Day 15: Identity Theft
How to protect yourself from Identity Theft during the holidays!
• Beware of emails that contain links or unsolicited phone calls.
• Use caution when shopping online.
• Review your account statements frequently.
• Watch for skimmers.
• Be cautious of new retail card applications.
• Limit social media sharing.
• Shop from a secure computer and using a secure connection. (Don’t shop on public Wi-Fi)
Day 16: ATM Safety during Holiday Season
• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a bank, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM.
• If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card and leave immediately. Go to a safe place and call police.
• Have everything ready (deposit slips, card) when you arrive at the ATM. When you have completed your transaction, pocket your cash and card immediately.
• When using a drive-up ATM keep the car running, your car doors locked and all windows except for the driver’s side window rolled up.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
• Treat your ATM card like cash and guard it carefully. Never write your pin number on the card or give account numbers or card information over the phone, unless you know exactly to whom you are speaking.
Day 17: Don't advertise to thieves what you've received.
Day 18: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!
Day 19: Be cautious while using SOCIAL MEDIA during the holidays!
• Don’t post if you are traveling or going to be away from home on social media.
• Be wary of which products/stores you check into and post pictures from.
• Be selective about posting pictures from inside your home.
• Talk to your kids about social media safety.
• Check your privacy settings.
• Use caution when posting pictures of gifts or tickets online.
Day 20: Protect your home during the holidays!
• Make sure gifts are not visible from the outside. Conceal all valuables.
• Use discretion when posting on social media. (Keep your travel plans offline.)
• Be careful about disposing of packaging.
• Do not run external lights through a window.
• Make sure your home is lit well.
• Put your lights on a timer.
• Be wary of door to door donation seekers.
• Ensure all locks are intact. Secure all entrances.
• Request increased patrol/Vacation Checks.
Day 21: Travel Safety
- Allow extra time in your schedule. This is one of the busiest times to travel and patience and flexibility is needed.
- Have a cell phone with you.
- Avoid driving during late night hours. There is an increased incidence of drunk driving during this time, especially on weekends.
- Keep a safety kit in your vehicle. The kit should include a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, first aid kit, water, non-perishable food items, matches, blankets, and flares or other warning devices. You should also include an ice scraper, small shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck in the snow.
- Driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving after drinking alcohol.
- Even if the weather and roads look okay in your neighborhood, that may not be the case 200 miles away. You will also want to check The Weather Channel to find out the weather conditions of the interstates and roads you will be traveling on.
- Wear a seat belt
Day 22- Vehicle Safety Check
More than 103 million Americans are expected to travel for the year-end holidays. Here are some precautions to ensure your family remains safe the Christmas Holiday.#HolidaySafety
• Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your vehicle:
Antifreeze levels - ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Brakes - check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system - repair as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters - replace as needed.
Battery and ignition system - make sure they’re clean and functioning properly.
Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights - check for serviceability.
Thermostat - ensure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment - repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Make sure the tires have adequate tread.
• Know the weather conditions before leaving home.
• Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads.
• Have roadside assistance contact information on hand in case an incident occurs on the road.
• No Distracted Driving!
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled up.
- Make sure that your car is well-equipped for travel. Check the tire tread, battery, antifreeze, windows and brakes. Also check that you have a jack and lug wrench and that your spare tire is properly inflated.
Day 23: Keep your children safe this Christmas!
Toy Safety Tips:
• Read all warning labels carefully before purchasing any item.
• Consider a child’s age, interests, and skill levels when purchasing toys.
• Once the gifts are opened, quickly discard plastic wrapping.
• Look for toys with sturdy construction and avoid items with sharp edges and points.
• Choking is one of the leading causes of toy-related death. Most of these deaths are attributed to toy balls, latex balloons and small magnets.
• Small items can be risky for young children. For children under age three, choose toys that are at least 1 inch in diameter and 2 inches long, so they will not lodge in a child’s mouth or throat.
• Beware of toy jewelry that may contain lead or cadmium. Both substances can be harmful to children who put items containing these chemicals into their mouths.
• To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age 10) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
• Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.
• Parents should store toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids’ toys away from young children.
• Be extra cautious about toys that are handed down from friends and relatives that may not have warning labels. Inspect these toys carefully and use your best judgment.
• Be careful with button batteries found in toys. If ingested, they can become lodged in the esophagus and cause serious injury and even death.
• High-power magnets can be found in some toys. If a child ingests more than one, the magnets can attract to one another and result in serious injury or even death. Seek medical attention if your child ingests one or more magnets
Day 24: Holiday Cooking Safety
• Always remain in the kitchen while cooking food on the stove top. Whenever you are utilizing the oven make sure to use the timer and conduct kitchen checks.
• Keep the cooking ware clean and free of easily combustible items such as food packaging, drapes, towels, food wrappers and pot holders. They should be kept a minimum of 3 feet away from the oven, stove or other hot surface.
• When cooking, do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry. The clothing can catch on fire and the jewelry can catch on pot handles, causing spills and burns.
• Keep young children away from the cooking area and closely monitored while they are in the kitchen.
• When deep-frying a turkey, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions relating to the proper usage of the cooker. It should be placed on a level surface, in an open area away from homes, fences, sheds and other structures. Never place the cooker on a wooden deck or inside a garage. The cooker should be monitored at all times and children should not be allowed in the area while the cooker is being used.
• Not only humans face hazards during cooking of Christmas Dinners. Dogs and other pets should be prevented from getting into or near the cooking area.
Day 25: Have a very Merry Christmas!