1. Teach your children to stay with you at all times while shopping. They should always check first with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Always supervise your children in a public facility and accompany young children to the restroom.


2. Make a plan in case you become separated. Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot (e.g. the sales counter or mall information booth). Teach younger children to look for people who can help within the store or mall — a uniformed security officer, a salesperson with a nametag, a mother with children, etc. They should never leave the store/mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car.


3. Turn shopping trips into opportunities for your children to practice these “safe shopping” skills.


4. Leave clothing that displays your children’s names at home, as it can prompt unwelcome attention from people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.


5. Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities (e.g. video arcades, movie theaters, playgrounds) and expect store personnel to supervise your children.


6. Have older children take a friend, if you allow them to go shopping or to public functions without you. It’s more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Agree on a clear plan for picking them up including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.


7. Make other arrangements for child care, if you feel that you will be distracted during holiday shopping. SOURCE: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

• Keep Christmas trees fresh – Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree at least three feet away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is Labeled as fire-retardant.


• Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials, Avoid using candles during parties. If guest will be smoking, provide them with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party, check in between and under upholstery and in trashcans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.


• Beware of Holiday candles – Take special care when burning candles and make sure they are never left unattended. Be sure they are kept away from decorations and other combustible materials. Never leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, matches, and lighters out of reach of children.


• Inspect fireplaces and wood burning stoves – Have your chimney connections and flues professionally inspected and cleaned if necessary before the start of the heating season. Burn wood only! Never burn paper, including gift wrap, as these material may contain toxins or chemicals.


• Use care when hanging stockings – When planning to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.


• Dress appropriately before going outdoors – Temperatures don’t have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Dress in multiple thin layers so you can adjust to changing environmental conditions.


• Practice kitchen and food safety for the little ones – Do not allow children to play in the kitchen. Always turn pot handles inside where they cannot be reached. Never leave a child alone in a high chair – not even for a moment. Cut food into small pieces and have children chew thoroughly. To safeguard against choking, make sure children don’t walk, run, play or talk with food in their mouth.


• Buckle up – Whether you are heading to the mall for last minutes shopping,
  off to a holiday party or running to the corner store, wearing a seat belt is the best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure that all passengers are also wearing safety belts. Children 12 and under should always sit in the backseat. Make sure children are buckled up and their car seats are installed appropriately base on their age and size.


• Designate a driver – When attending a party, always designate a sober driver, if you are the host of a holiday gathering, provide non-alcoholic beverages for guest who are driving.

• Plan your day, know where you are going and what you are doing.
• Let a friend or family member know your plans.
• Avoid distractions, distractions attract criminals.
• Carry a cellular phone and have emergency phone numbers available.
• Pay attention to your surroundings, know where assistance is located.
• Avoid short cuts, use well -lit and traveled roads.
• Use debit or credit cards if possible, carry enough money to pay for your errands. If carrying a large amount of money, separate your money into the amounts needed and place them in different pockets.
• Secure your purse of wallet after use
• Have your vehicle checked and maintained according to vehicle specifications.
• Report suspicious persons and packages to the police.
• If you SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING
• Instruct children on the dangers of strangers.
• In case of emergency dial 911

Vehicle Safety

• Park in well-lit areas
• Lock and secure your car, place packages and other valuables out of sight.
• When returning to your car, try to leave with a group of people.
• Check the outside and inside of the vehicle prior to entering.
• Have you keys available to open the door, get in and then lock the doors.
• Maintain a full tank of gas, keep doors locked and windows closed
• If someone tries to get you to stop your vehicle and / or divert your attention, try to stop in a well-lit and populated area then contact help.
• Do not leave your vehicle running and unattended.
• In case of emergency dial 911

Scams, Cons and Imposters

• Do not give personal information over the phone to unsolicited callers
• Do not let strangers in the house to use your phone, bathroom or get a drink of water.
• Do not let a stranger know that you are alone, contact a friend or family member when a stranger is calling on you or dial 911 if your in danger.
• Be aware that some persons collecting for charities or causes are collecting for themselves, Pick a favorite charity and write a check to that charity.
• Verify unannounced utility workers and schedule a date convenient for you.
• Be cautious when providing personal information to unsolicited telephone callers, e-mail and mail.
• Remember if it’s too good to be true it usually is.
• In case of emergency dial 911

Carbon Monoxide Threat and Management

• Carbon Monoxide is odorless and colorless, poisonous gas that is the product of incomplete combustion. Fuels such as natural or liquefied propane gas, oil, wood and coal can produce carbon monoxide.
• Identify potential hazards- have heating systems inspected by a qualified technician, check for clogged filters, closed fresh air intakes, blocked chimney flues, and inadequate ventilation.
• Install or maintain working CO detectors/alarms in you home.
• Watch for signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, dizziness, unexplained headaches, drowsiness, nausea, if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning Contact 911 and leave the house, and get to fresh air. Open doors and windows if possible.
• Do not leave your vehicle running in the garage, Start you vehicle and remove it from the garage, let the vehicle warm up outside, an open garage door may not provide enough ventilation to dissipate the exhaust fumes.
• In case of emergency dial 911

Fireplace safety tips

• Inspect your fireplace prior to use.
• Is the flue operational and open, are there any obstructions?
• Before lighting check the area for flammable items, decorations and papers,
• Do you have a fire screen in place?
• Use caution when placing items in the fireplace because of the possibility of sudden ignition and intensity of the burn.
• Is there a fire extinguisher accessible?
• Have the children been instructed in the dangers of fire and do you have an escape plan in place for family and guests?
• Practice Exit Drills In The Home (EDITH )
• In case of emergency dial 911