Travel and Shopping Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a great time to spend time with family and friends to enjoy the holiday festivities. The holidays are also a particularly busy time of year for many families. As you put up decorations and gather friends and family together to celebrate, keep these safety tips in mind.

Shopping Safety and Security Tips

Shopping malls are a popular place to visit during the holiday season. As with any place with large crowds, it’s important to be prepared and safe so that you can enjoy the holiday experience to the fullest.

Tips to consider when you are traveling:

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Travel Safety and Security Tips

Often, the holiday season is a busy travel time for everyone. Here are some safety and security tips for you to consider to make your trip a memorable and relaxing time.

Tips to consider when you are traveling:

• Make sure your home looks lived in.
• Stop mail and cancel all deliveries, or ask a friend or neighbor to make daily collections.
• Hide empty garbage cans.
• Have a friend or neighbor keep your yard maintained.
• Put an automatic timer on several lights and on a television or radio.
• Leave your blinds or shades in their normal position.
• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
• Store valuables in a safe deposit box.
• Tell a neighbor you trust about your departure and return dates. Supply that neighbor with phone numbers in case of an emergency.
• Ask the police department to periodically check your residence.
• Lock all windows and doors, including the basement and garage.

Security Tips for Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Use

Tips to consider when using an ATM:

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).