The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year. In the midst of all the excitement and hustle and bustle, we still need to be alert to our surroundings and focus on safety and security.

Sandcastle Homes would like to recommend some personal and home holiday safety guidelines:

PERSONAL SHOPPING SAFETY:

• Dress casually and comfortably
• Avoid carrying purses Store credit/debit cards and cell phones in pockets
• No bling! Please leave all expensive jewelry at home.
• There’s safety in numbers. Shop in groups for more watchful eyes.
• Never leave purchases unattended.
• Beware of distractions by con artists with the intent to take your money or belongings
• Shop during daylight hours, if at all possible.
• Park in a well-lighted area as close to the building as possible
• Hide your valuables. Always store out of sight.
• Don’t forget the keys! Never leave keys in your vehicle.
• Always lock your vehicle and close windows
• Consolidate smaller purchases into one or two large bags
• Make your valuable purchases last, and then go directly home after the buy
• Avoid ATM machines and if you must use one, choose a highly visible location. Make sure you are accompanied by someone

CHILDREN:

• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number
• Be sure that your children are aware of security guards or store offices so they’ll know where to go if they become separated

HOME SAFETY:

• Home alarm system – utilize even when gone for short periods of time.
• Make use of technology. Consider a “smart” security system, including security cameras. These solutions are becoming extremely affordable.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer
• Leave a radio or television on to make the house seem occupied
• Home garages – consider backing vehicles in to avoid anyone from approaching from behind.
• Have packages delivered to your office. This will reduce the likelihood of theft as well as keep family members from snooping!
• Discarding gift packaging – you don’t want to alert thieves to new possessions.  Store packaging someplace out of sight for a week or two before discarding or consider discarding it away from the home
• Neighborhood watch – Request assistance from your neighborhood watch if possible. Ask neighbors   to keep an eye on your house and to pick up newspapers and mail
• Away for extended periods – stop mail and newspapers and request extra patrols of your residence by calling the Crime Prevention Officer in your precinct

We wish you a very safe and happy holiday season!

Categorised in: Holiday, Sandcastle News

This post was written by Sandcastle Homes