Helpful Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday Safety Tips

At Home

• Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them!
• Don't hide spare keys in mailboxes or planters, or under doormats.
• Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or are activated by sensors.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. Remember, overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals.
• Place gifts where they can't be seen from the outside.
• Consider safe deposit boxes for coin and stamp collections, seldom-worn jewelry, stock bonds, etc.
• Be sure to mail cards, checks or gift certificates from the Post Office or at a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box.
• Lock your vehicle and remove all the valuables. Yes, even in your driveway.

Strangers at your Door

• Use caution anytime there is a stranger at your door.
• Be suspicious of unexpected sales calls or deliveries. Ask for identification.
• Be aware of scams that criminals commit to take advantage of people's generosity during the holidays.
• Investigate charities before making donations. Ask how the funds will be used.

Leaving for the Holidays

• Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or Neighborhood Watch member to watch your home.
• Use timers for lights and radios while you're away.
• Remember to plan for mail and newspapers.

After the Holidays

• Don't advertise expensive toys, electronics, or other gifts received by the boxes left for garbage collections. Compress large boxes and place them in black garbage bags for pick-up.
• Add new items to your home inventory. Take photos or videos of all items of value in your home and list each item's make, model, serial number and other information.
• Engrave new items to help identify them in the event they are stolen.

Avoid Porch Theft: 5 Tips to Protect Your Packages

1. Network with Neighbors
2. Have Packages Delivered to Work
3. Leave Specific Drop-off Instructions
4. Use a Smart Lock
5. Install Security Cameras

11 Tips to Avoid Package Theft

1. Get a P.O. Box as Your Local Post Office
2. Use Lockers
3. Set Up Notifications to Track Your Packages
4. Install a Security Camera
5. Get Your Packages Delivered to Your Office
6. Require a Signature on Delivery
7. Reschedule Delivery or Ask for a Package Hold When on Vacation
8. Try Smart Locks
9. Get a Package Guard
10. Insure Your Packages
11. Ask Your Neighbors to Grab Your Packages

5 ways to Grinch-proof your holiday light displays

1. Shut down at night
2. Set up surveillance
3. Crime-proof your yard
4. Consider bringing in valuable items at night
5. Stay connected

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