As the song says, this is the most wonderful time of the year.
It’s also the busiest. Work. School recitals. Cookie baking. Holiday shopping. Parties. It’s enough to make your head spin. While you might be tempted to take shortcuts to check things off of your to-do list, don’t let safety be one of them.
Your personal safety is paramount while you are out and about. Simply paying attention to your surroundings goes a long way. Walking around a mall while engaged with your phone makes you an easy mark for bad guys. Your wallet or package could be gone before you know it. Be especially attentive in parking lots or garages. Keep your key in your hand as you walk. Look inside of your vehicle before entering and lock the doors as soon as you are inside. You can also use a valet service if available. It’s also a good idea to avoid sitting in your car. Many carjackings take place when the driver is in the car texting. Also, be especially careful while driving. The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is the most dangerous for motorists, according to the National Safety Council.
Decorating our homes for the holidays is a big part of the fun. Make sure you do it safely. About half of the home fires in December are caused by holiday candles, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Dry Christmas trees, space heaters too close to combustibles and extension cords are also to blame for many house fires during the winter months. Make sure to check
your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. The American Red Cross has some holiday decorating safety tips for you.
Porch Pirates
Don’t forget those dastardly porch pirates! Make sure the gifts you purchase get to the intended recipient. Online shopping is a boon to these criminals. It doesn’t matter where you live; people in big cities, the suburbs and rural communities alike have become the target of these criminals. Some porch pirates follow delivery trucks as they make their rounds. Once the truck is out of sight, they run in and scoop up the packages. The unsuspecting homeowner gets a text that their package has been delivered but when they check for it, it’s nowhere to be found. While there is little you can do after your packages are stolen, you can take some steps to outwit the thieves.
Door Bell Camera
Doorbell cameras are a great deterrent. These cameras allow you to check on any activity on your porch through your smartphone. When the camera’s motion detector is triggered, the camera begins recording and sends you an alert. The cameras are also equipped with speakers which allow you to talk with the person on your porch. Law enforcement officials have noticed if thieves know they are being recorded on video, they will bolt before they steal your package. But if they do, police say video recordings can help to catch the thief. There are a variety of models of doorbell cameras – both hardwired and battery-operated – to fit your needs. Some can be integrated into your existing security system. A specialist from Delco Alarm Systems can help you choose which product is right for you. For more information contact Delco Alarm Systems at 610-494-9100.