Tips for a safer holiday season

  • Published
  • By Rod Krause
  • 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety Manager
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The holidays provide a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to gather and celebrate. It is also a time of continuous activity, with errands to run and scheduled activities that demand attention and time.

It's also a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. Already this holiday season there have been tragic incidents around the country; so it's a good time to remind everyone of the dangers out there if you don't follow some simple safety rules.

Obviously, some crimes occur in busy areas during broad daylight, but thieves usually prefer more secluded areas that aren't well-lit.

Many thefts occur because we're not paying attention to our belongings and surroundings. Women's purses are especially easy targets when they are left in a shopping cart. Thieves rely on the trust that good people place in others.

A person might never think that an elderly woman would steal something from them when their eyes are diverted for just a moment, but this type of theft occurs more often than people think. Thieves can take on any type of personality and can look like anybody.

Here are some holidays shopping safety tips from various Web sites, our safety office would like to pass along:
  • Stay alert at all times and pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Park in well-lit spaces, always lock your car, roll up the windows, and hide packages in the trunk or under a blanket.
  • Don't overload yourself with packages, have your car keys in hand before heading to the parking lot.
  • Do not leave your purse unattended and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Whenever possible, use credit cards or checks instead. Carry only the credit cards you need.
  • When using public rest rooms, be cautious; avoid putting your purse on the floor.
  • Keep receipts separate from packages as this will make it harder for a thief to refund stolen items.
  • Remain alert in parking lots. Don't carry so many packages that you aren't aware of your surroundings and personal safety. Shop during the daytime, if possible.
  • Walk confidently, with your head up, and stay in well-lighted and well-traveled areas, and have your vehicle key in hand and ready when walking to your car.
  • Visually check a backseat before opening a door, and lock your doors immediately when inside.
  • When loading purchases into your vehicle, place your purse in the vehicle first, so it's not in the cart while your back is turned.
Shopping with Children:
  • Teach your children to go to a store clerk or security guard if they get separated from you in a shopping mall. Keep children under age 4 in a stroller or supervise them closely.
  • If you like placing your child in a shopping cart, always use the safety belt, and stay close to the cart and never let your child stand in or push a shopping cart.
Toy Safety:
  • Make sure the toys you give children are safe for them. Read the package labels and follow age recommendations. Do not give children under the age of three, toys that contain small or metal parts or toys that break easily and can be swallowed.
  • Do not give children under the age of 8 toys that have sharp edges, points, or heating elements.
  • Include helmets and other protective gear (such as elbow, knee, and wrist pads) when giving bicycles, skates, or skateboards as gifts.
  • Dispose of toy packaging properly (do not burn in fireplace). Keep packaging materials away from children because they can become a choking or suffocation hazard.
  • Keep batteries away from children. They are toxic if swallowed.
We realize that all these alerts and tips about safer holiday season might put a damper on your cheerful spirit, but being safe is much better than being sorry. By taking a few prevention measures you can help keep your holiday season joyous.