The sales are great, the shopping lists are long, and the stores are packed. The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time of high crime rates. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors to help them stay aware this holiday season.
- Take your car keys out before you leave the store.
- People who want to rob you or do you harm need you to be distracted so that you can’t see them coming. Taking your keys out in advance allows you to remain alert as you make your way to your vehicle.
- Don’t text when you’re walking to and from your car.
- In the same way that hunting for your keys takes your eyes off your surroundings, texting is a signal that you’re an easy mark. Being alert and aware of your surroundings is key.
- Put the packages in the trunk of the car.
- Leaving your bags and packages in your car, rather than your trunk, is a mistake the bad guys hope you make. By leaving your belongings out in the open to be seen by passer byes allows them to easily access your belongings.
- Don’t shop alone at night.
- It’s best to have someone with you when you’re shopping in the evening. If you must shop alone at night, park as close to the store as you can, and park in a well-lit area.
- Try not to use the ATM.
- ATMs are areas where you are most vulnerable to theft. In most cases, it’s easy for them to walk up to you or to your car and force you to hand over your money. In addition, be sure to have upgraded chip cards so you are not susceptible to card skimmers. If you do need some cash, try to go to your bank or another secure location.
- Control your Social Status
- Though you might be tempted to post about your holiday travels, resist the urge to broadcast to the whole world that you are not going to be home. Posting that you are not home or not going to be home, is leaving yourself open to crime.
- Be Careful Driving with Trees
- There were more than 200,000 car crashes and 500 deaths caused by road debris over the last four years, according a study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. An estimated 20 million people did not properly secure Christmas over the last three years, AAA reported last month. Trees should be properly secured, with the trunk facing the front of your vehicle in case it does come loose.
If you were involved in an incident in the store or the parking lot, make sure to - Let a Store Employee Know.
- The store should write up an incident report to send to their insurance company. If they don’t take steps to file a report right away, ask that they do so and provide you with a copy. Do not leave the store until you are satisfied the manager has taken appropriate actions to fill out an incident report.
- Call the Proper Authorities.
- If you are injured in an accident, be sure to seek immediate medical treatment. When you are a victim of a crime, be sure to contact the local authorities to properly document the incident.
With a few of these safety tips, you can ensure that your holiday season is joyous for your entire family. Remember, if you or a loved one are hurt or in an incident, Call Me On My Cell! Reach out at www.callmeonmycell.com or call at (888) 254-7119.
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