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Stacy Brown
Make Shopping, Decorating Safer
BY STACY BROWN
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Woodstock’s police and fire and rescue departments have some tips to keep you and your loved ones, and your property, safe this season. You can make a big difference by taking time to think through holiday shopping scenarios and taking care while trimming your tree.
Safe Shopping
• Lock your cars and remove your valuables. Don’t leave purses and packages in plain sight. Do not leave firearms in your automobile. Never leave your car running and unattended in your driveway, especially if there are children in the car. • Avoid porch pirates by having packages delivered to work instead of your home. Leave specific instructions for delivery drivers. Install security cameras, network with your neighbors, or use a smart lock. • When shopping at night, stay alert and park in well-lit areas. Don’t purchase more than you can carry without a cart, and have your car keys out before you leave the store.
If you are shopping with children, make a plan for what to do if you are accidentally separated. • If you are shopping online, be sure your computer is safe by installing anti-virus software. Also, use secure websites for purchases. Look for https in the URL. • Keep your doors at home locked and gifts out of sight.
On garbage pickup day, don’t advertise to criminals that you have a new TV or other expensive electronics. Break down merchandise packaging fully, and place it inside trash bins.
Decorating Tips
• Check the water in live Christmas trees daily. Dried-out trees pose a greater fire risk. Turn off your holiday lights before leaving the house or going to sleep. • Decorating for the holidays is a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and create or review your emergency exit plan with each member of your household. • When cooking holiday meals with small children present, use the back burners of the stove instead of the front when possible, and turn pot handles to the back.
Wishing you a safe and wonderful holiday season!
Stacy Brown is the marketing and communications manager for the city of Woodstock. She can be reached at 770-592-6056 or sbrown@woodstockga.gov.
