• Make frequent trips to your car if purchasing a lot of presents.
• Don’t overload yourself and make yourself a target.
• Use the trunk to store packages not inside of car.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain view from car windows (It attracts burglars)
• Try not to carry large amounts of cash.
• Park in well lit areas.
• Don’t walk out into the parking lot alone, wait for a group of people to exit.

• Be alert to any activity near your car. Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Have your keys in your hand (keys can be used as a weapon if needed)
• When approaching your car to enter it, have your keys ready and check the handles, locks and back seat before entering.
• If there is someone loitering near your unoccupied car as you approach it, keep walking until they leave.
• If you feel uneasy about a situation go back into the store and ask for security or an employee to walk you out.

• Keep your doors and windows locked.
• Stay out of high crime areas, especially after dark.
• Be suspicious of people approaching your car asking for directions or change, or giving out flyers.
• When stopping in traffic, leave enough distance between your car and the one in front of you, so you can pull away quickly if necessary
• If a suspicious looking person approaches your car, drive away carefully-even if you must go through a traffic light.
• If you're driving home, and there's somebody walking down the street that you don't recognize, drive around the block and come back after that person has left.
• If another driver bumps your car, or your tire goes flat, keep your doors and windows closed and wait for the Police to arrive-or drive slowly to the nearest Police Station.
• Be alert when using drive-up automated teller (ATM) machines
• If you have a cellular phone, call for help.
• If you are confronted, don't resist.

• Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the one(s) you have and TEST it.
• Use only outdoor lights outside your home.
• Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up.
• Connect no more than three strands together.
• Never use indoor extension cords outside.
• When using candles, place them a safe distance from combustibles.
• Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember, hot wax burns kids.
• Extinguish candles prior to going to bed.
• Dispose of fireplace ashes into a metal container until cold.
• After parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes. (Provide lots of ash trays)
• Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.

• Consider an artificial tree (they are much safer and cleaner).
• A real tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground.
• Cut 1 inch off the trunk to help absorb water.
• Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.
• The stand should hold at least 1 gallon of water.
• A 6' tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days.
• Mix a commercial preservative with the water.
• Check the water level every day.
• Secure the tree with wire to keep it from tipping.
• Keep tree away from floor heaters, fire places, or other heat sources.
• Use only UL-approved lights, and no more than 3 strands linked together.
• Use miniature lights--which have cool-burning bulbs.
• Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you leave your home for very long.
• Never use candles, even on artificial trees.
• Clean the tree stand to improve the tree's water intake, use one capful of bleach to a cup of water.
• Dispose of the tree properly. NEVER BURN IN THE FIREPLACE.

• Put together a gift basket containing one or more of the following items:
• Three smoke detectors and batteries.
• A quality fire extinguisher.
• A flashlight and batteries or light sticks.
• A first-aid kit.
• A carbon Monoxide detector.
• A mobile phone.
• A second floor escape ladder.
• "Emergency kit"- energy bars, water, battery radio, flashlight/light sticks and a first-aid kit packed in a small travel bag.

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