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Holiday Safety: Important Tips from Jefferson Security Expert

Follow these simple steps to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe this season

Mention “holidays,” and most people think about relaxing, enjoying good food, exchanging gifts and perhaps even feeling a bit stressed out . But few people associate the holidays with criminals – or the potential to become a victim of a crime.

Yet that’s not outside the realm of possibility, says Joe McFadden, manager, Thomas Jefferson University Security Department. In fact, Mr. McFadden notes, the increase in shopping and spending often creates more opportunities for thieves.

“No one wants to associate the holidays with being in danger,” Mr. McFadden says. “But you’re doing yourself and your loved ones a disservice if you don’t exercise extra caution throughout the season.”

Staying safe at home
Mr. McFadden says it’s important to remember the security basics in your home: “Always make sure to lock your doors and windows – even if you’re leaving for just a few minutes.”

Also, take extra care with all of those presents you’re buying. Mr. McFadden urges people not to place gifts where they can be seen from the outside. “By putting gifts on display, you can unintentionally invite trouble,” he says.

If you’re buying big-ticket items – especially electronics and appliances – mark the gifts with an engraver. Mr. McFadden suggests giving each item a unique number that you can describe to police, if needed.

Another potential point of vulnerability is extra “traffic” at your door. Mr. McFadden says to be wary of strangers coming to your door asking for charitable donations. “They could be scoping out your home for a future robbery,” he explains, adding that you should also be cautious with delivery people.

“If you aren’t sure that someone is legitimate, ask for identification,” he suggests.

And if you’re planning to welcome holiday houseguests, make sure they know about – and follow – your “house rules” for security.

Staying safe while traveling
If you’re the one who’ll be hitting the road this holiday season, take care to ensure the safety of your empty home.

Mr. McFadden suggests stopping U.S. Mail and newspaper service and investing in automatic timers for lights, radios and/or televisions. “These can all be added to the same circuit, and can help confuse potential burglars and deter them from your property,” he explains.

As an added precaution, also enlist a trusted neighbor, relative or friend to watch your home. They should plan to shovel any snow that may fall, and ideally, should park in your driveway from time to time.

“Again, this helps to ensure that your home looks occupied, making it a less desirable target,” he notes.

Staying safe while shopping
Most of us do extra shopping before and during the holiday season. To make yourself less vulnerable to criminals, Mr. McFadden suggests shopping before dark, coordinating errands with a friend and being extra careful with your pocketbook.

“Carry your purse in front of you, not on your back hip,” he cautions.

And no matter how rushed or stressed you may feel, Mr. McFadden also urges women and other shoppers to say alert at all times – and to trust your instincts!

“If you feel uneasy about people or your surroundings, listen to your gut and go in a different direction,” he says.

Of course, if you want to avoid the potential safety risks of shopping, you can always order gifts online and have them shipped to your home or office.

“Just be cautious about opening your door for delivery people, and always make sure you bring packages inside quickly,” Mr. McFadden concludes.