Tips For Staying Safe During The Holidays

Keep the following safety tips in mind for a peaceful holiday season.

If you’re out shopping:

• Park in a well-lit area and be sure to locate your keys before going to your car so you’re not distracted in the parking lot.
• Always lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of view or in your trunk.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings; avoid being distracted by electronic devices.
• If you carry a wallet, keep it in the front pocket. If it is in a purse, keep purse in front of you.
• If you take your children shopping, teach them to go to a police officer, a store security guard, or a store employee if they get separated or lost.
• Keep an eye out for anything that doesn't look right and don't hesitate to call the police non-emergency number at 303-441-3333. In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.

If you’re traveling:

• Put a holiday hold on mail and newspapers.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow and park in the driveway from time to time.
• Do not broadcast your vacation plan on social media.
• Get an automatic timer for your indoor and outdoor lights.

If you’re at home:

• Always keep doors and windows locked.
• Tear down gift boxes before putting them in the recycling and trash; you do not want to advertise what is available in your home.
• Place trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces and heat vents to avoid drying out the tree.
• Always keep a live tree stand filled with water.
• Keep candles or any other open flames at least a foot away from burnable materials. Extinguish candles when you are no longer going to be in that room.
• Never leave open flames or cooking burners unattended.
• Dispose of Christmas trees properly. Dried trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets, which may overheat and start a fire.
• Make sure you've updated your CO2 and smoke alarm batteries and sensors. With the weather getting coler and windows being open less, notification devices like these save lives.

If you’re having packages delivered:

• Avoid doorstep package theft; consider shipping packages to your place of work or use the ship to store option.
• Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when your delivery is scheduled - and when the package has been delivered.
• If you're not able to be home when a package will be delivered, ask a trusted neighbor to hold it for you.

If you’re celebrating:

• Watch how much you drink; never drink and drive.
• If you cannot find a ride with someone who is sober, take public transportation, a taxi or a ride share.
• If you're outdoors, never go out on ice as it is not safe. Remember to bring warm layers as temperatures change when the sun goes down.