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Holiday Safety The Holidays are always exciting with shopping, presents and family! However, crooks love the opportunities this time of year provides. While there’s no need to be afraid, you should keep in mind the following holiday safety reminders from the Everett Police Department. r, d s Holiday Tips: EVERETTWASHINGTONUSA For emergencies, call 911 Everett Police Department Crime Prevention Unit [PHONE REDACTED] [EMAIL REDACTED] www.EverettPolice.org Vehicles: Holidays requires extra driving precautions. ◊ Keep emotions under control and give other drivers space ◊ Allocate extra time and prepare for winter conditions ◊ Use a designated driver if drinking alcohol ◊ Take frequent breaks during long trips ◊ Store valuables (presents) in the trunk ◊ Don’t leave your purse on top of the car ◊ Have keys ready before arriving at your car ◊ Do not approach your car if suspicious people are nearby ◊ Buckle up! at Home: Don’t get careless during the holiday rush. ◊ Lock doors & windows with secondary locks ◊ Ensure doors and dark areas of the yard are lit ◊ Gifts shouldn’t be visible through the windows ◊ Do not open the door to strangers ◊ If traveling, ask a friend to watch your home ◊ Do not block the door with the Christmas tree ◊ Use a sturdy base on your Christmas tree ◊ Water your Christmas tree and never leave the lights on when away from home ◊ Do not burn wrapping paper in your fi replace ◊ Flatten boxes and conceal product pictures when putting garbage outside ◊ Be alert! Criminals may pose as couriers While Shopping: Shopping presents unique dangers as people usually carry more money and gifts than at other time of the year. ◊ Be aware of your setting and strangers ◊ Trust your instincts - If you are uncomfortable with a person or place, get away ◊ Keep your cash in a front pocket and carry your purse close to the body ◊ Immediately notify your credit card company if your card is lost, stolen or misused ◊ Never leave buildings until you believe everything is safe ◊ Dress casually and comfortably ◊ Shop with a friend or family member ◊ Never overburden yourself with packages ◊ Only use ATM’s during daylight hours or in well lit public places ◊ Never leave your purse in the shopping cart Children: The Holidays present potentially dangerous situations for children. Keep them safe. ◊ Keep children close at all times! ◊ Before shopping, select a meeting spot in case children get separated ◊ Always accompany children to the rest room ◊ Teach children their full name, address and telephone number for police offi cers or store security in case they get lost ◊ Never leave children alone in the car Be happy - Be secure - Be safe! Stay alert when out and about. Check financial statements for bad charges. Don’t drink and drive... 02-10