Be Safe During the Holidays: Essential Tips

We all love the holidays for the fun, cheer, and giving, but it's also an opportunity for the bad guys. Here are a few holiday safety tips from the Houston Police Department that will help you get through the season without the holiday drama (at least from a safety perspective!).

At Home

• Lock doors and close windows when you leave your house, even if it's only for a minute.

• While leaving home for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house, pick up your mail and newspapers, or you can put a hold on mail and newspaper delivery.

• If you are expecting a package and not going to be home, track your packages online and ask your neighbor to pick it up for you.

• Thieves usually don't approach homes that appear to be occupied. Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer so it appears someone is at home.

• Large displays of gifts should not be visible from the windows and doors of your home.

• Do not put out boxes from either large or small purchases on or before garbage day. Doing this allows others to see what new things you have in your home.

• Don't leave keys hidden inside fake concealment rocks. Burglars often know how to spot the most common hiding places quickly.

Decorations

• Pick the right holiday lights: check for broken or burnt out bulbs. Choose LED lights over incandescent lights.

• Be smart about your decorations. Do not leave decorations near the fireplace. Placement of decorations and wires should be carefully thought out.

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