Holiday Safety Tips
The following Holiday Safety Tips were compiled, in cooperation with Porterville College Office of Public Safety, to contribute to the safety and security of our campus community during the holiday season.
The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. Porterville College wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.
Vehicle Safety Tips
- Avoid driving alone or at night.
- Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
- If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
- Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
- Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
- Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
- When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
- Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
Driving Safety Tips
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
- If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
- Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
- Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
Shopping
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Always carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- Keep cash in your front pocket.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
Children
- If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
- Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
- Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
- Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
- Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
- Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
At Home
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
- Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
- If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
- Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
- Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.
Strangers at Your Door
- Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
- It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
- Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
- Donate to a recognized charitable organization.
Holiday Pet Safety Tips
- Secure the tree: Secure your Christmas tree and any large decorations to keep it from falling should your pet bump into it.
- Keep fragile ornaments out of reach: Hang only pet-safe, soft ornaments or plush toys at pet eye level.
- Hide the snacks: Keep holiday treats, like cookies and snack trays, out of reach of pets.
- Know your pet: If you’re hosting a party or having family visit, keep your pet’s comfort in mind. Give them a space to retreat to (like a bedroom) should they need a break from the action.
Hosting a Party
- Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
- Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
- Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.
Christmas Cooking Safety Tips
- Keep kids safe: Keep young children away from sharp, hot or flammable items in the kitchen.
- Stay cool: Keep hot pads on hand to protect from burns.
- Safely store cords: Using a slow cooker or mixer? Avoid accidents with children and pets by keeping small-appliance cords tucked safely behind the appliance ‒ not hanging off the counter.
- Avoid food poisoning: Cook all foods according to safe minimum cooking standards, including casseroles and leftovers. Check out these guidelines from foodsafety.gov.
Attending a Party
- Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
- Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
- Know your safe limit.
- Never drink and drive.
Raising Mental Health Awareness During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a tremendously stressful time for many individuals who are struggling with a mental illness such as depression and anxiety. According to a survey, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reported that approximately 24% of people with a diagnosed mental illness find that the holidays make their condition “a lot” worse and 40% “somewhat” worse. The pressure of trying to do everything, planning the perfect holiday, traveling to visit family, saying yes to every event, meeting those year-end deadlines and the financial burdens of holiday shopping, can be enough to send anyone into a tail spin.
This holiday hustle and bustle cannot only heavily impact individuals who are prone to anxiety, depression and stress (and a lack of sleep) but can also take a toll on those who have never experienced a mental illness. When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
Check out the following article on Stress, depression and the holidays for tips to prevent holiday stress and depression.
- Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA)
- Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (Espanol)
- Tulare County Free Christmas and Holiday Assistance
- Porterville College Counseling
- LAPD Crime Prevention
- Holiday Safety Tips Rainbow International
- Holiday Safety Flyer
- KCCD Employee Assistance Program
- Stress, Depression, and The Holidays
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Credits:
Created with images by JillWellington - "christmas happy woman" • fancycrave1 - "driving car windshield" • Peggy_Marco - "atm pin number field" • JillWellington - "christmas shopping packages gifts" • DarkmoonArt_de - "children window reindeer" • JillWellington - "christmas fireplace fire in fireplace fireplace" • blende12 - "animals dog cat" • anncapictures - "new year's eve new year's greetings champagne" • congerdesign - "pot kitchen cook" • geralt - "hand draw pen"