RTBAV Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is upon us, and while loved ones gather to celebrate and be thankful, there are safety concerns to consider. Holiday safety concerns are most prevalent beginning in late November and span until January. The holidays are meant to be fun and festive: marked by delicious and hearty meals, good cheer and most of all, family and friends. If there’s any time of year when clans big or small reunite, it’s during the holiday season. While family reunions are cause alone for celebration, it’s important to keep personal safety and health safety in mind.

PERSONAL & PROPERTY SAFETY

Driving

• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.

• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.   

• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks or cars with tinted windows.   

• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.

• Never leave your car unoccupied with the engine running or with children inside.   

• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.

• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.

• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.

• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.   

• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.   

• Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.  (dont be shy about your safety)

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a gas station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.  Secure cash before leaving ATM.  

• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.

  
  

Shopping

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

• Always carry your Driver License or I.D Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.   

• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.   

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.   

• 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.   

• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in shopping areas.

• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion.

• Beware of strangers approaching you for ANY reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

  
  

At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.   

• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house.

• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.   

• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.   

• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.​

HEALTH & HOME SAFETY

Keep an eye on EVERYTHING!

There’s nothing like enjoying some time spent with family and friends. However, if you're not careful, silly mistakes can easily result in serious consequences. Every home should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t have them, GET THEM NOW. Check them regularly to make sure they are working properly.

Candles – Christmas candles are a must for many. Place candles on sturdy surfaces away from flammable objects or decorations. Keep candles, lighters, and matches out of reach if you have young children or pets.  

Christmas tree – Christmas trees are a popular decoration for homes during the holidays. However, this also means that there is an increased risk of fire when using them. To reduce these risks, select a fresh-cut tree and cut a few inches off the trunk so it can absorb more water. Place the tree away from open flames and other heat sources. Water it daily and dispose of it right after Christmas or as soon as it begins to dry. If you opt for an artificial tree instead, make sure it is fire retardant. 

Kitchen – The holidays are when we tend to get distracted easily, but as busy as you may be, it’s best take its slow and give yourself enough time not to meal prep to avoid rushing. Remain in or near the kitchen when cooking and set a timer as a reminder to regularly check food in the oven. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand especially during the holidays.

Deck the halls with care - Making your home more festive with lights, decorations, and seasonal plants is part of what creates holiday fun. However, you won’t enjoy it as much if a decorating accident results in a trip to the hospital. Avoid the emergency room by following these holiday safety recommendations: 

o   Lighting – Check for frayed wires, broken sockets, and missing bulbs. Inspect extension cords for damage too. Unplug the lights on your Christmas tree before going to bed or leaving the house, its best to invest in timers that can do this for you. If you are putting up lights outdoors, be sure they are appropriate for outdoor use. Use outdoor extension cords as well. Use clips to hang your lights. Nails can damage cords, and so can running cords through windows or doors. 

o   Ornaments – Another precaution if you have young children or pets is to avoid using breakable ornaments. It’s also best to forego ornaments that children can mistake for candy or that might pose a choking hazard. 

o   Outdoor decorations – When placing decorations outside your home, be mindful of where you plan on placing these items. Nothing is more embarrassing than trying to decorate your home for the holidays and ending up falling from your ladder. BE CAREFUL.

Celebrate outdoors

Host your activities — including eating — outside, if possible. For indoor events, limit guests and increase ventilation by opening windows or doors or by placing central air and heating on continuous circulation. Indoors or outdoors. Remember the Covid protocols and that cold weather bring with its colds, flus and similar conditions. Make hand sanitizer available and space things out. Continue social distancing.

Limit people handling food.

If you plan to serve food, use single-use options or choose one person to serve the food so multiple people are not handling serving utensils. Provide a place for guests to wash or sanitize their hands.