Safety Tips

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Lock your doors, windows, cars, and garages at all times. Help prevent crimes of opportunity.
Leave a television or radio on when you leave the house and schedule automatic lights.
Keep your house exterior well lit. Dark homes are more enticing to burglars.
Don't open your front door to just anyone who is knocking. Before opening your door make sure you know who it is.

Don't hide packages in your car. Smash and Grab break-ins are very common this time of year.
When out shopping or running errands late, park your car under lights and close to the main entrance to shopping malls and large stores. It may be dark when you leave.
Don't put your purse in shopping carts.
Do not be distracted while walking to and from your vehicle. Have your keys ready and have your finger on the panic button in case you are approached by a stranger and feel you are in danger.
Stay alert. Ask mall security or store staff to accompany you to your car if you feel unsafe.
If you leave packages in your car be sure to cover up the packages or hide them in the trunk.
Shop with a group or a partner. There is safety in numbers and they can help carry purchases.
Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
Don't leave bags unattended.
Store serial numbers and receipts in a special place in case you need to submit them to your insurance company.
Verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.

Make sure the website is legitimate and secure. Look for a padlock on your web browser's address bar or make sure the web address begins with "https".
Make sure someone is home when the packages are delivered or have them placed behind a gate, at the side of the house, or a neighbor's house.
Save all email receipts.
Verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. All computers should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a firewall installed.
Keep your personal information and password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact.
Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL.
Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.
Set your bank card or credit card to send you immediate alerts whenever a purchase or withdrawal is made.

If mailing packages ask for the sign for delivery option.
Even though you may be in a rush and thinking of your to-do list, stay alert at all times
After holiday gift-giving is over, don't leave large boxes of expensive electronics (i.e. television box, game consoles) for curbside pickup. Try to dismantle the box, or check for local Solid Waste Authority (SWA) disposal locations for a list of recycling drop-off locations.

Prepare your home for optimum safety while you’re away.
Have your car inspected and/or serviced before you leave, and keep an emergency kit in it.
Know how to drive safely on icy roads.
Plan the drive ahead of time, and know alternate routes.
Carry a cell phone and charger.
Wash your hands frequently with soap or antibacterial hand sanitizer.
Give someone close to you a copy of your trip itinerary and photocopies of important documents.