As the holidays draw near, American Alliance urges all members of our cherished communities to prioritize safety and security.
Please take heed of and spread these essential safety tips among your families, friends, and colleagues to ensure a joyous season for everyone.
Avoid leaving purached items, cash, wallets, phones, purses, or any valuable items in your parked vehicle where they’re visible.
Conceal these possessions out of sight; the most secure spot for purchased goods is within your trunk.
Remain alert and attentive to your surroundings. If anything seems unusual, promptly report it to the store’s personnel, local law enforcement, or security.
While shopping online, steer clear of buying from pop-up ads due to potential phishing scams or malware. Instead, opt for reputable businesses.
To ensure secure transactions, check for the padlock icon on the browser’s status bar. The URL should shift from “http” to “https” during payment, indicating encrypted or secure transactions.
Minimize carrying substantial cash; opt for payment methods such as checks, credit, debit, or charge cards.
Additionally, consider securing your cash or wallet in a zippered or front pocket to lower the risk of pickpocketing in crowded areas or accidental loss.
Make an effort to select a parking spot in close proximity to your intended destination that is well-lit, for added safety and visibility.
This ensures that your vehicle is parked in an easily observable area, minimizing potential risks associated with poor lighting or secluded parking spaces.
Always ensure all your vehicle’s doors are securely locked when leaving it parked.
Upon returning, if anything appears out of place or suspicious, take immediate action by contacting the authorities or seeking assistance from security personnel.
Update your holiday lighting by considering energy-efficient LED options, which emit less heat compared to incandescent lights.
Pay attention to labels specifying whether the lights are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
If you’re planning an extended trip, consider asking a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative to collect your mail, or arrange for the post office to hold it until your return.
Make sure to switch off all decorations and lights before sleeping or departing the house. Consider using automatic timers set for intervals of six or eight hours to conserve energy.
Think about incorporating motion or lighting sensors, serving as a deterrent to potential intruders by illuminating the area while also triggering an alert when activity is detected.
Furthermore, home security systems and cameras prove highly efficient as security measures.
Exercise caution when opening the door to unfamiliar individuals, especially during this season when thieves and criminals are known to disguise themselves.
Consider using tools like Ring cameras or other video doorbells to verify and communicate with unknown visitors without physically opening the door.
Refrain from feeling obliged to donate to suspicious or unfamiliar requests.
Explore the National Safety Council’s website for additional safety tips and advice.
Prepare for more thorough airport security checks by TSA before your travels.
Additionally, consider registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service. This program enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling or residing abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of visit.
By enrolling, you can receive crucial information from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate regarding safety conditions within your destination and facilitate communication in emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or family crises. Moreover, it helps your family and friends reach you swiftly in case of any urgent situations.
Browse through safety guides provided by the Electrical Safety Foundation International. They offer valuable recommendations regarding safety awareness for holiday decorations and other safety resources.
Before purchasing toys or other items, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to review any potential recalls or alerts.
Please note that any compilation of safety tips may not cover every potential hazard. Therefore, while keeping these safety guidelines in mind, always rely on your common sense during this holiday season.
The most effective way to ensure your safety is by using your judgment and awareness.
American Alliance extends warm wishes for a happy holiday season and hopes for a healthy, joyful, peaceful, and prosperous 2024! 🎆
