Constable
Marc Trioreau, RCMP Community Policing Officer for the Trinity Conception
DistrictÂ
Have
a SAFE and Merry ChristmasI
It is this time of the year again. During
the holiday season, people will be traveling, do more shopping and be
away from home more than usual. For this reason and to make sure
that you have a safe holiday season, here are some tips and pointers
that you might want to review prior to the holiday season.
If You're Traveling
Get an automatic timer for your lights.
Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway
from time to time.
If You're Out for the Evening
Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone's home.
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if
it's just for a few minutes.
Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
If You're Shopping
When parking, lock the vehicle, take the keys, and conceal valuables,
preferably in the trunk. During hours of darkness, park and walk in lighted
areas to the extent possible.
When returning to your vehicle, carry your keys in your hand and be ready to
unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible. As you approach your
vehicle, scan the area and take a quick look inside before entering.
Using debit or credit cards is much safer than carrying a lot of cash. Visit
ATM's only at well-lighted and populated locations; visit during daylight
hours if possible.
As you shop, return to your vehicle from time to time to check it and reduce
the amount of material you are carrying and must keep track of. Remember to
store your packages in the trunk or, if your vehicle doesn't have one, out
of plain view (on the floorboard, under a blanket or clothing, etc).
Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if
you get separated.
Take a Holiday Inventory
The holidays are a good time to update - or create - your home inventory.
Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial
numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help
identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. Make sure
things like TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports
equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power
tools are on the list.
Last but not least, don't let holiday stress get the best of your holiday
spirit. Crime Prevention starts at home. Start a neighborhood tradition.
Look in on your neighbors this holiday season. Make time to get together
with family and friends.
Do your part to make the holidays a safe and happy time for everybody -
except criminals. Promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, and crimes
to the your local detachment.
Make the holidays safe for young children
Do not leave children unsupervised around any kind of electrical lighting or
open flame.
Take an inventory of potential hazards you have in your home after
decorating and pay special attention to electrical decorations. Christmas
lights hung or strung across a wall or window are no exception. These may be
low enough for a small child to grab before you can notice.
When visiting friends and relatives, check the environment for these same
types of safety hazards.
Identify lights as pretty to watch, but dangerous to put in your mouth or
grab.
Tell your toddlers and preschoolers what is safe to touch and what is likely
to shatter or break.
Place candles and breakable items out of the reach of children until they
fully understand the risks involved.
Above all, use your common sense. Look around your home and other
environments where your child will spend time this holiday season to
identify potential hazards. A little caution can go a long way to ensure
that your holiday season is safe and merry!
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Have
a SAFE and Merry ChristmasI
