Holiday Safety Information

By frhayes | December 10, 2008

TRAVEL – Be sure you have emergency supplies

GIFT GIVING FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

For children under 8:

Avoid toys with sharp edges and electric toys with heating parts or that must be plugged into an outlet

NOTE: Do not allow children under 8 to play with un-inflated balloons or balloon pieces — they can present an aspiration/suffocation hazard.

KITCHEN

DECORATIONS (including Christmas trees)

Place fragile decorations out of reach of children and pets
Do not leave children unattended in a room with lit candles
Avoid decorations that look like candy (may also be a choking hazard)
Keep furniture and rugs at least 3 feet away from heat sources
Do not place Christmas tree near the only exit to safety
Keep live trees well-watered, stable, and out of traffic patterns
Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits
Always unplug lights before leaving home or going to bed
After parties, check for smoldering cigarette butts inside & under upholstery and inside trash cans (they can smolder for hours)
Never overload electrical outlets

OVERLOADED ELECTRIC OUTLETS & FAULTY WIRES ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF RESIDENTIAL HOLIDAY FIRES.

Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord
Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.

WINTER HEATING

Never use an oven or a barbecue indoors for heating
If you are buying a new space heater, make sure it carries the approval mark of an independent testing laboratory
Give space heaters space. Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet away from things that could burn
Turn off space heaters before leaving your home or going to bed
Make sure space heaters have an emergency shut-off in case they tip over
Keep furniture and rugs at least 3 feet away from heat sources
Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary
Allow fireplace (and cigarette) ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.
Use a screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets or furniture

SHOPPING – Awareness is key

Place all gifts and packages in your trunk or out of sight
Always be aware of your surroundings
Park in well-lighted areas
Avoid shopping alone; there is safety in numbers
Try to use credit or debit cards for purchases to avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Keep your car doors locked and windows closed
If you carry a purse or bag, carry it up close to your body
When shopping online, only use major retailers or reputable websites
Be sure to protect your credit card numbers and PIN at all times
Report any lost or stolen credit cards immediately
Check your credit report at least 3 times per year for unauthorized or suspicious activity
Add the 7-digit emergency phone number for the local police department into your cell phone for a faster response. For Long Beach Police: (562) 435-6711
For additional information contact the LBPD Crime Prevention Unit at (562) 570-7215

HOME – Take gift storage and security precautions

Keep gifts away from windows
Practice regular home security such as motion sensor lighting
If traveling, postpone your mail and newspaper deliveries so your home doesn’t look deserted
Do not store gifts in vehicles or unsecured areas

BUSINESS – Take precautions to prevent holiday theft

Lock unused doors as long as you are not in violation of the Fire Code
Keep only necessary cash in the register and vary the schedule and route for your bank deposits each day
Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by
Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations
Develop a mutual aid system among stores close to you or on your block
Take advantage of the Long Beach Police Department Business Watch program, 570-7274

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