As you enjoy the holiday shopping season, we would like to remind you to please have a safe holiday by following these safety tips:

• Always stay alert to your surroundings
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Park in a well-lit space, lock the car and close the windows.
• If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated. Select a central meeting place and make sure they know they can ask store personnel or security if they need help.
• Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet in a coat or front pocket.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Consider alternate options to pay for merchandise, such as one-time or multi-use disposable credit cards, at online stores and auction sites.
• Hide shopping bags and gifts in the truck or, if possible, take them directly home.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• Shop online with companies you know and trust.
• Ask a neighbor to pick up your packages delivered to your porch or track your packages so you can be home when they deliver.
• If you place your Christmas tree in front of a window for display don’t put your gifts under the tree early, this is enticing for criminals.
• If you will be out of town during the holidays, have your lights, inside and outside, on a timer; have your mail held and the post office and stop newspaper deliveries.
• After the holidays, don’t place the boxes of newly acquired gifts out for garbage pickup, this advertises to criminals what new valuables you have in your home. Break down any boxes that you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can. 
• Emergencies dial 9-1-1. Non-emergencies dial 3-1-1

 View these safety videos for more information!