Stay Safe This Holiday Season With Danbury Police Tips

From Danbury Police: Winter - Holiday Safety Tips

Child Safety

1. Teach your children to stay with you at all times while shopping. They should always check first with you or the person in charge before they go anywhere. Always supervise your children in a public facility and accompany young children to the restroom.

2. Make a plan in case you become separated. Have older kids meet you in a pre-designated spot (e.g. the sales counter or mall information booth). Teach younger children to look for people who can help within the store or mall — a uniformed security officer, a salesperson with a nametag, a mother with children, etc. They should never leave the store/mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your car.

3. Turn shopping trips into opportunities for your children to practice these “safe shopping” skills.

4. Leave clothing that displays your children’s names at home, as it can prompt unwelcome attention from people who may be looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your children.

5. Never leave children in toy stores or public facilities (e.g. video arcades, movie theaters, playgrounds) and expect store personnel to supervise your children.

6. Have older children take a friend, if you allow them to go shopping or to public functions without you. It’s more fun and much safer. Older children should check in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Agree on a clear plan for picking them up including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

7. Make other arrangements for child care, if you feel that you will be distracted during holiday shopping. (SOURCE: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)

• Plan your day, know where you are going and what you are doing.
• Let a friend or family member know your plans.
• Avoid distractions. Distractions attract criminals.
• Carry a cellular phone and have emergency phone numbers available.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Know where assistance is located.
• Avoid short cuts. Use well -lit and traveled roads.
• Use debit or credit cards if possible, carry enough money to pay for your errands. If carrying a large amount of money, separate your money into the amounts needed and place them in different pockets.

• Secure your purse of wallet after use.
• Have your vehicle checked and maintained according to vehicle specifications.

• Report suspicious persons and packages to the police.
• If you SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING.
• Instruct children on the dangers of strangers.
• In case of emergency dial 911.

Vehicle Safety

• Park in well lit areas.
• Lock and secure your car, place packages and other valuables out of sight.
• When returning to your car, try to leave with a group of people.
• Check the outside and inside of the vehicle prior to entering.
• Have you keys available to open the door, get in and then lock the doors.
• Maintain a full tank of gas, keep doors locked and windows closed.
• If someone tries to get you to stop your vehicle and / or divert your
• attention, try to stop in a well lit and populated area then contact help.
• Do not leave your vehicle running and unattended.
• In case of emergency dial 911.

Scams, Cons and Impostors

• Do not give personal information over the phone to unsolicited callers.
• Do not let strangers in the house to use your phone, bathroom or get a drink of water.

• Do not let a stranger know that you are alone, contact a friend or family member when a stranger is calling on you.
• Be aware that some persons collecting for charities or causes are collecting for themselves, Pick a favorite charity and write a check to that charity.
• Verify unannounced utility workers and schedule a date convenient you.
• Be cautious when providing personal information to unsolicited telephone callers, e-mail and mail.
• Remember if it's too good to be true is usually is.
• In case of emergency dial 911.

Carbon Monoxide Threat and Management

• Carbon Monoxide is odorless and colorless, poisonous gas that is the product of incomplete combustion. Fuels such as natural or liquefied propane gas, oil, wood and coal can produce carbon monoxide.
• Identify potential hazards- have heating systems inspected by a qualified technician, check for clogged filters, closed fresh air intakes, blocked chimney flues, and inadequate ventilation.
• Install or maintain working CO detectors/alarms in you home.
• Watch for signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, dizziness, unexplained headaches, drowsiness, nausea, if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning
• Contact 911 and leave the house, and get to fresh air. Open doors and windows if possible.
• Do not leave your vehicle running in the garage, Start you vehicle and remove it from the garage, let the vehicle warm up outside, an open garage door may not provide enough ventilation to dissipate the exhaust fumes.
• In case of emergency dial 911.

Fireplace safety tips

• Inspect your fireplace prior to use.
• Is the flue operational and open, are there any obstructions?
• Before lighting check the area for flammable items, decorations and papers, Do you have a fire screen in place?
• Use caution when placing items in the fireplace because of the possibility of sudden ignition and intensity of the burn.
• Is there a fire extinguisher accessible?
• Have the children been instructed in the dangers of fire and do you have an escape plan in place for family and guests?
• Practice Exit Drills In The Home (EDITH).
• In case of emergency dial 911.

Image via Pixabay