It’s very important to follow these simple tips to keep you and your family safe during the holiday season.

Safe Shopping Tips

• Remember where you parked. Make a note of the entrance that is closest to your car.
• Try to use an exit nearest to where you parked.
• Do not tempt thieves. Avoid leaving packages on the car seat or elsewhere in plain sight.
• Lock your car when you leave it, even if only for a short time.
• Try to avoid walking alone.
• Walk and park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Be alert to anything that looks unusual or when someone “accidentally” bumps into you. That’s how thieves often distract their victims. Try to avoid carrying packages that block your view.
• Glance in the back seat before getting in your car.
• As you leave a building, carry your keys concealed in your hand.
• Do not hesitate to ask a security guard for help or for an escort to your car.
• Be cautious in showing the amount of cash you are carrying.

Holiday Decorations

• Never leave a burning candle in a room unattended. When disposing of matches, dampen with water first. Never throw a warm match into a waste basket. Before lighting a Hanukkah Menorah or Kwanza Kinara, make sure the candles fit securely in the holder and, if you put them in the window, make sure to keep the flames a safe distance from blinds and/or curtains.
• If you choose to have a live tree, try to select a fresh one. To keep your tree fresh, cut a diagonal slice off the bottom of the trunk to help the tree absorb water. Check the stand often and keep it full of water at all times.
• Do not put your tree (live or artificial) near any electrical appliances or heat sources, like a fireplace or heater.
• Use fire retardant decorations. Try not to have the lights overlap with any ornaments or touch the tree stand.
• Test all electrical decorations for faulty wiring or burned out bulbs.
• Do not put cords under rugs. Keep cords out of traffic paths.
• Hang tinsel and decorations out of reach of small children and pets.
• Check with your management office for proper disposal of live trees.

Fireplaces

• If your fireplace is equipped with gas or permanent (ceramic) logs, never add wood or other material to the fire.
• Keep flammable materials away from the hearth.
• Make certain the flue is open and clear before starting a fire.
• Always use a fireplace screen to keep sparks contained.
• Never overload the fireplace. Never burn tree parts, paper or other rubbish in the fire place.
• When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on a grate.
• Never use fire starters like kerosene, gasoline or lighter fluid in the fireplace.
• Never leave the fire unattended and be sure the fire is extinguished before you go to bed or leave your home.
• Keep Christmas stockings and other decorations well away from the flames.

Have a safe and happy holiday season all!