The holidays are upon us. It’s important to keep some safety tips in mind when you travel, shop, or prepare your holiday meals.
Holiday Travel
If you want your trip to be safe and problem-free, it’s important to take a few steps before you embark on your journey.
Reid International Airport maintains a list of travel tips you should follow that include limiting the amount of luggage you take on a plane, having your identification handy and knowing ahead of time which items are prohibited in carry-on bags.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a travel checklist that you can print and follow for your flight. The TSA also offers assistance for passengers with disabilities and medical conditions.
All travelers are urged to be mindful of their surroundings at airports. Never leave baggage unattended, report any unattended bags to the TSA, and, if you see something suspicious, say something.
If you are traveling by car, ensure your vehicle is maintained. Have a mechanic inspect your vehicle before your departure. Be sure to take food, water, batteries, cell phone chargers and other supplies you may need in the event of a breakdown. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes: jumper cables, first-aid supplies, flares and blankets. Be sure to include supplies for your pets if you are bringing them with you.
Food and Cooking Safety
The holidays also bring together families for celebratory meals. It’s important to take a few precautions to ensure food and cooking safety.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports Thanksgiving is a peak day for home cooking fires, with unattended cooking as the leading contributing factor.
The NFPA recommends some safety precautions when cooking meals, including:
- Frequently checking food as it is being cooked;
- Keeping children away from the stove, hot food, matches/candles and sharp objects;
- Make sure smoke alarms are in working order; and
- Keeping the floor clear of obstacles.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control also offer tips to ensure your meal is safe, including:
- Carefully reading the labels on your meat before cooking it;
- Using two thermometers – one to ensure the meat is stored at the appropriate temperature and one to ensure the meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature;
- Separating meats, such as turkey from all other foods;
- Refrigerating leftovers within two hours;
- Avoiding eating leftovers that have been left in the refrigerator for longer than three to four days.
Holiday Shopping Safety
Many people will spend the holiday season searching for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Unfortunately, many criminals will spend it searching for potential victims. That’s why it is important to follow some safety tips to protect you, your family and your property.
When shopping at traditional stores, always be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure to look around as you put recently purchased items in your car, and park in well-lit areas. Keep packages and handbags close to you to avoid attracting snatchers and pickpockets.
Shopping during daylight hours and with other people enhances your safety and security.
If you shop with children, keep an eye on them at all times. Discuss with them beforehand what they should do if they become separated from you.
If you are doing your holiday shopping online, there are additional steps you can take to shop safely.
According to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, cybercriminals often target online shoppers in three ways: fraudulent sites/emails, intercepting insecure transactions and targeting vulnerable computers.
Only shop from reputable websites. Make sure the URL begins with “https” instead of “http.” Pay with a credit card, which limits your liability for fraudulent charges.
Ensure your computer’s antivirus software is up to date and check your statements often for any signs of fraudulent activity.
Finally, be conscious of dangers around your home. If your employer allows it, have items delivered to your place of work. If you are shopping from a store’s website, have the items delivered to a store location for pick-up. Some online retailers such as Amazon also offer locker services for package pick-up.
Don’t leave boxes from items you purchased in plain sight on your curb, as they can tempt thieves to break into your home.
Keep areas around your home clear of obstructions and well-lit, and use a home security system and/or home camera system to add another layer of security.
The holidays are a time for cheer. Take a few simple steps to ensure they aren’t spoiled by would-be criminals.