The Orlando Police Department wants you to celebrate the holidays safely. Here are a few tips to help you take precautions this holiday season:
Home Safety
- Tear-down boxes from purchases before placing them at the curb
- Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from the outside
- Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves
- Don’t overload outlets by plugging in more than three sets of lights for each extension cord
- If you use lights on your Christmas tree, ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed as frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire
- Make sure that you will be at home, or have a designated place, to receive shipped packages
Shopping
- Do not expose cash or other tempting items such as jewelry in public
- Always lock your car and place valuables in the trunk to hide them from direct eyesight
- Discourage purse snatchers by carrying light loads; don’t walk around with lots of shopping bags
- Keep the amount of available cash you have at a minimum or separate it into different pockets, this way all of it is not lost if your purse or wallet is misplaced or stolen
Traveling
- Get an automatic timer for your lights
- Stick to well-traveled streets and avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys
- Have mail and newspaper delivery stopped if you will be away from home for a long period of time
- Make sure your vehicle is tuned up and in good shape for travel
- Make frequent stops on long trips; if you’re too tired to drive, stop and rest
