Be safe this holiday season




The holiday season always feels like an inappropriate time to delve into what ails our society.

However, as we prepare for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other winter celebration of choice, it’s important to remember that yuletide cheer is often accompanied by a stark dose of reality that may rear its ugly head in any number of ways.

As you allow yourself to become awash in holiday joy this December, be sure not to let your guard down and fall victim to one of the many dangers that can turn this triumphant time into heartbreak.

First, be aware that the criminal element in our society loves this time of year. Whether they are strolling through mall parking lots checking for unlocked car doors and the easy pickings of just-purchased gifts inside, or they’re plying their trade via a variety of heartrending telephone or door-to-door scams, thieves are more than willing to take advantage of our holiday spirit.

Remember to lock your doors—both car and home. When out and about, keep valuables in your possession or lock them in your trunk. And remember these words: If someone approaches you with an offer that seems too good to be true, especially during the holidays, it probably is.

Second, make sure the inside of your home is safe during the holidays.

We’re all familiar with stories on the nightly news about the house that went up in flames as the result of Christmas lights that someone forgot to turn off before leaving home or going to bed. Make sure your decorations are safe as well as festive. If you still go for a real Christmas tree, make sure it has plenty of water. Check all your strings of lights for shorts. Unplug electronics every time you leave the house or turn in for the night. And make sure to extinguish every candle.

Third, during this time of holiday parties and get-togethers, make sure to celebrate responsibly. If you know you’re going to be taking some extra gulps of the eggnog—and it’s not the kiddie variety—make sure you have a designated driver.

Let’s make sure Santa is the only crazy driver we have to worry about during the next few weeks.



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