Making the Holidays Safe

It seems that almost every holiday season the news is full of stories that depict the worst of our nature. I have long since lost any amount of surprise at the new and innovative ways we have found to hurt each other. Each tragic story is usually accompanied by safety tips to avoid this happening to you or advice on what not to do. 

In my office I have volumes of pamphlets, brochures and other literature regarding almost every conceivable danger known and how to combat it. As a we distribute these throughout the year to various groups, at a multitude of public functions and during specific seasons. Do they make a difference? I like to think that some snippet of information has been followed and disaster was thwarted...Oh look, another news story about an elder being scammed out of their life savings.

I have accepted that most of the advice provided as safety tips do not come as any kind of revelation to those that read or hear them, they are reminders. Has anyone truly never been told to lock your doors, be aware of your surroundings and watch your children? We all know this, but a gentle reminder every now and again helps, the not so gentle reminders hurt, as with several recent cases in Cherokee County.

In addition to the Holiday Safety Tips I am going to provide from the Woodstock Police Department, I have three personal requests that could make a difference, I hope these are reminders and not new information.

1. Be kind to each other. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
2. Seek happiness. When we as individuals are happy, we bring happiness to others.
3. Trust but verify. Ensure that you are not being taken advantage of.

Here are some tips from the Woodstock Police Department while you are shopping:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave gifts visible in your vehicle.
• Lock your vehicle.
• When leaving a store have your keys in hand and ready to use.
• Avoid unlighted parking areas.
• Don’t leave purses or valuables in your shopping cart.
• Keep vehicle doors locked while searching for a parking space.
• Be aware of suspicious persons loitering in parking areas or around your vehicle.
• If possible minimize the amount of cash you carry.
• When using an ATM, do not count your money where others can see.
• Be aware that others may be looking as you enter your pin at the register.
• If you believe you are being followed inside a store do not leave. Notify an employee or contact the police.
• If you believe you are being followed in your vehicle do not go home. Drive to a well-lighted area and contact the police.
• Shop with a friend. There is safety in numbers.

Here are some more safety tips to follow when you are at home during the holidays:

• Make sure all windows and doors are locked before leaving.
• If you have an automatic garage door, wait until it is completely closed before you drive away.
• Ensure that your outdoor lighting is working and on when returning home at night.
• Keep gifts in their bags when moving them from your vehicle to the house.
• Do not open your door for a stranger.
• If having a holiday party, know who is in your house. Question strangers and know who they came with or who invited them.
• Report suspicious persons or activities in your neighborhood.
• Meet your neighbors. Lookout for each other throughout the year
• After exchanging gifts do not place the empty boxes by the curb for garbage pickup. Criminals look to see what gifts folks have received and what might be in your home.