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TIPS FOR A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY |
AT HOME
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment.
- Don’t display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway. Store gifts before you go away on a holiday trip.
- If you go out for the evening, turn on lights and a radio or TV so the house appears occupied.
- If you take a holiday trip away from home, have some interior lights activated by an automatic timer. Have a neighbor or family member watch your house, pick up mail and newspapers, and have him/her park his/her vehicle in the driveway from time to time.
- Be wary of strangers soliciting for charitable donations. They may attempt to take advantage of people’s generosity during holidays to gain access to your residence to see what is inside. Ask questions or ask for identification -- and make all donations from your door if you are willing to participate.
- Test all smoke detectors in the residence.
- Use only fire resistant ornaments on a holiday tree and make sure electric lights are in good working order. Do not leave tree lights on overnight or when you are away. If your tree is a live tree, make sure it is kept watered, and discard it when the leaves begin to dry and fall off.
- Avoid leaving boxes from gifts or purchases outside for trash pick-up. This is an easy way for potential burglars to notice your residence. Tear down boxes so they can no longer identify what is inside your residence.
SHOPPING:
- Shop before dark if possible. Coordinate shopping trips with friends. Never park in a dark area.
- Lock your packages and gifts in your vehicle’s trunk. When placing packages inside the trunk, pull the vehicle up to the opening of the store and load your trunk there. It is very convenient for a carjacker to push you inside the trunk and steal your car if you are alone.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- To discourage purse-snatchers, don’t overburden yourself with packages. Take time out to deliver packages to your trunk now and then so you can keep your purse secure in your arms.
- Carry a purse under your arm (like a football player carries a football) and keep a wallet in your coat pocket - not in your back pocket. Money clips should be carried in a front pocket or coat pocket.
- Teach children to immediately go to a store clerk or security guard in the event you become separated. They should never leave the store to look for you with or without an adult - this keeps them inside the store with little chance for a kidnapper to lure them outside.
HOLIDAY PARTY SAFETY
- Have non-alcoholic beverages at all parties.
- Serve something to eat before serving alcohol. High protein foods stay in the stomach longer and, thus, slow alcohol absorption
- Have alternative transportation for intoxicated persons. Accidents resulting after your party can bring liability upon you.
** Southwestern University Police **
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