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Holiday Safety Information
By frhayes | December 10, 2008
TRAVEL – Be sure you have emergency supplies
- Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going
- Make sure your vehicle is in good repair
- If you drink . . . don’t drive; prearrange a designated driver
- Always use safety belts and child safety seats
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles (no tailgating)
- Get a good night’s sleep before traveling
- Avoid eating heavy meals, as this can lead to sleepiness
GIFT GIVING FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
- Look for labels with age safety and advice
- Toys that produce loud noises can permanently damage hearing
- For families with children under 3, avoid toys with small parts
- Avoid choking hazards of cords or straps greater than 7 inches
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
- Keep children, pets, and toys away from cooking areas
- Wear close fitting clothing when near cooking appliances
- Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended
- Keep hot foods, liquids, & cords safely away from the edge
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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Topics: Public Safety | 28 Comments »