driveway by discarding empty boxes there. Take the empty boxes to another location to throw away if you receive such a gift.
- Make photos and establish records of expensive items such as electronic equipment right away. Make certain you have the serial numbers of such items.
- Be wary of any stranger who comes to your door. Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts or solicitors for charitable organizations. Ask to see their identification, and if you have doubts, don't give them anything.
- Turn on lights and a radio or TV if you leave the house. Give the impression someone is home.
Tips for shopping - Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
- Shop during daylight hours if possible. If you do shop at night, park your car in a well-lit area.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay with a check or credit card when possible. Women should avoid carrying dangling purses.
- Hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk of your car. Never leave items visible from the outside.
- Don't overburden yourself by carrying too many packages when walking to your car. Try to have someone else get the car and pick you up as close to the store entrance as possible.
- Consider leaving large or expensive items in layaway until the day you need them. Don't store them in your home if possible.
Lastly, don't let holiday stress get the best of your spirit and good cheer. Make time for family, friends and the good people who make up your Neighborhood Watch. Think about reaching out to others in need during the holidays and helping someone less fortunate than you. Christmas is a time to remember how blessed we all really are. Happy Holidays from all of us
at the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
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