Holiday Safety Tips

Around the house…

• Remove snow and ice, and put sand or salt on walkways and driveways. Arrange to have this done even when you are away and for a neighbour to pick-up your mail.
• Discard packaging from big ticket items carefully, bundling cardboard boxes to conceal the nature of their contents.
• Keep a record of your valuables.
• Identify property by engraving an identifying mark.

Being safe doesn’t have to mean skimping on holiday cheer!

Christmas Tree:

• Buy a bright green and fragrant freshly cut tree. The high moisture content makes it less of a fire hazard; just make sure you always keep the trunk immersed in water.
• Use a tree stand with wide legs for stability.
• Keep the tree away from heat sources (fireplaces, radiators, TV’s, heating ducks, etc.) and ensure it does not block any windows or doors.
• Remove the tree in 10-14 days.

Decorations:

• Choose ones that are flame retardant, non-combustible, and non-conductive.
• Avoid the highly combustible combination of angel hair (glass wool) and spray snow.
• Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified lights and string sets and make sure they are the proper lights for the environment. Outside lights may burn too hot for indoor use and indoor lights are not weatherproof.
• Be careful not to overload electrical outlets.
• Cut candle wicks short to prevent high flame.

Fireplace:

• Don’t burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartoon, or other types of packaging.
• Don’t use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Always use a screen.
• Remove stocking from mantel when the fireplace is in use.

If a crime has occurred, Do NOT enter your home.

• Use your cell or a neighbour’s phone to call the police.
• Do NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
• Note the license plate number of any suspicious vehicles.
• Note the description of any suspicious person(s).

Avoid charity scams

Fraudsters can take advantage of the holiday season by creating bogus fundraising operations. Ensure your donations are going to legitimate charities by logging onto the Better Business Bureau of British Columbia. The web site has information on charities and businesses in the province.

Secure your mail

Put a temporary halt to your mail and paper delivery if you are traveling this holiday season. Always pick deliveries up promptly. Unattended mail is a treasure trove of personal information for potential thieves.

These tips are brought to you by the RCMP to see more safety tips use this LINK.