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The holiday season is a favorite time for most people. We begin planning trips to see loved ones, preparing meals, and let’s not forget shopping. Although the holidays are a very happy time for most, there are those who despise it. And there are those who wish to ruin your holiday season by attacking the unsuspecting victim in the parking lot of a large mall. Thieves are everywhere and it seems they come out in full force during the holiday season. In my opinion, they are worse than The Grinch. But, following a few tips for Holiday safety could keep you from being another statistic this holiday season.
A person that can punch an elderly woman, or anybody for that matter, in the face, push her down, and steal her packages is nothing short of an animal. And there is a special seat in Hell for these bastards, excuse my language.
Don’t fall prey to these kinds of senseless attacks. Prepare yourself, be aware of your surroundings, and if needed, carry a weapon. In this post we are going to cover some basic tips for Holiday safety to not only keep you safe, but your family as well.
Shopping Safety
When you go out on your shopping trip to get the perfect gifts for your loved ones, following a few tips for Holiday safety will ensure you make it back home in one piece and with all your gifts. Criminals love to scope out parking lots for the unsuspecting victim to prey on.
- If possible, shop in groups. Remember, there is safety in numbers.
- If shopping late in the evening or after dark, park in a well- lit area of the parking lot.
- As you approach your vehicle, have your keys in hand, ready to go.
- If you carry mace or pepper spray, just like your keys, have it in your hand, ready to go. It doesn’t do much good if you have to dig for it when a thug is attacking you.
- Don’t leave your purse, gifts, or other valuables in plain sight. Lock them in the trunk or underneath the seat of your vehicle.
- If you are having packages delivered to your home, have them delivered to a neighbor if you aren’t going to be home. Porch pirates love this time of year as packages on your porch are easy pickings. Invest in a video doorbell or surveillance cameras.
- Park as close as you can to your destination and remember where you are parked.
- If you use an ATM, be aware of any suspicious characters around you. Protect your PIN by shielding the keypad and do not throw your receipt away.
- Be especially wary of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con-artists are out in full force this time of year.
Traveling Safety
If you choose to drive to your destination this year, make sure your vehicle is in good running condition, get plenty of rest, and prepare for the unexpected emergency. By all means, be on look out for other impaired or distracted drivers. Here are some additional tips for Holiday safety to keep in mind if you are traveling:
- Leave early and plan for traffic
- Get a good night’s sleep before your trip
- Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle
- DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE
- DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!!
Decorating Safety
Decorating your home or RV is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. However, emergency rooms get several visitors every year who failed to follow a few holiday safety tips.
- Keep mistletoe away from children. These plants are potentially poisonous, as is holly berry plants. If you are going to decorate with these plants, use fake plants.
- If you are going to be putting up an artificial Christmas tree, make sure it is rated to be fire resistant.
- When using a real Christmas tree, keep your tree away from fireplaces, space heaters, and other sources of heat
- Keep ornaments out of the reach of the youngsters. Kids love to play with those shiny balls hanging towards the bottom of the tree.
- Use proper ladder safety when hanging lights outside. Make sure your ladder is on level ground before climbing up.
Food Safety Tips
As we gather with our family and friends for the Holiday feasts, keeping a few tips for Holiday safety in mind can make sure everyone has a pleasant experience without the fear of food poisoning.
A dish not cooked to the proper internal temperature or left out too long can produce germs like E. coli or Salmonella. These are the last things you want to ingest during your Holiday meals.
- Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator or in a sink full of cold water. Make sure you change the water every 30 minutes or so.
- Be sure to cook foods thoroughly to the minimum internal temperatures.
- Keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold.
- Wash your hands before and after handling food.
- Avoid those foods that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
Mental Health During The Holidays
The Holiday season is a wonderful time of the year. We gather with our families to eat, play football in the yard, and just enjoy each other’s company. However, not everybody enjoys this time of year. It can be quite stressful and downright depressing for someone who might have lost a loved one or doesn’t have a family to visit.
Keep these people in your thoughts during the Holiday season. Check on an elderly neighbor who might be spending the Holidays alone. Make sure they have everything they need and spend some time with them.
You could also volunteer your time at a local food bank or homeless shelter. Reach out to a local non-profit organization for the resources on where you can donate your time. You would be amazed at what just a few hours of your time might mean to someone else.
Other Tips For Holiday Safety
In addition to the holiday safety tips above, there are more ways you can protect yourself and your family from would be criminals.
Criminals often use the holiday season to take advantage of your good nature and your spirit of giving. They may solicit you in a parking lot, in front of a convenience store, or even at the front door of your home. These criminals will most likely be asking for donations to a church or other charitable organization, when in reality, there is no such organization. If you want to give, donate to a recognized charity.
The last and maybe most important tip for Holiday safety I can give is, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!! Enjoy the holiday festivities with your family and friends, just do so responsibly. Keep yourself, your family and others on the road safe by having a designated driver.
Conclusion On Tips For Holiday Safety
Following a few tips for Holiday safety can prevent you from being a victim this holiday season. Scam artists and cowardly criminals use this time of year to prey on those they think are weak and vulnerable. If you have a weapon, carry it and know how to use it. Be safe in your travels, enjoy the time with your family, even your mother-in-law, and don’t let The Grinch steal your Christmas.
What are your thoughts on holiday safety? Do you have anything to add to the list? If so, leave us a comment below and let us know.
Related Posts:
- How To Keep Your Family Safe While RVing
- RV Fire Safety Tips
- How A Family Road Trip Can Make Everlasting Memories
- How A Carbon Monoxide Detector Can Save Your Life
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